wondering what Pirelli did with their MP7 moulds

The new Gilera GP800 has a 120/70-16 front tyre, maybe it suits the paso. It's a Michelin, check the gilera website. (rear is 15" )

Its bigger problem in 16" Paso to find suitable REAR tire...

Hey everyone.

I've crossed over from the 906 forum 'cause they said you had a good tire discussion going on. I have just had a 3 month search for a rear tire for my 906. Finally got one but the suppliers in the US are very reluctant to export now, so stock must be getting low.

I have heard that Harley Davidson have changed their 2009 touring chassis and the rear wheel will now sport a 180/65-16 tire. (http://www.brainbucketmag.com/News/print/sid=4122.html).

Please excuse my ignorance re tires but is this useful news for those of us keen to keep 16" wheels?

I guess that a 180/65 is too big to fit to the rear fork without any modification.
Ciao

Hey guys,

I'm back from Spain and trying to catch up. I spoke with a few Ducai folks while at the meeting and they promised to give us a hand. I had a chance to bring this to Diego Sgorbati, Marketing Director for DMH and he is interested in the fact that the Paso's and other bikes that use these tires need a supply to keep them on the road. I also spoke to the Marketing director from the UK and they also showed interest. So, what I need to do is put together a letter to send to these folks explaining our case and trying to get their support. What are your ideas for this letter and what facts should be included??

It would seem to me all they need to know is who needs tires and how often. There are still a lot of bikes out there using 16 inchers, not to forget the hoard of Hondas. But then eloquence is not my strong point

Higgy,
we all have understood your point.

WHO AND HOW MUCH DO NEED NEW 16" TIRES??????

A little planning is useful to try finding an agreement with the producer.
Ciao

I don`t think that is the question as tires are needed by way more persons as are registred here.
May be more important to get a picture of how many bikes using these tire sizes do still exist and then estimate that a person my need a set every 1-1,5 years or so. Just a thought.

Has anybody lookeed from Honda forums, what they will do ???

why does Honda have any issues ? The old CBRs use a 130/70-16 on the front (that size is available from numerous manufacturers) and a 17" on the rear. The Hondas and other bikes that use a 16" on the rear use 150/80 or 180/60 but not 160/60-16.

We are trying to build a good case for support from Ducati to assist or at least apply some pressure for us. We need a compelling case for this not just a "we need tires" approach.

Ducati is in the biz of building and selling new motorcycles. They do have huge respect and interest in the heritage of the marque as well. The Paso is a mile post in the design of Ducati and you can see it's lines in many bikes that have been huge for Ducati.

If you have any thoughts on what should be contained in this letter, please email me at slocumjon@gmail.com

Remembering, that F1 with its modells, like Montjuch, Lacuna Seca used different rear wheel, narrower, than Pasos use. So, then they use different type of tire.