Tire size advice

koenigcitizen · February 3rd, 2012, 11:41 AM

I am planning on getting rid of stock tires and considering Pirelli Sport Demons as a replacement.

What size tire do I need for my 2010 Ninjette?

Go with stock size? 110/70-17 front and 130/70-17 rear?

What other sizes could Ninjette accommodate without modding fender, etc?

Is the general advice to go with stock sizing?

I wouldn't mind going with a beefy-er tire, but not if it compromises handling/safety.

Also if anyone has a suggestion for what tires to replaces my IRCs with, I would appreciate it. I do mostly commute riding, with occasional spirit riding on some back roads.

Thanks

DaBlue1 · February 3rd, 2012, 12:34 PM

http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/New_gen_tire_options
Tires available for the 2008 & up Ninja 250R

koenigcitizen · February 3rd, 2012, 12:51 PM

Thanks for the links.
I am a total complete beginner.
Second link does not really do much for me.
First link is good, but I already read it, but it does not really help with my tire size question.

Is the stock size generally the recommended size, I guess?

I guess thats what I am gonna go with. I was just looking for someone to tell me from their first hand experience.

koenigcitizen · February 3rd, 2012, 01:20 PM

I pretty much found all the answers from related threads on the bottom of the page. This feature of the forum is great!

DaBlue1 · February 3rd, 2012, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koenigcitizen

Thanks for the links.
I am a total complete beginner.
Second link does not really do much for me.
First link is good, but I already read it, but it does not really help with my tire size question.

Is the stock size generally the recommended size, I guess?

I guess thats what I am gonna go with. I was just looking for someone to tell me from their first hand experience.

If you continue reading the threads in the second link you will see more comments and experiences from riders also detailed discussion about tire size and width. I know cuz, I wrote both links.

koenigcitizen · February 4th, 2012, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

If you continue reading the threads in the second link you will see more comments and experiences from riders also detailed discussion about tire size and width. I know cuz, I wrote both links.

Thank you!

chef · February 4th, 2012, 09:32 AM

I changed the stock tires only 3 weeks ago,went with the Sport Demons & OMG, what a difference!
The performance in wet conditions is not underated,these tires feel extremely stable.Dry conditions...fantastic,improved braking feels more confident & responsive.
I went with 110 / 140 & the handling is awesome,cant recommend these tires enough.
Have BT45 on another bike but will be changing those in the near future as well.

koenigcitizen · February 4th, 2012, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chef

I changed the stock tires only 3 weeks ago,went with the Sport Demons & OMG, what a difference!
The performance in wet conditions is not underated,these tires feel extremely stable.Dry conditions...fantastic,improved braking feels more confident & responsive.
I went with 110 / 140 & the handling is awesome,cant recommend these tires enough.
Have BT45 on another bike but will be changing those in the near future as well.

Thank you!
Did 140 tire fit no problem? No modding was needed?

chef · February 4th, 2012, 10:23 AM

140 will fit without any issues.
I fitted a sportisi hugger before changing tires & it was installed pretty close to the tire,installed 2 washers on each side & have enough clearance now.

koenigcitizen · February 4th, 2012, 10:25 AM

Thanks,
Gonna go with SDs, I think

I hope they will last

chef · February 4th, 2012, 10:36 AM

Have had Metzeler & Bt45 on other bikes & found the ride to be hard,good dry grip but forget about it in the wet but i could never wear them out.
Difference in performance vs wear not an issue.
Good luck with your choice.

koenigcitizen · February 4th, 2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chef

Difference in performance vs wear not an issue.

Not sure exactly what you mean. That SD's performance vs wear is adequate? Or that when it comes to you, as long as the tire performs well, its wear is not an issue to you?

The only thing I am worried about with SDs is that they will have to be replaced every time I change the oil (every 3-5K miles), as they are a softer tire.

choneofakind · February 4th, 2012, 01:32 PM

Mileage on tires is 100% dependent upon where and how you ride. The only way you're going to know for sure is to try them. But yes from what I've heard, SD's are nice and soft rubber

koenigcitizen · February 4th, 2012, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Mileage on tires is 100% dependent upon where and how you ride. The only way you're going to know for sure is to try them. But yes from what I've heard, SD's are nice and soft rubber

As a new rider, I usually take it pretty easy with occasional outbursts of squidly-ness.

