My bike has a larger rear tire than stock, thoughts?

AtomicBanana

AtomicBanana

AtomicBanana

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So, the tires on the cheap bike I picked up this year need replacing. However, I've noticed the rear tire that is fitted is 140 section, and everywhere I look tells me it should have a 130. I have a vague idea, but why do people do this? When I'm getting a new one, should I get another 140, or put a 130 back on?
 
Probably been done for the looks, or even just convenience / value but most wheels will take a size either side comfortably.

Maybe checkout an owners forum to see if its a common mod and if theres a reason for it other that looks, for example on the ZX12R the back wheel takes a stock 200, as it was the fashion at the time that bigger was better, but most owners go down to a 190, some even to a 180 as it improves the handling / flickability massively.
 
Quick look around seems to suggest it was just a price / convenience thing, I think it's actually got rather odd proportions by modern standards (130/70-18 63H).

A 130 section seems to be a bit cheaper, and who knows I may even gain a bit in the handling department (though this is a 20 year old diversion so this is a relative term!).
 
ShakenNstirred said:
going up on the tyre size can give less stability in a straight line as there is less tyre in contact with the road,
but may feel better when cornering as you will have a little more rubber in contact with the road
Click to expand...

Err.. I don't think so? :confused:. Wider tyre will be MORE stable in a straight line and in the corners, slower to turn than a thinner tyre when cornering though. Think about it... wider but with the same % height (e.g. 55) will have more in contact with the road!
 
St0rmer66 said:
Err.. I don't think so? :confused:. Wider tyre will be MORE stable in a straight line and in the corners, slower to turn than a thinner tyre when cornering though. Think about it... wider but with the same % height (e.g. 55) will have more in contact with the road!
Click to expand...

a wider tyre on the same rim will have more of a curved profile on it
 
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I'm not sure what you're linking to there, but you're wrong.

Larger tyre = bigger contact patch = increased stability = slower steering

Hence why ZX12r owners generally go to smaller size, which decreases the contact patch, makes it slightly less stable (at dragstrip speeds!) and quickens the steering
 
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