160/60-17 instead of a 16/70-17 on ST1100?

qman

Joined
Feb 7, 2015
Messages
62
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Bike
1992 ST1100
As if finding/buying tires wasn't enough of a PITA, the one thing I thought I was sure not to mess up . . . well you guessed it, I messed it up.

I bought a 160/60-17 instead of a 16/70-17.

So now I have this rear tire that is 16 mm shorter than what the bike calls for. Shall I return it or just slap it on?
 
it will work,, some guys run that size because the tire brand they want does not come in that size.. it will raise the rpms a bit at hi way speeds but it will get you out of the hole faster !!!
 
2 other minor concerns: (BTDT) is that it will be a bit harder to get up on the center stand, and stand more upright while on the kick stand. The kick stand issue can also be aggravated by the amount of sag in your suspension. Wasn't a big deal for me 'cause I've got a good bit of preload on my rear shock, but you will likely have to pay closer attention to where you park. That said, as long as it's the brand tire you like, ride it till you need another one!

To aid with "getting it up" on the center stand, roll the back wheel on to a board 1-2" thick. Makes it much easer!
 
sirepair said:
2 other minor concerns: (BTDT) is that it will be a bit harder to get up on the center stand, and stand more upright while on the kick stand. The kick stand issue can also be aggravated by the amount of sag in your suspension. Wasn't a big deal for me 'cause I've got a good bit of preload on my rear shock, but you will likely have to pay closer attention to where you park. That said, as long as it's the brand tire you like, ride it till you need another one!

To aid with "getting it up" on the center stand, roll the back wheel on to a board 1-2" thick. Makes it much easer!
Click to expand...

I have had a few short tires ala 170/60 or 160/60 but never thought about adding preload to compensate. Great idea.
 
Slydynbye said:
but never thought about adding preload to compensate. Great idea.
Click to expand...

IDK about adding preload to compensate for the short tire, it's just that I'm a bit um, er, thick and I ride 2 up alot so I tend to keep the preload cranked up. Also have a Progressive Suspension rear shock which is sprung a bit stiffer any way. Too much preload can jack with your handling. YMMV, etc!
 
170/60 rears (ST1300 size) work fine on ST1100s (I run them all the time). And the ABSII front ST1100 is the same size as the ST1300. As was said, with the 160/60, you'll just have to watch the side stand issue and grunt a little more to get it up on the center stand. Under motion, you'll not notice much difference at all.
 
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