Best Tire Size for Handling

RockOn

Turbocharged
Joined
Feb 22, 2018
Messages
585
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:
 
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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