I have decided it was time for new tires on my 97 yzf600. I was wondering if anyone could give a bit of advise as to what is a good tire. I was also wondering if i could fit a 180 on the rear of this bike. Stock tire is a 160/60/zr17.... I am wanting a good mixture of commuting here and there and stick to the pavement well when i get a while hair... Need front and rear tires..

thanks for any input.

Really would like to find out if i can fit a 180/ on the rear though.

Jeff

The 180 should fit on the rim, but and this is key, but it won't give you the same characteristics as a 180 tire on a 180 rim. Basically you're going to defeat the broad radius of the 180 by shoehorning onto a rim too narrow for its design.

As far as tire recommendations, I've had excellent luck and feel from Michelin Pilot Sports. Michelin no longer makes this tire, it was replaced by the Michelin Pilot Power which I've heard is just as good. If they are anything like the Pilot Sports expect 3-5k miles on a rear if you're mindful of air pressure and wheelies and approximately 1.5x that mileage for a front. I currently run Metzler Rennsports which are identical to Pirelli Supercorsas. These are tires with a 70/30 balance towards track environments. They also make the Pirelli Diablos which are 70/30 street over track. This would be a very good street tire. The new Bridgestone Battleaxes are pretty good, they are far superior to the battleaxes that came on the old F4i's.

For the most part any supersport type tire will give you far better feel than what you're bike came with stock. And stick to the 160. Yamaha spent way more time in research and development then you did to make that big of a chasis change.

Thanks. I will stick with the 160 now after reading your feedback. I just have to decide which one of those tires is right for me.


Thanks again and any other comments are welcome as i am trying to make a decision and want to make it right the first time.


Jeff

I have been through a couple sets of pilot powers and pilot sports....both are very good. I have always felt the most confident on Mich tires. Perelli is also a good choice. I am scrubbing in my first set, they came with the Duc, and they are NICE.