No more Michelins DOT race tires in 160 width

[eforer]

So I called up Moto Race to buy some new rubber for round 1 to discover Michelin is no longer making a 160 width rear. I have an SV and have just always run Michelin DOT race tires on it. When I had PK setup the suspension he had me specify the tire brand because the differences in size from one tire to another would effect the geometry. My questions are: How different are the diameters from one manufacturer to another and how significant will the impact be to my setup. I have really no basis for comparison so I'm not sure what expect. Lastly, how do other sv riders feel about the new American made Dunlop DOT race tires?

Thanks for the input!

[TTD]

If you care to check out the Pirelli's, we'd be happy to help you make any adjustments regarding tire size.

Most SV guys on Pirelli's run this tire:

http://www.gomtag.com/product/14662/name.htm

[OreoGaborio]

My questions are: How different are the diameters from one manufacturer to another and how significant will the impact be to my setup. I have really no basis for comparison so I'm not sure what expect. Lastly, how do other sv riders feel about the new American made Dunlop DOT race tires?

Thanks for the input!

I don't think they'll be TOO different, but whatever you end up going to you WILL probably need to make some changes and experiment a bit to see what works.

Your best bet is to measure everything the way it is right now, make the switch to whatever tire your heart desires, try to replicate the geometry you had the best you can and start experimenting with your compression & rebound to get it where you want, keeping records of the changes you've made along the way.

Can't help ya on the Dunlops, though plenty of other LRRS racers could probably chime in. I run the Pirelli's on my SV and have had plenty of good results with them with help & support from the guys at MTAG.

[RocketPunch]

It will depends on if the difference is front only, rear only, or both and the amount and if it is an increase or decrease in diameter. In general it will either affect your rake/trail, swing arm angle, cg location, weight distribution; some of the above or all of the above.

Why not contact PK directly and ask him for input? Find out the tire circumference of the tires you plan on using and provide him with the measurements. I am sure he already has all your data and can tell you how to adjust the chassis to compensate.

[eforer]

It will depends on if the difference is front only, rear only, or both and the amount and if it is an increase or decrease in diameter. In general it will either affect your rake/trail, swing arm angle, cg location, weight distribution; some of the above or all of the above.

Why not contact PK directly and ask him for input? Find out the tire circumference of the tires you plan on using and provide him with the measurements. I am sure he already has all your data and can tell you how to adjust the chassis to compensate.

Calling PK is probably the best course of action. I figured since I just found this out tonight I would pester the SV guys on here and see if they had any insight.

[Chippertheripper]

Keeping it pinned is the best course of action. Followed by a switch to dunlops.