I am sold on SDs. Time to get a quote for them from a local Kawi dealer.

alex.s · February 4th, 2012, 03:50 PM

get stock size. also, i was getting about 3k miles per sport demon. my bridgestones 45s are just about done now at around 5k miles

jack_bm · February 4th, 2012, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

get stock size. also, i was getting about 3k miles per sport demon. my bridgestones 45s are just about done now at around 5k miles

how come you recomened the stock size when a lot of people say bigger tires are better?

Alex · February 4th, 2012, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jack_bm

how come you recomened the stock size when a lot of people say bigger tires are better?

Because they're wrong.

Reswob · February 4th, 2012, 08:00 PM

On a commuter, I would stay far, far away from the "super-sport" type tires and stick with more of a "sport touring" tire. The stock Dunlop GT-501s handle great, and last 13,000 miles. With stickier rubber you will need a new set of tires every 6 months!

jack_bm · February 5th, 2012, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Because they're wrong.

I'd say thats a pretty fair reason haha

etiainen · February 5th, 2012, 08:16 AM

I was commuting/touring on my ninjette, replaced the IRCs with BT45s in the stock sizes. For the riding that you're doing, you'll notice the difference and love it! I sure did. They're great tires. I wasn't on the track, and I think for street purposes they do a great job. Don't get larger sizes.

I'm back to IRCs now, and I'm missing my BT45s, lol. When I wear out my new IRCs, I'm going back to BT45s!

koenigcitizen · February 5th, 2012, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

i was getting about 3k miles per sport demon.

Is that just for street riding, or track use? That seems awfully low. Basically changing tires every time you do an oil change... Is 3K really average life for Sport Demons?

koenigcitizen · February 5th, 2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etiainen

I was commuting/touring on my ninjette, replaced the IRCs with BT45s in the stock sizes. For the riding that you're doing, you'll notice the difference and love it! I sure did. They're great tires. I wasn't on the track, and I think for street purposes they do a great job. Don't get larger sizes.

I'm back to IRCs now, and I'm missing my BT45s, lol. When I wear out my new IRCs, I'm going back to BT45s!

How long did BT45s last for you?

choneofakind · February 5th, 2012, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etiainen

I'm back to IRCs now, and I'm missing my BT45s, lol. When I wear out my new IRCs, I'm going back to BT45s!

I'm glad you like the BT45's. I'm having issues with my front tire scalloping really badly

I love how sticky and long wearing they seem to be so far, but I should have tons of miles left on my front and I'm going to have to replace it when I replace the back.

etiainen · February 5th, 2012, 03:20 PM

I traded in my ninja, but at 2k miles on those BT45s, they looked almost brand new at that point still. They are a lot stickier than the IRCs and warm up faster.

My IRCs lasted less than I expected them to in the rear(rear was totally scalloped, lasted about 5000 miles, I rode about another 500 on them before finally changing them), front was ok, but I decided to change them both.

I've heard the BT45s last for a decent bit. @choneofakind, how many miles are on yours?

Personally, I wouldn't get Sport Demons for commuting purposes, I'd expect them to wear significantly faster.

choneofakind · February 5th, 2012, 03:25 PM

My BT45's have about 5k on them. They were fine for about 3.5k, and within the last 1.5k I've ridden on them, the front has gone from perfectly fine tire, to really badly scalloped.

Like I said, the rear is wearing pretty evenly, and is lasting well, but the front, not so much.

etiainen · February 5th, 2012, 03:30 PM

That's disappointing.

choneofakind · February 5th, 2012, 03:33 PM

i know!!!! I expected more from a set of good brand, nice tires. I'm pleased with how they handle, but displeased with how they wear.

I'm getting a pair of Pirelli Diablo Scooter tires next, because they're half the price of a set of BT45's, and just as sticky from what I've heard, so who cares if they only last 4k miles

plus I've heard they don't just randomly scallop under hard twisty use

etiainen · February 5th, 2012, 03:40 PM

I got the BT45s before as a compromise between tire performance and advertised life. I'd rather only do one tire change a year.

alex.s · February 5th, 2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koenigcitizen

Is that just for street riding, or track use? That seems awfully low. Basically changing tires every time you do an oil change... Is 3K really average life for Sport Demons?

street. and i change my oil more frequently than that...

