Yet another boring tyre thread

I like the Bridgestones I've fitted-much more sticky than the nasty OEM Metzelers...but..

The front tyre size is wide. It makes low speed turns an effort. Ordinary speeds, the bike likes running wide and needs control. Not a natural drop in in corners.

Has anyone fitted a narrower front tyre? Methinks this would help eliminate the, at times, ponderous steering.

Thoughts? Experiences? Will your wife like it? Will Beetle create a map? Will Pete hit it with a hammer? Is the world a stage?

GRiSO is a wrestler...  I've come to enjoy the bit of grappling that's required to get him to go where I want.

That being said, in answer to your question, I've never tried a narrower front tire to move from Greco-Roman to free-style steering.  One plus of the standard profile is the rock solid tracking through graceful sweepers.

For what it's worth, the Michelin Pilot Roads in standard configuration are a joy.

As a further comparison, the Stelvio is fitted with a standard 110/80 R19 tire up front and just falls effortlessly into corners.  The steering character with the GRiSO on 120/70 ZR17 tires requires a firm hand, the extra cm of wheelbase may also play a small role.

I'm working on a map for that right now. Not only will it lighten up the steering, it will make you more attractive to whichever team you play for. Puppies will seek you out. Strangers will buy you drinks at the pub. Supermarkets will let you shop for free. Donald Trump will call you 'tremendous'. Of course, Pete has to hit you with a hammer first.


The secret squirrel business with tyres is that manufacturers play mystery-width theatre sometimes. Bridgestone's 120 (or 180) may not be the same as Michelin's. Avon's aren't even close. Get thy rule and measure.

There's also a million threads on how to quicken GRiSO up. Fiddle about with fork protrusion. Lengthen your shock. No, a pump won't work.




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G'day Papa
Nothing boreing about tires .....
Without em our bikes would be in a sorry place, I like'm
I have Bridgestones, hav't done many ks on them yet but appear ok
take care

Putting a Michelin PR Mk 4 on my California 1400 front ends quickened up the steering on those long large beasts.

I'm counting on doing the same to my GRiSO, but I'm too mean to throw away an "adequate" Metzler one until it's worn a bit more.

PO had put oversize Metzler touring tires on my bike. Switching to stock size Pirelli Scoprion IIs was a revalation. EZ turn in and stable at speed. As Beetle noted, probably as much to do with the fork setup as the tire. Keeping the PSI up also sharpens things considerably (I run 36F / 38R).

Interesting yet strangely boring responses. Thanks all.

Haven't touched the forks-all I've done is get rid of the dreadful OWM Metzelers with their lack of grip.

i've had angel gt's fitted last wed see how they go

papa, i am on Pirelli Corsa's steering is sharper but they do wear a bit weird, drop the forks, soften up the spring on the front a bit and wrestle the bugger :-)

Wrestling buggers is what I do.