Hello all

Any suggestions on the best tyres to go for on an nc23?

I've heard there are a few different sizes for the rear but not sure what difference this makes?

Cheers,

C

i like dunlop alpha 10,s, but also use bridgestones..ted

Are you talking road or track?

Road

What sort of riding?

Bit of everything, started as a commuter bike which it still is every day but also like taking out for Sunday blats!

A dual compound would be ideal but don't know if they exist in this size.

I love my BT090's but the rear doesn't half start to square off quick, I have had the 160 rear and more recently the 150, I much prefer the feel of the 150 as the bike leans in quicker.

It is possible to get BT016 which is like a dual compound version of the BT090 it has a harder centre but softer and and more sticky edge. I have read good things about them and have started to wish I got them instead of my 90's. I did have a quote off Graeme France for a 150/60/18 so it is possible to get them in NC23 sizes.

Send him an e-mail at: gfracingtw@live.co.uk I'm sure he'll be able to help.

I was using a 016 rear / 090 front combo which seemed to work well, both in standard sizes. One thing to be aware of with the 016s - do not use the pressures recommended by Bridgestone which is something silly like 42 PSI, as they will probably not warm up. Use the usual 33 PSI maximum, I'd even say experiment with lower pressures to see what temperatures you get (get yourself one of those digital infra-red thermometers). As to what temperature you should be aiming for, I asked Bridgestone but they didn't get back to me. I didn't chase it up as I'm no longer using the 016, but that's what I'd recommend you try.

Alternatively, have a look at the BT003RS tyres:
http://www.bridgestone.com/products/mot ... 003rs.html
You'll notice on that website they are now doing H-rated tyres in the sizes we need - however when I looked recently I couldn't find any UK suppliers stocking these. One to look out for.

I have read about people on 600s using 003RS tyres and getting as many and sometimes more miles out of them than on 016s - sounds far fetched, but it's interesting. Only downside with the 003s is that they are quite expensive! (BTW, the H-rated 003RS is the replacement for the 090.)

So, a few options for you there. If I had the money I would try out the 003RS tyres, preferably the H if I could find them, or if not I'd just try the W. If I didn't want to spend that much I'd stick an 016 on the rear, and either an 090 or a 003RS on the front.

Cheers wozza

Just to clarify what are standard tyre sizes for a nc23?

120/60/17 front, H speed rating
150/60/18 rear, H speed rating

With NC29 rear:
150/60/17, H speed rating