Larger Tires — 150 on a 250R
We have talked about putting on larger tires on the Ninja 250R before, and unless you know what you’re doing I still stand by the 140/70/17 as your best choice. And before you do anything I would read through this thread at Kawiforums about these tires and going larger…
However, these 150’s look beefy… Interestingly enough, it looks like the chain guard is still on there — which on other 150’s people have had issues with rubbing. Overall, aesthetically — this is an awesome upgrade..
Super duper mad props goto UniqueX for taking some awesome compare pics and letting us use them on 2Fiddy!
Tires:
Rear: Dunlop Sportmax Touring D250 — 150 / 70 / 17
Front: Dunlop Sportmax Touring D250 — 120 / 70 / 17
So… What size tire are y’all thinking about now? 130 / 140 / or 1FIDDY!
Stock Rear Tire
150 / 70 / 70 Rear Tire
Stock Front Tire
120 / 70 / 17 Front Tire
… The Money Shot …
Mike Said,
July 9, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
I do not recommend you do this 150 upgrade because basically you are pinching the 150 tire onto a smaller rim which results in the sidewalls pinching onto the rim which usually results in alot of sidewall flex when taking turns. From a looks perspective this is ok but its still bad in the end of handling.
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ghillie Said,
July 9, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
Yup, Mr. 2Fiddy and Mike are correct. Looks good, but bad ju-ju. No bigger than 140.
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Jasen Said,
July 9, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
…but i want it
Guess 140 will have to do…lol
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mr. franchise Said,
July 9, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
Those are some bad ass tires! Daddy likey!!!
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bsmith Said,
July 9, 2008 @ 10:08 pm
It all depends on the manufacturer. Go by their recommendations on rim size. For example the Dunlop 501s can comfortably fit on a 3.5 rim. They call for a 150/70b17 on a 3.5″ or 4″ with the preferred being the 3.5. So check the ones you want and see what the manufacturer says about the rim.
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Kenny Said,
July 9, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
I have been eyeballing some 140s, when my tread disappears I might get some
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Chitown Said,
July 10, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
This looks dangerous. Has anyone also noticed that on the very first picture the swingarm if you look closely you can see that the square back end of the swingarm is bent to the left. I def. would not do this mod.
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Chitown Said,
July 10, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
Scratch my last comment the closer I look it seems to be a cover over the end of the swingarm. It still looks dangerous.
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Kenny Said,
July 10, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
o_O Look at the side by side picture of the rear… on the 150 side, the left side of the swingarm seems
to be at an angle … is it supposed to do that?
[Reply]
daniel Said,
July 10, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
so how much are these tires running?
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Taufik from Indonesia Said,
July 10, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
i already change the rear n front tire of my 250R
rear 140/70/17
front 110/70/17
i choose Bridgestone BT 45
because the stock tire (IRC RX 01) seems not good in the wet
this is the tire
http://ninja250r.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/si-ijo-dah-pake-ban-baru/
sorry its in Indonesian language
[Reply]
DJAZ Said,
July 11, 2008 @ 1:01 am
Finally some info on this.
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Terry Said,
July 11, 2008 @ 8:27 am
As this being my first bike. I will probably just stay with stock tires for awhile. I might get the 140 since that seems safer in the long run.
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Terry Said,
July 11, 2008 @ 8:28 am
What exactly is accomplished by the wider tires?
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Charles Said,
July 11, 2008 @ 10:02 am
Has anyone seen any swingarm modifications to allow wider tire use? I know a lot of the 600cc & litre bikes have been customized to allow wider rear tires. Not sure that it would add anything other that looks and cost to the 250 given its base horsepower though. I enjoy riding mine enough as it is! Plus, with a comment here I might snag those new brake lines!
[Reply]
Patrick Said,
July 14, 2008 @ 3:09 am
I think it only looks nice to have a bigger rear. but in terms of performance on this bike, the 130 seems best. It’s probably more worth it to install better tires than the stock.
but I am curious, even if we replaced the rear with a 140 or 150, we really can still use the stock rim?
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daniel Said,
July 17, 2008 @ 5:42 am
so, would it be better to get a wider rim to accomodate a wider tire? i really want a wider rear without compromising safety when turning
[Reply]
jason Reply:
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:11 pm
i was just wondering if you ever found out if a wider rim could be put on the 2fiddy.
