I went to a 55 series tire about 6,000 mile ago and I'll never go back to a 50.  There is zero downside and plenty of upside.  No need to try to explain it with physics, it just works.

BTW, I pull both wheels off together all the time to take them to my dealer.  I just put a floor jack under the front of the engine, and put a tool box under the forks.  I don't tie it down or anything.  It's not going anywhere unless you plan to do other work on it while the wheels are off (which I never do).

That's not safe for me (notice didn't say "to" me...sure others can do that safely).  I'm that guy whose bike would take a dump.

Perhaps you should re-evaluate the safety of riding a motorcycle.

That bike has 4 points of contact including straps.  I'd venture to say that bike is much more stable than it ever will be just parked in the garage on the side or center stand.

Perhaps you should re-evaluate the safety of riding a motorcycle.

That bike has 4 points of contact including straps.  I'd venture to say that bike is much more stable than it ever will be just parked in the garage on the side or center stand.

?  You take me applying self deprecating humor as me needing to re-evaluate riding a bike?  Come on.  I simply said it is not for me.  Perhaps you need to reevaluate your delivery.

BTW...yes, lots of points of contact, and more stable than a center stand...just scares me to look at (me).

Another easy way to keep the front off the ground is to just re-install the front axle and put a jack stand underneath the axle.

Another easy way to keep the front off the ground is to just re-install the front axle and put a jack stand underneath the axle.

good point! I like that.

+ 55  handles significantly better than the 50
+ 55 appears to increase the accuracy of the speedo

+/-  55 creates SLIGHTLY taller gearing - lower RPM's at cruising speed / little slower out of the hole IMO

+1.

Most importantly for me the 55 handles much better and turns in quicker.

That is actually pretty secure what with those nylon straps and all- I hang my bike on an auto jack under the engine and a milk crate under the forks. Then again, no one uses my garage but me so I can leave something there without the worry that it will be disturbed, bumped, etc. Someone with kids or anyone else using the garage probably should secure the bike better than I do. And, of course, I set Kirby out to keep and eye on things so between him and KiPass I figure nothing could possibly go wrong. 

Brian

That's not safe for me (notice didn't say "to" me...sure others can do that safely).  I'm that guy whose bike would take a dump.

I just put new Pilot Road 3's on mine and went with the 190/55 in the rear. I'm not a super aggressive rider but I can tell a difference. Not sure how to explain it.........it just feels better.

+1.

Most importantly for me the 55 handles much better and turns in quicker.

All of the above... AND dont forget how much easier to get up on the center stand... :)

JJ

My dealer in town charges me $20 for each wheel and that includes balancing.  I bring in the wheels of course.....without the bike.