180/60/17 tyre profile

AJV

Time for new tyres, would like to use 180/60 rather than usual 180/55 in the rear

Hopefully someone has tried this before, any problems with hugger or chain clearance?

mikesps

I had one on my SP3, it's too wide. Hits the chain on the left and also rubbed on the floating rear caliper torque arm on the right.

Mike

AJV

Good info Mike, though the 180/60 would present clearance issues - it's a wide tyre but feels good on more modern bikes I've tried.

Interesting to see Stig runs 190/65 slicks' on track with what looks to be a Strada swingarm albeit with no hugger fitted. So I guess tyre / chain rub can be solved

I find my SP's slow to steer / change direction even thought rear ride height is set to max. Hence thinking the 60 profile might help a little. Maybe ride height extenders is the way to go.

Anyone know what Tyre size Stafford runs on his TT bikes?

mikesps

I added ride height extenders and it did help.

Mr.R

I've got a 190/55 on the rear of my 851, the only reason I didn't fit a 200 was because I wanted a road tyre that would work in all types of weather, also getting me to the Isle of Man and back covering 2,000+ miles.
I run a modified ST4S swinging arm to take the 851/888 hoop, shortened 888 Ohlins shock (same travel but lighter), modified adjustable rocker arm top shock mount and custom made Mag' 6" 3 spoke Marvic Streamline.
Fitted along with a 748 complete gearbox (output shaft places the sprocket 5mm outwards) there's no problem clearing everything.
Stafford found 3 ST4S swinging arms for me to modify, one for me, one for him and the last one for another race team.
The ST4S arm is also 15mm longer (The same length as some of the 888 Corse items) than a Strada 851/888 item and runs a 25mm spindle.
Only an eagle eyed rivet counter would notice the difference of the arms.

Steve R

jakepeewee

I run a 180/60 on my SP3, no problem at all. No rubbing the chain or the hugger.

Jafa

I've got a 180/60 Bridgestone on my SP3 and no rubbing on anything ( the same tyre and wheel I run on my 900 SS ). I seem to remember when I was looking at tyres, people on motorcycle forums said different brand tyres even though they are all 180/60 will vary in width slightly, to the point that if clearance is marginal some tyres will clear and some won't. IIRC Michelin was one that lots of people said was a "wider" tyre? But a tyre will also measure wider or narrower depending on the width of the wheel it is fitted to.

jakepeewee

Interesting to know what Brand 180/60 tires do fit.
I am running 180/60 pirelli supercorsa (SC2), fit without any problem on my SP3.
And yes, she is a little easier to turn into corners with these tires. Still slow compared to my friends 888SP5 on traditional 180/55 tires, but also way more confidence inspiring. Could be a set up thing with the SP5 though.

Jafa

jakepeewee wroteInteresting to know what Brand 180/60 tires do fit. I am running 180/60 pirelli supercorsa (SC2), fit without any problem on my SP3. And yes, she is a little easier to turn into corners with these tires. Still slow compared to my friends 888SP5 on traditional 180/55 tires, but also way more confidence inspiring. Could be a set up thing with the SP5 though.

All things being equal ( which they obviously aren't ), your bike with the taller profile tyre should turn quicker. It's because the taller profile tyre on the same width wheel makes the tyre rounder, so the tyre rolls over easier than a lower profile flatter tyre.

I went from a 190/55 to a 190/60 on my CBR1000RR track bike and the difference that made was very noticeable.

jakepeewee

Your right Jafa, and that was what I was stating. The bike turns in quicker than before when I changed to the 180/60. I am just mentioning that because of the difference in geometry between my 851SP3 and the 888SP5 the latter one still is way more agile. The SP3 was on the other hand still like on rails in the longer curves, the SP5 had a tendency to understeer.

AJV

Never a simple answer with older Ducati's, each bike has its own particular quirks. My new at the time 94 Strada rubbed its Chain heavy' against 180/55 Hi-Sport. Dealer checked everything inc. new tyre couldn't fix it.. Over the years none of my SP's had the same problem..

I'm going to roll the dice and go with Pirelli Diablo Rosso 180/60, should be good for a trip to the Alps and the odd track session, even if it rains. About time the old girls stretch their legs on track again, albeit rev ceiling will be lower these days

As a temporary measure I will replace original cf huggers with plastic items until my confidence in taller/wider rubber is proven.

Thanks for everyone's valuable input

Darkness

AJV wroteAnyone know what Tyre size Stafford runs on his TT bikes?

180/55ZR17 Dunlop Sportmax.

RWG

Can I have a go here, if the objective is to Speed up steering would not changing the Front profile be more benifiacial?

I use 180,55 & 120,70 on both 851 & Sp4

I find Sp4 comfortable and planted but found 851 needing more input so I tried to raise rear suspension. O boy went from one extream to the other vague to scary so I then got Maxton Shock & Forks updated now 851 is as good as Sp4 in handling but slower
Or am I missing the point, Can you make an 851/888 turn as fast as an r1 or for That matter 999?