How large of a tire can I run on a Ninja 250R?
I have been seeing this question pop up more and more in the forums, and it seems like every day someone is asking me when I’m going to put a larger tire on the back of my Ninjette…
Short Answer: 140/70-17
Long Answer:
Anything larger than a 140 will most likely rub against the chain guard. You could possibly remove the chain guard and cram something larger in there, but removing safety features is always a bad idea. Also, anything larger on a 3.5″ rim is not a good idea. So, before start going nuts with tires, there are a few things you should consider:
By going with a tire larger than the stock 130, you’ll loose some of the nimbleness of the Ninja. Granted it won’t be much, but enough to notice it. You’re also going to be adding some additional weight to the the rotating mass of the bike, all while increasing the final drive ratio a tad with a taller tire (Which will be exaggerated even more if you have gone to a 15 tooth sprocket). This means more power needed to turn the tire, and possibly a minor loss in performance.
Overall: So, unless you know what you’re doing — Stay with the 130. Larger tires are most likely better suited for people who track their bike vs. around town bashers.
Note: When buying new tires — The 130,140/70-17 is a popular front tire on some sport bikes. So, make sure you’re buying a rear tire, and not a front, compounds and sidewalls may differ.
ghillie Said,
June 16, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
Also, remember the “little one” has bias ply tires on it. So really you should stay with bias ply tires. The bummer there is, there are far less choices in compounds, etc.
Metzler and Pirelli, (same manufacturer) have a couple choices that look good, and have some of the latest tech as far as compounds. But you will still need to use a Sport Touring tire, rather than a Sport tire.
The Dunlops on mine are pretty hard. Should wear a long time, but not so sure I trust them at the edges.
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DJAZ Said,
June 25, 2008 @ 3:43 am
Well, there are two interesting Youtube video’s with info on the tire performance.
One in which the rider attempts some impressive wheelies includes comments suggesting he upgraded the rear tire to 70/150 without modification and to NO detrimental effect to turn in. In fact, he claims it rides more comfortably. It certainly LOOKS better. Not that that is important
The other, a British comparo vs. the HySung 250rr (bleh) suggests Dunlop Radials as being a huge improvement over the BiPlies.
It would be great asset to see some hard data and testing on these options. The stability of the front end at higher speeds is downright agitating, I believe mostly due to the BiPly/and thin tire up front. Also, one must wonder the sidewall strength during repeated cornering compared to radials especially for you track warriors out there who will be risking life and limb to cane a 250r at the limit.
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scott Said,
July 21, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
an exhaust company called area P has a 150mm on one of thier bikes, that is the smallest michelin pilot power you can buy.
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Jim Richardson Said,
August 3, 2008 @ 10:44 pm
There are also the Bridgestone 090 Pro’s for the track… 110/140 I just got a set. I am going to get them put on as soon as I get my stands. I will post pix on the kawiforum. Till then here is a link:
http://mc.bridgestone.co.jp/en/products/battlax/bt090.html
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RREAL Said,
August 14, 2008 @ 3:32 pm
If a 150 is not safe on a 3.5 rim or is pinching then why the #$@% would Dunlop recommend it. Why is everyone scared of this upgrade for the 250r.
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=8
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