Hey guys, I don't post on here much but I'm a long time lurker. I had a question though, since I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to bikes. I have a 2002 Ninja 500R (completely stock) and my rear tire is starting to get pretty bare, so I'm looking to get a new one. Since I'm a college student I'm trying to stretch my $, so I'm steering away from the dealership, and thought I'd try to do it on my own. Some of my questions are:

Should I change both front and rear (even though the front looks fine)

I know the stock size is 130/70, but I was looking to get a 140/70, is this recommended?

Any special tools that I need to have, other than the basics? (I plan on getting a couple tire irons, and already own a good amount of tools).


Thanks for any help or tips you can give me, I really appreciate it!


Tires I'm thinking of getting (in 140/70-17 size)


<a href="http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/cid/6701/pid/6510">Bridgestone Battlax BT45 Sport Touring Tires</a>

<a href="http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/cid/6701/pid/12240">Kenda K671 Cruiser ST Tires</a>

<a href="http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/cid/6701/pid/9124">Michelin Pilot Activ Tires</a>

 

Hmmm, my links didn't work. Let me try again.

http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/cid/6701/pid/6510

http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/cid/6701/pid/12240

http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/cid/6701/pid/9124

 

Take a peek at the pirelli sport demons



I prefer installing new front and rear as a set. Take them into your dealer, $40 mounted and balanced.

 

I had the dealership put on a new rear tire for me. I used the pilot activ. I didnt replace the front because it doesnt need it yet. Installation was only about $30 for mounted and balanced. I'm a college student to so I know what youre getting at, but 30 is def. worth it to save me the hassle.
-Cody

 

Try a Maxxis
http://www.americanmototire.com/cata...oducts_id=3194

 

Thanks for all the responses, I almost got the pirelli sport demons (had them in my "cart" and everything) but I found a coupon for the Bridgestone Battlax's, and went with them. I'm gonna take them to the dealer tomorrow. Thanks again!

 

Let us know how the battlax's work for ya.