ZX9R Tyres

[jamiey]

I'm thinking about going from a 180 rear to a 190 (been offered a cheap one) rear on my ZX9. I have done some research and it appears that a 190 on a 5.5" rim will cause it to "pinch" thus shortening the life of the rear, Plus a 190 as opposed to a 180 will give me a slower turn in? As 190's are better suited to 6" rear rims. Any advice on this one?

The 190 would be a Michelin Power and I would match the front.

My other option would be PilotRoad 2's, front and rear new - Considering I do 95% motorway communtering and 5%fun/track riding - any advice guys??

[nallac]

For your riding description i'd get the PR2's,being dual compound they should last longer than the Power.

The 190 profile would slow down the turn in,but should fit fine.

My Buell's got a 190 on a 5" rim,it looks like a bloody car tyre,nearly square.
The only way to get rid of the chicken strips would be to lay it down.
I will definately go down on size when it needs new Hoops.

[Owl]

Perhaps PM cowboyz, as he has a ZX9R and is always mucking around with different tyres, sizes etc.

[Wheeliemonsta]

Gidday Jamiey,
A 190 will go on there fine... (In fact I'm fairly certain thats the standard fitment on the "E's" & "F's)

As Nallac has said, about the only problem you may encounter will be getting the most out of the bigger tyre without sending the old girl down the road on it's side

I run a 180 rear on my spare Track Day wheels on my old girl (ZX12-R) without any major problems - the ultimate set up size wise is where you have more or less straight up & down sidewalls on the tyre when correctly inflated, this allows the "case" to support it's load to it's maximum ability...

If it's cheap then give it a lash - you'll know within minutes of riding it whether it was the right decison or not

Cheers

[AllanB]

For your riding PR2.

Actually I'd be interested in the 190 verse 180 comparo on a 5.5 rim. On the correct sized rim the bigger will slow down steering a tad (will you actually notice?).
As you state a 6 incher is usual for a 190 and the tyre profile will be 'correct' on that sized rim. However if you squeeze the 190 onto a smaller rim surely the tyre will get the outside edges pinched in and the centre forced out a bit more than designed giving the overall profile a more triangular appearance. Thus possibly quickening the arse end.

[CTD]

I asume your zx9r is a 98/99? they went to a 6inch rear from 2000-2003 I believe.

[nallac]

For your riding PR2.

Actually I'd be interested in the 190 verse 180 comparo on a 5.5 rim. On the correct sized rim the bigger will slow down steering a tad (will you actually notice?).

yes you do notice,i went from a 190(stock size) on my old R1 to a 180(cheap skate) it definately made a big difference to the turn in.Basically had to learn how to ride it again.So much quicker steering.....

[Owl]

For your riding PR2.

Actually I'd be interested in the 190 verse 180 comparo on a 5.5 rim. On the correct sized rim the bigger will slow down steering a tad (will you actually notice?).
As you state a 6 incher is usual for a 190 and the tyre profile will be 'correct' on that sized rim. However if you squeeze the 190 onto a smaller rim surely the tyre will get the outside edges pinched in and the centre forced out a bit more than designed giving the overall profile a more triangular appearance. Thus possibly quickening the arse end.

Plenty of feedback on this subject, especially on the Speed Triple forum. General consensus is that the 190/50 on a 5.5 is not too flash, but apparently a 190/55 works pretty well.

[jamiey]

Thanks guys heaps of helpful info. Think i've decided to stick with the 180 (standard size on a 5.5 c model rim). Off to get me some PR2's at the weekend. I ran them on my CBR and found they were awesome tyres. Plus heaps of life for my daily commute and good enough for my level of riding on track days etc.

Pos reps added for the info. Churs