noob question about buying tires

gt_turbo · July 25th, 2011, 07:46 AM

when doing a search for tires on motorcycle superstore am i pretty much ordering 2 "front tires"?

clicking on "rear tires" doesn't have any sizes that i want 130/70/17. and i noticed that this size does show up on some "front tires" selection. i just wanted to make sure there is no construction difference between "rear tires" and "front tires". i told you this was a noob question

Cuongism · July 25th, 2011, 07:53 AM

There will be tread and construction differences between a front and rear tire. Front tires focus on directional forces and handle the bulk of braking. Rear tires generally have more tread because it is under constant acceleration and handles the bulk of your weight. I'm sure someone has tried a front in back before, but I wouldn't risk it since 2 tires is all you have

gt_turbo · July 25th, 2011, 08:00 AM

thanks for the clarification!

dubojr1 · July 25th, 2011, 08:11 AM

What tire brand/model are you looking for?

gt_turbo · July 25th, 2011, 11:08 AM

was looking at gt501's, bt016, diablo rossa I and II. i would be able to find a match for either the front or the rear than unable to find the other. then i also realized after searching thru these many tire threads, that some tires like bt016 just don't come in small sizes like 130/70/17. i did find that motorcycle superstore has bt003 in stock, but from my search thru the various tire threads people say they don't last long. is that correct? so i think i will settle for some sport demons in 110/70/17 and 130/70/17. won't be doing any track riding anytime soon, so i think sport demons will be good for daily commuting thru the city and weekend canyon runs.

dubojr1 · July 25th, 2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt_turbo

was looking at gt501's, bt016, diablo rossa I and II. i would be able to find a match for either the front or the rear than unable to find the other. then i also realized after searching thru these many tire threads, that some tires like bt016 just don't come in small sizes like 130/70/17. i did find that motorcycle superstore has bt003 in stock, but from my search thru the various tire threads people say they don't last long. is that correct? so i think i will settle for some sport demons in 110/70/17 and 130/70/17. won't be doing any track riding anytime soon, so i think sport demons will be good for daily commuting thru the city and weekend canyon runs.

The 03's are not a good choice for commuting. The Sport Demon's or the Bridgeston BT-45's will serve you well or here's a great deal on a front tire if you can find another source for a rear. The rear in the BT016 only comes in a 150/60 but it fits our bikes well. GL!

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pr...&sizeAttr=5280

DaBlue1 · July 25th, 2011, 11:29 AM

Try having a look at the tire sizes available list. http://www.ninja250forum.com/index.p...6&topic=2637.0

gt_turbo · July 25th, 2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubojr1

The 03's are not a good choice for commuting. The Sport Demon's or the Bridgeston BT-45's will serve you well or here's a great deal on a front tire if you can find another source for a rear. The rear in the BT016 only comes in a 150/60 but it fits our bikes well. GL!

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pr...&sizeAttr=5280

that's a killer deal. however, i'm looking to stay skinny in the back for optimal flickability in the corners. as others say it, i don't have a small tire complex.

gt_turbo · July 25th, 2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

Try having a look at the tire sizes available list. http://www.ninja250forum.com/index.p...6&topic=2637.0

i came across that site thru my google searching for 250 tires. nice data base of what fits.

dino74 · July 25th, 2011, 12:19 PM

For street riding, I loved my BT-045s. I got them because the stock IRC tracked the groves on the freeway. The BT-045 have enough grip on the road, didn't have any problem dragging knee with them at the track. Also, one of my track days was in the rain, and they held up great. I wouldn't recommend BT-003 for street because they wear quickly and they are not good on wet surfaces. I rode through 6 feet (1/2 inch deep) of running water on the road once and almost crashed.

kamikaze · July 25th, 2011, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt_turbo

that's a killer deal. however, i'm looking to stay skinny in the back for optimal flickability in the corners. as others say it, i don't have a small tire complex.

