Tires are scarce?

[Tom_imp]

Is the 160/60/18 rear tire a handling improvement, degradation, or about the same?

[the Ferret]

Personally, I think it's an improvement. I could run the smaller 140 tires all the way to the edges with no margin for safety. I can't quite get the 160's all the way to the edge. Of course that was on the stock Dunlop VS a Michelin PR3 or Pirelli Angel GT. Not sure where my limits would be, more or less on a different brand.

[Tev62]

Is the 160/60/18 rear tire a handling improvement, degradation, or about the same?

It could conceivably improve performance if you are pushing the boundaries of the existing tyres grip but who rides like a complete nutter on a CB1100? You could say it is detrimental as you have to lean further for a given corner and you are carrying extra un-sprung weight. It takes more energy (fuel) to rotate that heavier tyre too.

But the aesthetics please a lot of people and there may be a particular reason why someone finds its handling characteristics more suited to their style of riding.

Back in 2012 when Triumph launched its big 1200cc Explorer one of its main criticisms was its comparatively skinny rear tyre, the next two versions got a wider section rear to please the mob! They recently launched the new 1200 Explorer (complete new model) and have gone back to a new skinny rear tyre!

[j3gq_imp]

I know you are looking in the U.S., but there is a lesson from my search in Europe last fall. Honda dealer(s) said back in November no tires for 3 or 4 months. Two online shops said out of stock. Called another and they said, "how about tomorrow, what brand, how many?" I asked if he was joking. "Noops, anything yo want on stock." First I had my doubts if I was getting tires from 2017 etc. But no, order executed in 48 hours, date stamp showed tires were manufactured in August 2021.

So just keep trying a little harder. What you need is out there, waiting for you.