Conti Race Attack rear required?

[SuperRetard]

Hi Guys,

Self confessed noob here concerning tyres, and I now there is a lot of knowledge on here, so......

Just picked up a Aprilia SXV550 running the standard Rims (5.5in Rear 3.5in Front both 17"). Has had a set of tyres thrown at it to get a WOF (was previously on track slicks only).

The front tyre is a Conti Race Attack "soft" and looks fine.

The Rear tyre is a good Conti Race Attack "med" but is only 160 wide The profile looks more like a mountain peak than a continuous round shape. Bike rides fine but I really don't wanna push it as I don't trust the tyre as I am lead to believe its to narrow for the rim. I am told it should be a 180 rear.

Being a fussy bastard but also tight I dont wanna spend any more money than I have to (or at all). What are opinions about that tyre and rim?

If I was to get a new rear I would prefer to keep same brand front and rear, where is the cheapest (or best) place to get a price for these? Are ex-race tyres an option? Who from? etc etc Would any tyre dealers give me anythign for the 160 as a "trade"?

Is it ok to run soft front and med rear? Since its a Supermoto it wont see a lot of miles per year, but does get pushed a bit when used.

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Just to confuse the issue....

I also got a really nice set of rims with the bike. Black Excel's with red hubs. They have a near new set of Mitchelin Supermoto race slicks on them. Im not going to race the bike (not yet) but was thinking about using the rims. I can keep the tyres for later or maybe sell... dont know yet.

Trouble is these rims are a different size.
Rear is 17"x5"
Front is 16.5"x3.5"

OK, so the existing 160 rear will fit the black rim (yay), but.... the 16.5" front seems a bitch to get WOF tyres for *sigh*. I would really like to use the flash black and red rims, but Im still up for (a hard to get) tyre and I must admit I like to look of the wider rear tyre better. Im told the 160 handles better, but I dont know if my street riding will push it that hard?

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My current thinking is to get a 180 Race attack rear on the standard rims and maybe look into getting the rims painted the way I want. Then I have the other complete set of rims and tyres should I want to play on the track at a later date.

I know.... lots of questions here and subjective answers. Just really looking for advice and help from more experienced people!

Ta
Brian

[SVboy]

Could mods put this in the motard section?

[Gremlin]

Could mods put this in the motard section?

Done

Im not going to race the bike (not yet) but was thinking about using the rims. I can keep the tyres for later or maybe sell... dont know yet.

If you're not racing it, then I probably wouldn't consider a tyre like the Race Attack. It's about as close to a track tyre, while staying legal for the road. They grip extremely well, but only in while in their operating temperature zone, and outside that they're slippery. Getting up into that zone also requires some effort, as it will slide around until it gets up to temperature. If you don't ride it hard enough, then you'll never get it there.

Consider what sort of riding you do, then get an appropriate tyre. Remember that tyres are also very subjective, so what one person will love and recommend, another could hate.

[SVboy]

I run Pilot Powers on my DRZ--which is not an aprilia! However, for street work,I recommend them.

[SuperRetard]

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[SuperRetard]

Thanks Guys,

Yeah I never really wanted this to be (another) what brand tyre should I get thread. I run pilot Powers on my other bike and like them, this bike is a little different. I was more looking for help about tyre sizing and widths, and opinions about the 160 tyre on a 5.5" rim etc.

I mentioned I am fussy, I would prefer not to have a different tyre front and rear (tread pattern, brand etc). I would prefer not to buy 2 tyres and I dont think the Conti's will be dreaful for the bike and the style of riding or KM's being done hence why I am thinking about a 180 Conti rear.

I could also get the Mitchlien slicks grooved and run the other rims, but I draw the line there as they are too far passed suitable

Brian

[toebug]

The standard tyre on the rear of a motard is 160 wide. Alot of the other race guys run 5.5" rear rim but I'm pretty sure they still run a 160 tyre. I have a KTM in my garage at the mo with a 5.5" rear and its got a 160 and my CRF is 5" with a 160. I dont think you will get 180 on there and I would think the chain would chop it out more that a 160 already gets. Cant offer any advise on the front, seems like a wierd size, are you sure it wont take a 17?

[SuperRetard]

Hey toebug,
The sxv comes from the factory with a 5.5" Tim and 180 tyre :-)
She's a beast, I guess a track bike really. I know a lot of the guys racing these swap to a 5"rim just to run 160's as they "turn in" better.
Just looking at it, the 160 seems a funny shape on the rim, so I'm not sure it's well suited, but I'm no expert.
I'm thinking I will price up a new conti 180 rear and stick to the standard rims.

[busadayz]

Change of topic a bit, the near new michelins that came with the bike, if you are interested in selling the rear tyre, drop me a line with
the size, condition, pictures if you can and price.
Cheers.
Sean, 021 1501305.

[AllanB]

A 5.5 inch rear rim usually runs a 180 (170 is fine) tyre.

Throw a Conti Sport Attack or Road Attack 2 on there for street use.