Can I Replace the Stock Tyre on My Yamaha R15 V2 with a Different Size?
When owning a bike, enthusiasts often wonder if they can upgrade the stock tyre to improve performance or just for aesthetics. In the case of the Yamaha R15 V2, the stock tyre features a 90/80-17 size, which is perfect for its unique handling characteristics. However, some riders might ask if they can interchange it with other tyre sizes without compromising the bike's performance. This article explores whether it's feasible to use a different tyre size and what the implications are.
Understanding Tyre Sizes and Compatibility
The stock tyre on the Yamaha R15 V2 features a 90/80-17 size. This means the width of the tyre is 90mm, and the side wall accounts for 80% of this width, resulting in a 72mm side wall. Any change in tyre size can affect various aspects of your ride, including handling, ride comfort, and overall weight distribution.
For example, altering from the stock 90/80-17 to a 90/90-17 tyre would increase the side wall height from 72mm to 81mm. This change would result in the front tyre being taller and could impact the bike's balance and steering geometry. The weight distribution, which is crucial for the R15's handling, would also be affected. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain the tyre size as close to the stock dimensions as possible to ensure optimal performance.
Special Considerations for Upgrading Tyres
Upgrading the stock tyre on the R15 V2, especially if you want to use Brembo wheels, requires careful consideration. The stock rim is 4 inches wide and supports a 140mm tyre. However, the Brembo rear wheel is 5.5 inches wide, requiring a minimum tyre size of 150mm. Upsizing the tyre even by one size can have significant implications. A study of a similar bike, the Kawasaki Ninja 300, highlights that a change in tyre size can affect various aspects of the bike's performance.
The tyre size is not just about improving aesthetics or performance but also about maintaining the overall characteristics of the bike. As Kawasaki engineers deliberately designed the height difference between the front and rear tyres to ensure optimal handling, any change in size could result in alterations to steering geometry and weight distribution.
Choosing the Right Tyre
When choosing a new tyre, especially for high-performance bikes like the Yamaha R15 V2, it is essential to consider various factors. Bridgestone Battlax tyres were initially the preferred choice, but their higher cost made them less appealing. The Metzeler M5 became a viable alternative, despite its slightly lower cost, due to its 'Z' rating and dual compound design, offering good value for money (VFM).
It is crucial to remember that the height of the tyres plays a crucial role in maintaining the bike's handling characteristics. The stock tyre dimensions were carefully chosen to ensure a specific balance. For instance, the front tyre's height of 77mm and the rear tyre's height of 98mm create a significant 21mm difference. This difference is intentional and contributes to the bike's handling.
Obtaining the exact tyre dimensions, such as the 90/80-17, can be challenging. It often involves extensive searching and traveling long distances to find a replacement. This highlights the importance of keeping the original dimensions as much as possible to avoid any negative impact on the bike's performance.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is possible to replace the stock tyre on your Yamaha R15 V2, it is important to consider the implications of any change in tyre size. Maintaining the original tyre dimensions as closely as possible is key to preserving the bike's performance and handling. If considering an upgrade, thoroughly research and consider the effects on the bike's balance, steering geometry, and overall performance.