[powertoweight]

So I'm looking for a smaller bike to replace my VFR.

The CBR250RA has had my interest since 2011.I have not bought one yet.First I am researching tires that will fit(unfortunately I did not do this before buying my RGV250 with an 18" rear).
I REALLY like the Michelin Road Pilot 3s but the closest size for the rear is 150/70/17.Has anyone fit this size with success?
The front size is available.

If/when I buy a new CBR250 I'm hoping to have the tires swapped during build/pdi and maybe get a bit of a discount due to the brand new take-offs that they will keep.

 

[whipped99]

Yup, I've got the same question as you. The Mich RP3's look like a great road tire, but unfortunately doesn't come in a 140. I've read some post from members putting other 150's on with no real adverse effects.

Just curious what year is your VFR?

 

[powertoweight]

2002 VFR800 with ABS.
Great bike.

 

[8390]

I have Sport Demons in 150, lots of people do on here. I love the 150 width.


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[bcoli2674]

2002 VFR800 with ABS.
Great bike.

I also went from a vfr to a CBR, 2003. The only thing I miss are the locking factory saddlebags.

Thumbs up to Michelin. I noticed as well that they don't have 140 rears. I find that surprising. Dunlop makes a good road tire (I got almost 12K miles on my last set) check those out.


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[miltonch76]

This guy in Colombia put Michelin PR3 160/70/17 in the rear and he says there is no problem whatsoever. I guess it goes against handling but it's still a lightweight bike.

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[Asako]

150 is fine. I'm running Pilot Power 2s and that's the only size they had available.

 

[powertoweight]

Thank you for the relevant answers.

 

[efoo]

I feel like with a 160 you will never be able to use the whole tire. I dont see the point... is just to get a tire that wouldnt be normally made for your bike?

 

[Skyway6]

I feel like with a 160 you will never be able to use the whole tire. I dont see the point... is just to get a tire that wouldnt be normally made for your bike?

we talking about a 150 width not a 160. 5mm per side extra not that much of a difference. But yes, i wanted to get a set of Michelin Pilot Road 3 that are not available in a 140 but are in a 150. Tires are ordered just waiting for them to arrive.

 

[powertoweight]

we talking about a 150 width not a 160. 5mm per side extra not that much of a difference. But yes, i wanted to get a set of Michelin Pilot Road 3 that are not available in a 140 but are in a 150. Tires are ordered just waiting for them to arrive.

Please let me know how those Michelin PR3s fit for you.

 

[Skyway6]

the tires arrived yesterday. dropped bike at shop at 9am for install today. picking bike up in a few hours and will post results. Perfect timing for an upcoming wonderful weekend (weatherwise) Beautiful sunshine and warm (for here at end of March) temps of 15c (59f) to 20c (68f)

 

[Jibbs9]

the tires arrived yesterday. dropped bike at shop at 9am for install today. picking bike up in a few hours and will post results. Perfect timing for an upcoming wonderful weekend (weatherwise) Beautiful sunshine and warm (for here at end of March) temps of 15c (59f) to 20c (68f)

Man Ohio weather pisses me off. Its been freezing her all week but its almost 70f in Vancouver? dafuq.

 

[Skyway6]

yes. weather can suck here at times what with seemingly months of endless rain and gloom. (pretty much October to March) but early spring like we having now makes that all worth it. Walking back to the shop at 1500h it was almost too hot (wearing Joe Rocket pants and Textile jacket) very summer-like. Yes i walked, 1.8km (1.2mile) - could have taken the bus but i hate the bus.

so the verdict so far? it being rush hour i did not ride too far. Around 8km loop. Tires look really nice on the bike. And the 150 rear fits perfect. still lots of room. But being shiny new tires i did not push it too far. Will take a green scrubber pad to them tomorrow.

looks like i be putting on lots of km this weekend so will post ride report on Sunday. But so far they feel different but in a good way. More stable (even brand new) and more "flicky" ... cant wait till i break them in.

 

[powertoweight]

Skyway,you're just a ferry ride away!
When I put PR3s on my VFR they seemed to require zero break in,but don't take my word for it.
Good to know that there is plenty of room for the 150.
I did buy a CBR250 but not new from the dealer,but a 2011 CBR250RA with 250km. for $3700.So the tire exchange may not happen untill I get tired of the OE ones.

 

[Skyway6]

yes. just a short ~2h ferry. Been to island 2 x so far. Swartz bay to Victoria and Nanaimo to Parksville (for kite festival) The Victoria ride was about same time of year as now but in 2007. Weather much different. Got to Tsawassen for first ferry. A cold hwy ride down hwy at 6am and 2c.

as for the PR3. now that you mention it the tires did seem to be pretty sticky from the start. but thot it wishful thinking and did not want to push things. Read a few reviews and one mentioned this same thing. The PR3 seem to have no or different mold release. Still think i will take a green scratchy pad to them to atleast get the little nubbys off.

so you got your 250 used? pretty good price. looks like previous owner barely rode it. i had 250km on my by end of first weekend.

 

[Luke]

My Pr2s have a couple of thousand miles on them and are great. No problems with the fit of the 150, and although Casey Stoner might be able to find something to complain about, every aspect of the swap has been positive for me.

 

[Pitts]

You guys are going to love the PR3s. I've been running them on my K1600GT which I ride like a hooligan bike. They're durable in the middle and provide great grip near the edges and even on my torque monster bike I'm getting 6,000 miles on them with pretty even wear. I only got 3100 miles out of the OEM 'stones on my BMW. They're also great in the rain. I'm looking to do the same thing for this bike if I keep it as a street bike and fit the PR3s. I'm also looking for a recommendation for a track day tire.

 

[Asako]

My Pilot Power tires wore out after 3k miles. Got a set of Pirelli Angels on the way.

 

[Pitts]

My Pilot Power tires wore out after 3k miles. Got a set of Pirelli Angels on the way.

Tires to me are such an important part of the bike's performance. They're unsprung weight so being light is important. How the bike turns in and how stable it is riding near the limits and strong and predictable grip are king. They're also disposable and relatively cheap so I'll happily take a short tire life for the best performance.