| Author | Message | ||
     Xl1200r |
Getting the new tires put on the bike has been a PAINFUL process for me. After the shop didn't order my tires, they did manage to get them in the next day and install them (today) for me, just in time to leave for MB V. The problem is the guy put a 120/60 tire on the front. I know how tire sizes work and that it should only be a couple millimeters smaller than the stock one, but this thing looks visually smaller, and the bike wants to turn in real fast - almost too fast. The guy was great when it came to buying my new helmet, but he dropped the ball over and over regarding these tires. So my question is: should there be any problems running this slightly smaller size? Is there something I can do with the suspension to slow down the turn in rate a little? I've gotten to the point where I don't even want to deal with this guy to get the right size on there anymore. I'm willing to eat this one if I have to get the 120/70 put on instead. He insisted that the difference was minor and I woudln't even notice. I switched brands of tire, but I feel like I can tell the difference. Any thoughts? | ||
| Lovematt |
Technically that tire should be nearly 1/2" shorter than the stock size depending upon the profile. Given that changing the fork height by 1/2" is definitely not recommended...I would think the same goes for this swap. BE CAREFUL! I would not ride that bike until the right sized tires were on it... | ||
| Smoke |
push the forks down a little in the triple trees if you have them up at all. i have run 120/60's at the track on my sv650 after 120/70's with no ill effects.or adjustments. after a few miles of adapting, it won't feel strange any more. ymmv, tim | ||
| Thumper74 |
You could lower the preload the rear suspension which should lower the rear end and level the bike out a hair to slow'er down. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Well i talked to the guy who mounted the tire and we worked something out. Not ideal, but I'm backed into a corner here and in his defense he's already lost money on the deal (honored his quote price which was less than his cost). Let's just say I'll the right size on the fron as of 3:30 this afternoon, as well as a spare tire, lol. | ||
| Thumper74 |
Who's fault is it that he quoted the wrong price? | ||
| Bcordb3 |
I would be really hard line and insist on getting what I ordered and paid for. Never settle for what you don't and didn't order. Then find a different place to deal with. | ||
| Bott |
was this a local hd dealer? | ||
| Xl1200r |
No, not a dealer, just a small local shop. I don't know if he's new or something or if I just hadn't noticed his place, but he's right down the road from my house so I thought I'd give him a try. Normally I wouldn't settle for anything less than I asked for, but I'm in a pickle with needing the bike ready to go for tomorrow. Plus, I'm about the most non-confrontational person I know, so $105 is worth it to me to just have it done with and not have an angry mechanic working on my bike. I'm remembering why I always insisted I did all my own work on all my vehicles... Needless to say, I'll be buying some bike stands and a some tire changing equippment next time. If you want it done right, do it yourself. It's only his fault that he quoted the wrong price, and he stood by his initial quote - he didn't try to bait and switch on me. I don't think he'll be getting my business any longer though - I'm in really good with my dealer, and I'm happy with them for the most part. Plus, they ALL know who I am, what I ride, etc. This guy doesn't ever seem to recognize me when I walk into his shop, and is gnerally kind of rude despite having some suprisingly good prices (when the parts are correct). The bad thing for him is he's lost me as a customer, the girl's bike won't be going there, and a buddy of mine was going to get some things from him but has since changed his mind. Like I said, it may not be fair, but $100 is cheap peace of mind for me. | ||
| Blake |
The difference in tire depth should theoretically be 10% * 120mm = 12mm or as Matt already stated, about a half inch. That is huge! You are certainly not imagining the drastic change to your bike's handling. Usually just a quarter inch of asjustment makes a noticeable difference. Good call getting the correct tire. If Buell thought that using a 60 series tire would be a good idea, they certainly would do so as it would save significantly on inertia and unsprung mass. | ||
| Old_man |
To help you live with that smaller tire, you might consider dropping your forks in the triple tree to make up the difference. But I agree it would be best to go with the original size tire. | ||
| Ceejay |
I've got the same size on my XB9r and it hustles around the track pretty good for being a z6 sport/touring tire... | ||
| Reepicheep |
I thought you had a 170 CeeJay? I watched Ceejays Z6 for the first 1/4 lap on the inside pass day... after that, it was too far ahead of me to see.  | ||
| Ceejay |
the rear is a 170/55(maybe) with a 120/60 on the front. that may be the reason why I didn't notice much difference when going from stock size stradas when I bought the bike. I dunno, but I may try to stick with the size combo as I really like the way it works. Not trying to get off topic-but are you going to the Inside pass this year Reep? I signed up last night and may sign up for a couple of more. I'm sure my family would like to thank Mr. Buell personally for getting me hooked | ||
| Reepicheep |
Yup, Bob and I both registered for the mid ohio day already... So there will be a trailer there for you to dump stuff... | ||
| Ceejay |
cool! It'll be great to ride around with you again... I know it's not the most sane way to do it but there's something fun about putting on a back pack riding to the track, taping off a few things, and flogging your bike all day, and then riding home... |
