Motorcycle Racing Forum

Motorcycle Talk => Wrenching => Topic started by: Farmboy on April 20, 2008, 01:42:59 PM

Title: Bridgestone rain tire question
Post by: Farmboy on April 20, 2008, 01:42:59 PM
Hey all, new to the forum and CCS. Looking forward to meeting you and racing in the Amateur Lightweight class. Regarding Bridgestone rains, has anyone here run a 160 rear on a 5.5" rim? Bridgestone specifies this size for up to a 5.5", but I bought a rear and it looks freakin' tiny, barely bigger than the 120 front.  I just can't imagine how it will be when mounted as it looks like the profile would be virtually flat. Isn't the idea to have a tall, skinny profile? I'm holding off on mounting it as I'll try to call Dean @ TrackAddix tomorrow to see if I can exchange it for a 180 rear at Topeka; this is what I'm leaning towards despite the manufacturer's recommendation. If anyone can tell me otherwise, though, I'd greatly appreciate it. Incidentally, the bike it'll be on is a 2 valve Ducati in Superbike tune, if it matters much. Thanks - Jim
Title: Re: Bridgestone rain tire question
Post by: dylanfan53 on April 20, 2008, 02:49:07 PM
Most tire manufacturer are okay with +/-1 size.  If this is a Duc it probably came with a 180, although I think the Superbikes may have come with 190's.  I'd stick with a 180. 
Title: Re: Bridgestone rain tire question
Post by: Farmboy on April 20, 2008, 03:54:35 PM
Yes, OE  fitment is a 180, and my dry tire is a 180, I'm just curious as to why Bridgestone recommends the smaller tire for this app. I guess we'll see...
Title: Re: Bridgestone rain tire question
Post by: HAWK on April 20, 2008, 05:20:37 PM
Best to talk to your tire rep but the word I have heard from my guy is that the 160 RAIN tire handles better than the 180 on the 5.5 wheel, something about the profile.

Again, talk to your tire guy and get all the facts from him.
Title: Re: Bridgestone rain tire question
Post by: Jeff on April 21, 2008, 09:38:06 AM
The 160 is the right tire, and you'll do fine with it.  The bridgestone wets are incredible..
Title: Re: Bridgestone rain tire question
Post by: Farmboy on April 21, 2008, 01:51:12 PM
Thanks guys, see you in Topeka.
Title: Re: Bridgestone rain tire question
Post by: stickboy274 on April 21, 2008, 10:43:20 PM
They list the 165 up to a 5.5" because it was designed for a 250 GP bike. It does work fine on the 5.5. The 280 is the way to go for big bikes though.
Title: Re: Bridgestone rain tire question
Post by: tzracer on April 22, 2008, 01:45:30 PM
Quote from: stickboy274 on April 21, 2008, 10:43:20 PM
The 280 is the way to go for big bikes though.

Would that be for the 'way too fat rear tire on my cruiser' class?
Title: Re: Bridgestone rain tire question
Post by: stickboy274 on April 23, 2008, 12:18:13 AM
Sorry, I've had a few long nights this week.