1994 katana rear tire?

Question

I have a 1994 Katana 600. My rear tire size (stock) is 140/80zr17 and i was wondering what the biggist tire is i can fit on the bike. My front tire is a Bridgestone Battleax BT56 and the smallest tire i can get for the back in that model is 160/60zr17 and didnt know if that would fit

Answer 1

140>> 160  only 20mm ...so its only 10mm each side..

& its 20mm difference in the profile..  so bike will be 10mm shorter...

should fit fine & will have little effect on the bikes handling...

Answer 2

You'll be fine with the 160. There will be a slight difference in the riding experience but not drastically.

Answer 3

You want to tell us what the makers suggestion for the rear tire is if its different from the tire on the rim? Should be a sticker on the rear fender?  Or are you saying that tire lasted 14 years? I want to know what that tire IS!



You could go to another tire line in the battle ax (BT-20?) unless you INSIST on the fatter tire.  It will change your handling even if it DOES fit. Shorter profile (60 instead of the 80) so the turn in will change, i think it will tend to fall into the turn, more.  you may want to adjust your front forks lower in the triple tree so the handling is not too squirrely. Hm?