Incorrect Tire Size

[Tripton22]

I just got new Metzeler Z6s put on my Rockster...thing is..the dealership must have been slacking..as they put on 170/60-17s, like on the regular r1150r. I seem to notice a slight decrease in cornering and grip. Any opinions on if i should take the bike back and have them put on the CORRECT one...or is it not a big deal and i should live with it.

I am a little angry that the BMW dealer that I bought the bike from did not alert me of this, and i didnt notice until 120 miles later, when i thought it looked about the same width as my buddys Sportster 883r.

What should i do?

Thanks.

[big papa]

Take it back, unless you like the way it feels. Did you pay for the smaller tire?

[Lion_Lady]

Take it back. I can't imagine that this is safe. I would be certain to mention the safety issue.

Is your dealer a multi brand dealer? This sort of stuff seems to happen more often with multi-brand dealers.

P

[tripton22]

Well, i thought that it felt a little odd...and it is strictly a BMW dealer. Other than this, they have been great.

Ginas BMW in Iowa City, always have been good to me so far.

I am guessing that it wont be a problem for them to work something out with me, but i didnt know if there was problems that i didnt know about with the wide rim and the tire matching

[Taipan]

You could check with the tyre manufacturer and see if the 170 is suitable for the Rocksters wheel width.


Some people do fit narrower tyres on bikes for a quicker turn in. Whilst others fit fatter tyres for aesthetic resons.

But, the tyre manufacture normally constructs a tyre to fit a certain wheel width. If the tyre has been designed with a certain wheel width in mind and you have it fitted to a different wheel, it may distort the way the tyre is intended to fit. This would give the wrong contact area of the tyre, which maybe dangerous!

So, from a safety opoint of view I'd check with the manufacturers website first. But at the end of teh day if you are just plain not happy with that tyre on there, take it back. They can always fit it to oneof their own bikes. But what they do with it really isnt your concern. You asked for, paid for and expected to get a 180 section tyre. That is a verbal and written contract. They can do nothing else but change it.

Best,

Dave

[boxermania]

The R1150R has a 5" wide rim and it is just about the max size for a 170 section tire. A 180 section really needs a 5.5" wide rim.

Like Taipan so states the smaller section tire speeds turn in, but it might be wise to see about the fitment of a 170 section on a 5.5" rim.

[shards]

I have been using a 170 on my Rockster for about 5000 miles and it's fine. It speeds up turn-in to a bend, raises the gearing slightly (due to the larger circumferance) and, for me at least, doesn't have one single downside. If you like the look of the 180, by all means take the 170 back.

[ronnierockster]

According to the Avon catalogue I have been given the 170 tyre is recomended for 4.50 rim and can be used from 4.25/5.50. The 180 is made for a 5.50 rim as fitted to the Rockster.. Overall dimention for the 170 is 634mm and the 180 is 629mm.. Hope this may be of some help!! RR

[tripton22]

All is well. I looked at the information given here and was glad to see that it was not unsafe, so i decided to give it a shot and not go through the hassle.

However, I went back with my girlfriend to have the oil changed in her 650cs, and just told them that it had happened, and before i know it the bike was in the back getting a new tire on it.

Personally, i can tell a difference, and i like the 180. Feels slightly more stable and predictable. Now if i can get the confidence to scuff them properly all the way out to the edge so i can drive hard again....new tires are greasy!

Thanks to all who replyed, i really appreciate it!