I am hoping to do my first track day this weekend at Putnum and realized that I definitely need a new rear tire. (my dog loves for me to do burnouts in the drive...he claps...just kidding) My bike is a 06 ZX6R and I have the stock Bridgestone BT-14s on it. They have about 4.5K on them. The front is in good shape with good tread. I was thinking about going to a set of Michelin 2CTs front and rear but they don't list my front size as Kawasaki used a 160-65-17. So the dog and I have been arguing whether I should go with the 160-70 or 160-60. The other thought is to just purchase a new rear BS BT-14 and run them this season. I am planning on doing a few more track days. I am a novice rider (slow retired Air Force guy) to the ZX6R (two seasons) and am looking to do a few trackdays to help develop my riding skills. Money as usual is a factor as I am putting a lot into getting the bike ready for the track but won't go cheap on anything (except dog food). So if I go with the 2CTs should I use the 60s or 70s? OR should I just get some Michelin Pilot Powers in the correct size? Any help with this would be GREATLY appreciated.
First off, welcome to your new addiction! I faced this same issue a few years back with my r6. However, one mistake you're making is in stating that your front tire is a 160/65/17. What you mean to say is 120/65/17. When I replaced the 120/60/17 on my r6, I bumped up to the 120/70/17, even though the '60' was available. The reason is that the '70' tire has a bit taller, more triangular/pointed profile, which means quicker turn-in. However, if going this route you need to adjust for it by raising your forks in your triples by a corresponding amount. So, since 70 is 5mm "taller" than 65, you need to raise the forks in the triple clamps 5mm. If you don't want to go through the trouble of adjusting your fork height, then stick with the Pilot Powers. They are great track tires and last forever... Hope that helps!
Yeah it can certainly be done. Without the adjustment, the geometry of the bike is being altered more dramatically, which could cause some ppl. issues. To each his/her own though...
Thanks for the welcome and the correction on the front tire size....that would be some Phat ride with a 160 on the front. The way things are falling out this week with work and home I think I will step back and get the ducs in a row and not push for Putnum. I live within 90 miles of Mid-Ohio but cannot make the April 26-27 date because of commitments. Still need to get my suspension set etc... last thing I want to do is to try and cram everything in this week and then have a bad day because I wasn't prepared. If I was 20 again that would not be an issue...just get up and show up. I have some other questions but will post om appropriate area. Thanks again!