55, 60 ,65 series comparison

[Russian Concussion]

I just got my 65 tire mounted and will put about a 1,000 miles on it this weekend, will let you know about my experience next week!

[2qmedic]

Quote from Valker - The 55/60/65 is the height from the bead to the tread.

I've wondered about this one.

Therefore a 65 vs 60 would increase the rear axle height by 5mm (3/16"),
therefore only increasing the seat height by approximately 2.5mm (3/32").

Is my math correct??

Hmmmm, nominal difference that I could handle.
I have 5 traffic lights between me and work, otherwise the speed limit is 55 - 70mph all the way for 84 miles one way. Hey, I could  do this!!   

[Valker]

Quote from Valker - The 55/60/65 is the height from the bead to the tread.

I've wondered about this one.

Therefore a 65 vs 60 would increase the rear axle height by 5mm (3/16"),
therefore only increasing the seat height by approximately 2.5mm (3/32").

Is my math correct??

Hmmmm, nominal difference that I could handle.
I have 5 traffic lights between me and work, otherwise the speed limit is 55 - 70mph all the way for 84 miles one way. Hey, I could  do this!!   

It's a bit different than that. The 55/60/65 is a percentage instead of a measurement. Example-a tire is a 205. That means the tread is 205mm wide. If it is a 55, that means the height of the sidewall is 205 X .55 = 112.75mm. A 60 series would be 123mm, and a 65 series would be 133.25mm. That means the difference will be 10.25mm added height for each higher aspect ratio number for each sidewall ( times two if I am right since one sidewall on top & one on bottom of each tire). The formula for the changing of mm to inches is 1"=25.4mm. This would make the difference in height between a 205/55 and a 205/65 would be 41mm or 41 divided by 25.4 = 1.6 inches taller. The difference would be 3/4 inch (.75") taller for a 60 series over a 55 series. Cut the 'taller' numbers in half to find a difference in height of the axle changing distance from the ground.
That said-different manufacturers sometimes have different height tires-go figure.

[Russian Concussion]

I just rode my first 30 Darkside miles on an all-season Pirelli 205/65/16 AND I'M LOVING IT!!!

The first 10 miles were tricky, then it was way easier. The bike wants to steady itself all the time, so more countersteering is necessary. Need to get used to the turns as well. But man does it feel faster and more stable! Caught myself doing 80 vs. regular 70, just in time to let a trooper pass me.

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[2qmedic]

That means the difference will be 10.25mm added height for each higher aspect ratio number for each sidewall

I somehow knew that it was not as simple as I thought it to be.

Let's try this again.

Therefore 60 vs 65 = 10.25mm additional rear axle height,
therefore 5.125 mm = 0.206" = 2.57/8" (3/8" approx) additional seat height.

OK, I got it now (hope it's approx correct), well I was only 100% off on the first try!!!
Thanks for the info Valker.

[Russian Concussion]

I don't know if my speedometer is off or if the GPS is showing incorrect data, but I see a 5 mph discrepancy between the two in the 70s range, the bike showing the higher speed reading - I ride a 65 tire.

[Roger]

I just put on a 195/60 R16, didn't need any mods and lots of clearance everywhere.  Took it out for a spin and I guess I am not a very sophisticated rider because I couldn't feel any difference on slow tight turns.  I didn't notice the requirement for maintaining more pressure on the handle bars while turning.  I have 32 psi, might try 34 to see if there is much difference.  I think it does tend to stand more vertical on level pavement.  I think it is much better than Elite 3 I replaced when accelerating out of a turn, not even a hint of slipping.  I think braking is better but my brakes seem a little soft so I might have to bleed them or something tomorrow.   No hint of rear wheel slipping while braking but I will check more after I check my brakes.   Even after only a couple of miles I think the Darkside is great.  It is supposed to rain this weekend I guess I will have to try it in the wet. 

[Roger]

It is a Bridgestone TURANZA EL400 as far as I know it is not a runflat but I don't know anything about runflats.

[Russian Concussion]

that's a nice looking tire, 195 is on a narrower side which may explain a more bike tire like feel

[Roger]

A friend, who also has a Valkyrie, road mine and he couldn't really feel any difference between the 195/60 R16 and his Avon tires with respect to more counter-steering, tracking ruts, etc.  Even though I don't experience any of those cautionary characteristics made by some I find the tire provides more traction in starting, stopping, rain, and rougher roads.  Still haven't tried gravel but I expect to feel more secure on that as well. 

Not going back to a motorcycle tire but I might try a 195/65 R16 next time, if I can find one.

[Terbob]

I wish I could get a 195/65/16.  That would be the perfect tire for me because it would eliminate my rub on the swing arm that I am currently getting with m y 205/65/16.  I checked with my tire dealer and he said he could not get that tire.  I will ask him again.

Terry

[chadcummings]

Does anyone make a 195 70 16 tire?

[mrflamewerks]

The closest I've come is the Continental Vanco 4 Season 195/65R16 which may not work because of the tread design and the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 195/60R16 which seems a more likely candidate.

Somebody please correct me if I have this wrong.