[Katharsis]

Great job guys!!!!!

I'm not looking to do anything that ambitious - just wondered if a 170 would fit (and the fat rubber DOES look cool despite some comments to the contrary !!!). I can always do some measuring but the bike is stored for the winter so I don't have access to it right now. I'm more concerned about fit than any so-called handling issues.

[Kreylyn]

Great job guys!!!!!

I'm not looking to do anything that ambitious - just wondered if a 170 would fit (and the fat rubber DOES look cool despite some comments to the contrary !!!). I can always do some measuring but the bike is stored for the winter so I don't have access to it right now. I'm more concerned about fit than any so-called handling issues.

I would not recomend a 170 tire on a 4.5 rim. It's not just performance that is an issue. There are safety concerns as well. Not using the right tire size can cause heat issues, sidewall failure, and pre-mature wear. This are real issues. This does not mean you WILL have a tire failure. It means you greatly increase that chance.

Can you put one on? Yes. Is it going to work? Maybe. Is it really going to look any different than a 160... no... not really. You could put a 180 on a 4.5 rim and it will still look small! The rim pulls the edges of the tire in if it's too small and will not give you the effect your looking for.

My suggestion to anyone thinking of putting bigger than recomended sizes... do it right. Either modify the bike in a manner that will "safely" allow for a larger tire, or stick with the recomended sizes.

Krey

[Katharsis]

I hear what you're saying but I think it's a bit overstated. It was common practise to go 10-20mm wider than stock when outfitting my Gixxer with new rubber and never any issues with safety. Still, better safe then sorry and the Kat is a different beast. I'll go with the 160 on back then.

THANKS!!!

[andrewzkatana05]

i got a 05 katana 600 with a 180 tire in the back i use to have a 190

[Anoucka]

There are safety concerns as well. Not using the right tire size can cause heat issues, sidewall failure, and pre-mature wear. This are real issues. This does not mean you WILL have a tire failure. It means you greatly increase that chance.

Yes tyremanufacturers are morons....

[scottynoface]

i got a 05 katana 600 with a 180 tire in the back i use to have a 190

I bet it handles like a freight train...my ninja handled like a turd with a 190 on it, and I have a 5.5" rim

[Katharsis]

Yes tyremanufacturers are morons....

Nope, I'm pretty sure they know what they're talking about. Of course, their statements have nothing to do with a society that is litigiously overzealous (likes to sue the a$$ off manufacturers in other words )!!! People always take it to the extremes then blame the manufacturer so the manufacturers have to cover their a$$es!!!

The issues you're talking about are typically seen when people DO take it to the extremes, say a tire (tyre?) 30-40 mm larger than stock (without going to a larger rim and/or other mods), especially on heavier bikes like the Kat. I have yet to see a failure of this type in my 25 yrs of riding though. Of course, I'm no expert, nor am I saying that tire manufacturers or other "experts" on this site are wrong, just expressing my opinion (no matter how asinine you may feel it is :mrgreen.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the people on this forum want to make sure that everyone is riding safely and they don't want to say anything that could cause injury for another rider but I think the matter is being overstated.


I guess we just agree to disagree



Hope everyone is still friends

[scottynoface]

So you ask if you can, but get mad when everyone says you shouldn't?

If you don't want to hear the answer don't ask the question. Fat tires do not make you cool, especially on a Katana. Your turn in will suck as well, there is absolutely no reason to get a 170mm tire without modifying your bike to fit it (bigger rim/swinger). Can you tell the difference between a 160 and a 170? Because not many people can eyeball a 10mm difference, especially on a rim that is too narrow for the tire. Have fun at bike night

[Katharsis]

Scotty, Scotty, Scotty, I was trying to say that I don't necessarily agree with what everyone says but I wasn't being rude about it, I was trying to make light of it!!!

Read a couple of posts up, I conceded I was going to go with a 160 (Actually, I already ordered the tires - see I listened to what people said ). I think a fat tire on any sport/sport-tourer is cool (my opinion) but you're right, 170, 160, not much of a difference so why bother.

P.S. I'm not mad, HONEST!!!

[Sambo1987]

I have a 98 and have a 170 on the back.. Yes it DOES fit a stock wheel and swingarm and even clears a Powerbronze hugger. At least the Metzler Z6 does. Others MIGHT require a bigger wheel.

Now it's time for my OPINION

While it does fit just fine and clears everything, it does affect the handling/turning much more than you'd expect. Personally I think I'll go with a 160 next time. If you have a showbike and don't ride it then go for it. Again this half is just my thoughts.

[Anoucka]

Nope, I'm pretty sure they know what they're talking about. Of course, their statements have nothing to do with a society that is litigiously overzealous (likes to sue the a$$ off manufacturers in other words )!!! People always take it to the extremes then blame the manufacturer so the manufacturers have to cover their a$$es!!!

The issues you're talking about are typically seen when people DO take it to the extremes, say a tire (tyre?) 30-40 mm larger than stock (without going to a larger rim and/or other mods), especially on heavier bikes like the Kat. I have yet to see a failure of this type in my 25 yrs of riding though. Of course, I'm no expert, nor am I saying that tire manufacturers or other "experts" on this site are wrong, just expressing my opinion (no matter how asinine you may feel it is :mrgreen.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the people on this forum want to make sure that everyone is riding safely and they don't want to say anything that could cause injury for another rider but I think the matter is being overstated.


I guess we just agree to disagree



Hope everyone is still friends

Katharsis you didn't read my post well enough, I quoted Kreylin not you.
All I meant to say is that you would be safe with a 170/60 as long as it is "rated" for the 4.5 rimwidth and the weight off the Kat.

best off regards, Anoucka

[teddy]

Have fun at bike night

So, people who attend bike nights are bad? What does this comment mean exactly Scotty?

Enlighten me.