120/60 front?

Bink · Post by **Bink** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 4:06 pm

Folks, Can some one explain to me what difference it will make when I put a 120/60 on the front?
Has any one tried it?[/b]

Fireman on a Storm · Post by **Fireman on a Storm** » Mon Aug 16, 2004 5:46 pm

There was another thread similar to this and the replies said it would effect how quick the bike turned in. Sorry but I can't remember weather it was quicker or slower.

Stormin Ben · Post by **Stormin Ben** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 1:18 am

A 120/60 is lower at the front than a 120/70
120mm x 60% = 72mm Vs 120mm x 70% = 84mm

So its like dropping the forks by 12mm

HOWEVER

It doesn't give as much contact patch at higher lean angles and can feel like the front is tucking.
The latest R6 comes with a 120/60 and it has been panned by most of the journo's for exactly that. Switching to a 70 profile instantly restored the confidence and feel.

SO

unless you don't lean the bike much and you've been offered one stupid cheap, stick with the 120/70
And if you want quicker steering drop the forks (cost nothing, effect large)
or put a spacer under the rear shock (cost pennies, effect huge)

Ben

Bink · Post by **Bink** » Tue Aug 17, 2004 10:05 am

Thx for that... It helped me to make up my mind.
Was trying to decide to buy a Pilot Sports front tyre cheap (120/60) or to replace with a new set of rubber...
Bought a set of Pirelli Diablo's for Â£170,- including shipping from Germany.

They should get me through the last days of summer and steady in the winter