Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Tyres > 16 inch rims

[Paul James]

Got 16 inch rims on the 750 Sport so what decent rubber will I find to fit ?. Don't even mention Michelins !!!!!

[KeefyB]

Oooh thats a tough one.The 750 Sport has "funny" sized tyres the same as the old Paso.Pirelli used to do MP7's in the sizes,but they are obsolete.Yes,you've guessed it,Michelin did some in the correct size.A sports/touring tyre,M89?Probably obsolete as well!
I heard that early Fireblade front tyres could be made to fit.(Bidgies?)Not sure of the tyre/rim sizes,so dont quote me on that!Dont know what to match them with the rear either.
750 Sport('88-89) tyre sizes;
Front 130/60 16
Rear 160/60 16
Not much help am I,
I'll get my coat!

[Edited on 2-8-2004 by KeefyB]

[nelly]

I faced this problem when I had a Sport. In the end, I sold it
The options I had at the time were limited but I think MEZ1's looked favourite, but as with the Pirellis KB mentioned, I think they are obsolete now.
Have you tried the websites of the tyre manufacturers and see what they are recommending?

[Paul James]

AAAAAARRRGGHHHH

It was just a quick note to see what I was faced with guys, thought I'd better check before doing too much work on the bike.

Will take your advice and check with major tyre manufacturers, Metzelers are fine, Pirellis too but if it comes down to Michelins being the only option I'll take the bike out back and set fire to it. I ain't that brave

[Nigel C]

continental

[Loz]

Well done that man!
I forgot about Contis - they were brilliant (and cheap) on my old XJ900F.

[Jools]

Pardon me for being stoopid, but what's to stop a 17" rim conversion?

[KeefyB]

The problem with the 750 Sport is the o.e tyre sizes;
130/60 VR 16 front
160/60 VR 16 rear
Most tyre manufacturers (inc.Continental) offer a 130/70 16 front (Fireblade?) and a 150/80 16 rear.I dont know whether the two sizes are compatable tho.I dont know how wide the rims are,or whether those sizes would fit.I guess the tyre firms would know.Best get dialling and e-mailing then.
As for swapping the wheels for 17''ers,well thats down to the individual and what the bike is worth (not a lot,I guess).Depends if the bike is being restored "as origional" or done up to ride as a keeper.If its the latter then wheels of a later 900/750SS should go in without too much difficulty.Only you would need new discs as well 'cos the Sport used 280mm discs with no centres bolted to the wheel.New discs would probably mean the calipers would have to be remounted too,and so it goes on.I guess the easiest thing to do is bolt on the complete front end off a newer SS.Well thats the front sorted,now for the rear...............!

Best set fire to it mate!

[Paul James]

Matches at the ready, look to the South for the smoke Keefy

[KeefyB]