Advantages of changing from 60 to 70 profile front tyre?

[blackdog]

i phoned my bike shop to order a new front tyre today, manufacturers spec 120-60/17.

helpful lad asked if i was sure i didn't want a '70' series tyre instead.

well, i'm happy with the way the one on there handles so i'll stick with that i said. ok.

now actually, i didn't look at what was on the bike, just got the spec off the web, i've just been out to the bike to see what was actually on it, turns out it's a '70'

what advantage does this have over the spec'd '60'. should i stay with the '70' or go back to the manufacturers recommended '60'

bugger, now i'm confused.

as with everything, i suspect a gain in one area will result in a sacrifice in another. anyone know what these gains and sacrifices will be?

cheers guys

[Crasherfromwayback]

The 70 has a slightly taller sidewall, which will make the steering a tad slower. Better rim protection if you hit a square edged pothole though.

[blackdog]

The 70 has a slightly taller sidewall, which will make the steering a tad slower. Better rim protection if you hit a square edged pothole though.

lol typical int it. he reckoned the taller tyre would make turn in a bit quicker.......

which way would you go pete?

[george formby]

The 70 has a slightly taller sidewall, which will make the steering a tad slower. Better rim protection if you hit a square edged pothole though.

I am ignorant on these matters but would a taller sidewall not allow for a sharper profile, giving quicker turn in?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Was that someone here mate? I'd be using the 70 myself.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I am ignorant on these matters but would a taller sidewall not allow for a sharper profile, giving quicker turn in?

No. The smaller sidewall means the front is a little lower...hence a tad steeper in the steering angle. The same effect as lifting the rear a tad.

[Flip]

The diference is three fifths of bugger all, the 70 is slightly taller thats all.

[mouldy]

Bandit 600 runs a 120/60 all bigger run a70 . As above the taller tyre will slow steering a tad but bugger all . With a few exceptions it doesn't really pay to go away from oem sizes as manufacturers normally put of effort into research .

[F5 Dave]

Common to run 70s on old R6s etc that spec'd 60s, but best to take geometry back to standard by dropping the forks so you end up where you started, but check there is clearance room. Think there was an article on Sportrider (magazine) website, if you search there you might find it.

[Hoon]

I am ignorant on these matters but would a taller sidewall not allow for a sharper profile, giving quicker turn in?

Yep I agree. Changing from 60 to 70 profile fronts actually sped up the steering for me. The steeper profile means more aggressive change as you lean in and was far more noticeable than any ride height differences. It can also give you more lean angle as on some bikes you can run off the edge on 60 profile.

I guess results could vary depending on brands so you really need to compare the profiles side by side and draw your own conclusions.