Hello All,

Yes I have searched and read the few threads regarding this matter. I am hoping to get fresh opinions regarding my new MC that will be arriving soon. I ordered it with the 15" rotator spoke wheels. I am debating whether to keep the standard wheels and upgrade to 195/60-15 tires (probably Bridgestone RE960AS) or to get some aftermarket 16" wheels with 195/55-16 or 205/55-16 tires.

Specifically I wonder about the advantages and disadvantages of 15" versus 16" wheels in terms of comfort, handling and fuel economy. Any constructive input would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

For performance, I think a 205/50/16 or 205/55/16 on the 16x6.5 or 16x7 wheels
will do better than a 195/60/15 on a 15x5.5 wheel, but if you have winter
where you live, that makes a strong case for 15" all season or (when the
oem all seasons start to wear) winter tires,
alternating with 16" summer tires on 16x6.5 or 16x7 aftermarket rims.
That's what I did over 5 years ago and I have no regrets.

 

Thanks cristo for the input. I live in Atlanta currently, so I don't get much in terms of snow. Just a few days per year. But it does often dip down to or below freezing in the winter.

You have an excellent point about using 16" summer performance tires for Spring-Summer-Fall then switching to the OEM 15" all seasons in the winter. That's something to consider. I was originally planning to sell the OEM's but now I have another option to weigh. Thanks a bunch.

Any other input would be greatly appreciated.

 

I actually did what you're thinking of doing. I have rotator spokes with Potenza RE960AS all seasons. We have snow here in Ohio and they did well this past year. I still think about 16's for spring/summer/fall I just haven't pulled the trigger yet. If you do get other wheels be aware you'll have either get another set of TPMS or take the ones of the wheels you have now. And then have to exchange them if you put the others back on.

Also the 15's in 195/60 ride very nice with the larger sidewall. I'd be tempted to go to the 205/55 in 16's to get a larger sidewall to do the same thing and get rid of a little wheel gap.

 

Thanks for the post. Did you notice any change in your fuel economy/MPG after switching to the wider RE960AS tires? How is the handling versus stock?

Thanks

 

I changed tires pretty soon after I bought so I really don't have a feel for any MPG change. The handling is fine, especially for all seasons. The OEM tires were performance rated but I really didn't see any change in handling. I did notice the Potenzas are quieter and ride a bit nicer than the OEMs.