180/55 Rear tire options

[tiago]

Just joined the KTM family and bought a 2009 Duke with 450kms on it and after riding it for only 50km I realized the stock tires are pretty crappy. I am going back to Dunlop Q2's, just like on my Tuono and would like to know what is the largest size for the rear tire that will fit the the Duke... will a 180/55 fit?

Thanks!

Tiago

[bajadog]

Stock is 160/60 R17, but there was a post here a while back
about someone running a 180.

Just can find it.

[Calspeed]

A 180 might fit. But why would you want to put a 180?

I agree that a 180 would look cool. That is, if you had the proper size wheel to fit it. What is the size of your rear wheel. If you put a 180 tire on a narrow rim it will look bad and perform worse. Don't expect more traction and if you are unable to melt the sides of your 160 tire in the twisties you will have even larger chicken strips on the 180.

Miguel

[indyZrider]

Originally Posted by Calspeed

A 180 might fit. But why would you want to put a 180?

I agree that a 180 would look cool. That is, if you had the proper size wheel to fit it. What is the size of your rear wheel. If you put a 180 tire on a narrow rim it will look bad and perform worse. Don't expect more traction and if you are unable to melt the sides of your 160 tire in the twisties you will have even larger chicken strips on the 180.

Miguel

agreed......

[Clay]

agreed too.....

[anzhsb]

I remember I read an article in motorcyclist talking about installing bigger size tire in your bike. the answer is a big no no as it will make your bike unstable and bad handling .

[tiago]

thanks for the replies. i just need more grip than thee OE tires can give, so thought i would ask about tire size options before changing them.

[anzhsb]

if you need more grip, you can use BT016R . but I am using BT023.

[Calspeed]

Originally Posted by tiago

thanks for the replies. i just need more grip than thee OE tires can give, so thought i would ask about tire size options before changing them.

It is possible that you need tires that get to a proper operating temperature. Is it cold where you live? Maybe your tires are not warming up. I live in San Francisco and it doesn't warm up much. I have had to make tire choices based on climate criteria.

*see my review of the D616 in the review section

good luck

Miguel

[Calspeed]

Originally Posted by tiago

thanks for the replies. i just need more grip than thee OE tires can give, so thought i would ask about tire size options before changing them.

It is possible that you need tires that get to a proper operating temperature. Is it cold where you live? Maybe your tires are not warming up. I live in San Francisco and it doesn't warm up much. I have had to make tire choices based on climate criteria.

*see my review of the D616 in the review section.

good luck

Miguel