Wider rear tire

[Magnum Magna]

I have ordered the break stay bar from Cycle-istiC.  So I will be going with a wider tire for less slippage and more stability.  I now have Dunlop 555 150-80-15.  What is the wider tires I can use.  From my reading of the previous post it looks like Dunlop I can go to a 170 and  Metzler could go to 180 please correct me if I am wrong.  

And what other brand options and proper sizes?

[MagnaMan]

Tire choices
You pretty much have your choice between the 170 and 180 size tires in both the Metzeler and Dunlop brands. The 170 is actually the wider of the two and is about 1 inch taller which raises the rear about .5 inches.

Larger sizes vs. handling
I have been running the 170 tire since November. For me, I was going for handling and performance. I am not convinced that it has improved my handly in some respects. Theoretically raising the rear of the bike will make your steering sharper and a wider tire will allow a more gradual lean into the corners.

However the tire is now mounted on a rim that is is about .5 inches smaller than it should be. This curls the tire and in reality you can end up with a smaller contact patch.

I have been watching my tire. Since I do a lot of city commuting it wears in the middle slightly more than the edges. I believe that the width of my contact is actually smaller on the larger tire than it was on the stock size tire.

So I'm not entirely convinced that I'm getting improved traction by going to a larger/wider tire. On the next round I may go back to the stock tire.

Metz vs. Dunlop
This is a preference thing for sure. I am one of the few Mootsters who has been running Dunlops over the Metzlers.

Metzelers will last longer and wear more evenly that's for sure. Dunlops are stickier and grip better but they will supposedly harden faster and become slick on you. Personally I've never had a Dunlop last long enough to do that, so I guess it depends upon your riding.

I may go back to Metzler the next time round. My Metzeler front tire sure has lasted a long time and worn well.

My two cents.

[Greg Cothern]

Me personally I like the 180/70 Metz, yeah not quite as tall or wide by 10mm..  But fits the rim better I think.

[Magnum Magna]

But fits the rim better I think.

However the tire is now mounted on a rim that is is about .5 inches smaller than it should be. This curls the tire and in reality you can end up with a smaller contact patch.

Could the 180/70 Metz equal more rubber on the road if it fits rim better?
Or should I run a hair low on air?

[Greg Cothern]

I would NOT recommend running lower air pressures this is dangerous as it will cause the tire to heat more..

[Curtis_Valk]

I vote for the 180.  It looks more meaty and fits the look of the bike better in my opinion.  The 170 just looks too tall to me.

My $.02
Curtis

[Magnum Magna]

I will be pricing local places soon.  My inspection sticker is do in May so I may need one before passing.
http://www.motorcycleproshop.com/detail.asp?product_id=110-10421
http://www.motorcycleproshop.com/tires/metzeler/me880.asp

[Charles S Otwell]

I run a 170/80-15 Shinko (R230) V-rated . It is a wider tire than stock but not too wide. I paid $97.00 tax and all . Damen at HRI racing sells alot to his sport bike riders . I really like them. I think the attachment came thru.

[Charles S Otwell]

I think you can click on the pic for a closer look?

[Magnum Magna]

170/80-15 Shinko I will price them also it looks good.

[RedMagna]

If you buy over the internet instead of locally, check out SouthWest Moto Tires.  The reason is the prices are pretty much the best on-line when you factor in the free shipping when you purchase two tires.  I purchased Dunlops just last week, got them within 3 days, and it was the best price I could find online.  Here's a link to the Metz they sell and remember to factor in shipping/handling when deciding to buy, http://arizonamoto.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SWMT&Category_Code=ME880

[kdf9511]

American Motorcycle Tire is also a good place to buy from if your only buying one tire.  I just bought a Bridgstone SE11 rear last week for $74 shipped.  Ordered it on a Friday afternoon and had it the following Wendsday.  I might have been able to get a better deal at a few other places but with out buying 2 tires nobody had free shipping. So I defanatly agree with

remember to factor in shipping/handling when deciding to buy,

[Magnum Magna]

I want to thank all that gave suggestions and opinions.  I got a OK deal on a local tire.  We removed the tire and took it to be removed , installed and balanced.  The pictures are after burnout (25 feet of rubber   )and new tire.  The old tire was 150-80-15 new is 170-80-15.  I can only see at most, a half an inch wider on the new tire.  It is a good three to four inches taller.  My gas milage should go up.  Originally 60 MPH = 4000 RPM now 60 MPH = 5700 or 65 MPH = 4000 RPM.  I like the Dunlop but could try the Metzeler 180-70-15 next only if it is tall like this one.