190/55 tire update (on my bike now)

[jjsC6]

This has come up a few times, but I thought I'd report on my opinion now that I've had them a few weeks.  I put a 190/55 Michelin PR2 on.  My previous tires have been PR2s but in the 190/50 size.  Today we did a 375 mile ride, with wide variety of twisty roads.  The results are in.  I really like the 55's.  I can't see running anything else from here on.  They make the bike much more responsive in handling, and it's really easy to put the bike exactly where you want it.  At the same time it is not twitchy or anything, nor is it overly sensitive.  These tires and the Concours feel like they are made for each other.

Thanks Steve for putting us on to this upgrade.  I know others have done it - but Steve really pushed the issue here on the forum.

Steve - I have another question for you (and others who may be familiar with...).  My friend who I ride with all the time has a Concours identical to mine.  He also has a Ducati 1198S and just bought a new Ninja 1000.  We got into a conversation about the ZX-14 today because its a bike I really like.  The question that came up is this.  How does it compare to the Concours in handling?  How much different is it?  I have read a lot about the bike, but we got to wondering if it's too much like the Concours or would it be different enough to own both a Concours and a ZX?

[Snibbor]

Just put a 190/55 on myself.  Only a couple hundred miles on it, but so far I like it.  I am heading out on a 800 mile trip tomorrow so we'll see how that goes.

[Jeremy Mitchell]

You hit the nail on the head when you said that 190/55 is made for the C14.  I love my current PR2 and have already ordered another before my trip to DC.

[BackInTheSaddle]

How much does the 55 alter the speedometer/odometer readings?

[Burbs]

Glad to hear it. I'll be putting a set of Pirelli Angels on mine in a couple of weeks and I went with the 190/55's as well based on Steve's recommendation as well. 

[Jeremy Mitchell]

How much does the 55 alter the speedometer/odometer readings?

I haven't noticed any difference between observed and GPS speed.  IIRC the 55 is about .25 inches taller than a 50. 

[jjsC6]

How much does the 55 alter the speedometer/odometer readings?

With the stock tires my speedo was 3 mph high at 60.  Now it's 1 mph high. 

[ZG]

Too bad for us short guys it makes the bike taller... 

[IRULE]

Too bad for us short guys it makes the bike taller... 

Short guys last longer.....I mean riding for long distance. 

[stevewfl]

This has come up a few times, but I thought I'd report on my opinion now that I've had them a few weeks.  I put a 190/55 Michelin PR2 on.  My previous tires have been PR2s but in the 190/50 size.  Today we did a 375 mile ride, with wide variety of twisty roads.  The results are in.  I really like the 55's.  I can't see running anything else from here on.  They make the bike much more responsive in handling, and it's really easy to put the bike exactly where you want it.  At the same time it is not twitchy or anything, nor is it overly sensitive.  These tires and the Concours feel like they are made for each other.

Thanks Steve for putting us on to this upgrade.  I know others have done it - but Steve really pushed the issue here on the forum.
Steve - I have another question for you (and others who may be familiar with...).  My friend who I ride with all the time has a Concours identical to mine.  He also has a Ducati 1198S and just bought a new Ninja 1000.  We got into a conversation about the ZX-14 today because its a bike I really like.  The question that came up is this.  How does it compare to the Concours in handling?  How much different is it?  I have read a lot about the bike, but we got to wondering if it's too much like the Concours or would it be different enough to own both a Concours and a ZX?

Hi, you're welcome for the 190/55 tip, but I was just passing along information so freely passed to me and couldn't beleive how much better the 55 handled.

I owned a ZX14, they are VERY MUCH different.  It pulls like a raped ape on crack compared to the C14, it has a lot more HP and a lot less weight. Plus their is no drive shaft robbing rear wheel power. I can't describe the difference its so profound.  Handling is somewhat better due to less weight and lower center of gravity, and especially the lower riding position. Drawback is the Zx14 won't go as far between stops, won't ride as comfortable, and won't haul as much.  Its a true sportbike and if you're worried about it being "too similar" don't be, you won't find it to be the case

[jjsC6]

Hi, you're welcome for the 190/55 tip, but I was just passing along information so freely passed to me and couldn't beleive how much better the 55 handled.

I owned a ZX14, they are VERY MUCH different.  It pulls like a raped ape on crack compared to the C14, it has a lot more HP and a lot less weight. Plus their is no drive shaft robbing rear wheel power. I can't describe the difference its so profound.  Handling is somewhat better due to less weight and lower center of gravity, and especially the lower riding position. Drawback is the Zx14 won't go as far between stops, won't ride as comfortable, and won't haul as much.  Its a true sportbike and if you're worried about it being "too similar" don't be, you won't find it to be the case

Thanks Steve. That is my feeling.  I'm thinking of a third bike (I have a Goldwing for two-up riding) and it will probably come down to the Ninja 1000 or ZX-14.  I'm leaning toward the ZX right now.

Too bad for us short guys it makes the bike taller... 

I don't even notice the difference.  It's probably no more than 1/8 of an inch where the rider sits.  Think about it - if the tire is 1/2" taller in overall diameter, that is 1/4th" taller on once side of the axle.  You sit about half way between the front and rear tire - but the front tire is still the stock height......it' negligible.

[stevewfl]

The leftover ZX14s can be had so cheap its crazy, low price for a great bike.

[Mister Tee]

What about tire life?  Do the 55's have a thicker tread in the center?

[Jeremy Mitchell]

What about tire life?  Do the 55's have a thicker tread in the center?

Not that I noticed, but I haven't measured tread depth with new.  I have a new one coming this week and will measure it and post up my findings.  I bet that it is pretty much the same as the 190/50.

[JetJock]

Alright, you guys convinced me. Going to get the PR3 in a 55 size to see what all the hubbub is about.

[wally_games]

I've heard of putting on a 180-55 for better handling, but not a 190-55. Anyone done a comparison?

[stevewfl]

I've heard of putting on a 180-55 for better handling, but not a 190-55. Anyone done a comparison?

Thats why manufacturers are now making the 190 with 55 (taller) profile, folks were using 180's for increased handling in the turns at the expense of other factors. 

190/55 profile win-win.

[jjsC6]

The leftover ZX14s can be had so cheap its crazy, low price for a great bike.

Yes, I'm very aware of the deals    I'm keeping up with how many are available in the area. 

[Mister Tee]

I've heard of putting on a 180-55 for better handling, but not a 190-55. Anyone done a comparison?

180's are intended for 5.5 inch rims and 190's are intended for 6 inch rims.  Most 600 and 750 cc supersports run a 5.5 inch rear with a 180 and most 1000 class supersports run a 6 inch rim with a 190.

I do know of people that run 190's (50 and 55 series) on their 600 track bikes with stock 5.5 inch rims for claimed better traction at high lean angles.  I have not heard of people doing the converse - installing a 180 on a 6 inch rim.  I would imagine that would screw the profile up.

[Jeremy Mitchell]

What about tire life?  Do the 55's have a thicker tread in the center?

I measured my brand new 190/55 PR2 yesterday and I got anywhere from 7.8 - 8.0 mm for the tread depth down the middle.  The shoulder measured between 8.2 - 8.3 mm.  Now if someone could measure a 190/50 we will know if there actually is a difference.

edit: to add additional measurement