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daniel Said,
July 23, 2008 @ 4:31 am
i havent looked into it. willing to experiment if i had the funds to tho
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Adam Said,
July 23, 2008 @ 9:10 pm
check out the chrome lip on my rims . for only 20 dollars
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Adam Said,
July 23, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
sorry dont really know how to put links . lets see if this works
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Rudy Said,
August 1, 2008 @ 1:26 pm
The size of the tire changed..not the rim..so how did the swing arm get twisted?
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daniel Reply:
August 2nd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
thats true. but since they said a bigger tire on our stock rim is not safe( because its pinching the tire). i was just curious if its as simple as getting a wider rim for a wider tire. if our swing arm can even fit any other rim
[Reply]
Lil Boy Said,
August 11, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
Is it possible to fit a 150/60/17 tire on the 2008 Ninja 250 rear?
[Reply]
sputnik Said,
August 21, 2008 @ 2:18 am
Just for your guys info… a lot of guys at the tracks are running bridgestones battalaxe bt016 series tires on there bikes and are getting fastest qaulifying times with them…
They said you loose a little bit of the nimbleness with the tire… but they said the grip and in the corners is great… and supposidly the 150/60 size in the rear does not have a lot of pinch… ( the unsafe part)….
of course like others have said check the rim size charts for the tire you are intersted in…
[Reply]
Bard Said,
September 23, 2008 @ 5:47 am
As Sputnik said most racers use 150 BT016 in US it seems and in Europe and Australia the 140/70/17 Dunlop Alpha 10s seems to be the thing at the back. Just for fun try to find 130/70/17 back tires… Pretty hard huh, not many choices… The 140 or even 150 is fine if they fit according to rim size chart, and lots more selection to play with as well
[Reply]
adam f. Said,
September 26, 2008 @ 9:50 pm
yeah id recommend the 140 just to play it safe . just ordered my 140 today.
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Tommy Said,
October 5, 2008 @ 10:27 pm
My friend has a 150 on his bike he races his bike on a track and he told me the bike handles a lot better
[Reply]
BRock Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 11:13 am
I want these tires where can i buy?
[Reply]
Evian Lee Reply:
July 29th, 2009 at 2:28 am
Dear Sir
Nice day.
This is Evian Lee of SHANDONG HENGDA RUBBER CO LTD.
As one leading tire manufacturer, our company can produce nearly all sizes of motorcycle tire and motorcycle tubes (butyl tube and natural rubber tube).
Our company and its products have gained the ISO9001:2000, CCC, SONCAP, DOT certificates etc. Our products are warmly welcome in Africa, Southeast Asia, Mid East, Central & South America. With high quality, reasonable price, and excellent service, we have built up long and stable business relationship with customers covering more than 30countries and regions.
My MSN, evianlee2008@hotmail.com, you can add me for more details.
We thank you in advance for your early reply.
Best Regards
Evian Lee
[Reply]
Stock tires on 250 - Sportbikes.net Said,
November 17, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
[…] might interest you… Larger Tires — 150 on a 250R | Kawasaki Ninja 250R Parts, Reviews, Mods, and Information Seems you can fit a 150 size tire but most recommend 140 for the rear on the new 250. As for […]
Kenny Said,
November 29, 2008 @ 8:11 am
The thing is.. alot of us bought our 250’s thinking “you can’t even tell it’s a 250″ Well, we would be right if it weren’t for the tiny ass little tires they sport stock. Look at that back end with the 150 on it! it’s fuckin’ sexy! I’m definitely doing the 120 in the front and 150 in the back, changing the tire size not the rim is NOT dangerous to your swingarm, although… i agree with the others, it IS pinching the tire and might affect your handling because of sidewall flex. Bottom line, not dangerous but not really progressive.
Doing it anyways! ;]
[Reply]
Brady Said,
January 25, 2009 @ 12:37 am
Just go with a 150 with a shorter side wall and the pinch problem should take care of itself. At least that’s how I see it. Somethin like a 150/50 or 60/xx instead of the 70% or 80% high side wall that comes stock.
