Wider Tire on ST1300?

Dragonslayer

Dragonslayer

Joined
Nov 8, 2015
Messages
57
Location
Seminole, Florida
Bike
2007 ST-1300
Can you run a fatter motorcycle tire on the rear of the ST1300? My new to me bike will need a rear tire, it has 7k on it and is on the wear bar. I would like some more meat, has anyone gone to another wider size and if so what size and tire please.
I was reading and noticed a fairly new tire made by Bridgestone for this heavier ST, their add sounded pretty intriguing.

The Bridgestone T30 spec tire...

SPORT TOURING RADIAL TIRE DEVELOPED TO REPLACE THE BT-023 THE T30 OFFERS IMPROVED HANDLING WITH LIGHT FEEL, LINEAR RESPONSE, AND BETTER DRY GRIP
NEW TREAD PATTERN OFFERS HANDLING AND GRIP IMPROVEMENT THROUGH OPTIMIZED SUPPORT AND CONTACT PATCH
UPDATED CARCASS CONSTRUCTION INSPIRES CONFIDENCE IN CORNERING BY PROVIDING INCREASED FOOTPRINT ON THE ROAD, PLUS LIGHT PREDICTABLE HANDLING AND GOOD LINE HOLDING
NEW FRONT RUBBER COMPOUND (REAR IS DUAL COMPOUND) DEVELOPED USING MOTOGP ANALYSIS BRINGS IMPROVED PERFORMANCE RANGE OF OPERATING TEMPERATURES
UTILIZES RC POLYMER/NANOPRO-TECH TECHNOLOGY
"GT" SPEC AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES TO SUIT HEAVY WEIGHT MOTORCYCLES (FRONT HAS MODIFIED TREAD PATTERN)
(W)-RATED FOR SPEEDS OF 168+ MPH
 
Re: Rear Tire question

I wonder if a wider tire (aka fatter) has more rubber to wear out in the center than the recommended tire. Are not all tires more or less equal in thickness? If you are one of those guys who does not wear a strip in the center from slab riding then yes, common sense says a fatter tire, all else being equal, will have more rubber to wear off. If you commonly wear down the center to the wear indicators, then I don't know how much additional life you would get.

You could always go darkside, tho I personally am not in favor of that.
 
Re: Rear Tire question

I've ran darkside twice, not for me. I just wanted to fill out that rear end some, the stock tire is a skinny little thing. It will not give additional miles, I understand that.
 
Re: Rear Tire question

Here you go

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BFGoodrich.jpg
 
Re: Rear Tire question

I tried a T30GT on the ST1300 but it was the stock rear tire size. I got just over 6,000 miles on the rear. Handling was just fine but
the wear wasn't. I'm one of those that never gets the long wear others on this site do. If I get 8000 miles on a rear tire, I'm satisfied.
 
Re: Rear Tire question

I had a 190/50 - 17 that was nearly new. (It came off my Hayabusa) I ran over a nail and needed to replace the 170 on my ST, so I put the 190 on.
I like the way it handles with the bigger tire. When it came time to replace it, I put another 190 on.


It's only 10 mm wider on a side - that's less than half an inch,
 
Re: Rear Tire question

I think tire longevity will be dependent on the brand of tire and the pressure you run, not on size. I run a 190-55-17 on the FJR, where stock is 180-55-17. It is a bit taller (if you do the calculation of aspect ratio), thus raising the rear end a little bit. This will quicken turn-in, and is immediately noticeable (in a good way IMHO). But the last one didn't last any longer than any before that....... I have not tried a T30, but my understanding is they are a touch softer compound than some popular tires.... perhaps some more research required on that.....
 
Re: Rear Tire question

OK, maybe I should rephrase this. I'm not looking for more longevity.
I'd just like to know the widest tire that will fit on the ST1300 without rubbing or modifications of any kind. I'm simply looking for a fatter footprint. If stock is 170/60/17 what number designates the height and width? Will the ST1300 take a 180/55/17? Would this also effect the height?
TIA
 
Re: Rear Tire question

I typically use PR2/3/4s, but I did try one set of the T30s - mostly enticed by a great promotional offer they had. I'm not the most discerning tire connoseur so I won't comment on that, except to say I have switched back to the Michellin PRs as they last longer with my usage (and I tend to wear them out relatively quickly) and the don't wear out as rapidly at the end. FWIW
 
Re: Rear Tire question

Dragonslayer said:
OK, maybe I should rephrase this. I'm not looking for more longevity.
I'd just like to know the widest tire that will fit on the ST1300 without rubbing or modifications of any kind. I'm simply looking for a fatter footprint. If stock is 170/60/17 what number designates the height and width? Will the ST1300 take a 180/55/17? Would this also effect the height?
TIA
Click to expand...
Anyone, 170/60/17 vs. 180/55/17?
 
Re: Rear Tire question

Wow 970Mike, looks like a snow tire! ;) What make and size is that one?
Liking my GYTT got some good riding in on it at FL-SToc this weekend.
 
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Re: Rear Tire question

Dragonslayer said:
Anyone, 170/60/17 vs. 180/55/17?
Click to expand...

I ran a 180/55 PR4/gt. I had to replace a tire in the middle of a trip and it was all the shop had. It went on with no issues. Clearances were fine. Handling......well I am no good enough to tell the difference on the road. Maybe on the track? I got virtually the same mileage out of it as I do with 170's. About 8,000 kms or 5,000 miles.

Rod
 
I'm running the michelin Commander 2 160/70-17 on my 1100, third one. I'm averaging 17,000 miles, next best thing to a dark side tar. Doesnt come in 1300 size, tho. More load capacity than the 170/60s too. Just the opposite of what yur looking for, narrower instead of wider.

If I had a 1300, I'd do as Mike does. He gives up nothing to anyone on the road. :)
 
George said:
I'm running the michelin Commander 2 160/70-17 on my 1100, third one. I'm averaging 17,000 miles, next best thing to a dark side tar.
Click to expand...

+1. I'm on my 2nd MCII. I got 20,218 miles out of my 1st and it still had a little left in the tank. I've got about 4000 miles on my 2nd MCII and it still looks pretty new.
 
Re: Rear Tire question

drrod said:
I ran a 180/55 PR4/gt. I had to replace a tire in the middle of a trip and it was all the shop had. It went on with no issues. Clearances were fine. Handling......well I am no good enough to tell the difference on the road. Maybe on the track? I got virtually the same mileage out of it as I do with 170's. About 8,000 kms or 5,000 miles.

Rod
Click to expand...
Drrod,
I appreciate it, thank you.:bannana
 
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