I'm about due for some new tires. I'm just looking for some opinions (everyone has them ) and some insight from anyone who has ran multiple sizes.
I hate the OEM grey painted wheels. I'm planning on getting some aftermarket chrome wheels when I get my new tires and replace both at the same time. I've been researching tires and wheels here for the last week or so, trying to figure out what size I want to go with. I'm pretty sure I'll be going with a 160 front, but still not 100% on that yet. The rear is what has me up in the air the most. Let me start by saying I like to ride... a lot! I've had my bike for 16 weeks now. I only get to ride on weekends, and I've got 4529 miles on it. I like the look of the fat rear tires... Obviously, I bought a 9 after all! I'm not concerned with handling with the wide rear. I really doubt there is that much difference from a 240 to a 300 in that department. Probably some difference, but not enough to sway me one way or the other.
Now, my thought on going with the Swampworks Collaboration 300 rear kit: Looks great, I love the chrome and how the 300 looks on the 9. The cost is pretty steep, but after you subtract the cost of the severely over priced wheels, it isn't a bad deal for what you are getting. The only problem is that I have absolutely no intension of ever lowering my bike. The stock height is perfect for me. Also, I'm not dragging my pipes at all, and I'm only scraping the feelers when I want to. I'm just not sure how the 300 would look without the bike being lowered. I haven't found any pictures of one running a 300 at stock height, despite all my searches. Also, as much as I ride, I'm a little concerned about how many tires I'll go thru in a season. From the research I've done, there seems to only be 2 good tire choices, Avon and Metzler.
Before my research, I was almost certain I would go with a 10" rear wheel and run a 280 since I knew it would fit on the bike without modification. That was until I figured out that Metzler would be my one and only option for tires (other than the darkside - I have no intension of going there).
So, now I'm leaning toward stock size 8.5" wheel with a 260 or 250. Mainly because it gives me the option of trying several different manufacturer's tires if I don't like the first ones I decide to go with. Even if I burn thru tread, the 250's and 260's are more reasonably priced, and they would be a little easier to remove and replace.
Let me know if I'm way off base here, or if there is anything I've overlooked. Also, is there anyone averaging 250 - 300 miles per weekend with a 280 or 300 rear? I'd love to here your thought on the subject if there are. What about the 160 front tire? 3.5" or 4.25 front wheel with it? All input, advise, opinions, etc, are welcomed.
Thanks everyone!
I hate the OEM grey painted wheels. I'm planning on getting some aftermarket chrome wheels when I get my new tires and replace both at the same time. I've been researching tires and wheels here for the last week or so, trying to figure out what size I want to go with. I'm pretty sure I'll be going with a 160 front, but still not 100% on that yet. The rear is what has me up in the air the most. Let me start by saying I like to ride... a lot! I've had my bike for 16 weeks now. I only get to ride on weekends, and I've got 4529 miles on it. I like the look of the fat rear tires... Obviously, I bought a 9 after all! I'm not concerned with handling with the wide rear. I really doubt there is that much difference from a 240 to a 300 in that department. Probably some difference, but not enough to sway me one way or the other.
Now, my thought on going with the Swampworks Collaboration 300 rear kit: Looks great, I love the chrome and how the 300 looks on the 9. The cost is pretty steep, but after you subtract the cost of the severely over priced wheels, it isn't a bad deal for what you are getting. The only problem is that I have absolutely no intension of ever lowering my bike. The stock height is perfect for me. Also, I'm not dragging my pipes at all, and I'm only scraping the feelers when I want to. I'm just not sure how the 300 would look without the bike being lowered. I haven't found any pictures of one running a 300 at stock height, despite all my searches. Also, as much as I ride, I'm a little concerned about how many tires I'll go thru in a season. From the research I've done, there seems to only be 2 good tire choices, Avon and Metzler.
Before my research, I was almost certain I would go with a 10" rear wheel and run a 280 since I knew it would fit on the bike without modification. That was until I figured out that Metzler would be my one and only option for tires (other than the darkside - I have no intension of going there).
So, now I'm leaning toward stock size 8.5" wheel with a 260 or 250. Mainly because it gives me the option of trying several different manufacturer's tires if I don't like the first ones I decide to go with. Even if I burn thru tread, the 250's and 260's are more reasonably priced, and they would be a little easier to remove and replace.
Let me know if I'm way off base here, or if there is anything I've overlooked. Also, is there anyone averaging 250 - 300 miles per weekend with a 280 or 300 rear? I'd love to here your thought on the subject if there are. What about the 160 front tire? 3.5" or 4.25 front wheel with it? All input, advise, opinions, etc, are welcomed.
Thanks everyone!