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DirtRider Reply:
March 1st, 2011 at 1:30 am
I have Michelin Road2 160/60/17 rear and 110/17/70 with no mods what so ever. I just had to put a washer between the chain guard and the hole to move it back 16th of an inch and that is it. Plenty of room on the swing arm and no loss of any performance of note. As long as you stay with 60 profiles, you will be fine. The stock Dunlops are understandably cheap rubber to keep the msrp down but the additional traction, stability, and stopping power of the new tires are day and night. It was the best money spent on any mods to my 250. Highly recommend it to all.
[Reply]
Brian Macster Said,
February 1, 2009 @ 11:55 am
When I pick up my 250, the shop I am buying the bike from is curious on doing a 150 fitment test. They’ve had a lot of complaints (must be Washington State Roads) on the 250 hunting.
A buddy of mine has been using the Dunlop GT501 120/70 front and 150/70 rear with great success as a every day commuter. His biggest complaints was the 130s would follow the grooves in the freeway, whilst the 150 doesn’t have the wiggle play.
[Reply]
jeff p Reply:
April 22nd, 2010 at 5:57 am
wow, i think you just sold me there. seems like my front tire gets the most play though.
[Reply]
kyo87 Said,
April 5, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
hai..I’m from Malaysia….
at here…they(mechanics) recomended to us using size 150/60
and raising up the leg pegs just a little bit higher than the standard one might improve handling…
even in somewhere in asia they already fit in size 160/60
and even exchanged from standard swing arm to single swing arm ducati….
[Reply]
Evian Lee Reply:
July 29th, 2009 at 2:27 am
Dear Sir
This is Evian Lee of SHANDONG HENGDA RUBBER CO LTD.
As one leading tire manufacturer, our company can produce nearly all sizes of motorcycle tire and motorcycle tubes (butyl tube and natural rubber tube).
My MSN, evianlee2008@hotmail.com, you can add me for more details.
Best Regards
Evian Lee
[Reply]
adam m Said,
May 21, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
i wanna put the 150 really bad. i think im just gunna get the 150/60. i sure hope im not buying this tire online for nothing if it doesnt work!!
[Reply]
Evian Lee Said,
July 29, 2009 @ 2:25 am
Dear Sir
This is Evian Lee of SHANDONG HENGDA RUBBER CO LTD.
As one leading tire manufacturer, our company can produce nearly all sizes of motorcycle tire and motorcycle tubes (butyl tube and natural rubber tube).
Our company and its products have gained the ISO9001:2000, CCC, SONCAP, DOT certificates etc. Our products are warmly welcome in Africa, Southeast Asia, Mid East, Central & South America. With high quality, reasonable price, and excellent service, we have built up long and stable business relationship with customers covering more than 30countries and regions.
My MSN, evianlee2008@hotmail.com, you can add me for more details.
By the way, we have exported the brands like, NANO, WONBON and HENGDA to your market, you can find and check them. And we can make your brands on the products and the packings.
We thank you in advance for your early reply.
Best Regards
Evian Lee
[Reply]
Abraham Bauer Said,
August 30, 2009 @ 3:32 am
İ like it
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BRITT Said,
December 29, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
i got my 2fiddy 4mo. ago had tires changed on day of purches 120/70 fr. 150/70 rear replaced stock exaust with 2bro. bike performs great have had no problems with tires handles great feels 100times more stable. would strongly recommend tire change for more stability.
[Reply]
Tone Said,
January 19, 2010 @ 1:23 pm
how is the 120/150 uprgade as far as passenger riding goes? easier with the larger tires right?
[Reply]
britt Reply:
April 14th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
it makes passenger ridding alot better not having to fit with the bike and riding.
[Reply]
Chuck Said,
February 3, 2010 @ 1:49 pm
Is it necessary to have a tube inside these tires?
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ganesha Said,
February 19, 2010 @ 9:49 am
hey ! all of u talking about the rear tire …..vat about the front tire . the stock front tire 110 / 70 / 17 . so how about upgrade to 120 / 70 / 17 .. is it good … any handling problem ?
any fitting problem ? easily fits in ?
