[nole0182]

:?????k, so I'm in the market for a new front, and I know that the stock size on the front is the 120/60 17, but I hear of a lot of people running the 120/70 17... Just curious, is there any sort of advantage/disadvantage to running the 120/70 17? I've heard the speedo reads a little bit better, but will anything be affected in the handling department?

 

[MikeB]

The advantage of a 70 series tire is it provides more contact patch when leaned over.

Since the 70 series is slightly taller most people raise the forks in the triple to compensate for the difference. That way stock ride height/geometry is maintained.

I've put a 70 series tire on every SV I've owned. I haven't noticed any appreciable difference in handling or speedometer readings to say there is a disadvantage with making the switch to the 70 series tire.

 

[Gerard7aa]

The 60 feels lighter and quicker. The 70 feels more stable at higher speeds (above 85 or so). But it also feels heavier to me.
I have had both on my bike. Currently I'm back to a 60 roadsmart. Haven't ridden on the track. I've just ridden on my normal routes.
I really like the way the 60 feels on the 650.
I have stock suspension BTW.

 

[ZeroSpawn]

Yes the speedo will correct, but it still will be a bit off.

And +72 to what MikeB said!

Good luck.

 

[doxiedog]

You will not know if you don't try it. Depends on the feel you like. I have done both,went back to 60 this time. Just a street rider

 

[Davinho]

I switched from the stock 60 profile Dunlop to the 70 profile Pirelli Diablo and loved the difference. Turn-in is now like a rheostat. I didn't raise my fork tubes to compensate for the
larger tire and haven't noticed any detrimental effects to handling. Quite the contrary. It's hard to say whether the difference is the new size, or the new profile though. The only way to find out for sure is to try it.