Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp Tyres On Thruxton 900

Discussion in 'Tyres' started by Robert Broadbent, Mar 19, 2021.

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  1. Robert Broadbent

    Robert Broadbent New Member

    Mar 18, 2021
    4
    3
    United Kingdom
    I know there are a few threads about changing the Thruxton Metzelers for something different. The choices are obviously limiting given the 18' front wheel
    I am keen to change from the standard Metzeler lazerteck front and ME72 130 rear to a set of Pirelli PHANTOM sport comps but with a 150/17 rear. I have heard this is possible on the stock rim.

    Has anyone had experience with either Pirelli Phantoms or changing the rear tyre from 130 to 150?
    PS, I would leave the front as stock size 100/90/18

    Thanks
    Rob
     
  2. Helmut Visor

    Helmut Visor Only dead fish go with the flow
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    Oct 3, 2018
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  3. RevPaul

    RevPaul Senior Member

    Apr 21, 2020
    678
    193
    Cheshire, UK
    Hi Rob

    I can't speak to your fitment questions but I would ask are you sure you want Pirelli Phantom Sport comps? They're standard fit to a lot of the later "modern classics" (including my Street Cup) and if you ferret around on this site you'll find quite a few who are unimpressed with them.

    They look right and they're reasonably grippy but like many I've found the factory Triumph fitted version of the Sport Comps have shallow new tread depth (but that may be different for tyre dealer versions); poor feed back from the road; poor grip in the wet and they "white line" quite happily. Continental Road Attack 3 seem to get much better praise, or Avons.

    Sorry to put a downer on your plans, others may have better suggestions.

    Cheers Paul
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  4. Robert Broadbent

    Robert Broadbent New Member

    Mar 18, 2021
    4
    3
    United Kingdom
    Thanks Paul. Super helpful advice. I had seen some good response on the Conti’s I will most likely head that way!! I just had no love for the Metz as needed to find a solution! Do you have any advice on going to 150 on the rear!??
     
  5. RevPaul

    RevPaul Senior Member

    Apr 21, 2020
    678
    193
    Cheshire, UK
    This comes with a big caveat because I'm no expert. I've looked up Triumph's table for recommended fitments and your bike needs a 130/80R17 rear tyre. As I'm sure you know the 130 refers to the tyre width = 130mm. But what also matters is the profile that's the second number, which refers to the height of the tyre from the rim as a ratio of the width. So your tyre's height is 130x0.8 = 104mm.

    My Street Cup uses 150/70R17: So my tyre's height is 150x0.7 = 105mm. almost nothing in it. Why does this matter well you can get a wider tyre that will have the same rolling radius as your stock tyre without affecting speed acceleration or the calibration of your Speedometer.

    The big question is will it fit the rim? And will it fit in the swing arm? The second question you can work out by looking at the bike, the tyre will fill the gap to the swing arm by (and any other bits on the chassis) by 10mm on each side. I'd say you'd probably need about 20mm each side of your stock tyre.

    The second question you'll have to check, there are charts that state what tyre widths work with what width rims but I don't have one.

    The other thing to consider is if your present tyre is tubeless, will the new tyre work with inner tubes? I have cast wheels and use tubeless. Again you'll have to research the markings on the tyre. Triumph's website has advice on tyres and most tyre manufacturers have such info as well.

    Good luck
    Paul
     
  6. Robert Broadbent

    Robert Broadbent New Member

    Mar 18, 2021
    4
    3
    United Kingdom
    Cheers Paul, much appreciated
     
  7. swampy61

    swampy61 Well-Known Member

    Mar 29, 2020
    120
    93
    Shropshire
    As far as I am aware, 130 and 140 are both recommended sizes by tyre manufacturers for the thruxton rim width.. I have been told only Dunlop have a 150 that is recommended on our rim width. Having said that quite a few folk say continental and Avon 150's work fine on the rear of a 900 thruxton.
     
  8. Robert Broadbent

    Robert Broadbent New Member

    Mar 18, 2021
    4
    3
    United Kingdom
    Hi all, thanks for the feedback. Have just fitted Bridgestone battle-axe T31's in a 110/80/18 front and 150/70/17 rear. The result has been a complete transformation of the bike. I couldn't get those old standard Metzelers off quick enough. The front tracked road lines like a heat seeking missile and lacked feel. Despite fears that it would effect the turn in and handling, it could not be further from the truth. Turn in is quicker and more stable holding a line with high lean angles with confidence.
     
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  9. Wishbone

    Wishbone First Class Member

    Nov 4, 2018
    861
    643
    Essex UK
    If thats the same Pirelli fitted as OE on my T120 then they are pretty naff;
    Do not inspire confidence wet or dry, move all over the place on white lines and tar bands. The word fidgety comes to mind and did I mention they are shi*e in the wet.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  10. Robert Broadbent

    Robert Broadbent New Member

    Mar 18, 2021
    4
    3
    United Kingdom
    cheers mate, yes I have heard they are pretty crap.!! Hence I have gone with the T31's which are bloody great!
     
  11. Wishbone

    Wishbone First Class Member

    Nov 4, 2018
    861
    643
    Essex UK
    Yeah replied without reading all posts, saw you had bought the Bridgestones after my rant.
    I fitted Michelin Pilot Activ's to my T120 pretty happy with them.
     
  12. OsteKuste

    OsteKuste Intergalactic Warlord
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    Oct 22, 2017
    2,197
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    Tennessee, United States
    Let us know how you get on long term with the new rubber. Any info helps us all.
     
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