I've got 9000km on a BT-016 combo and I haven't noticed any lack of flickability...

gt_turbo · July 25th, 2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamikaze

I've got 9000km on a BT-016 combo and I haven't noticed any lack of flickability...

i've seen a few people say that the bike seems to require a little more effort to flick in to the corners. however, if there are more people who say there's little to no difference then it might sway my decision to get the BT016. so i hope more people with BT016 share their opinions on how the tires handle in the twistys.

update: after reading Almost40's review and other peoples feedback on the bt016s. and the killer deal posted above by dubjor1, i have decided to try those out. best of all i found the rear tires on dennis kirk 150/60/17 for $105 + $5 shipping. can't wait to put them on.

dubojr1 · July 26th, 2011, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt_turbo

i've seen a few people say that the bike seems to require a little more effort to flick in to the corners. however, if there are more people who say there's little to no difference then it might sway my decision to get the BT016. so i hope more people with BT016 share their opinions on how the tires handle in the twistys.

update: after reading Almost40's review and other peoples feedback on the bt016s. and the killer deal posted above by dubjor1, i have decided to try those out. best of all i found the rear tires on dennis kirk 150/60/17 for $105 + $5 shipping. can't wait to put them on.

+100!!!!

You won't regret it!

gt_turbo · July 26th, 2011, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubojr1

+100!!!!

You won't regret it!

i'll post back with my feedback.

edit: what pressures are you running in yours front and back? and any tips for tire break in.

dubojr1 · July 26th, 2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt_turbo

i'll post back with my feedback.

edit: what pressures are you running in yours front and back? and any tips for tire break in.

Currently I'm running 28 in the front and 30 in the rear. Depending on your body weight and your riding style, you could adjust the rear tire up or down a pound or two.

greatwhiteninja · July 26th, 2011, 07:46 PM

i went to buy one of these at my local cycle gear.. they wont even install a 150 on my rim! said there only allowed to go one size up from stock!.. now i have to find someplace else to put it on.. sux cause they are so convenient and close to me.

dubojr1 · July 26th, 2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greatwhiteninja

i went to buy one of these at my local cycle gear.. they wont even install a 150 on my rim! said there only allowed to go one size up from stock!.. now i have to find someplace else to put it on.. sux cause they are so convenient and close to me.

Install it yourself and have them balance it for free! Look for the DIY on here for installation instructions.

greatwhiteninja · July 26th, 2011, 07:51 PM

im guessing they wont even touch it.. ill call around im sure somebody will install it.

adri99an · July 26th, 2011, 07:55 PM

150 in the rear..pleanty of flickability.....I've had 150s on the rear for over 6,000 miles(BT003 and Mich PP) you'll also feel lots of STA-bility!

kamikaze · July 27th, 2011, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt_turbo

i've seen a few people say that the bike seems to require a little more effort to flick in to the corners. however, if there are more people who say there's little to no difference then it might sway my decision to get the BT016. so i hope more people with BT016 share their opinions on how the tires handle in the twistys.

update: after reading Almost40's review and other peoples feedback on the bt016s. and the killer deal posted above by dubjor1, i have decided to try those out. best of all i found the rear tires on dennis kirk 150/60/17 for $105 + $5 shipping. can't wait to put them on.

i didn't notice a lot of difference, but where you will notice it is when you've got it leaned over. I have way more confidence in these things over the stock rubber.

gt_turbo · July 27th, 2011, 08:06 AM

i'll have to call around and see who can mount these for me as well. what is the avg cost for mount, balance, and installation of new tires? is it worth the cost savings to just bring in the rims and have them mount and balance and install it yourself?

gt_turbo · August 2nd, 2011, 06:28 PM

got my tires mounted yesterday for $50. and installed my wheels today. went for a ride around the block. i like them, they feel really good! getting ready for my track day now!

edit: it seems the front treads are facing the opposite direction of the rear treads. does this matter at all? the rotation arrow on the tires is still correct on both front and rear tires. so i assume its correct.

Alex · August 2nd, 2011, 08:35 PM

The rotation arrow is what matters. Some types of tread designs look intuitively "wrong", but if those arrows are rotating correctly, you're all good.

almost40 · August 2nd, 2011, 09:20 PM

You wont regret it.
I have tried a few others brands on the 600. Both my bikes are currently wearing BT-16's. Best bang for the buck NO DOUBT.
Enjoy your trackday. Listen Learn and have fun.

gt_turbo · August 10th, 2011, 07:57 AM

does your 150 rub the chain guard? mine rubbed a little bit, so i decided to take the chain guard off. i was riding to work today, looking down at my left feet. i hope my pants don't get caught in that chain!

adri99an · August 10th, 2011, 08:20 AM

Depends on the tire...whatcha got?

dubojr1 · August 10th, 2011, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt_turbo

does your 150 rub the chain guard? mine rubbed a little bit, so i decided to take the chain guard off. i was riding to work today, looking down at my left feet. i hope my pants don't get caught in that chain!

