changing tyre profile?

[MrStompy]

will changing the front tyre from a 120/65/17 to a 120/60/17 have a noticeable effect on the bikes handling?

from what i have read i think Kawasaki used the 65 on the front rather than a more common 70 as it helps it tip in better. (is that correct?)

would a punter like myself notice this difference anyway?

Im going in for a new set of tyres this weekend and the guy mentioned going down to a 60 (he had to look twice for a 65). i will stay with the standard profiles for now but was just curious.

Im going with the pilot powers since i have heard so much positive stuff about them.... $450 a set fitted. cheapest tyres in sydney http://www.spmotorcycles.com.au/

[Strika]

As a personal preference, I would be more inclined to suggest a 70 profile for the 636. I find 60 and 65 profile front tyres to be unforgivining at full lean. That just slightler higher sidewall, enables a little give, rather than just letting go at full lean. Bump absorbtion is also better, and surprisingly enough, that is the preferred option still in Supersport racing!

I find 60 and 65 series tyres to skip and dance around on small surface irregularities. the 70 profile settled the front of the 636 to the point where I never bothered with a damper for it!

[I-K]

As a personal preference, I would be more inclined to suggest a 70 profile for the 636.

*points up*

What he said...

[MrStompy]

thanks for the advice.
if this guy cant get a 65 for me by saturday i will go the 70.

although after reading what strika said im tempted to go the 70 anyway....

[Strika]

thanks for the advice.
if this guy cant get a 65 for me by saturday i will go the 70.

although after reading what strika said im tempted to go the 70 anyway....

Go with the 70. I found an added benefit of the 70 on the road, was that it made the front end settle down a lot. No more nervous twitches exiting turns. It does make it a little slower to tip in (barely) but it still holds a nice tight line once at full tilt!

As an aside, I would also encourage you to investigate a set of Metzler M3's. My recent heading of Phil's advice has thus far been intelligent, with the metzlers performing remarkably well for a road tyre. (In best Yoda voice-Impressive they are)

[mitch179]

if you want the fast turn in back when you put on the 70 profile drop the forks a bit so its at the same height it would be with a 65 profile!