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Posted:  01 Jul 2008 09:55	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Apr 2008	Posts:  12 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Second Lieutenant
I have an '08 firebolt xb12r, is it possible to put a fatter tire (like say maybe a 200) without it looking gay?

Posted:  01 Jul 2008 10:05   Last Edited By: dave_xb12r	[?]
Registered User Join Date: May 2008	Posts:  498 Reputation:  11 [?] User Rank: Colonel
Looking "gay" would be least of my worries, I would be concerned with how it would negatively effect handling.  I wouldn't do it, but that's just me. link

Posted:  01 Jul 2008 14:07	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jun 2008	Posts:  93 Reputation:  4 [?] User Rank: First Lieutenant
I hear tell that a 190 will fit. I have not seen it personally though. When I look at my 9 I don't think there is adequete room for it, maybe a 12 is different or mamy be post 2003 there is more room. Pretty sure a 200 is out of the question with the stock suspension. Be aware a bunch of folks are gonna pile on and tell you that a 190 is going create an unstable suspension and blah blah blah. A 190 is only 10mm's wider and then it is only 5mm's a side. That is less than .20". I don't see how it would really adversly affect handling (on the street), but it is not what the OEM has on the bike. If you are really pushing the bike to its limts it would affect turn in, but on the street....   If I thought there was room - I'de feel comfortable putting the 190 on.

Posted:  01 Jul 2008 14:25	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jun 2008	Posts:  93 Reputation:  4 [?] User Rank: First Lieutenant
In fact 2 Wheel Tuner just did an article on a 240 conversion and track tested it at Willow Springs along with a race prepped GSXR1000. They ended up raising the rear to conteract the turn in issue, but in they end they said 'go for it' and that was on a 240.

Posted:  01 Jul 2008 15:30	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Apr 2008	Posts:  12 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Second Lieutenant
sorry bad choice of words buellwife wrote what i said instead of what i meant. i didn't think the next size up would change the handling. 190 i think would make it look a little more balanced(to me). 200 would fit with just a few serious mods. 240 no way it would change the whole look and thats not what i want.

Posted:  01 Jul 2008 17:19	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Aug 2007	Posts:  115 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Captain
so will a 190 fit on a stock xb12r?

Posted:  01 Jul 2008 20:17	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Mar 2008	Posts:  180 Reputation:  12 [?] User Rank: Captain
Yes, it will fit. BUT, some tires dont measure the same. I have seen certain 190's fit without problems and other rub on the belt guard. Thats was fixed with a little filing of the guard, no big deal. It will how ever change the handling a little if you are into the twisties quite a bit. The Buell wheels are simply not meant for anything bigger than 180's. In fact, alot of the sportbike racers prefer tires as small as 160. 190 on the Buell wheel changes the shape of the tire that was meant for the tire. It tends to tuck the outside edges of the tire to the point that they become sometimes useless and dangerous to ride the outside of the tire. Just be careful if you go bigger, I wanted to myself but after researching it more changed my mind. I do think it looks sick though, I love meats on the rear.

Posted:  01 Jul 2008 20:37	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Aug 2007	Posts:  115 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Captain
im not serious about running one. i was just curious. my dad runs a 190 on his cbr900rr and i liked the handling better with the 180. looks better with the 190 though.

Posted:  02 Jul 2008 01:52	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Oct 2007	Posts:  70 Reputation:  4 [?] User Rank: First Lieutenant
I run the 180 on the rear, and the 120/60 on the front. I like the handling. It does feel more stable in the turns, and it is lighter too.

Posted:  02 Jul 2008 01:59	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Mar 2008	Posts:  180 Reputation:  12 [?] User Rank: Captain
I hear ya, I would like to go with the looks of a 200 or 210 and the ride of a 170... That would rock!!

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