160/70-17 tire on rear of ST1300

CarSalesman

CarSalesman

Joined
Sep 18, 2005
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298
Location
Sayre, PA
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2477
I found a tire in my basement that I apparently purchased when I owned a BMW K1200LT and ST1100 (for a couple years I had both of them). It is an Avon Azaro AV36 160/70ZR17. That tire was made with extra construction for the weight of those two motorcycles only. I now have an ST1300 which uses the 170/60ZR17. I'm trying to decide if it would be ok on my ST1300. I realize the cross section width would be 10mm narrower, I'm not concerned about that, might actually improve the handling. My concern is the diameter, and whether it might interfere with something in the suspension or body of the ST1300.

The correct 170/60 tire has a nominal height above the rim of 170mm x 60% = 102mm. The tire I have has a nominal height of 160 x 70% = 112mm. That means the radius is 10mm greater. I don't think there is anything that close that would rub. Has anyone else ever tried this size on a ST1300? I searched the archives, found some discussion, but did not see notes that anyone actually did it.
 
How old is that tire? I thought the 1st gen Storm AV55/56 replaced the Azaros in the mid 2000's. I could be wrong OTOH it might be 10 years old.
 
In theory the reduced width combined with the increased profile percentage should work out. My concern would be the actual rim width. I'm thinking the 165/70 was designed for a 4.5" rim. If so putting it on a wider rim 5" on the st might cause some odd sidewall loading and tire heating. I have not tried it but don't believe I would either. Safety first
 
CarSalesman said:
I found a tire in my basement that I apparently purchased when I owned a BMW K1200LT and ST1100 (for a couple years I had both of them). It is an Avon Azaro AV36 160/70ZR17. That tire was made with extra construction for the weight of those two motorcycles only. I now have an ST1300 which uses the 170/60ZR17. I'm trying to decide if it would be ok on my ST1300. I realize the cross section width would be 10mm narrower, I'm not concerned about that, might actually improve the handling. My concern is the diameter, and whether it might interfere with something in the suspension or body of the ST1300.

The correct 170/60 tire has a nominal height above the rim of 170mm x 60% = 102mm. The tire I have has a nominal height of 160 x 70% = 112mm. That means the radius is 10mm greater. I don't think there is anything that close that would rub. Has anyone else ever tried this size on a ST1300? I searched the archives, found some discussion, but did not see notes that anyone actually did it.
Click to expand...

A 170/60-17 tire can be bought for $175 or less. How much is your motorcycle insurance collision deductible and health insurance deductible and co-pay? I'll bet they are more than $175. Running a tire that old (over 5 years), pretty good chance you'll meet the deductibles. IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?
 
A flat at the bottom of the Wind River Gorge in Wyoming resulted in trying a Dunlop RoadSmart 160/ZR60/17. There was no 170/60/17 tire within 120 miles. Since I will never ride with a pillion, I figured the slightly lower load rating was tolerable.

So far, so good after about 2800 miles.
 
I ended up in Pasadena Texas needing a rear. I had to put an Avon Azaro 170/60 on in desperation as I was a long way from "Almost Heaven". Absolutely the worst tire I've ever had on my ST. I keep an Excel spreadsheet on tires. This Avon got 4160 miles, so I won't be buying any Avons anytime soon. A forum member here , Raven, has had some bad luck with an Avon from a safety aspect (IIRC), so you might ask Raven.
 
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