Tyre sizes

Error 650 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 21 Dec 2015 Karma :

My 1990 Cbr 600 left the factory with a 130 80 17 rear tyre. I now run a 140 80 17. The rear tyre is now scrap, I have been offered a nearly new 150 70 17 Bridgestone. I have read reports of people cramming a 160 tyre into the Cbr 600 of this era, how safe is it for me to run the 150 when it came out the factory with a 130?

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

I wouldn't. Run the stock tyre size.

pdg · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Sep 2012 Karma :

My BMW had a 130 rear as it's stock size.

It rides and corners much better with the 150 that's on it now. (I changed the rear wheel to a 4.5" off a different model though...)

If you go wide the bike will probably feel quite twitchy and tippy because the tyre will be getting squished away from it's design profile - only way to find out is to try but it could get to be an expensive experiment.
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Any and all advice given should not be followed - if you have to ask it means you don't know so get a man in to do it for you.

Error 650 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 21 Dec 2015 Karma :

Yes, thanks the both of you. I think Paddy's advice makes sense, Honda fitted a 130 as standard so I'll get one of them. It's not as if I drive mad or anything, I use it for commuting so what ever I fit will eventually end up squared off.