I just ordered a set of Pilot Powers for my 2005 zx-6r and my stock BT-014 size is a 120/65 ZR17. I noticed that the Pilot Power selection is a 120/60 or a 120/70. I wasn't sure which was better to order....or right should I say. I did end up ordering a 120/60 though. Was this a good decision or do I need to tell them that I need a 120/70. I don't think the tire width between a 60 or a 70 is going to matter that much, but I would rather be safe than sorry. Thanks. :?
Go with the 120/70/17. Actually the 60,65,70 is the aspect ratio, height/width * 100, ex: 120/65= 120 * .65= height =78 mm, 120/70= 120 * .70= height =84mm. It should all work out because the Pilot Power rear, though the same size, actually stands a few mm taller than the Bt014 which compensates for the slight increase going with the 120/70/17 in front. Take measurements from a flat floor to each axle before and then after the change, then just drop your forks the difference, but take in account any difference in the rear also (if it has increased in height or decreased). Hope this makes since.
"I don't think the tire width between a 60 or a 70 is going to matter that much" The 60 or 70 is not the tire width. A little tire 101: First number is the approximate tire width (in mm), second is the height of the cross section and the number is the % of width of the cross section and last is rim diameter (in inches). In theory a 120/70 tire will have a larger OD then a 120/60, also in theory a 60 tire will turn quicker than a 70, but will be less stable. A 120 tire width varies from tire manufacture to manufacture and sometimes from the same manufacture. I know this does not answer which size tire you should get, but at least you now know what the numbers mean. The tire manufacture web site should give tire size info and comparing the two you should be able to determine which tire will fit.
Thanks for the info guys. I'm going to try and switch over to the 120/70, but if I can't I guess it shouldn't be too much different. The info was good too. Now that I think about it a 60 mm wide tire would be mighty small. I would feel like I was riding a mountain bike. Take care.
It is not 60mm wide, it is ~60% of the width 120mm which is 72mm in height. I agree with Kozy, read the specs for each tire from the manufacturer.
I actually found the perfect tire. It turns out that my bike is one of the two bikes that comes with a 120-65 front tire. I told Monte what the deal was and it turns out that they have the 120-65 tires too. They just don't keep very many. He happened to have one there.(They keep them separate so they don't get mixed up.) It was 10 dollars more, but the piece of mind of not having to change things was nice.
that statement could not be more wrong. a lower profile tire will actually have a slower turn-in. a the higher profile will have better turn-in characteristics, at the expense of possibly feeling like the bike is "falling in" to the turn. however, with a zx-6, this isn't really an issue. I've ridden one with tha a 120/70 pilot power mounted up front, it worked just fine. granted I haven't tried a 60 on it, but based on previous experience... cheers, Lance
Acually, he is not so wrong. I had a 120/60 front on my SuperHawk last year, and it turned in MUCH quicker than the stock 120/70. The difference isn't so much in the tread profile (as you suggest), it's in the fact the the front end is effectively lowered 12mm. (Imagine raising your fork tubes 1/2 inch and see how your bike handles.) It also made the street ride noticeable rougher.