120/60zr17 and 170/60zr17 on 95 kat

[JohnbliYayzzy]

Here's my situation:
I bought the bike on 2004 (1999 Kat 600), and now I need new tires. The tires that came on the bike were:
Rear: 160/60ZR17 Avon Azaro AV46-ST
Front: 120/70ZR17 Avon Azaro AV45-ST

I know I have read that a rear 160 isn't the way to go, and I tried searching "160" but it is too short on characters to allow me to run the search.

I want to go with the Z6's cuz thats what practically everyone says they love, but my question is:
1.) What have I lost by having the 160 on the rear this whole time and what is the reason I cannot continue on with another 160?
2.) What will I gain by going to a 150 or other tire?
3.) What are the tire sizes you would purchase if you were me, and why?
4.) Where is the cheapest place to buy the tires online?

Thanks so much everyone! You are always helpful!

-John

[steves]

160/60 is the stock tire on the 98+ There is no problem running that size.

[JohnbliYayzzy]

Also, to add to the question, I see there is a few options in the front tire:
120/70ZR-17
120/70ZR-17 C
120/70ZR-17 G
120/70ZR-17 K
120/70ZR-17 U

Any thoughts?

[Sasquatch]

160/60 is the stock tire on the 98+ There is no problem running that size.

150/70 rear and 120/70 front are stock (at least on the 06's)

[HS2020]

150/70 rear and 120/70 front are stock (at least on the 06's)

True but it being a 4.5 inch rear rim you can run a 160/60 with no problem. The SV650 came with the same rims with 120/70 and 160/60 on them Figure that one out. Why did they put the 150/70 on the Kat

[JohnbliYayzzy]

so HS2020, what would u choose to run as your front and back on a 1999 kat 600?

[HS2020]

so HS2020, what would u choose to run as your front and back on a 1999 kat 600?

It all depends on what type of riding you are doing. If you do more twisties I would go with the M3's Sporttech. Lot of touring the Mez6's. The Diablos are good tires as well. I would not go with Dunflop or Slickstones. Michelin pilot roads are pretty good tires as well the pilot powers. I would run the 120/70 front and the 160/60 rear in those brands and even the Conti Force tires or the Avon. Just have to read up on the tires and decide.

[JohnbliYayzzy]

Thanks a lot HS2020..very helpful

[reconstyle]

160/60 is the stock tire on the 98+ There is no problem running that size.

150 is stock for the 98+.

When/if you are looking for a 160 tire, just make sure it has the right weight rating.

[Mat0302]

+1 on the Stock 150 rear. The new '08 gsx650f have a stock 160 rear

[jmeadows7638]

I Run A 160 And I Have No Problems.

[JohnbliYayzzy]

OK, I ordered the 160/60 Z6 and the 120/70 Z6.... hope it all works out!

[arsenic]

a 160 on a 98+ 4.5" rim will have 0 problems. I wouldn't put a 160 on a pre 3.5" rim, but HS2020 has that and it's fine for him.

[HS2020]

I wouldn't put a 160 on a pre 3.5" rim, but HS2020 has that and it's fine for him.

Thats because I like to go against the grain. Buck the system. Rebel without a clue

[Wreckie29]

120/60zr17 and 170/60zr17 on 95 kat

I thought it was odd but everything i found on here said that i shouldn't run larger on a pre98 with stock rims but my 95 runs fine on my 120/60 170/60 combo it has. Should i go smaller when i get new tires or stay with what im happy with????