| Author | Message | ||
     Sofauxboho |
What size tires does the M2 take? A 99, to be specific. I've been looking all over and can't find this info. Yeah, sure, I can just look at my bike, but I'm not -absolutely- sure those are the tires it came with, and I'm trying to find out the stock sizes. Also, is there any reason to run tires a different size than what the bike came from the factory with? Finally, if anyone just happens to know about about a really good deal for a set of tires that sits on the sport side of sport touring, I'd be glad to hear about it. | ||
| Bookyoh |
Stock tires on an M2 were Dunlop Sportmax D205 Touring Radials. Front: 120/70 ZR17 Rear: 170/60 ZR17. I have found that ronayers.com has had good prices on Dunlops. Mark | ||
| Reepicheep |
And a 180/55 will go on there fine as well. I It makes turn in a hair slower, but no more then normal tire wear does anyway. I liked the Metzler MeZ6's on my M2, and if I still had one would be looking hard at Scorpion Sync 180/55's. | ||
| Bigdaddy |
I prefer the 180/55 on the M2. For whatever reason the life-span of the 180/55 is greater than the stock size. YMMV, G2 | ||
| Djkaplan |
Dunlop recommends a 5" wide wheel for use with their 170/60, and a 5 1/2" wide wheel for their 180/55. http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_category.asp?id=7#tire4 Not trying to start an argument, but you can trust Buell and Dunlop... or someone else. I tried a Dunlop 207 180/55-17 on my 5" wide rim and was not happy at all with the results - it didn't last longer and I always felt uneasy at the limits of traction. I think the rounded and pinched profile caused by running it on a wheel a little too narrow compromised the contact patch at full lean. You can spoon a 180/55 on a 5" wide wheel, and it will clear the hugger and belt, but it isn't the recommended size for a 5" wide wheel (as indicated by Dunlop). Check with the manufacturer of what ever tire you choose. Believe me, their engineers really, really have your best interest in mind... and they know their tires better than anyone else. | ||
| Bikemakr |
You should check out the Metzeler Z6 Roadtec- I'm on my second set and love 'em. Great wet/dry grip, great price from ronayers.com, great tire life. | ||
| Djkaplan |
"I think the rounded and pinched profile caused by running it on a wheel a little too narrow compromised the contact patch at full lean." This link provides a pretty good independent explanation of what I'm talking about... http://www.sportrider.com/tech/tires/146_0206_tire_size/ "We've experienced similar changes with a 180-series tire on a 5.0-inch rim meant for a 170-series bun." If you have the optional 5 1/2" wide PM wheel, you'll be okay to run a 180, but if not, I'd recommend not going larger than a 170. (Message edited by djkaplan on October 16, 2006) | ||
| Reepicheep |
I can't prove it, but I have no reason *not* to believe, that my 2000 M2 came from the factory with a 180/55 rear. I know this is not the normal size though. The previous owner bought the M2 new, only put about 4500 miles on it, and sold it to me. He indicated (and he had no reason to lie) that it was still the original tire. The wear was exactly right for that many miles. It was a 180/55, these were the stock cast rims (not the PM rims). Like I said, I did notice a little handling difference between these and the 170/60's, but it was not as much difference as the normal difference between a new and worn tire, and not as much as the difference I would feel going from a Dunlop to a Metzler. I would also suspect an M2 is probably scraping hard parts before you get to the limit of either tire. Maybe the S1 or X1 might be more of an issue... But run what you want, it's none of my business, but if you are expecting some sort of day and night difference between 170/60's and 180/55's, you will be sorely dissapointed. I never liked the dunlop profile anyway. | ||
| Kano832003 |
I put Metzler M1 Sportechs on my buell (180/55) and I love the tires. Love the way the bike handles. I don't know what I have to do to grind some footpegs on my bike cause I've only got about a half inch on each side of my rear tire that has no wear on it. I'm affraid that if I push it any farther I'll roll onto the side wall and loose the bike. Maybe it's just the way I have the suspension set up. | ||
| Sparkster |
Ya,my '99 M2 came with the 180 right outta' the box.Might try the 170 next time.The 180 looks cool though  | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Personally I prefer the Bridgestone dual compound jobbies. | ||
| Djkaplan |
Interesting thing about the Bridgestone company. The name 'Bridgestone' is a literal English translation of the Japanese founders last name. It's not a made up brand name created to cater to American sensibilities like 'Datsun' or all those weird car names Toyota uses. | ||
| Eengler2 |
Not all 180's fit. My tomahawk T1 180 rubs on the left side edge and just barely on the top so I removed the hugger fender for now. By the way, I ride a '99 M2. | ||
| Hippyjoe |
That's a very good question. I put Uly tires on my M2, the rear is a 180. I had some real experienced Buell riders tell me it was fine to squeeze the 180 on the cast rim. But Dunlop and Pirelli both say no, don't do it. So I went through the effort of picking up a PM back wheel, having it powdercoated to match my factory front (I like the cast rims myself), changing the bearings. Now I have a spare back wheel w/tire in case of a flat, and I don't have to worry about cornering, i.e. I can ride the bike the way it was built to be ridden and the only limitation is the one between the seat and bars. | ||
| Bad_karma |
Sofauxboho Check with the manufacture of the tire for acceptable rim size. I run 180s on my S1 they rubbed the fender. Some cuts and the problem was resolved. Joe |
