Yep, I also emailed Michelin last week, my reply was similar but with a slight difference. Below is their reply:

In response to your inquiry:

No, Michelin is not discontinuing the Michelin A59/M59 series. However, we
only produce small runs.

We will continue to produce small runs, until demand cease.

If you have additional questions, please call
us at 1-800-847-3435 between 8:30AM and 6:00PM Eastern Time Monday through
Friday to allow one of our Consumer Relations Representatives to assist you.

Michelin North America
Consumer Relations

So it would seem that the dire predictions of no tires is somewhat unfounded. I'm still going to figure out how to mount 180/55's on mine, even if it involves cutting or lengthening the swingarm.

I was wondering if anyone has attempted any different 16" tire sizes. I was looking at the Bridgestone BT-45 tires (sport-touring/older sportbike tire design), and was wondering if anyone has attempted these. Since the original tires are....

Front at 130/60-16 = 130 mm wide and about 78 mm high
Rear at 160/60-16 = 160 mm wide and about 96 mm high


What about the BT-45 in...

Front at 120/80-16 = 120 mm wide and 96 mm tall
Rear at 150/80-16 = 150 mm wide and 120 tall

With these measurements, the front fender would have to be raised between 1/2" to 3/4" but with no clearance issues other than this as the tire is narrower, but taller. The rear tire is actually a little narrower, but 24mm taller, which shouldn't result in any clearance issues, I don't believe. The overall height of the bike would be around 18 mm taller in the front and 24 mm in the rear, which would be similar to raising your rear ride height 6mm from stock if you went with the original tire sizes. The sidestand/center stand would need to be lengthened by 20mm or more, probably. Anyone try anything like this? Is my logic flawed? How would one expect handling to be affected?

Hmmmm.....more research has concluded that a taller profile rear tire can hit the cross-member on the rear swingarm and raising the front fender too high can result in it smacking the underside of the front fairing under hard braking....... :ugh:

A pretty thorough examining of various tyres and suspension setups has been gone through in the following link

Ducati Owners Club UK

Wow, just rode the bike today with new tyres. What a differant bike it is.! :thumbup: