Yep- exactly right about being blown out of proportion. For some reason, it is not enough to simply like something or just to not love it- a lot of people have to race to the extreme as fast as they can. Note that there is very little 'meh' feeling about KiPass for example; we must for an extremely strong opinion, right away, and scream it out as loudly as possible.

I prefer the /55 series but I would not say that they transform the bike into something magical. It is still a 700 lb. 'sport tourer' and nothing is going to cause it to turn in or transition like a liter sport bike.

Brian

<snip>

I agree with Mike here, and prefer the 190/50 rubber. I have also run 190/55 rear tires and I don't like them personally. I think this whole 55 series rear tire business on the C14 has been blown a bit out of proportion, but as with all things on the internet, I suppose that will happen....lol. Some folks will like 'em, some will not;).

Rem

Yep- exactly right about being blown out of proportion. For some reason, it is not enough to simply like something or just to not love it- a lot of people have to race to the extreme as fast as they can. Note that there is very little 'meh' feeling about KiPass for example; we must for an extremely strong opinion, right away, and scream it out as loudly as possible.

I prefer the /55 series but I would not say that they transform the bike into something magical. It is still a 700 lb. 'sport tourer' and nothing is going to cause it to turn in or transition like a liter sport bike.

Brian

I like KiPass but it is not a "must have" on any future bike of mine. So I guess I fall into that 'meh" category. Much of the KiPass stuff on this forum is a joke I think. Where's Steve? I also like the 55 better but my last PR-4 rear is a 50 simply because a 55 wasn't available. So the 55 obviously isn't a must have for me either. I just prefer it.

The reason why it turns more easily is because the 55 series tire is narrower and has a more rounded profile. The wider and "flatter" a rear tire is, the "slower" the steering is.

The 50 series tire looks cool, but it doesn't help the handling of the bike at all.

My other bike is a Yamaha FZ1, and a lot of guys on those bikes change from the stock 50 series tire to a 55 series tire for the same reasons C14 owners do; the bike steers quicker and easier.

Technical point here:  The /55 in the tire designation has nothing to do with the width of the tire.  As for the contact patch...that's a different story...

Technical point here:  The /55 in the tire designation has nothing to do with the width of the tire.  As for the contact patch...that's a different story...

The FJR has the same size tires as the C14 with the exception they use a 55 rear. I would guess that Kawi determined the C14 needed a larger contact patch to handle the greater HP and torque. In Colorado we have much reduced HP due to altitude. I like the slightly better feel in the turns with the 55 and don't miss the larger contact patch on acceleration.

Oh Oh, different tire sizes making different contact patch area. That is almost entirely a function of tire pressure- more pressure, a smaller contact patch regardless of tire size.

The FJR uses a different size tire- a 180/55, which is the standard for the 5.5" wheel width on that bike. C-14's have a 6" wide rear wheel and use a 190/50 standard. Either tire can be used on either wheel but the width of the beads does affect the radius (cross- section radius) of the tire.

Brian

The FJR has the same size tires as the C14 with the exception they use a 55 rear. I would guess that Kawi determined the C14 needed a larger contact patch to handle the greater HP and torque. In Colorado we have much reduced HP due to altitude. I like the slightly better feel in the turns with the 55 and don't miss the larger contact patch on acceleration.

 

Of course...I am assuming all other aspects being equal...but, it is most definitely affected by profile...

I've been finding myself with gloves and helmet on, when I notice my ZX14 key is burried in my pocket.

I have been spoiled with my fob after all.

Of course- everyone eventually sees the spectacularness of KiPass if they will only allow themselves to do so.

Paraphrased:  Anyone who cannot see the greatness of KiPass is blind Sir, blind!

There is that internet excess we were just talking about, huh? 

Brian

I've been finding myself with gloves and helmet on, when I notice my ZX14 key is burried in my pocket.

I have been spoiled with my fob after all.

If you really want that larger contact patch for the flat roads in Florida (and elsewhere), spoon on a car tire! 

 

If you really want that larger contact patch for the flat roads in Florida (and elsewhere), spoon on a car tire! 

Oh no, don't say that.

"Oh no you didn't"

I've been finding myself with gloves and helmet on, when I notice my ZX14 key is burried in my pocket.

I have been spoiled with my fob after all.

Yes!  Love the fob, but not a necessity.  A luxury is nice every now and then.