150/70 rear for Skorpion tour?

[Quaddy]

Hi all,

Has anyone tried fitting a 150/70 rear? Does it clear the mudguard? Would it raise the rear too much?

Thanks for your help!

[Old Dog]

Yea, I used to run that size from memory, fits OK, but is a bit high and makes the rear feel a bit sluggish/slightly laboured if that makes sense.

Hope that helps

[Quaddy]

Thanks Old Dog,

I'm only asking as I've just aquired the bike and it came with a brand new BT021 front and a worn out BT-92 rear. Ideally would like to match the front (and I've got BT023s on my beemer, which I like v. much) but the 021 doesn't exist in a 150/60.

I'm not too keen to mess with the handling as I love how light it is - I guess my only option is to go with a BT-92 in either 150/60 or 140/70 as some on here suggest.

[Old Dog]

FWIW in my opinion you don't need the width, in fact it is often a hindrance, I run heidenau k66 130/70-17 and I am very happy with these. BT45 in standard sizes are also worth the reddies. I too have a tour, they are a great bike!

[Quaddy]

I agree - 140 seems plenty for a bike of this weight and power. BT-92 140/70 is listed on Bridgestone website but I can't find anywhere that will sell one! Looks like it will have to be a 150.

I had BT45s on a Kawasaki ER-5 I used to own and I was none too keen on them - I came off that bike multiple times which I've never done on anything else I've owned!

Also I was under the impression you shouldn't fit crossplys on a bike designed for radials (or is that a myth propogated by the tire industry to make us spend more?)

[Old Dog]

Well all I can say is that I have used them with impunity as does, Bill J who is missing in action over on the SZR site. I am not technical to know and too lazy to care, if they work I will use them. Mine came with 150/70s so I only noticed the difference going backwards if you like, where it will be interesting to see how you fare going the other way.

good luck with it and keep us posted, we are a rare breed indeed.

PS took mine to the Dragon Rally (first time for the Skorpion, usually take 2Ts) but she was impeccable. Only other 4T MZ was a Mastiff which was interesting, like a bastard offspring of the Baghira and the Skorpion.