newbie tyres question
 

hello folks

i am picking up my 1998 900ss on saturday and had a couple of tyre queries.

i dont know what sort of tyres are on the bike at present...but for someone who prefers grip at the expense of longevity, what is a recommended tyre choice for grip over wear? wont be doing any track days but need to get 2500 miles out of a set per year.

and secondly...i believe the rear tyre is standard size at 170/60/17...can a 180 section be put on and if so is there any benefit/loss in doing so over a 170 please?

many thanks.

Almost any tyre will get you that kind of mileage, even a super sticky on a 900SS will last ages.

Bigger tyre lookes better, is more expensive and slows the steering. Doesnt even give you more grip.

I had D208's on my ST4 and got 4500 miles including four trackdays out of them.

Leave the 170 section on and look at some of the new Bridgestones or Diablo's

Diablos, or if you really want grip over longevity Diablo Corsa's (although you'd have to be very brave to need more than ordinary Diablos for the road).

My ST2's standard tyre size is 170 on the rear as well, but I use 180's. Not because they look good, but simply because they are a more standard size and more places have them in stock. They slow the steering a bit, but not so a numpty like me would notice.

Go for diablo's

I rode my mates 900ss at Lydden Hill a couple of years ago & you'd be really doing well to need more grip than they offer given the power/torque on offer & the really smooth delivery

so Pirelli Diablo's it is when they need changing. is the general opinion then to stay with 170 section or 180? i do like the look of a 180 but dont want to ruin any handling traits just for the look.

Stay with the 170, the bike will turn in much more quickly. 180's are a fashion accessory on this bike. IMHO that is......

Although i have to say that my bike is running a 180 rear simply becasue thats what was on the bike when i got it and i didnt want to change the handling becasue i'm happy with the way it is.