120/60 vs. 120/70?

I'm a solid intermediate level track rider... I recently got a new set of Pilot Powers and had 'em mounted on my '02 R1. Being in a big hurry, I never looked at the labels - turns out the front is a 120/60 (rather than the stock 120/70). Didn't catch this 'till I was putting the wheels back on. The rear is a 180/55 - I've had good luck with these and it dosen't vary too much from the stock 190/50. The 120/60 change is a bit more significant.... Just lookin' for some feedback / experience on this. I suspect the turn-in will be a bit quicker. Just want to make sure I'm not sacrifcing too much stability. I'm not out to win any GP race and I wouldn't say I'm too keen to feedback from tires at all. At the same time, I do like to corner hard and fast. Will I be "suprised" by the lower profile 120/60 in the front? - I certainly have no interest in crashing. At the same time, if its not big deal, then I don't want to make it one. Thanks, A.

A 120/60 will turn in slower and not drop in as the 120/70 would...I dont know if it will work out good or not for you since you like to take corners and go to the track though...You could always try it in the twisties and if you dont like it put it up for sale on craigslist and get the 70 series...

I would imagine the diameter will be a bit less with the 120/60, so this will lower your front end a little and maybe make the bike a bit less stable in a straight line. Turn in will depend more on the profile of the tyre (is it round or more triangular?) but the steeper steering angle should help turn in I think. I've noticed it going for taller rears but I've never personally tried a 60 front. These are normally fitted to the 600's. Geoffro

A 120/60 will turn in slower and not drop in as the 120/70 would...I dont know if it will work out good or not for you since you like to take corners and go to the track though...You could always try it in the twisties and if you dont like it put it up for sale on craigslist and get the 70 series... Incorrect...the 120/60 will turn in faster. However, it will offer a smaller contact patch when leaned over, and some say handling will be twitchy. I say go ahead and use it...just take some time to get used to it before you go all out on it....

Incorrect...the 120/60 will turn in faster. However, it will offer a smaller contact patch when leaned over, and some say handling will be twitchy. I say go ahead and use it...just take some time to get used to it before you go all out on it.... :2bitchsla

:2bitchsla What are you, the tire police?:) The guy says he's a solid rider--let him try it out for himself.:scoots:

What are you, the tire police?:) The guy says he's a solid rider--let him try it out for himself.:scoots: maybe I am.... =)

Taller tire = quicker turn-in (ie: 190/50 vs. 190/55, 55 series has a quicker turn-in due to taller profile) * I just bought a 55-series too (a set actually - 120/70fr & 190/55rr Bridgestones), cant wait to try it, not to mention they're BT002 RS... So the 60 series should have a slightly slower turn-in than the 70 series front... :fork

The 120 / 60 Michelin has a slightly rounder profile than the 120 / 70 ( I've run both ) and it actually does turn in slightly slower, but I prefer the term more predictably. however at full lean angle the 120 / 70 puts more contact patch on the ground. The actual difference in total circumferance is minimal ( less than 10mm ) so I don't think, unless you have a lot of seat time on the same track, you'll even notice much of a ride height difference. Unless you were to ride them back to back...... If however you're riding style is more, to push the front end to help control corner speed, than you might want to swap it before you ride it. My corner speed between the two is not any different but I personally prefered the feedback I get from the 70 over the 60 Wear it out and go back to the 120 / 70

smaller front tire should turn faster. just not better to go straight.

It's lower profile....... still a 120 width