bigger front tyre R6

R6 STU · Post by **R6 STU** » Jan 11th, '08, 11:28

Having heard a few comments on the R6 (04) front tyre I was planning on getting a bigger size, from 120-60 to a 120-70. Hopefully giving me a bit more corner confidence.

I've heard that all you have to do is add spacers to the mudguard, but I've also heard of dropping the yokes!

Does anyone have an idea as I clearly don't

Also where should I buy and get them fitted? Thinking Bridgestones BT014's

Jay · Post by **Jay** » Jan 11th, '08, 11:29

Hi Stu, not too sure about the larger tyre

But try Corsa 3's, awsome wet or dry.

Funky · Post by **Funky** » Jan 11th, '08, 12:25

I have a 99 r6 and made the jump from 120/60 to 120/70 it fitted under the mudguard fine.

The stearing became slower due to the larger contact patch but I got this back by dropping the yoke 5mm and it improved the handling.

I would recommend doing it mate.

tomr6 · Post by **tomr6** » Jan 11th, '08, 14:38

I have a 99 R6 and I fitted the bigger tyre. Needed to fit spacers in the mudguard and dropped the forks through the yokes by 5mm. Massive improvement and gives a much better choice of tyre.

I would recommend corsa 3's for road use and super corsa's for fast road/ track days. Depends on your riding style and preferences.

R6 STU · Post by **R6 STU** » Jan 11th, '08, 14:49

when you say 'dropping the yokes'?
is this easy to do?

Funky · Post by **Funky** » Jan 11th, '08, 15:07

Pretty easy, the hard part is mostly undoing the bolts that hold the yokes around the suspension forks. Need a make a note beforehand of how far from the top of the suspension they are located and make sure when you drop them it is even on both sides. It effectively lowers your handlebars so can put a little more strain on the wrists.

Your Haynes manual with tell you how to do it.

R6 STU · Post by **R6 STU** » Jan 11th, '08, 15:13

Is it essential to do?

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Jan 11th, '08, 19:10

No, but it will improve the steering.

Funky · Post by **Funky** » Jan 11th, '08, 21:52

Not essential, but when you put on the 70 section tyre you will notice how slower stearing and to lean over it is. I guess over time you'll get used to it. But dropping the yokes still gives you the quick steering of the 60 section put the larger contact patch of the 70 section.

tomr6 · Post by **tomr6** » Jan 13th, '08, 21:23

R6 STU wrote:when you say 'dropping the yokes'?
is this easy to do?

Drop them through 1 fork at a time. That way you dont need to fanny about with front support balancing etc. It really is a piece of wee wee. The 70 section tyre is 10 mm taller than the 60 (ish) so dropping it the 5 mm brings the rake and trail back to where it was. The steering is slightly slowed by the larger section but after a few miles you wont even notice. If you still dont know how to do it then bring the bike to me and I will mod it for you before you fit the tyre. Take me about an hour to do tops!