Hi I just got an older 900 supersport back on the road. It has been laid up for 4 years. The rear tyre was kept off the ground and is virtually as new. It is a Michelin Pilot Sport 170/60 ZR17 (72W). The front is a Michelin Race 120/60 ZR 17 (55W) , it looks a bit worn and I am thinking of replacing it. Should I get another michelin Race ? or Try and find a Michelin Sport which I think is not made anymore. or Get a later type which is competible with the existing rear? I am only road use but sometimes in the wet. thanks for advice Tony
I'd look at the manufacture date of the rear. Might be better off getting a new set of tyres. I would if it was me.
Having looked at the posts and other sites I am beginning to think that a way. What you think of a pair of Bridgestone Battlex bt-016? A bit expensive unfortunately. tony
I would change to a 70 profile tyre while you're at it Tony, as it will give you more confidence in corners than the '60'. I know that Ducati recommended 60 profile as std in the past on the 748 for example but not sure about the SS. if you do change then the 'fender' clearance might be a factor it's true - I will just have a quick research. My '95 900SS is 70 as standard. EDIT - should be 70 profile afaics.
Thanks Chris, the 70 profile is for the front? Bridgestone recommends a 120/70 17 front and a 170or180/60 17 rear. Sound about right? tony
Hi My local watling tyres can get me a set for just over £200, but the rear tyre has a 6 week wait for delivery
Order a rear off ebay, they'll charge you for fitting but 6 weeksis a bit daft. What make model are you fitting? I notice they've got dunlop qualifier rears for under £100. I'm hearing good things about Michelin PR2s which are also readily available on the net.
thanks John, but I am in no hurry, as just about to get the steering races changed, guess that can take me a while. just so I get them in time for the iom Grand Prix.
The 750 and 600 ess-esses have the 60 profile front; the 900 has the 120/70 profile....... ....If you fit the 70, check your speedo accuracy, you will probably find it is almost spot on at 30mph. Also check your front mudguard clearance......apart from the fact they sag over time, some were very close to the tyre. You will also need to check your geometry (front forks through top the yoke distance)......you will be surprised at how much the front end is raised between the 60 and 70 profile. And.....also check your sidestand 'operation' as having got used to putting it down, you could get caught out because the bike will lean over more..... The 900 rear should be a 170/60. AL
The front 120/70 17 arrived just now. Looks good, very good. When taking apart had chance to change steering head races , the bottom one is badly notched, will also change fork oils, brake pads, and generally clean everything on the way. Thought bike handled pretty good before, now got to be even better. So glad I finally got on to Ducati's.
Unless you had got used to the 60 profile and not adjusted the geometry to cater for it, you may be OK, but if anyone has played with the stanchion height to correct dropping in with the 60 profile (IE Oversteer), you will find that the 70 profile may drag you out wide on corners.......(IE Understeer)....but, what you should find in that situation is that you can lean on it a bit more to pull it down further and re-correct the line. AL
