03-12-2023, 06:30 AM
Anyone thinking that a 160 rear mounted on the stock Honda 4 in rim is gonna give a better contact patch is sadly mistaken. It’s just too narrow, every tire manufacturer I know recommends a 4.5 in rim for a 160. You can tell just by looking at the pics here of those who have done it as the sides of the tire are pinched closed not allowing full access to the edges. A 150 is doable but I’m afraid mounting a 160 “to get more lean angle” is simply incorrect.
Case in point, people forget the original 86-87 GSXR bikes came with 18 in wheels front and rear. And guess what sizes Suzuki speced for their latest hypersport? How about a 140/70 for the 750’s 3.5 in rear rim and a 150/70 for the 1100’s 4.0 in rear.
Both GSXR’s were advertised as having a 55 degree lean angle capability and in all the numerous publications of the day that track tested these bikes I don’t remember reading once where any moto journalist ran out of contact patch.
The 2nd gen 750’s went to a 160 rear (17 in) but it was on a 4.5 in rim
Case in point, people forget the original 86-87 GSXR bikes came with 18 in wheels front and rear. And guess what sizes Suzuki speced for their latest hypersport? How about a 140/70 for the 750’s 3.5 in rear rim and a 150/70 for the 1100’s 4.0 in rear.
Both GSXR’s were advertised as having a 55 degree lean angle capability and in all the numerous publications of the day that track tested these bikes I don’t remember reading once where any moto journalist ran out of contact patch.
The 2nd gen 750’s went to a 160 rear (17 in) but it was on a 4.5 in rim