Holy Crap SteveWFL was right!

[Shad0hawK]

Thanks for covering me 

The debate as to which is better - a 180 or 190 in a 55 series is pretty insignificant to me.  The math is easy to run to figure out what going from one to the other does to the height of the tire.  No question it will change how "stretched" the tire is on the same size wheel, which will have some impact on the profile of the tire.  Six to one/half dozen to the other.  I'll be trying a 190 because I'd rather not change the profile of the tire once by going to a 55, then changing the profile again by downsizing to a 180  - which by my account would be back toward the profile of the original 190/50.

i tried a 180/55 a couple of years ago, the profile of that tire on a 6 inch rim was noticably flatter.

[DaveO]

i tried a 180/55 a couple of years ago, the profile of that tire on a 6 inch rim was noticably flatter.

flatter than what??

[Dave Bogue]

All this theory about rim size, tire size, and handling results is of interest.

However, until you've tried an alternative rear tire size on your motorcycle, you won't know the real world results. 

Personally, I have used 180/55 tires on the ZX-12R, the ZX-10R, and the C14, all with good results. 

So, until you've tried it yourself, keep an open mind.

Best wishes,
Dave
Bradenton Florida

[jjsC6]

All this theory about rim size, tire size, and handling results is of interest.

However, until you've tried an alternative rear tire size on your motorcycle, you won't know the real world results. 

Personally, I have used 180/55 tires on the ZX-12R, the ZX-10R, and the C14, all with good results. 

So, until you've tried it yourself, keep an open mind.

Best wishes,
Dave
Bradenton Florida

Your words are well chosen and I appreciate the way you put that.  My question for you is...have you tried a 190/55 and a 180/55 on the Concours?  If so, how would you compare them?

[JetJock]

HOW did this manage to get to 3 pages without Steve chiming in? 

[Jeremy Mitchell]

HOW did this manage to get to 3 pages without Steve chiming in? 

Maybe he is out riding like the rest of us should be, instead of coming to work.

[Dave Bogue]

Your words are well chosen and I appreciate the way you put that.  My question for you is...have you tried a 190/55 and a 180/55 on the Concours?  If so, how would you compare them?

No, I haven't.  I went straight from the stock 190/50 BT021 to PR2s with a 180/55.  This works great; the bike has a nice easy turn-in response.

I'm guessing the 190/55 would be even more responsive because it should raise the rear ride height.  For that very reason, I did not go with a 190/55 because at 5-9. with a ZX-14 seat (one inch lower than stock), I can get my feet down OK, but not great.  Both my other bikes have a lower ride height, plus they are lighter bikes.  I do not want to drop the C14 some day because I can't get good footing on an uneven surface. 

On the other hand, since the PR2 and recently the Angel ST are available in 190/55, I will be trying them on my SV and Ninja and evaluate.

Best wishes,
Dave
Tampa Crashers Internet List       

[jjsC6]

No, I haven't.  I went straight from the stock 190/50 BT021 to PR2s with a 180/55.  This works great; the bike has a nice easy turn-in response.

I'm guessing the 190/55 would be even more responsive because it should raise the rear ride height.  For that very reason, I did not go with a 190/55 because at 5-9. with a ZX-14 seat (one inch lower than stock), I can get my feet down OK, but not great.  Both my other bikes have a lower ride height, plus they are lighter bikes.  I do not want to drop the C14 some day because I can't get good footing on an uneven surface. 

On the other hand, since the PR2 and recently the Angel ST are available in 190/55, I will be trying them on my SV and Ninja and evaluate.

Best wishes,
Dave
Tampa Crashers Internet List     

Thanks for the input Dave.  Which Ninja 1000 do you have - is that the new one?  If so, I've been very curious about that bike,  I'd really like to ride one.

Like this?

[Shad0hawK]

flatter than what??

a 190/50.

the wider the rim, the more flattened the profile (using the same size tire) i compensated some by running abit more air pressure but i dont think that made much difference though.

[Dave Bogue]

Thanks for the input Dave.  Which Ninja 1000 do you have - is that the new one?  If so, I've been very curious about that bike,  I'd really like to ride one.

Like this?

Yes, just got it as a replacement for my '06 ZX-10R.   I have about 600 miles.  Briefly, it's a soft-core (125 rwhp) sportbike with rider friendly ergos and a great powerband.  The engine is NOT restricted in the lower 4 gears like a ZX-10 or C14, so it's got LOTS of torque at low rpm.  The handling is excellent with very good suspension compliance.  Brakes are excellent.  Digital speedo, analog tachometer, and a gas gauge.  This is a rider's motorcycle.  You can jump on it and start bending curves with confidence.  Negatives: the seat is a bit firm and the gearing a little low (can you say "wheelie").  All in all, I love it!
Dave     

[stevewfl]

I put my new 190/55 PR2 on today and I have to give it to SteveWFL.......... this is a great tire.  Turn in is noticebly quicker than the Shinko Raven and the 190/50 PR2.  I only got to ride about 30 miles and am completely impressed, I have found my tire to stick with as long as I get decent mileage out of it.  I ended up getting about 6300 miles (completely shagged) out of the Raven which was a little more than the PR2 that it replaced.  Thanks for hyping the 55 Steve!

You're welcome, for those of us who care about performance the 55 tire difference is profound. For those who don't turn in quickly its a wash anyway

[jjsC6]

You're welcome, for those of us who care about performance the 55 tire difference is profound. For those who don't turn in quickly its a wash anyway

Thanks for the report.  I've read all of the tests on it and sat on it.  I think it would make a good third bike for me.  I just haven't figured out how to get a third bike into the program around here.  My last big purchase that was not planned cost me a new dining room set and a 12 night Mediterranean cruise! 

[JetJock]

Thanks for the report.  I've read all of the tests on it and sat on it.  I think it would make a good third bike for me.  I just haven't figured out how to get a third bike into the program around here.  My last big purchase that was not planned cost me a new dining room set and a 12 night Mediterranean cruise! 

You don't really NEED a dining room set. The cruise, well that would depend on who you you're bunking with.

[jjsC6]

You don't really NEED a dining room set. The cruise, well that would depend on who you you're bunking with.

I didn't need either.  I NEEDED to buy both of them for my wife!