But this one has nothing to do with the limited tire choices we're stuck with in stock 16/18 inch rims.  I was fortunate enough to score 17" rims both front and rear ('95 GPZ1100 front, '02 Mean Streak rear).  So now to open a whole different can of worms, what say the masses on good choices for tires, probably looking at bias ply rear and radial up front.  I'm not interested in scraping pegs, but something that gives good wet traction is certainly a must.   

Why mix bias & radial when you will no longer have need to? The tire choice in the 160/70-17R or 170/60-17R rear range is going to to be huge when compared to what you now have and you will need an Accountant to keep up with the 120/70-17R front choises.....

I'm running a 17" rear and I'll just say that I would stick to a 160/70-17R instead of the 170/60-17R. The favorable gearing increase of the 160 being the taller of the two makes it a better choice I believe. It also improves the bikes turn in ability. And yes run radial tires by all means. Lots of good choices, enjoy a new ride. Mark

But again, more interested in rear tires which will last longer than 3 or 4 thousand miles before being junk or so squared off that turn in is met with a giant bump.  What about dual compound?  When I got the Mean Streak rear wheel, there was still a Bridgestone Battleaxe BT021 radial on the back.  Still lots of tire left on it before the wear bars, but so flat in the middle it would almost be like jumping a curb when making a turn.  The freakin' tire (new) probably cost more than what I paid for both the rim with the tire still on it!

But again, more interested in rear tires which will last longer than 3 or 4 thousand miles before being junk or so squared off that turn in is met with a giant bump.  What about dual compound?  When I got the Mean Streak rear wheel, there was still a Bridgestone Battleaxe BT021 radial on the back.  Still lots of tire left on it before the wear bars, but so flat in the middle it would almost be like jumping a curb when making a turn.  The freakin' tire (new) probably cost more than what I paid for both the rim with the tire still on it!

Look what the tire came off of a Power Cruiser that goes in a straight line from Bike Night to Bike Night; and the BT021 is not exactly a great tire to start with....... I'm running a 170/60 SHINKO 005 Advance and have nearest to 3,XXX on it and it is NOT wearing overly flat in the middle; in fact it is still nicely rounded and rolls side to side ever so nimbly that I'll likely try another SHINKO when the time comes.

I'm also running a dual compound Avon Storm 2 Ultra with 5000 mi currently and still a round profile. I'm very happy with the tire and could expect to see maybe 10000 mi out of it. It's a big improvement over the Avon Azaro stock size. Mark

I'm running a 170/60 SHINKO 005 Advance

  I was looking at reviews on these (both front and rear) tires.  Your advocacy of them helps a lot, since I trust the word of people on this board more than I tend to on vendor's sites.  Was also looking at the Storm 2 Ultra like Mark mentioned.  As long as I don't have to replace tires, especially the rear, every 4 or 5 thousand miles, I'll be happy.  How well do the Shinko's work on wet pavement?

  I was looking at reviews on these (both front and rear) tires.  Your advocacy of them helps a lot, since I trust the word of people on this board more than I tend to on vendor's sites.  Was also looking at the Storm 2 Ultra like Mark mentioned.  As long as I don't have to replace tires, especially the rear, every 4 or 5 thousand miles, I'll be happy.  How well do the Shinko's work on wet pavement?

To be honest I try my best to not ride in the rain but I have been caught in drizzle to an absolute down pour that soaked me in under a minute (NO BULL) and they seemed to work just fine and did not try to step out or slide on the admittedly sedate ride home where I wrung myself out in the garage. I think that the 005 Advance delivers all-round performance at a very modest price tag of 160 to 170 for the pair.

Sounds good to me.  I try not to ride in the rain either, although it inevitably happens.  Looks like I'll be giving these tires a try.  Thanks Tony! 

I may be drinking the adversine koolaid, but the pr2's/pr3's are the premier tire in the 17's IMHO.  I have the 170/60 rear and like the extra pickup, although I haven't tried the 160.  I started on roadsmarts and they were crap with extra suck after 2k miles.  I'm stubborn so I rode them to 6500 rear, 10k front.  I have a PR2 on the rear and a PR3 on the front because that was what was available when I needed them.  They are supposed to be good to 15k as well.  I'm at 6K on the rear, and I'm just barely starting to notice that maybe there is a little flattening of the center, visually.  So I think that may bear out.