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nicobico

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
My R1200GS 2012 came with Metzeler Tourance EXP tyres. 110/80 R19 (front) and 150/70 R17 (rear)

2013 models are size 120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear.

Can I use the newer model tyre (is there a benefit?) or should I stick the OEM size for a specific reason?

:confused:
 
#2 ·
nicobico said:
My R1200GS 2012 came with Metzeler Tourance EXP tyres. 110/80 R19 (front) and 150/70 R17 (rear)

2013 models are size 120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear.

Can I use the newer model tyre (is there a benefit?) or should I stick the OEM size for a specific reason?

:confused:
Click to expand...
While they would fit the rim, the new sizes are wider and shorter than yours.
The first number is the cross section in mm.
The second number is a percentage of the cross section, in relation to the distance from the rim to the tread.
The third number is rim diameter in inches.

So, if we compare the rear tires:

150/70/17 70% of 150mm=105mm

170/60/17 60% of 170mm=102mm
That is a -3mm difference in ride height, and a 6mm difference in diameter. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 3/8 to 1/2 inch difference in circumference.

Not sure, but that may be enough to effect the ABS, and ASC, definitely would have some effect on the speedometer.

There is a whole other calculation relating to rim width and tire profile that I don't have the numbers or energy for, and could drastically effect the overall circumference, as well as the handling characteristics.

In short, I wouldn't mess with it. However, if you do, let us know what happens.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks Scotty!

This website has a few tools for calculating the tyre size effect on the actual speed:

Tire Size Comparison

If I am not wrong (correct me if necessary), I think the 2013 model did benefit of more horsepower to use a wider tyre. And if I put the wider ones in the 2012 model it will have an inferior performance.
 
#4 ·
Generally speaking, going up or down one size from stock will not cause problems. I would be more concerned about clearance issues if going larger (rubbing). Check to see how much clearance the edges of your tires currently have from whatever hard parts are near them and see if the have the room for the extra width of the wider tires.

Again, speaking generally, a wider tire will steer into corners more slowly than a narrower tire.
 
#5 ·
nicobico said:
My R1200GS 2012 came with Metzeler Tourance EXP tyres. 110/80 R19 (front) and 150/70 R17 (rear)

2013 models are size 120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear.

Can I use the newer model tyre (is there a benefit?) or should I stick the OEM size for a specific reason?

:confused:
Click to expand...
There is a great site here to see the differences and how it would look. I have a 2013 but the earlier half of the split year and mine has the smaller tire sizes. I'm wanting to put the 2013+ tires on it and might try to remedy the speedometer reading a tad high. slightly larger circumference tires would remedy this. 150/70-R17 vs 160/70-R17 Tire Comparison - Tire Size Calculator | Tacoma World . I have plenty of allowance on the rear to go wider but the front fender might limit or necessitate modification for a wider tire.
 
#8 ·
Hayden said:
Did anyone do this?
Click to expand...
Putting wider tires on narrower wheels makes the tire mushroom and negatively effect's the handling.

With that a wheel will traditionally accept a tire either +/- one size. So a wheel that i sized for a 150 series tire you could also mount a 140 or 160, however is not ideal and handling problems can occur.
 
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#9 ·
The newer bikes have wider rims to fit those wider tires. As said above it can cause handling problems. I ran a 180/55-17, because there are more & better sport tires than the stock 170's, on my 1100S with the stock 5" rim & when fully cranked over could feel it overriding the edge. When I replaced it with the 5.5" rim that did not happen at all as the tire was not bubbled & full width. With the narrower 150 & 110 tires your bike will also turn in quicker & feel lighter than a wider tire making it faster in the twisties, if you do that sort of riding.
 
#10 ·
Got a 2008 GS 1200
Want to change rear tyre standard 150/70/17. Considering 160/70/17 ....Please Advice me if it would be a problem....know should not really go 3%past recommended size but as stated in previous descutions there are better tyre on market than the stock standards recommended...
 
#11 ·
Generally, you can go up/down one size without a lot of drama, but it is a do at your own risk thing.
 
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#12 ·
rassieerasmus95 said:
Got a 2008 GS 1200
Want to change rear tyre standard 150/70/17. Considering 160/70/17 ....Please Advice me if it would be a problem....know should not really go 3%past recommended size but as stated in previous descutions there are better tyre on market than the stock standards recommended...
Click to expand...
Welcome to the forum. Merged your question with the thread above. First thing to do is verify the 160 can safely go on your rim width (which is typically listed in BMW Parts fiche, hexhead is 4”…I think). A google search should find a list of recommended sizes for different sized rims.
 
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