Best Tire Size for Handling

RockOn

Turbocharged
Joined
Feb 22, 2018
Messages
551
Location
Escondido, CA
Ride
2006 R3 Classic, 2008 R3T, 2009 Harley Ultra
My searches for a good handling front tire size come up with a recommended front size of 140/75/17 or in one case a 150/60/17. I can't find any size recommended for the rear tire other than the 240/55/16.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you have regarding good handling tire brands and sizes for my '06 classic. Thanks in advance. :)

PS It would be great to have the same brand tire front and back but best handling combo regardless of brand is my preference.

PSS Yes, my search skills suck and I apologize in advance for asking about something that is probably common knowledge. :notworthy:
 
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72,000 miles of tires on my R3R, many tires! :rolleyes:
The absolute best available today are the B-Stone Exedra Max 240/55R16 rear and Michellin Road 5 150/70R17 front. (NOT 150/60)
I have a PDF list of tires if you wish it.
 
72,000 miles of tires on my R3R, many tires! :rolleyes:
The absolute best available today are the B-Stone Exedra Max 240/55R16 rear and Michellin Road 5 150/70R17 front. (NOT 150/60)
I have a PDF list of tires if you wish it.

Okay Bud, thanks, I'll most likely go with your highly regarded experience and knowledge between now and when my rubbers get a bit thinner. :)

Oh, yes, please, your .pdf list.....I've seen in the past but if you can post again, great, thanks!
 
72,000 miles of tires on my R3R, many tires! :rolleyes:
The absolute best available today are the B-Stone Exedra Max 240/55R16 rear and Michellin Road 5 150/70R17 front. (NOT 150/60)
I have a PDF list of tires if you wish it.

I have looked at a bunch of online tire sites and each of them show the Michelin Road 5 in the 150/70R/17 size as a, "Rear" tire. Where am I going wrong? :unsure:
 
If I remember right he's using a rear tire "flipped" (mounted with the directional arrow facing backward) on the front.
 
Okay Bud, thanks, I'll most likely go with your highly regarded experience and knowledge between now and when my rubbers get a bit thinner. :)

Oh, yes, please, your .pdf list.....I've seen in the past but if you can post again, great, thanks!

Tires_Possible Rocket Roadster Tires.jpg
 
I have looked at a bunch of online tire sites and each of them show the Michelin Road 5 in the 150/70R/17 size as a, "Rear" tire. Where am I going wrong? :unsure:

You are not "going wrong".
Run the tire backwards on the front wheel.
Absolutely the best front tire I have EVER run . . . without a doubt!
I am the son of an Indian Dealer (1947-1953) and was raised around motors. I have been riding since 1950, legal on the road since 1962, and I ride pretty hard in the twisties. This tire (started 2 years ago) inspired so much confidence on this huge motor, I am in awe! Nothing wrong with a good quality 140/75R, but the Road 5 is at least 33% better! Thousands of sport bikes can't be wrong!
 
If I remember right he's using a rear tire "flipped" (mounted with the directional arrow facing backward) on the front.

Yup, you are right....I see from his posted tire list. Hmmm....put a rear tire on the front but mount in the wrong direction. Oh boy.
 
This is NOT a new thing and has been done by many, many riders with great success!
It not only works well, you will also get much better mileage with it.
 
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