the used 2005 i bought needs a new front tire, the stocker being a 12/65ZR17.....looking at many tires, i see the aspect ratios are anywhere from 60-70 for a 120 tire.........does it matter what aspect i get for a new tire? any suggestions on a long last sport tour tire that looks like a sport tire? it has a pilot power on the rear, which i'm guessing wont last more then 8K miles

 

120/65/R17 is stock. Personally I would go with that route. If you get 8000miles out of a back tire let me know. That's amazing. I get 8000km's and am pretty happy with that. But here in Ontario, the roads are pretty long, flat and straight. I had ran Pirelli Diablos with great success on my 98, but the Bridgestone Battleaxes are VERY good as well. I suppose it depends on what type of riding you are doing. Hope this helped.

 

my bike came stock with a 120-65-17 but i switched to a 120-70-17 due to more tire choices & love it, no clearance or rubin problems at all

 

yes, tire choice means alot so the more common size would be my option and tune the suspension and geometry

edit: 8k miles on a tire?

 

I own a 2009 zx6r and purchased a 2003 636 for the wife, it needed new tires and went through the same thing that you are. I purchased the bt-016's like the ones that came on my 09' and what a handling improvement it made. I mainly ride the 09 but also ride the 03 and they handle exactly the same. Have had no rubbing problems, ect. Even the kawi dealer said I made the right choice when they mounted them for me. Good Luck. PS I purchased my tires at sportbiketrackgear.com and it was the best price i could find. Good people, fast shipping.