Reswob · February 5th, 2012, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

street. and i change my oil more frequently than that...

Why?

alex.s · February 5th, 2012, 05:24 PM

because im in and out of my engine every other day.

nycsteve · June 7th, 2012, 09:05 AM

I'm debating on getting some new tires and was wondering if you guys can help me out.

First, I read just about every single thread on tires and what not so please don't ask me to read them.

So here it goes, I commute every day about 25 miles to and from work, total. About 30-40min ride. Stop and go in certain places. Maybe 30-40% on highway with street lights about 50% of that highway. I also go on some twisties during most weekends (bear mountain, 218, 9w and catskills) for about 100-300miles during the weekend with some planned 8-10hr 300+mile twisty days.

what would be the best tire for me? Thank you.

Edit: I also commute in all types of weather.

nakedhunter · June 7th, 2012, 09:23 AM

I ride pretty much the same way as you and after reading through here for a bit I just pulled the trigger on the Pirelli Rosso IIs. I don't have them on yet but it seemed like they were well regarded for mixed riding styles and lasted a fair bit of mileage on them.
And to keep with the OP - I went with the 110/70 140/70.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nycsteve

I'm debating on getting some new tires and was wondering if you guys can help me out.

First, I read just about every single thread on tires and what not so please don't ask me to read them.

So here it goes, I commute every day about 25 miles to and from work, total. About 30-40min ride. Stop and go in certain places. Maybe 30-40% on highway with street lights about 50% of that highway. I also go on some twisties during most weekends (bear mountain, 218, 9w and catskills) for about 100-300miles during the weekend with some planned 8-10hr 300+mile twisty days.

what would be the best tire for me? Thank you.

etiainen · June 7th, 2012, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nycsteve

I'm debating on getting some new tires and was wondering if you guys can help me out.

First, I read just about every single thread on tires and what not so please don't ask me to read them.

So here it goes, I commute every day about 25 miles to and from work, total. About 30-40min ride. Stop and go in certain places. Maybe 30-40% on highway with street lights about 50% of that highway. I also go on some twisties during most weekends (bear mountain, 218, 9w and catskills) for about 100-300miles during the weekend with some planned 8-10hr 300+mile twisty days.

what would be the best tire for me? Thank you.

Edit: I also commute in all types of weather.

I used my Ninjette for commuting in all weather types. I went for the BT45s after the IRCs. They do a good job in all around performance. They won't stick as well as the Prirellis but I didn't want to change tires all that often because I go on long trips.

DaBlue1 · June 7th, 2012, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nycsteve

....So here it goes, I commute every day about 25 miles to and from work, total. About 30-40min ride. Stop and go in certain places. Maybe 30-40% on highway with street lights about 50% of that highway. I also go on some twisties during most weekends (bear mountain, 218, 9w and catskills) for about 100-300miles during the weekend with some planned 8-10hr 300+mile twisty days.

what would be the best tire for me? Thank you.

Edit: I also commute in all types of weather.

Just about any tire can meet or exceed what you're doing. The question is how much do you want to spend and how often you want to change tires?

jack_bm · June 7th, 2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by choneofakind

My BT45's have about 5k on them. They were fine for about 3.5k, and within the last 1.5k I've ridden on them, the front has gone from perfectly fine tire, to really badly scalloped.

Like I said, the rear is wearing pretty evenly, and is lasting well, but the front, not so much.

Can you put a picture up of what scalloped is? dont know what it is lol

NathanUc · June 7th, 2012, 07:32 PM

Pirelli Rosso II 110/140. Nuff said

choneofakind · June 11th, 2012, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jack_bm

Can you put a picture up of what scalloped is? dont know what it is lol

I will eventually

It's like the edge designs are worn at an angle, so they look kinda like roof shingles, or a scallop shell.