Quote:

Originally Posted by adri99an

Depends on the tire...whatcha got?

Yep some do and some don't. I think there is some additional info in this thread.

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...re+chain+guard

gt_turbo · August 10th, 2011, 08:41 AM

bt016. 150/60/17. it just "touches" the chain guard. would that cause any issues for the tire at all.

dubojr1 · August 10th, 2011, 08:45 AM

What method do you use to align the rear tire? Any chance is out of alignment?

gt_turbo · August 11th, 2011, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubojr1

What method do you use to align the rear tire? Any chance is out of alignment?

i aligned it as best as i could using the tick marks on the swing arm as what it says in the manual. its just a hair off on one side. before tightening the axle nut, they were both perfectly the same, but after tightening the axle nut, the bracket with the tick marks moved just a hair. any other methods that I can try?

dubojr1 · August 11th, 2011, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt_turbo

i aligned it as best as i could using the tick marks on the swing arm as what it says in the manual. its just a hair off on one side. before tightening the axle nut, they were both perfectly the same, but after tightening the axle nut, the bracket with the tick marks moved just a hair. any other methods that I can try?

Here's a good read on the tire alignment issue. Make sure you read PAST the first few post. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...=string+method

Here is the string method: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/ho...els/index.html

and here's is a link to a different method and a highly recommended tool: http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do_...l_alignment%3F

Either one of these methods should produce the best results. If your chain guard is still rubbing then maybe a spacer or some washers behind the mount points could help.

gt_turbo · August 11th, 2011, 07:56 AM

i will double check with the string method when i get a chance. when alex is referring to counting the threads. he is referring to the threads on the adjustment nuts on the swing arm correct?

dubojr1 · August 11th, 2011, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gt_turbo

i will double check with the string method when i get a chance. when alex is referring to counting the threads. he is referring to the threads on the adjustment nuts on the swing arm correct?

Yep!

greatwhiteninja · August 11th, 2011, 08:31 AM

i just installed a shinko apex 010 rear tire, 150/60/17.. went with it because a buddy has one on a zx6 but 180 size.. said it was a good tire for the $$ . fits with no issues or rubbing of the chain guard.

adri99an · August 11th, 2011, 08:47 AM

Looks sick- but how long will that tire last?

How much was the tire? Would love to see how many miles you get on that bad boy...

greatwhiteninja · August 11th, 2011, 08:48 AM

$100 shipped from motorcycle superstore..

Shinko introduces the 010 Apex Radial, a tread designed for serious sportbike riding.

The 010 Apex radial rear features Zero Degree JLSB (Joint-Less Steel Belted) state-of-the-art technology for added stability and strength, while the 010 Apex front is Aramid belted for enhanced high-speed performance.

Intermediate compound
DOT approved
Tread radius designed for enhanced high speed cornering
W speed rating (168 mph).

adri99an · August 11th, 2011, 08:52 AM

Sounds fancy....let us know how it rides on the street and canyons.

ninja250 · August 11th, 2011, 09:02 AM

My BT016 front looks like a race takeoff now.
My rear has at least 50% meat left

Is it right to go through two bt 16 front to one reaR?

I had to coax the guys at Chaparrel into popping the wider tire on my rim but they figured I knew what I was doing since I brought them just the wheels without the bike..

I immediately felt 100% more connected with BT-16 over stock IRC.

I think Adrian is even using the 120 in front too whereas I have a 110? I gotta go look I forgot.
He isn't losing any flickability... homey bombs those corners.

