Tyres Again 130 or 120

[RickSkye]

Just about to buy a set of Michelin Anakees. For the rear, do I get 120/90 or 130/80. The standard is 120/90 but most posts I have read ( and I have read alot ) mention fitting 130/80.
Does it improve grip ?
If back grips better, does it mean the front will go first ?
Does it change the handleing ?
Any other pros/cons ?

The front, has any one got a differents size on the front ?

Rick

[sproggy]

My tyre supplier told me that Anakees don't come in a 130/80 rear - only 120/90. So that made my decision for me. Some people reckon the 130 looks better, plus it'll allow you slightly greater (but probably academic for most people) lean angle. In theory a 130 will slow the steering down slightly compared to a 120 but whether you'd notice on something like a TA I'm not so sure. You won't lose the front just as a result of having a 130 rear - they grip the same and the front will still have tread left on the road when the rear runs out. Really it's just whatever you prefer the look of and which make you want

Stick with the standard size front - don't even think about trying other sizes.

I've got Anakees in the standard sizes and the bike doesn't need more tyre than that. If you're riding beyond the capability of these tyres you're on the wrong bike.

[RickSkye]

In theory a 130 will slow the steering down slightly compared to a 120

Not being picky just interested how this works ?

I think that staying with the standard size is probably safest and like you say, its a transalp not a fireblade.

Thanks

[UZAY]

Man, go with the Pirelli Scorpion MT 90 A/T . I have changed them 1K km ago and i'm really happy in every condition.

[sproggy]

In theory a 130 will slow the steering down slightly compared to a 120

Not being picky just interested how this works ?

The wider the tyre the further the contact patch will move away from the centre axis of the bike when leant over. If the front and rear tyres were the same width this might make little difference but on the TA you'd be moving the contact patch of the rear further out (marginally) while not changing the front. This makes the bike slower to steer.

Think of a 'modern' chopper with a narrow front and a 280 (or similar) rear - when leant over the contact patch of the rear tyre could be well over 100mm away from the centreline of the bike, while the contact patch of the front is likely to be only 20 or 30mm away. This means that the bike won't turn naturally and will need more steering input. I can't explain the physics behind this but it does make a noticeable difference in some cases.

For example I put 17" alloys on my 1150GS (taking the rear from a 150 to a 180 in the process) and that really did make a difference to the steering. Changing from a 120 to a 130 on a TA will make less difference and you may not even notice it, but the difference will be there.

[RickSkye]

Thanks, very well explained.
Definately going with 120, because, if I noticed the difference I would start to focus on it, and it would apear to become worse and worse, if you know what I mean.

[RickSkye]

"Man, go with the Pirelli Scorpion MT 90 A/T . I have changed them 1K km ago and i'm really happy in every condition."

I tried them already, I found them a bit slipery in the wet, controlable but slipery. I live in an area with 80 inches of rainfall a year so I need good wet weather tyres.

[dropman]

just want to be sure: Can I fit 130/80 (instead of original 120/90) on xl650v4 without interfering with swingarm?
Those who have done it successfully, please let me know

[Lutin]

My tyre supplier told me that Anakees don't come in a 130/80 rear - only 120/90.

Your tyre supplier is talking b*ll*cks!

I have a 130/80 Anakee fitted to my Transalp and it was supplied directly from Michelin themselves.

Proof, if you needed it, of Michelin's recommendation for the Transalp -

Michelin offers


They suggest either the 120/90 or the 130/80. Up to you.

[moon]

go with the 120. I had a 130 fitted at the back last time & it's VERY strange, I spent days trying to figure out what was wrong, I checked that the tyre was on the right way, play in the spindle, tyre pressure front & rear, play in the chain tensioner thingy's, play in swinging arm, rear shock fixings & settings before realising that they'd fitted a 130 instead of a 120. I'm currently running it a little under pressure & it's useable but I shall be VERY clear about the size of the tyre to be fitted next time.