Advice on 190/50 vs 190/55

[Zoolander]

Anybody got any opinions on running a 190/55 on the R1? I don't hate the 190/50 but wouldn't mind speeding up the steering either. I imagine the bike would be more flighty due to increased rear ride height, but not sure what kind of difference to expect, ive never ridden on the 55 profile. I don't have a steering damper on the bike.

Any thoughts would be great.

Will be running pilot power 2ct's.

Cheers!

[kickingzebra]

never know till you give it a go.
Shouldn't hurt at all, depending on how and where you ride.
I generally run 190 55s on the 600, with a 5.5 rear, and it still ins't too sharp steering.
She'll be mint

[Cajun]

have they got the 190/55 in the 2cts in the country now? when i asked a few months ago, did not and had no idea when they would have them

[DEATH_INC.]

Go for it, best choice of tyre size out there. Nice profile with enough shape on the shoulder to stop ya falling off the tread. Won't affect the stability too much.

[Toast]

Wot they say! I haven't met someone who doesn't like the 190/55 yet. I'm quite sure that there are no 2CT's in that size though. The importer had none a couple of weeks ago when I checked.

[Zoolander]

Cheers guys, good advice. Will have to check on availability - bikes booked in at Motomart, Sparky B priced up 2ct's then asked whether I wanted a 50 or 55. So assumed they did have them.... I'll check it out tomorrow.

[Grub]

I'm thinking that unless you know for sure what affect is going to have on the handling of your bike, don't mess with tyre sizes.

Remember that the factory has super-computers runnig sophisticated CAD and Modelling programmes that determine the best geometry for your bike. Not even the collective wisdom of a KB forum can do better than that. The contact point of the tyre will be differt, so will the rolling radius and the sidewall may flex less but is that what will work on that bike - will it cause understeer??? Are you going to modify the static sag to compensate? Warning Will Robinson!

If its a fucking disaster and worst-case, the bike throws you down the road ... what you going to do then?

[boomer]

I'm thinking that unless you know for sure what affect is going to have on the handling of your bike, don't mess with tyre sizes.

Remember that the factory has super-computers runnig sophisticated CAD and Modelling programmes that determine the best geometry for your bike. Not even the collective wisdom of a KB forum can do better than that. The contact point of the tyre will be differt, so will the rolling radius and the sidewall may flex less but is that what will work on that bike - will it cause understeer??? Are you going to modify the static sag to compensate? Warning Will Robinson!

If its a fucking disaster and worst-case, the bike throws you down the road ... what you going to do then?

just like the catalytic converter, the overly small spocket, the large wing mirrors, the unsightly indicators, the stock exhaust and stock map.. the stock air filter.. ..the standard shock, springs and oil... come on mate. Lighten up

[Zoolander]

For sure, i've always been an advocate of running correct tyre sizes, when I worked for Sawyers I never recommended anyone to change to a different size unless they fully understood why and what it would do. But to the best of my knowledge the 55 is a new size developed as an alternative to a 50 - basically to have the same effect as dropping to a 180/55 - only without sacrificing contact area on the road. Therefore specifically designed to work on bikes with 6inch rears. So I imagine it has been tested on most modern popular sportsbikes. I will have a play with the suspension once the tyres are fitted, so far all I have done is up preload slightly to reduce some sag, but has not been worth doing anything else due to having crappy worn out Dunlop 208rr's fitted

Cheers for all the advice everyone!

[Gremlin]

basically to have the same effect as dropping to a 180/55 - only without sacrificing contact area on the road.

Thats what I figure.

Not knowing the pp 2cts tho, it does also depend on tyre brand and model. I run set after set of conti sportattacks, 190/55 rear, fantastic profile. I was worried when I used a raceattack 190/50 that it wouldn't curve enough... but it did, so bear in mind models can differ in how they curve the tyre.

[Zoolander]

have they got the 190/55 in the 2cts in the country now?

Looks like they do, because I just got one fitted today!

Still need to scrub them in properly but already way more confidence inspiring than the old dunlops. The extra profile certainly makes a noticable difference to turn in and the bike feels far more alert and flickable.

Cheers to the boys at Motomart for sorting us out!