February 3rd, 2012, 11:41 AM	#1
koenigcitizen Russian Ninja :) Name: Andrei Location: Ocean City, MD Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2009 Yamaha FZ6, 2010 Kawi 250r (sold) Posts: 335	Tire size advice I am planning on getting rid of stock tires and considering Pirelli Sport Demons as a replacement. What size tire do I need for my 2010 Ninjette? Go with stock size? 110/70-17 front and 130/70-17 rear? What other sizes could Ninjette accommodate without modding fender, etc? Is the general advice to go with stock sizing? I wouldn't mind going with a beefy-er tire, but not if it compromises handling/safety. Also if anyone has a suggestion for what tires to replaces my IRCs with, I would appreciate it. I do mostly commute riding, with occasional spirit riding on some back roads. Thanks __________________________________________________ 2009 Fazer (2009 Yamaha FZ6), 2012 Triumph Street Triple R

February 3rd, 2012, 12:51 PM	#3
koenigcitizen Russian Ninja :) Name: Andrei Location: Ocean City, MD Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2009 Yamaha FZ6, 2010 Kawi 250r (sold) Posts: 335	Thanks for the links. I am a total complete beginner. Second link does not really do much for me. First link is good, but I already read it, but it does not really help with my tire size question. Is the stock size generally the recommended size, I guess? I guess thats what I am gonna go with. I was just looking for someone to tell me from their first hand experience. __________________________________________________ 2009 Fazer (2009 Yamaha FZ6), 2012 Triumph Street Triple R

February 3rd, 2012, 01:20 PM	#4
koenigcitizen Russian Ninja :) Name: Andrei Location: Ocean City, MD Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2009 Yamaha FZ6, 2010 Kawi 250r (sold) Posts: 335	I pretty much found all the answers from related threads on the bottom of the page. This feature of the forum is great! __________________________________________________ 2009 Fazer (2009 Yamaha FZ6), 2012 Triumph Street Triple R

February 4th, 2012, 10:25 AM	#10
koenigcitizen Russian Ninja :) Name: Andrei Location: Ocean City, MD Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Triumph Street Triple R, 2009 Yamaha FZ6, 2010 Kawi 250r (sold) Posts: 335	Thanks, Gonna go with SDs, I think I hope they will last __________________________________________________ 2009 Fazer (2009 Yamaha FZ6), 2012 Triumph Street Triple R

February 4th, 2012, 03:50 PM	#15
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	get stock size. also, i was getting about 3k miles per sport demon. my bridgestones 45s are just about done now at around 5k miles __________________________________________________

February 3rd, 2012, 12:34 PM	#2
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/New_gen_tire_options Tires available for the 2008 & up Ninja 250R

February 4th, 2012, 09:32 AM	#7
chef ninjette.org member Name: Matt Location: Bali Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1965 Honda S90 , 2010 Ninja 250,2012 Vespa LX 150(Yes,a vespa!) Posts: 177	I changed the stock tires only 3 weeks ago,went with the Sport Demons & OMG, what a difference! The performance in wet conditions is not underated,these tires feel extremely stable.Dry conditions...fantastic,improved braking feels more confident & responsive. I went with 110 / 140 & the handling is awesome,cant recommend these tires enough. Have BT45 on another bike but will be changing those in the near future as well.

February 4th, 2012, 10:23 AM	#9
chef ninjette.org member Name: Matt Location: Bali Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1965 Honda S90 , 2010 Ninja 250,2012 Vespa LX 150(Yes,a vespa!) Posts: 177	140 will fit without any issues. I fitted a sportisi hugger before changing tires & it was installed pretty close to the tire,installed 2 washers on each side & have enough clearance now.

February 4th, 2012, 10:36 AM	#11
chef ninjette.org member Name: Matt Location: Bali Join Date: Dec 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1965 Honda S90 , 2010 Ninja 250,2012 Vespa LX 150(Yes,a vespa!) Posts: 177	Have had Metzeler & Bt45 on other bikes & found the ride to be hard,good dry grip but forget about it in the wet but i could never wear them out. Difference in performance vs wear not an issue. Good luck with your choice.

