190 section rear tires on ZX12R

[Logic]

I need some feedback from guys (probably ZX12R owners or bike mechanics) about putting 190 section rear tires on bikes originally having 200 section rear tires.
Is it ok to put a 190 on a wheel designed for a 200?
I discovered that the ZX12R A1 I recently purchased has a 190/50 ZR17 rather than the original 200 - and I don't know if the wheel is the original or if it has been changed.
Everyone tells me that it helps the bike turn in a lot better with a 190 (which it seems to do very well), but does the 190 stay sealed onto the wheel ok?

[TLDV8]

Until someone in the know with a ZX comes along.
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If it came with a 200 standard then it must have a 6 inch rim which is the optimum size for a 190 tyre.The rim size will be cast on the wheel spoke somewhere (fwiw)
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A lot of folk with bikes that come stock with 190's go to a 180 for the same reason,though some would say a 180 is better on a 5.5 in rim?.

[BurnCycle]

Like TLDV8 said... The 190 is the optimal size for the 6" rim which I'm sure you have.

I'm currently running a 200/50 on my TLS (it was free) and I hate the thing (Sportec M1). I normally run 180/55 for aggressive riding and track days. The 190/50 is a good commuter size (my own personal BS reasoning).

You’ll be fine with the 190.

[Keeper]

190 should provide more tyre on the road at once, but less angle too rubber ratio doens't it?

[thehollowmen]

190 should provide more tyre on the road at once, but less angle too rubber ratio doens't it?

was wondering about that..
can't remember what way it goes.. oversize tyres on a rim for more traction and less cornering or the other way around?

[loosebruce]

I've heard that the boyz in the states go as far as running 180's on the rear of their 12's, i would'nt think you'd have any problems running a 190 at all, some tyre manufactures are making 190/55's as well. Death will pop up at some stage or send him a PM he hustled along on a 12 alright for an old man, he'd be able to tell you the deal, but like i said i dont think it's be an issue, go measure some tyres width:

For instance:

Bridgie 014 - 180/55 on TL measured 189mm
Michelin Pilot Sport 190/50 measured 194mm

It varies quite a bit and i think you'll find that a lot of the "200" are closer to 190's at time and vice versa, depends on the company making em.

[Keeper]

yeah, wider profile timer means less contact, but the shape of the tyre is more round, not sure how that helps, I stick to factory 180s on the zx6

[DEATH_INC.]

No, an oversize tyre gives a bigger footprint while upright, but less at full lean...an undersize tyre does the same, though it will give a good footprint 'till ya lean it off the side, which is easier.
The 12 has a 6" rear,ideal for a 190 or SOME 200's (some do reccomend a 6.5" rim). I only ever tried 1 190, a pirelli diabolical which I hated,went back to a 200 after that.
What the Loose one sez about sizes is very true,most of ya 200's only measure about 195 or less on the rim, but they do have a different shape and are normally built with Busas and 12's in mind.

[BurnCycle]

Click Me

On the left is a M1 200/50, on the right a 180/55 BT-012. Visually they aren't that much different. But riding on them is a night and day difference. I think I may have another rim with a 190/50 207 on it... If so I'll try and get another pic.