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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
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...
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.
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!
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.