First let me say hello everyone, just signed up to this forum today. I have just purchased a 2002 ZX6r and want to replace the stock tires that seem to be on it. I usually run Dunlop 208's but notice they do not have the front tire size that is stock for this bike (the 65). Is it better to go to the 120/60 or the 120/70? What are the ups and downs of either choice? Any input would be appreciated.
Matt

 

Welcome to KF.
What size rear are you running?
The 70 tire is a little wider so the 60 should turn in better. A popular set up is 120/70 front 180/55 rear and is what I run.
The 208 is a good tire with great wear and good grip.

 

i agree and disagree with nostock.. i do know nostock rides track.. (i think)..
REAR TIRE:
i like the pirellis myself over the dunlops
Pirellis stick better for me (or i like the controlled slide the pirelli gives you when you gas the rear out of a turn) way over the dunlops... the dunlops in my opinion (when i give it to much gas the rear tire seems to break away from the tarmac then grip suddenly) causing a very quick twitch.. (wich is normal) but still i dont care for it. (as i said the pirelli gives a smoother more controlled break away) more like a controlled slide.... hard to explain.. unless youve experianced it.
the dunlops on the other hand have a steeper angle from the center of the tire to the egde.
this gives the bike a better turn feeling (rather it dumps into turns easier due to the angle of the tire)(pirellis are more rounded.. more strength required to dive the bike into a turn).
FRONT TIRE:
another opinion.. due to pirellis more rounded profile.. i feel as if it has less contact surface on a lean, and i have lost the front out from under me a few times..(with the pirellis) as sticky as they are.
i have however had less front ends come out from under me with the dunlops.. again i belive that to be due to the angle of the profile. steeper angle more grip surface.

ive tried metz, avons, bridgestn, dunlops, pirrellis, (i think thats it)
i like to run full pirellis front and rear..(dragons of course)
or run the new dunlop 209's in the front and a pirelli dragon in the rear..
this is just one persons opinion
and you need to try your own set ups to see whats comfortable for you.

 

Thanks for the replies. I don't ride track but do like to have fun out of town on back roads etc... I have and was planning on sticking with the 180/55 on the rear and was just tryhing to decide if I should go the 120/60 or the 120/70 on the front. I am not wanting to have to drop my front or rear any to make up for the tire size, but if I am not track riding I wonder if I will even notice the difference. I would rather turn in quicker (120/60) than have to try harder with the 120/70 if that is how that works? Thanks again and any more feed back is appreciated.
Matt

 

i swear by metzler sportec m1 tires. they are the best for grip/price/wear combo imho.

 

http://swmototires.com/

This is where I got my tires from. Everyone has their preferences... I swear by Michelin Pilot Powers, and my closest riding companion runs Pirelli Corsas...

 

Ok went with the Dunlop 208's, thanks for the input today. Also this place has good prices on tires as well http://www.ronayers.com/catalogs/tir...secid=2&type=8 and Denniskirk will beat anyone buy a buck so I usually go find them for the cheapest I can, then get them from Denniskirk. Might want to see if they are any better price wise.
Matt

 

Amen on that one. That was a good post. I have the Dunlops and same prob on rear. You just can't turn a corner and give throttle without that rear tire slip/grab. Glad to know the personal experience in the Pirelli's !! Thanx....