[Stirz]

I'm with Jesse and t-rav on this one - 140's.

One brand/profile in 150 may be very similar to another brand/profile 140 so sometimes that works out well, but by going 160 you will likely need to lower the rear suspension (decrease preload) and/or lower the forks in the trees to get back to stock geometry - otherwise, handling and/or high speed stability could suffer.

Tire choice is usually based on how you ride or what you want from the bike - appearance, daily commuter, canyon carver, track day/racing.

But, like oil - opinions vary, no warranty expressed or implied, use interweb advice at your own risk

 

[Stirz]

FOLLOW UP TO TIRE SIZE CHANGE: First I bought the standard size in the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II, first finding the ride was better but the bike didn't have the stability I expected with a sharp angle lean. The front tire began to leak with no sign of a cut or nail. The dealer couldn't find it either, although it lost 1.5 lbs over night. I bit the bullet to replace both tires with the Metzeler Sportec M7RR in the 150/60 17 rear and the 110/70 17 front. These are Z-Rated tires and the handling improved significantly and I can only say the tread design was the reason. I also noticed the front tire was somewhat fatter than the Pirelli, even though they are the same size. The downside is the loss of gas mileage to 52.5 mpg at 75 mph. It looks better and it fits the rear rim very well. Mountain Motorsports technician was surprised the oval on the tire was correct, and the side view looked normal. I have no explanation for any of this because my other bike had 180 on the rear and 120 on the front. This is my first experience with the smaller tires. I noticed after a few rides, my chicken stripe was about the same 3/4" on each side. After the tires are broken in, I will get it to 1/4" where it usually is. Now someone might ask why it won't be gone, and that's because I don't ride on the track. I've watched too many guys crash their bikes that wanted to go low on the street, so just call it what it is, a chicken stripe.

Losing 1.5 overnight could just be tire heat change. 3-5 lb difference between cold and hot is not uncommon.

 

[Stirz]

'Fearmongering' is the term for it...

Excuse me while I head over to the stainless braided brake line thread and whip up some fear over how if they cause an accident and a Vehicular Accident Reconstruction Investigator finds out that they changed their own brake lines they're going to jail and losing their house...

1. I suggest you not do that.
2. Upgrading brake lines (or brake pads or headlights or tires, ad nauseum) will not cause you to go to jail or lose your house.
3. Keep in mind over half the forum are first-time street bike owners. Promoting substantial changes in tire profiles to riders who may lack the experience to know what these changes will do is not exactly prudent. Not saying it should not ever be done, just that there are risks and consequences associated with those changes.