i need tire advice

[BALDnBLK]

i have 2008 ninja 650< 1st bike ever> with stock wheels and tires don't ask me the size,i got no idea,but anyway i have notice much wider tires on many sportbikes other than mine i'm wondering should i purchase some if so how wide and do they make a traction difference or ride difference or even a wear difference???also any particular brand better than others? thank for the help...

[eidian]

My Z1000 came with 190/50's--I sized down to 180/55's. I notice that you didn't mention that there are plenty of bikes that have narrower tires than yours...why not? Trying to earn poser points?

While Kawi might not put on the best quality tires out there on the market, they are very good at choosing the correct tire size...they pay engineers a lot of money to get that right. The 190's on the Z1 are very good for stability and since it's not SuperSport, that size makes sense. I like to do the twisties once in-a-while so I sized down to get better handling via a bigger contact patch when leaning. Are you aiming for more stability at the cost of leaning? If so, size up...other wise stick with the stock size.

[jaseman]

Also, what type of riding are you doing? Not positive, but I think the 650 comes with sport-touring tires. The style of tire you choose is just as important as the brand and model.

Dedicated sport tires have gobs of grip for cornering. But the trade-off often comes with less tire life and wet traction. A good sport-touring tire will give any newbie more grip than they can use, while maintaining decent life and wet-traction.

As for size, I'd recommend staying with the stock size for now. Until you've got some serious miles under your belt, you probably won't be able accurately decide what handling characteristics your willing to trade-off. The wider tires do look cool, but often can reduce agility. Especially if they have a flatter profile than the stock rubber.

I like BattleAxe BT-021's or Conti Road Attacks. Both are nice, aggressive, sport-touring tires. But thats for my bike and my riding style and needs. Try asking in the Sportbike section, and see what other 650 riders like.

[NCDave]

Stick with stock sizes. If you ride more aggressively, go with Mich Power Sports. if not, go with the stock brand in the same size. No reason to widen them unless it's just for looks.

[rbentnail]

Originally Posted by NCDave

Stick with stock sizes. If you ride more aggressively, go with Mich Pilot Power or Pilot power 2CT. if not, go with the stock brand in the same size. No reason to widen them unless it's just for looks.

Fixed it for ya. The Pilot Power is stickier but the 2CT is a compound tire for longer wear life in the center.
Michelin North America Motorcycle Tires

[NCDave]

Thank you sir!

I put the 2CT on the back of the buell. The jury is still out on tire life.