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