July 25th, 2011, 07:46 AM	#1
gt_turbo ninjette.org sage Name: L Location: WI Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709	noob question about buying tires when doing a search for tires on motorcycle superstore am i pretty much ordering 2 "front tires"? clicking on "rear tires" doesn't have any sizes that i want 130/70/17. and i noticed that this size does show up on some "front tires" selection. i just wanted to make sure there is no construction difference between "rear tires" and "front tires". i told you this was a noob question

July 25th, 2011, 08:00 AM	#3
gt_turbo ninjette.org sage Name: L Location: WI Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709	thanks for the clarification! Last futzed with by gt_turbo; July 25th, 2011 at 05:18 PM.

July 25th, 2011, 08:11 AM	#4
dubojr1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Jacksonville, Florida Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.	What tire brand/model are you looking for? __________________________________________________ 09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map

July 26th, 2011, 07:46 PM	#16
greatwhiteninja Ridin Dirty Name: Ed Location: Delaware Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 white se 250r , 2008 zx6R Posts: 921	i went to buy one of these at my local cycle gear.. they wont even install a 150 on my rim! said there only allowed to go one size up from stock!.. now i have to find someplace else to put it on.. sux cause they are so convenient and close to me. __________________________________________________ #1

July 26th, 2011, 07:51 PM	#18
greatwhiteninja Ridin Dirty Name: Ed Location: Delaware Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 white se 250r , 2008 zx6R Posts: 921	im guessing they wont even touch it.. ill call around im sure somebody will install it. __________________________________________________ #1

July 25th, 2011, 07:53 AM	#2
Cuongism ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cuong Location: San Diego Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.	There will be tread and construction differences between a front and rear tire. Front tires focus on directional forces and handle the bulk of braking. Rear tires generally have more tread because it is under constant acceleration and handles the bulk of your weight. I'm sure someone has tried a front in back before, but I wouldn't risk it since 2 tires is all you have

July 25th, 2011, 11:08 AM	#5
gt_turbo ninjette.org sage Name: L Location: WI Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709	was looking at gt501's, bt016, diablo rossa I and II. i would be able to find a match for either the front or the rear than unable to find the other. then i also realized after searching thru these many tire threads, that some tires like bt016 just don't come in small sizes like 130/70/17. i did find that motorcycle superstore has bt003 in stock, but from my search thru the various tire threads people say they don't last long. is that correct? so i think i will settle for some sport demons in 110/70/17 and 130/70/17. won't be doing any track riding anytime soon, so i think sport demons will be good for daily commuting thru the city and weekend canyon runs.

July 25th, 2011, 11:29 AM	#7
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Try having a look at the tire sizes available list. http://www.ninja250forum.com/index.p...6&topic=2637.0

July 25th, 2011, 12:19 PM	#10
dino74 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: dino Location: Oceanside, Ca Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 250 Street, '09 250 Race, '13 300 Race Posts: A lot.	For street riding, I loved my BT-045s. I got them because the stock IRC tracked the groves on the freeway. The BT-045 have enough grip on the road, didn't have any problem dragging knee with them at the track. Also, one of my track days was in the rain, and they held up great. I wouldn't recommend BT-003 for street because they wear quickly and they are not good on wet surfaces. I rode through 6 feet (1/2 inch deep) of running water on the road once and almost crashed.

July 26th, 2011, 07:55 PM	#19
adri99an ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Donger Location: So CAL Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): "Is that a Ninjer 1000?" Posts: A lot.	150 in the rear..pleanty of flickability.....I've had 150s on the rear for over 6,000 miles(BT003 and Mich PP) you'll also feel lots of STA-bility!

July 27th, 2011, 08:06 AM	#21
gt_turbo ninjette.org sage Name: L Location: WI Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709	i'll have to call around and see who can mount these for me as well. what is the avg cost for mount, balance, and installation of new tires? is it worth the cost savings to just bring in the rims and have them mount and balance and install it yourself?

August 2nd, 2011, 06:28 PM	#22
gt_turbo ninjette.org sage Name: L Location: WI Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709	got my tires mounted yesterday for $50. and installed my wheels today. went for a ride around the block. i like them, they feel really good! getting ready for my track day now! edit: it seems the front treads are facing the opposite direction of the rear treads. does this matter at all? the rotation arrow on the tires is still correct on both front and rear tires. so i assume its correct.

