Rear tire upgrade

Jimboslice32 · October 11th, 2012, 08:43 AM

I have been having some issues with my ninja lately; whenever I go fifty mph or faster it feels very unstable. It feels like the bike could blow over at any moment. I have read on other threads that the solution is to upgrade the rear tire; does this actually solve the problem? Also, does anyone have any recommendations as far as specific brands/ models? Thanks!

cuong-nutz · October 11th, 2012, 09:41 AM

What tires are you running currently? What tire pressure are you running? Stock tires and pressure are 28 front and 32 rear. A wider rear tire will help the bike track a little bit better as the tire profile isn't so pointy-round putting more tread on the ground for traction.

I run a Bridgestone 150/60/17 S20 rear. You can run Pirelli Sport Demon, Pirelli Diablo II, Bridgestone BT45, Bridgestone BT16, and others. It's just a matter of preference.

CC Cowboy · October 11th, 2012, 10:13 AM

James, Florida is such a flat state that some riders have been known to put rear wings on their bikes for more downforce. I'm not saying I recommend this but it works for Formula One cars so it might be the answer.

menikmati · October 11th, 2012, 10:24 AM

Loosen up your arms and relax, tuck if you feel that the wind is starting to beat on you.

Chicagobob · October 11th, 2012, 10:30 AM

A great resource for tire reviews is

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/What_ti...fit_the_250%3F

I'm running Bridgestone BT-45 tires on my '06. They improve handling a great deal over the PO's Pirellis.

Jimboslice32 · October 11th, 2012, 10:34 AM

Thank you guys for all the help. I appreciate it.

psych0hans · October 11th, 2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimboslice32

I have been having some issues with my ninja lately; whenever I go fifty mph or faster it feels very unstable. It feels like the bike could blow over at any moment. I have read on other threads that the solution is to upgrade the rear tire; does this actually solve the problem? Also, does anyone have any recommendations as far as specific brands/ models? Thanks!

If you're upgrading from stock tires, I suggest you change both front and rear tires. People generally swear by perelli sport demons, but look in the wiki for more options... Good luck!!!

csmith12 · October 11th, 2012, 11:03 AM

I am riding a rental in FL right now. It's windy in Jenson Beach and yea... be loose and relax, maybe a bit of leaning into the stronger gusts or a bump on the bar for a small countersteer should get you though without issue.

A wider rear "could" make you feel more planted or could be just a placebo. Riding in the wind is less about the bike and more about the finesse. However, the more the rider/bike combo weighs, the less finesse is required due to sheer mass vs wind.

csmith12 · October 11th, 2012, 11:05 AM

Oh... sorry mang, Tampa has boring roads. An undeveloped sub-division offers the only bit of curves. lol

DaBlue1 · October 11th, 2012, 11:53 AM

Check the tire reviews in the wiki to see what others recommend.
http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/New_gen_tire_options

A list of tires available for the 2008+ Ninja 250
http://www.ninja250forum.com/index.p...26&topic=323.0

See the review and pics for the 140/70-17 and 120/70-17 sizes http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=109350

Jimboslice32 · October 11th, 2012, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Oh... sorry mang, Tampa has boring roads. An undeveloped sub-division offers the only bit of curves. lol

Hahah I can't argue with that. lol

October 11th, 2012, 08:43 AM	#1
Jimboslice32 ninjette.org member Name: James Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 19 Blog Entries: 2	Rear tire upgrade I have been having some issues with my ninja lately; whenever I go fifty mph or faster it feels very unstable. It feels like the bike could blow over at any moment. I have read on other threads that the solution is to upgrade the rear tire; does this actually solve the problem? Also, does anyone have any recommendations as far as specific brands/ models? Thanks!

October 11th, 2012, 09:41 AM	#2
cuong-nutz RIP Alex Name: Cuong Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 2	What tires are you running currently? What tire pressure are you running? Stock tires and pressure are 28 front and 32 rear. A wider rear tire will help the bike track a little bit better as the tire profile isn't so pointy-round putting more tread on the ground for traction. I run a Bridgestone 150/60/17 S20 rear. You can run Pirelli Sport Demon, Pirelli Diablo II, Bridgestone BT45, Bridgestone BT16, and others. It's just a matter of preference. __________________________________________________ HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days

October 11th, 2012, 10:13 AM	#3
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	James, Florida is such a flat state that some riders have been known to put rear wings on their bikes for more downforce. I'm not saying I recommend this but it works for Formula One cars so it might be the answer. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

October 11th, 2012, 11:03 AM	#8
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	I am riding a rental in FL right now. It's windy in Jenson Beach and yea... be loose and relax, maybe a bit of leaning into the stronger gusts or a bump on the bar for a small countersteer should get you though without issue. A wider rear "could" make you feel more planted or could be just a placebo. Riding in the wind is less about the bike and more about the finesse. However, the more the rider/bike combo weighs, the less finesse is required due to sheer mass vs wind. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

October 11th, 2012, 11:05 AM	#9
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Oh... sorry mang, Tampa has boring roads. An undeveloped sub-division offers the only bit of curves. lol __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

October 11th, 2012, 10:24 AM	#4
menikmati crash 250, get supersport Name: Richard Location: San Diego, CA Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250R SE (Sold 6/9/14), 2009 ZX-6R (Sold 6/25/14), Subaru BRZ Posts: A lot.	Loosen up your arms and relax, tuck if you feel that the wind is starting to beat on you.

October 11th, 2012, 10:30 AM	#5
Chicagobob ninjette.org guru Name: Bob Location: Chicago Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250, 2018 Honda GL1800B Posts: 315	A great resource for tire reviews is http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/What_ti...fit_the_250%3F I'm running Bridgestone BT-45 tires on my '06. They improve handling a great deal over the PO's Pirellis.

October 11th, 2012, 10:34 AM	#6
Jimboslice32 ninjette.org member Name: James Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 19 Blog Entries: 2	Thank you guys for all the help. I appreciate it.

October 11th, 2012, 11:53 AM	#10
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Check the tire reviews in the wiki to see what others recommend. http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/New_gen_tire_options A list of tires available for the 2008+ Ninja 250 http://www.ninja250forum.com/index.p...26&topic=323.0 See the review and pics for the 140/70-17 and 120/70-17 sizes http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=109350

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