[Reply]
sergio Said,
May 15, 2010 @ 1:23 am
hey so is ther any problems so far cus i want a 150 tire on my ninja
[Reply]
Richard Said,
May 17, 2010 @ 10:25 pm
Recently got my 2010 Ninja 250R, thinking about the 150 rear tyres. From the looks of people commenting on the forum, seems like the 150 is not recommended. Does anyone who own a ninja have a photo of their bike with a 140 rear tyre..? Would like to see how it looks. In my perspective, seems like the 150 will still fit onto the rear (light weight people will have less problems with bigger tyre in such small space) so what is the best option??
[Reply]
adrian Reply:
June 2nd, 2010 at 7:28 pm
hey Richard did u ever get the 150 rear tire installed? I also have a ninja 250 and i am thinking about the 150 rear tire.
[Reply]
sergio Said,
May 27, 2010 @ 12:29 pm
what about putting a 150/60/17 will that make it better and safer????
[Reply]
Kevin Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
Dude, STFU
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John Said,
June 1, 2010 @ 12:22 am
I’m also curious about this upgrade. I have an ‘08 thats getting a bit low on the treads. I was looking at rim charts for a set of dunlop tires that offer 150/70/17 rear at a 3.5-4 inch preferred rim. Ive also seen very detailed pictures using 150/70/17 and 120/70/17 (rear and front) so it is possible. My question is this: Is it going to be more beneficial to get a 150/60/17 rear to cut down on possible sidewall flex?
[Reply]
JL Said,
June 3, 2010 @ 5:29 am
Instead of a wider tire just get a stickier tire. I’m sure a 130 sick (for example) with the right compound will stick a whole lot better than a 150 touring tire. And why on earth would Kawi put such a skinny tire on their 250R, my Hyosung 250 came stock with a 150 70 17 rear tire, I just wish my motor was water cooled and revved to 14k…oh well every bike has it’s ups and downs
[Reply]
Pat Said,
July 18, 2010 @ 10:38 am
i have been trying to find a swing arm mod or some thing that would fit off another bike that would work. maybe shift the engine over for chain room and move up to a 150 maybe even bigger. and some mods for the front also.
[Reply]
Uma Said,
July 22, 2010 @ 5:03 am
Very informative post. Ninja 250R looks best in terms of design.
[Reply]
Treston Said,
July 30, 2010 @ 5:24 pm
150/60/17 on the rear! That is the best choice if you want fat rubber in back!
[Reply]
John Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
What’s the name of the tire that you used?
[Reply]
Bornondirt Said,
October 11, 2010 @ 5:15 pm
I just put Michelin Road-2 150/70/17 r, 110/70/17 f and they are awsome. No rubbing, flexing, or any other safety issues to note and the performance is highly measureable. I weigh only 150lbs so the stock Dunlops (which are crap anyway) had poor traction on downshifting and accelerating during turns. The 150s are much more stable at higher speeds and give extra measure of control especially while accelerating in turns. I understand why Kawasaki put the cheap tires as stock for the MSRP but I’m sure I would have paid an extra $200-$250 extra for better tires. I think Kawasaki should make a 250RR per say, with better tires and true sport seating position like the 6R and they would sell butt loads to experienced riders looking for an affordable ride. Just my 2 cents.
[Reply]
Eliejah' Msia Said,
October 14, 2010 @ 2:54 pm
Guys. if you want a wider rear end i think i may have the solution. but it will compromise you top speed most probably a drop by 20+kph. what i did to a 250r ninja 08 version was took out it’s rear swing arm and swapping it with a zx6r 90’s swing arm (with a lil bit of cutting and welding) and it turned out great. then the front looked to small. so i swap it with a 636 front. in the end, i ended up with a FRONT 130/70/17 and REAR 180/70/17.. Maxxis Brand tyres look great on it and with a few adjustment on the front and rear mudguard + a change of rear mono-shock, and exhaust. and also a HALO front headlight, with JET taillights and a circular(strobing) brake light. there’s also a meter gauge change. i found some shop to make a custom digital panel to fit the 250r and re-wiring, then there’s the additional handle-damper, and lastly and additional petal-disc brake to the front. Next i’m gonna upgrade the engine, most probably i’m gonna start with the cam.
if you guys have questions. just repost, and i’ll see how i can help.
P/S: If you’re wondering about the price…. prepare to spend as much as it takes. cause the looks at the end. even beauty cannot describe it.