August 2nd, 2011, 08:35 PM	#23
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	The rotation arrow is what matters. Some types of tread designs look intuitively "wrong", but if those arrows are rotating correctly, you're all good. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

August 2nd, 2011, 09:20 PM	#24
almost40 ninjette.org Monkey Spank Name: Kevin Location: Illinois Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.	You wont regret it. I have tried a few others brands on the 600. Both my bikes are currently wearing BT-16's. Best bang for the buck NO DOUBT. Enjoy your trackday. Listen Learn and have fun. __________________________________________________ Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket

August 10th, 2011, 07:57 AM	#25
gt_turbo ninjette.org sage Name: L Location: WI Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709	does your 150 rub the chain guard? mine rubbed a little bit, so i decided to take the chain guard off. i was riding to work today, looking down at my left feet. i hope my pants don't get caught in that chain!

August 10th, 2011, 08:20 AM	#26
adri99an ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Donger Location: So CAL Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): "Is that a Ninjer 1000?" Posts: A lot.	Depends on the tire...whatcha got?

August 10th, 2011, 08:41 AM	#28
gt_turbo ninjette.org sage Name: L Location: WI Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709	bt016. 150/60/17. it just "touches" the chain guard. would that cause any issues for the tire at all.

August 10th, 2011, 08:45 AM	#29
dubojr1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Jacksonville, Florida Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.	What method do you use to align the rear tire? Any chance is out of alignment? __________________________________________________ 09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map

August 11th, 2011, 07:56 AM	#32
gt_turbo ninjette.org sage Name: L Location: WI Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R, '13 CBR500R Posts: 709	i will double check with the string method when i get a chance. when alex is referring to counting the threads. he is referring to the threads on the adjustment nuts on the swing arm correct?

August 11th, 2011, 08:31 AM	#34
greatwhiteninja Ridin Dirty Name: Ed Location: Delaware Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 white se 250r , 2008 zx6R Posts: 921	i just installed a shinko apex 010 rear tire, 150/60/17.. went with it because a buddy has one on a zx6 but 180 size.. said it was a good tire for the $$ . fits with no issues or rubbing of the chain guard. __________________________________________________ #1

August 11th, 2011, 08:47 AM	#35
adri99an ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Donger Location: So CAL Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): "Is that a Ninjer 1000?" Posts: A lot.	Looks sick- but how long will that tire last? How much was the tire? Would love to see how many miles you get on that bad boy...

August 11th, 2011, 08:48 AM	#36
greatwhiteninja Ridin Dirty Name: Ed Location: Delaware Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 white se 250r , 2008 zx6R Posts: 921	$100 shipped from motorcycle superstore.. Shinko introduces the 010 Apex Radial, a tread designed for serious sportbike riding. The 010 Apex radial rear features Zero Degree JLSB (Joint-Less Steel Belted) state-of-the-art technology for added stability and strength, while the 010 Apex front is Aramid belted for enhanced high-speed performance. Intermediate compound DOT approved Tread radius designed for enhanced high speed cornering W speed rating (168 mph). __________________________________________________ #1

August 11th, 2011, 08:52 AM	#37
adri99an ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Donger Location: So CAL Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): "Is that a Ninjer 1000?" Posts: A lot.	Sounds fancy....let us know how it rides on the street and canyons.

August 11th, 2011, 09:02 AM	#38
ninja250 You are sleeping Name: Casey Location: LMFAO!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2 Posts: A lot.	My BT016 front looks like a race takeoff now. My rear has at least 50% meat left Is it right to go through two bt 16 front to one reaR? I had to coax the guys at Chaparrel into popping the wider tire on my rim but they figured I knew what I was doing since I brought them just the wheels without the bike.. I immediately felt 100% more connected with BT-16 over stock IRC. I think Adrian is even using the 120 in front too whereas I have a 110? I gotta go look I forgot. He isn't losing any flickability... homey bombs those corners. __________________________________________________ <Yeah, it's a 250. LMFAO! Weaksauce

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Stupid noob question from a non-noob	LNasty	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	13	March 21st, 2015 10:47 PM
Buying new tires - Need Help	bbjminardo	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	10	February 19th, 2013 05:05 PM
buying new tires	james250ninja	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	April 24th, 2012 08:31 PM
noob ? (sprockets question)	Raiders fan	General Motorcycling Discussion	3	April 5th, 2011 11:42 AM
Noob question - regarding jetting	Betlog	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	5	January 6th, 2010 02:24 PM