180 or 190 Rear?

[Fowlersrs]

I've got the option of either when I come to renew the rear on the gsxr this winter, the current 190 BT014 is so square I think it's unfair for me to judge...

Have been reading up; some say switching from a 190 to 180 will result in the bike turning in faster??

Obviously 190 is a bigger tyre so bigger contact patch??

Which way should I go?

[chris-red]

Whatever the manufacturer recommends.

I can't believe a company that spends millions on R&D would produce a bike that handles better with a different tyre size.
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[Slacker24seve...]

If its a 600 or 750, do you need a bigger contact patch? If its a thou, might be a good idea.
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[Old Git Racing]

What bike, 750 or thou? Generally a 180 will make it feel nimbler, also depends on your rim size and the height of said tyre as to whether its a good idea.
I always ran 180 on my gixxer 750 and currently run it on my 999 Ducati, feels better turning to me. Strangely the 999 rim is made for a 180 but they fitted 190 from the factory, fashion I suppose.

OGR
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2022 Tiger Sport 660 2019 Street Twin 2003 K3 gixxer 1000 1998 Srad 600 track hack

[Fowlersrs]

Yeah it's the 750 srad, standard is 190 from manufacturer, just debating wether to stick a 180 on instead?!

[Slacker24seve...]

[dansp1]

or put a 190/55 on it and have the best of both worlds (albeit at a greater cost)

[johnsmith222]

I was under the impression that putting a larger tyre on a rim made for a smaller size can actually decrease the contact patch as the tyre is more "rounded" due to the smaller width of the rim holding the sidewalls closer together.

I'd be interested for someone to confirm or deny whether this is true.

[Fowlersrs]

[Fowlersrs]

[Richy CB1000]

Stick to manufacturer first, however if you and others see benefits changing sizes check the rim size. There's a site, I can't remember where currently, I think via tyre manufacturers sites that show what size tyre for what size rim. It's usually up or down one size is ok.

e.g. mine is a 5,5J rim, takes as standard a 180. Honda in their wisdom specified a 170 (pain in the arse size on an 18 inch wheel).

But other owners use a 160 (availability reasons) they say they simply run out of tyre quickly although it has a flatter profile due to a "stretch" remember it's smaller.

Some use a 180 that supposedly is perfect for the rim and they report the bike slower to turn, yes it's more rounded but is still wider than the 160.

So I stick to Honda's R&D, they've tested the best compromise at 170. Added to the mix is the tyre brand itself, Bridgestones 170 is actually 166 mm wide. Avon's 180 is actually 187mm wide.

You pays your money...... everybody rides different and prefers different tyre options.

[Slacker24seve...]

[Snorty]

SRAD 750 '98 model.

I've got Bridgestone R10s on mine at the moment 190/55 rear. Got a BT016 190/50 lined up to take its place.

The bike came with a 180 on it, but stock is 190. Can't say I've noticed a difference but I like to stick to manufacturer's.
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Current: Yamaha FZ1 '07 | GSXR 750 SRAD

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[P.]

Regularly swapped between 180 and 190 tyres on the GSXR I had, never really noticed much difference and I wouldn't think twice about doing it again. Just swap for whatever you want/can find cheapest

[iooi]

[evoboy]

Stick whatever on it.

My old zx6 used to get whatever i had lying around slung onto it. Never noticed a difference.

Didnt notice a difference on my zx7 when i put a 180 55 on the back ( 190 50 std), except i used to go off the edge of the tyre...

Zrx has a 180 on the back at the moment, i have a 190/50 lined up for it...

But, if your buying brand new tyres, i would put a 190/55 on the back, as its the best of both worlds.
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[evoboy]

Stick whatever on it.

My old zx6 used to get whatever i had lying around slung onto it. Never noticed a difference.

Didnt notice a difference on my zx7 when i put a 180 55 on the back ( 190 50 std), except i used to go off the edge of the tyre...

Zrx has a 180 on the back at the moment, i have a 190/50 lined up for it...

But, if your buying brand new tyres, i would put a 190/55 on the back, as its the best of both worlds.
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APT Motorcycles

[fozzym]

Couple of points......Firstly if you ever watch the 125/moto3 racing they are always banging on about how quickly the little bikes turn in or flick side to side in a chicane. The point being the narrower the tyre (to a point) the quicker and easier it is to turn hence better handling. Obviouly the power of the bike is the limiting factor, the greater the power the wider the tyre needs to be to give traction. So in therory provided the tyre can handle the power the narrower tyre will be better.

Second point, from my experience the difference between a slightly narrower or slightly wider tyre is not noticeable. So lest you are a very very good rider I'd stick with either what the manufacturer recommends or whatever is cheaper.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

5.5 inch width rim 180 section.

6 inch width rim 190 section.

Job done.
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[Old Git Racing]

[spnorm]

Bear in mind the tyre must be approved fitment for your bike by either the bike or tyre manufacture. You wouldn't want your insurance company wriggling out of covering you in the event of an accident

[Musketeer]

Sorry for the revival..

I believe my rims are 6 inch. Will 180/55 tyre be still ok?

Also many people recommend 190/55 tyre instead of 195/50. Why is it so? It raises the rear a bit which I know benefits of, but anything else than that?
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[Snorty]

[Musketeer]

[Fizzer Thou]

My old Exup1000 has a 5.5" rear rim and as standard the rear tyre was a 170/60x17.But the tyre manufacturers suggested a 180/55x17 when it came time for renewal and I have been happy with that size for some 50,000 miles.

But a friends GSXR750K7 has a 6.0" rear rim and is more than happy with the 180/55x17 that is fitted and around the twisties in France earlier this year it was more than adequate.

Just make sure that the tyre is ZR rated.
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