Rear tire size debate: stock 140 vs 150 vs 160

[Optimus Leo]

In the next couple weeks I will get some new tires for my NC31, but I'm in a bit of a dilemma finding the right size.

When I first got the bike it had a 160 rear tire, but since I had no previous experience with the another CB400, I didn't had any benchmark to compare it too. It was a Dunlop, don't remember which model but it was a lot stickier than the next set of tires I got (Dunlop GT501F).

When I got the new tires (GT501F) I decided to go with the stock sizing both rear and front (140 on the rear). I felt the bike much more nimbler and easier to lean on turns. But maybe that was because the tires were new and round.

Even though I commute on my bike daily, I'm always hitting the twisties, canyons and the occasional track day, so I would like to know if a wider rear tire would give me any advantages on cornering, I've read that a wider tire, while harder to initiate turn-in, will be more stable on a turn, is this true? What size are you guys running on your CB's? I'm debating whether getting a 140 or trying out a 150...but I'm also trying to use another brand/model of tyre (Feeling really inclined for the Pirelli Sport Demon).

Thanks! :D

[nampus]

I've got a stock 140 fitted (bridgestone bt 45) but this will be replaced by a bt090. I think I'll go with the standard size. I have no experience with bigger tyres. So can't help you there. I don't know if it's a problem that a wider tyre will be much rounder because the rim is made for smaller tyres.

[meno]

everything ive read always seems to state that going wider than standard sizes ends up with shitty handling, so id be interested to know peoples ideas/opinions on this too. i did once put a rd350lc rear tyre on my rd125lc back in the 80s (yes im 40 now ) it only just cleared the swinging arm each side lol.. as for handling? i was a kid i didnt take much notice tbh i just wanted to look kewl with me metzlers on there hehe.

[alexibrow]

I had an oversized rear tyre on my VFR750 (a 185 instead of a 170 IIRC) and it totally upset the handling. The bike turned in too quick and felt as though it was going to fall over in low speed turns. Horrible!

I went back to the 170 and it felt light and nimble again (well, as light and nimble as a VFR750 is ever going to be!)

Personally, I'd stick with the standard set-up, unless you can afford to experiment a little

[whiskers79]

I'm due for some new tyres soon, and will stick to the original sizes. I will hunt round for something better than the Dunlops that are on it now though. I don't like Dunlop tyres.