[Dukedesmo]

Same sized wheel as other bikes so why not the tyre?

I recall back in the 916 and 748 days, the bikes used the same frame, suspension, wheels etc. yet 748s were fitted with a 60 profile front whilst 916 a 70 profile, similarly, at the rear 748 had a 180 width whilst 916 a 190 width.

It wasn't long before most adopted the 70 profile front and 180 width rear for both, my understanding was that they tried to sell the 748 as a more nimble bike (presumably to compensate for less power?) and fitting a lower profile front and narrower rear made it tip into a corner quicker but it soon became apparent that it ran out of front tyre/grip sooner due to the lower profile. The narrower rear, however was a good thing.