[Reply]
Bornondirt Said,
October 16, 2010 @ 12:03 am
I’ve got a 2010 and replaced the stock Dunlops w/ Michelin Road-2 110/70/17f and 150/70/17r and the difference is seriously substantial to say the least. The stock tires are the cheapest available to understandably, keep the msrp down but the biggest benefit from the reletively reasonable cost of upgrading to bigger, better tires is huge.
I had to make no mods whatsover and the performance and safety factor increased 5X. I mention safety because the stopping performance on the Dunlops were very poor and just having better then average stopping power is a MUST.
The 150s are much more stable at higher speeds, grip better accelerating and decelerating especially while turning, and perform better when wet. I think I spent $70 for the front and $120 for the rear. Way worth it, highly recommend it!
[Reply]
Eliejah Reply:
October 22nd, 2010 at 5:16 pm
how fast can you actually achieve on a 250 ninja when you mentioned ” The 150s are much more stable at higher speeds, ” you’re sacrificing too much power when you put a bigger (heavier) tire. sure it’s fun at conners . but if braking power is what you’re looking for, tighten your Front Shocks and add another disk.
[Reply]
Bornondirt Said,
October 22, 2010 @ 6:10 pm
60mph feels like 40, 80 feels like 60, and while turning, accelerating, decelerating, and breaking. Sure, tighter shocks and another disk help but the stock Dunlops (which are the cheapest available in order to keep the msrp down) are just low end rubber. They skid, slid, and lock up like well, cheap tires. $70 for the front and $120 for the rear plus mounting was less then $300 and it made a difference I can calculate, big time. I had to do no mods whatsoever but the higher 150 radius added about an inch to the seat height but I only noticed it when it leaned more on the kickstand. My sales guy told me he recently sold a new 250 with upgraded tires even before the guy picked it up so the word is getting out. Get some better rubber then the stock and you will have a better handling bike, seriously.
[Reply]
daniel Reply:
November 15th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
so it when u r goin 60 and it feels like 40 you are still going 60 right
[Reply]
Nick Said,
May 17, 2011 @ 3:41 am
cool looking upgrade. I was thinking about getting the 250r but i was a little concerned about how small the stock version looks. does that tire combination make it look that much bigger? And does anyone know if there is any other upgrades that would make the bike look bigger/taller? Thanks!
[Reply]
BOB MARLEY Said,
June 1, 2011 @ 12:09 am
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2010 NINJA 250R (RED)… DEFINATLY GOTTA UPGRADE THE BACK TIRE.. WHEN IM DRIVING IT I FEEL STUPID WHEN A 600 FLY’S BY ME ON THE HIGHWAY AND PPL ARE STARRING AT MY BIKE CUZ THE BACK TIRE IS SO SMALL….LOL IMA LOOK INTO THE 150/70/17 BUT I WIEGH ABOUT 180 POUNDS SO I MIGHT HAVE TO GET THE 140/70/17.. SO IT DONT PINCH… ANYBODY HAVE A SUGGESTION? U THINK 150 IS OK FOR MY WEIGHT (180)? OR SHOULD I GET 140?? LET ME KNO……
AND DEFINATLY GOTTA GET THE FENDOR ELIMINATOR KIT…. A MUST!! AND CHANGE OUT THE STOCK BIG BAZOOKA PIPE!! LOL … LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE TIRE
[Reply]
Patrick Reply:
June 6th, 2011 at 4:14 am
Hi, I’m 190 pounds and use the 150/60/17 in the rear, no worries, the bike handles like a dream. I live in Indonesia and barely anyone drives with the stock tire, it looks pathetic. 150/60/17 is the one to go for, try 120 in the front, it matures the whole bike.
The issue is having a very decent looking bike have a pathetic set of bicycle tires. Issue resolved
[Reply]
patrick w Said,
August 24, 2011 @ 1:13 pm
Hi I have a ninja 250r 2011 I weigh about 170 and I’m 6′0 tall I’ve read you can put all sorts of sizes as long as the power is 60 so 160/60/17 is what i want but as far as height and weight goes I’m not sure what to get exactly and thoughts?
[Reply]
luis Said,
October 9, 2011 @ 8:27 pm
i been doing some research on my 08 250r and i seen a 250r with a 190 tire but it had a 500 swingarm doing a little more research on that and what year is the ninja 500 swingarm is
[Reply]