Charles, Thanks for the reprint. Good info for a neophyte like me. Got a question for any of the V-Max vets that may be reading this though... would this really apply to a 'Max that had been reworked w/ the major handling mods? In other words, after the chassis has been fortified, the forks upgraded to Paoli's or GSX-R 1100's, upgraded rear shocks, etc., wouldn't you be dealing with a different bike? And given that you did these mods correctly and stepped up to a wider rim, wouldn't you maintain desireable handling characteristics? If not, why not? I'm thinking (and feel free to correct me) that the stiffer chassis and beefier front suspension would free you to install tires that cornered better. I guess I don't fully understand Mr. Smiths statement about sacrificing cornering for stability. I'm guessing it might have something to do with the shape and volume (i.e. weight) of the contact area, esp. on the sides. Any light you can shed on this would be greatly appreciated. TIA. Hal ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Round Rock, TX '99 V-Max -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, March 05, 2000 5:18 AM To: V-MAX TECH LIST Subject: This I wrote, This I received as an answer. Now I'm sure. Hi to all, Thanks for your replies regarding the change of the front tyre from 110 to 120. I also contacted AVON in England and I got a letter that all Maxers should read. My mail: Nigel, The only problem is that your Spanish counterpart don't have the front tyre available right now (typical in this country) and will not have it for a long while and I can't wait. ---( I was asking for a set of SuperVenoms for my bike.....)--- Right now with the original Metzeler tyres( 110/90 V18 on the front and 150/90 Marathon on the rear), I find the front one easy to meet its limits while the rear still has about ½ an inch to go and on the other hand, having the front tyre so narrow compared to the rear, on slow cornering the steering tries to pull towards the curve, making slow riding very uncomfortable to say the least, that is why I thought that using a "fatter" tyre on the front would also sort out this problem. I'm no specialist, but taking a look at the latest high speed road bikes, the difference in balloon between the front and rear is not so big so can you help me? I have a 1999 Yamaha V-max 1200. By the way, what does the V-18 or V-16 etc. mean? Regards and thank you. Charles ( [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ) This was AVON's reply: Subject: RE: Your E-Mail Enquiry re. Avon Tyres Hi Charles, I will try to deal with your questions as best I can The V18 part of the tyre coding is part of the following coding system: 110 the width of the tyre in millimetres/90 the height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the width (ie ((110/100)*90)=99mm) V The speed rating of the tyre (240kph or 149mph). 18 The diameter of the tyre in inches 61V the amount of weight the tyre can carry as direct axle load expressed as a number in a table (61=257kg or 565lbs) at a maximum speed of V (240kph or 149mph). TL indicates Tube Less tyre, suitable for use on tubeless rims not requiring an inner tube. The front rim size on the Vmax is MT2.15-18. As such the widest tyre that you can run is 110. Tyres any wider than that will have an incorrect shape when mounted to the rim. Motorcycle tyres are all about shape. A wider tyre on your rim size would be squeezed. This would increase the diameter, & reduce the width. The tyre would generally have a similar shape as intended in the centre of the tyre, but the tyre arc would sharpen dramatically at the edges of the tyre. This would have a twofold effect. Firstly, it would lengthen & narrow the straight-line footprint of the tyre, reducing brake ability somewhat (the tyre is now easier to lock) & when leaning the motorcycle over the footprint produced will be getting smaller the further you lean it, rather than larger. This causes two problems, firstly the bike would lean ok up to a point & then markedly try to fall into the corner. Secondly, & more alarmingly if you encounter bumps whilst leaning over the now small footprint will break away easily resulting in an almost certain crash situation. All the above problems obviously become more severe with poor weather or road conditions. Add to that the large amount of weight transference you get on this bike when you accelerate hard (lifts the front when on gas, lifts the rear on brakes) Other than that there are no problems! The secret of success when using standard wheel & tyre sizes on this bike is to have fully matched front & rear profiles. Cooper Avon recommend Supervenom tyres for this motorcycle. These tyres were specifically designed for this application & have extremely carefully matched profiles front & rear When making tyres for the Vmax, you are faced with an irresolvable problem, because of the vehicle characteristics. The set can either be designed for stability, at the expense of cornering, or cornering, at the expense of stability. The supervenom tyre set was formulated to allow maximum cornering usage of this motorcycle - if you get it right you will be surprised just how well they can corner despite their power & bulk. Because of this if used at full speed you will experience mild weave. Respectfully Leo Smith Motorcycle Product Manager Cooper Avon Tyres Bath Rd, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 8AA, England. ---------------------------------------oOo---------------------------------- ----------------- I STICK TO STANDARD, THAN YOU VERY MUCH !!! Best regards, thanks to Paul, Don and the rest. Take care. Charles ( [EMAIL PROTECTED] ) ............................................. To unsubscribe go to http://www.sayegh.org/unsubscribe.htm ............................................. ............................................. To unsubscribe go to http://www.sayegh.org/unsubscribe.htm .............................................
