On the Fence About Tires

[CIP57_imp]

I think we can all agree that the CB has a light to neutral turn in with stock tires. There has been discussion regarding replacing tires with stock 140, 150, or 160 tires in the rear.

Lets clear up the myth that 160 do not fit our rims. Bridgstone one of the largest tire manufactures has recommended this size as a direct replacement, as do other charts.
http://www.bridgestone.de/motorrad-reife..._SC65.ashx

150 Tires

Red Mist can chime in here:
A 150 tire has a .27" higher profile than stock. Suspension tuners add shims to the rear shock raising the rear ride height for a quicker turn in on sport bikes. They do this in 1/8" increments to dial the bike in for the rider. Adding .27 will create a lighter turn in and a heavier return to the upright position.

160 tires

The 160 tire has a .08 lower profile than stock. I can only speak for Michelin PR3's which i have mounted. There is no noticeable difference in turn in from stock, however, the height and contour of the tire allows it to return quicker than stock.

Honda put 18" rims to get a period correct look on the CB as well as the tire design. Sure a set of 17" rims and tires would make the bike handle better but that was not there intent.

I'm not recommending a specific tire, just trying to add information to a great site.

[ingobohn_imp]

Generally, it is no problem to mount a 160 rear tire, but wider would not be possible as the space between the rear tire and the center stand would then be too small (the 2014 model has a more slim center stand, so maybe a 170 would also fit there spacewise).
Having 160 does not necessarily mean that the tire is exactly 160 mm wide, there are tolerances. So as I know the Bridgestones are about 157 mm wide (so less than 160).

[CIP57_imp]

Generally, it is no problem to mount a 160 rear tire, but wider would not be possible as the space between the rear tire and the center stand would then be too small (the 2014 model has a more slim center stand, so maybe a 170 would also fit there spacewise).
Having 160 does not necessarily mean that the tire is exactly 160 mm wide, there are tolerances. So as I know the Bridgestones are about 157 mm wide (so less than 160).

With the PR3's there is a 1/4" clearance on the right side. I do have a modified center-stand stop with the Yoshi but this would not change the clearance from stock.

[nate_imp]

Thanks for sharing your opinion and feedback after mounting the 160/60-18 rear tires...

The only available ones locally for me are the Bridgestone T30...

OEM sizing is totally non existent here... 160/60 is the closest I can get to having the 18" tires on my bike...

[grover_imp]

At this point with 3400 miles, I'm thinking that when it's time to replace tires I'm going to give the Avon RoadRiders in the stock size a try. I'm not sure I really want to mess with the handling dynamics but I wouldn't mind a sportier, stickier tire.

grover


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[Tortuga_imp]

I too will try the Avons.

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Thanks for the insight, CIP. This could come in handy once we all wear through the first set!

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Thanks for the insight, CIP. This could come in handy once we all wear through the first set!

Yes, good information. I'm about to go for my third set. Have just posted this on the other tyre thread:
I'm in need of new rubber, particularly rear. Reading the tyre threads (this one and the Michelin PR3 thread) is enough to make anyone tired. The manufacturer recommended tyres, BT54 and D205, are no longer listed as available. At least not here in OZ, in stock size. Since changing from the D205s I have been running BT 45s. I have been happy with them, but in stock size they would now appear to be a "special order" (subtext $$$. I'd like to go back to radials from the bias, so am now looking at the Dunlop Roadsmart and the Michelin PR 3s. Stock size in the front and 160/60s rear. I will be heavily influenced by cost and availability.

Once again, thanks for the input Cip.

Cheers