Is anyone running 130/70/16 front tire on touring?

[rocket51]

I am wanting to make the front end more nimble. Anyone try going to smaller front tire. Will 130/70/16 fit front wheel?

 

[kmrmike]

I have an 08 touring and my brother had his Harley triked...He had a few more miles left on his front tire,so I tried it on my bike. immediately noticed how much easier it handled and turned...I believe it was a Dunlop 402...It's a smaller tire but has a higher load rating plus when I got it it had 25,000 miles on it and I put 6,500 miles on it!!
Just one small problem....might have to eat a little crow as it says Harley Davidson on the sidewall!!

 

[rocket51]

I am going to try a 130/90/16 Michelin Commander on front

I ordered a Metz 130/70/16 and decided it is to small and doesn't have enough weight rating so I am going to sell it or send it back for a Michelin 130/90/16 which is about the same height but narrower and has higher weight rating than the Metz 150/80/16 I now have on the bike. It may be a while before I install the new tire as I still have a lot of tread on the Metz. I think I will like the handling better with the narrower tire. Anyone near Dallas need a new 130/70/16 ZR rated tire for $90?

 

[slidderhd]

Avon

I just changed from the 150 Metz. to a 150 Avon and can tell the difference in it. The Avon is more pointed. Metz ME 880 has always been a more flat rounded tire. Just my 2cents.

 

[Greeny]

130/90/16 would be the same height as a 150/70 but should steer better

 

[slidderhd]

Please be careful. Thinner tread means less rubber on the road for the 66% of your breaking power.

 

[DaddyRabbit]

Avon

I just changed from the 150 Metz. to a 150 Avon and can tell the difference in it. The Avon is more pointed. Metz ME 880 has always been a more flat rounded tire. Just my 2cents.

I agree! I just put the Avon on the front and feels better than the Metz! Also put the Exedra Max on the rear! I like!!

 

[Power-Tripp]

Please be careful. Thinner tread means less rubber on the road for the 66% of your breaking power.

Changing tire width does not change the area of the contact patch. It only changes the shape.
A narrower tire has a longer contact patch at the same tire pressure.

 

[slidderhd]

Must be psychological. I like the thought of a fatter tire stopping the beast.

 

[rocket51]

I have pretty much decided to try the 130/90/16. I purchased a 130/70/16 and it was not near tall enough. The 130/90/16 will be almost as tall as the stock.