February 4th, 2012, 01:32 PM	#13
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	Mileage on tires is 100% dependent upon where and how you ride. The only way you're going to know for sure is to try them. But yes from what I've heard, SD's are nice and soft rubber

February 4th, 2012, 08:00 PM	#18
Reswob ninjette.org sage Name: Josh Location: Richmond VA Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627	On a commuter, I would stay far, far away from the "super-sport" type tires and stick with more of a "sport touring" tire. The stock Dunlop GT-501s handle great, and last 13,000 miles. With stickier rubber you will need a new set of tires every 6 months! __________________________________________________ '08 Bonneville Black sold->'08 Ninja 250R \| OES Swingarm Spools \| EBC HH brake pads \| reflector delete \| no-cut brake light modulator \| DIY fender eliminator

February 5th, 2012, 08:16 AM	#20
etiainen CBR250R Traitor Name: Jon Location: Greater Philadelphia Area Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924	I was commuting/touring on my ninjette, replaced the IRCs with BT45s in the stock sizes. For the riding that you're doing, you'll notice the difference and love it! I sure did. They're great tires. I wasn't on the track, and I think for street purposes they do a great job. Don't get larger sizes. I'm back to IRCs now, and I'm missing my BT45s, lol. When I wear out my new IRCs, I'm going back to BT45s!

February 5th, 2012, 03:20 PM	#24
etiainen CBR250R Traitor Name: Jon Location: Greater Philadelphia Area Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924	I traded in my ninja, but at 2k miles on those BT45s, they looked almost brand new at that point still. They are a lot stickier than the IRCs and warm up faster. My IRCs lasted less than I expected them to in the rear(rear was totally scalloped, lasted about 5000 miles, I rode about another 500 on them before finally changing them), front was ok, but I decided to change them both. I've heard the BT45s last for a decent bit. @choneofakind, how many miles are on yours? Personally, I wouldn't get Sport Demons for commuting purposes, I'd expect them to wear significantly faster.

February 5th, 2012, 03:25 PM	#25
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	My BT45's have about 5k on them. They were fine for about 3.5k, and within the last 1.5k I've ridden on them, the front has gone from perfectly fine tire, to really badly scalloped. Like I said, the rear is wearing pretty evenly, and is lasting well, but the front, not so much.

February 5th, 2012, 03:30 PM	#26
etiainen CBR250R Traitor Name: Jon Location: Greater Philadelphia Area Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924	That's disappointing.

February 5th, 2012, 03:33 PM	#27
choneofakind ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: . Location: . Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much. MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14	i know!!!! I expected more from a set of good brand, nice tires. I'm pleased with how they handle, but displeased with how they wear. I'm getting a pair of Pirelli Diablo Scooter tires next, because they're half the price of a set of BT45's, and just as sticky from what I've heard, so who cares if they only last 4k miles plus I've heard they don't just randomly scallop under hard twisty use

February 5th, 2012, 03:40 PM	#28
etiainen CBR250R Traitor Name: Jon Location: Greater Philadelphia Area Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924	I got the BT45s before as a compromise between tire performance and advertised life. I'd rather only do one tire change a year.

February 5th, 2012, 05:24 PM	#31
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	because im in and out of my engine every other day. __________________________________________________

June 7th, 2012, 09:05 AM	#32
nycsteve Biker Name: Steve Location: Brooklyn, NY Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 723	I'm debating on getting some new tires and was wondering if you guys can help me out. First, I read just about every single thread on tires and what not so please don't ask me to read them. So here it goes, I commute every day about 25 miles to and from work, total. About 30-40min ride. Stop and go in certain places. Maybe 30-40% on highway with street lights about 50% of that highway. I also go on some twisties during most weekends (bear mountain, 218, 9w and catskills) for about 100-300miles during the weekend with some planned 8-10hr 300+mile twisty days. what would be the best tire for me? Thank you. Edit: I also commute in all types of weather. __________________________________________________ S*** Happens! Design Stuff \| Tumblr James 1:2-4

June 7th, 2012, 07:32 PM	#37
NathanUc B-Town Ninja Name: Nathan Location: Bloomington, IN Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Black 2013 Ninja ZX6R ABS Posts: 609 Blog Entries: 3	Pirelli Rosso II 110/140. Nuff said __________________________________________________ Downgraded to a 2013 636. Previous owner of a 2010 250r --------------------------------- My moto-vlog YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/bloomingtonninja

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