Buying Wider Tyres Than Those In The Manual

[GettinBetter]

So what's the consensus on wider tyres?
It's common for car owners to put wider than normal tyres on their wheels, but can bikers do the same? I don't mean to ridiculous sizes but 10mm on the width sort of thing...

Them that got 'em, want £315 for the pair, is that about par for the course?

[RhynoCZ]

Sure you can use different tyre sizes on your motorcycle, however beware. Different tyre profiles mean different handling. I don't think 10 mm difference in width on the rear wheel will alter the handling significantly, but who knows. The front wheel, that could have a more dramatic effect.

Some people even use narrower tyres to make the handling quicker. I did so on a '88 GPz 550.

EDIT: Thinking of it, everytime I worn the tyres to the point they needed replacing and then put a fresh set of tyres on my wheels, the handling was altertered significantly, so don't worry about that much and just do it. It could, and probably is, a MOT fail, though.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[GettinBetter]

[Ste]

What do you want to achieve by putting different size tyres on your bike?

[SirFallalot]

[MarJay]

The physics of handling of a car is not the same as that of a bike. Put incorrect tyre sizes on a bike and you're all but guaranteed to f*ck up the handling.

In fact "It was OK on my car so it'll be OK on my bike" is awful logic.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[UncleFester]

Given the miniscule contact patch between road and tyre, why you'd fit anything but the best / correct size is beyond me.

Cracks between the treads and really old? Common sense replace.

If i ever find myself rationalising spending money on new tyres for my bike when the old ones are done, it's time for me to sell the bike and stop riding.
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2017 Z1000SX

[GettinBetter]

[wr6133]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51397660495_2683110546_c.jpg

[MCN]

The machine may have a recommendation based on engineered information and calculation.
Main issues are if the tyre can perform as tyre design was intended.
It's not Rocket Surgery but coz it fits the rim and passes between the forks doesn't mean it is better.
And it may look stupid, senseless or ghey to anyone in-the-know.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[A100man]

15" rear and 17" front?
What bike - a 'cruiser'??
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[Ste]

[GettinBetter]

[wr6133]

[MarJay]

Also, some bikes have tyres just narrow enough to clear chains, huggers, swingarms, mudguards etc. and fitting wider tyres means you get rubbing which is dangerous.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[GettinBetter]

[wr6133]

[Ste]

[Fizzer Thou]

Yamaha sold the FZR1000R and Ru with 130/60x17 on the front 3.5" rim and a 170/60x17 on the rear 5.5" rim.But Pirelli,Metzeler,Michelin etc all specify a 120/70x17 front and a 180/55x17 on the rear.I have ridden the bike with OEM and specified sizes and no mods were required.If anything I cannot recollect feeling any differences.

I would suggest approaching a tyre supplier and asking what is specified for the PO owners machine.
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[GettinBetter]

[xX-Alex-Xx]

[ThatDippyTwat]