tyre size

[z900/zx9]

Just wondering what the pitfalls are on putting a 180 rear tyre on when stock size is a 190

[Duane]

tip in is alot quicker, and i found generally the handling improved, im sure theres some negatives too, but i didnt see any myself

[wisc]

1 is less traction /more burn outs...

[mrmina]

good question.

i'm actually looking at getting a 180 rear when i'm due for a new rear tyre.

[hoffy]

a 180/55 tyre has a 4mm higher profile than a 190/50 so turn in will be better/quicker.

Not sure about ho rim size will affect the slimmer tyre though? I wouldn't suspect much..

You want to consider a 190/55 profile, as it will give the increased profile without losing any rubber on the sides, though I think dunlop are only brand that do this size. They are stock on the new ZX10.

[Wattie]

im pondering changing to a 180-55 rear too, im in need of a new back tyre.
i'll defintely be getting a pilot power, just the size is making me wonder,
i've had no probs witht he 190 rear and am reluctant to change, but i hear ppl saying handling is better.

i guess the 180 would be cheaper too hey?
any thoughts?

[z900/zx9]

I have just fitted a 180 dunlop 208rr on the zx9 and it feels fine

[Glen]

im pondering changing to a 180-55 rear too, im in need of a new back tyre.
i'll defintely be getting a pilot power, just the size is making me wonder,
i've had no probs witht he 190 rear and am reluctant to change, but i hear ppl saying handling is better.

i guess the 180 would be cheaper too hey?
any thoughts?

We don't need you to be able to tip it in any quicker. I think you shoud look for a 210

[FrogZ]

Went from a 190 to a 180 on a ZX7R, turned quicker (as above) didnt notice the less traction a lot, if at all, 7's are stable on their side. No one I know of (anyone?) went back to a 190 after going to 180. Never went to a smaller, dont know if you can, but I reckon it would lose traction on the side and highside you without warning. That is let go catch etc.

Went from a 200 to a 190 on a ZX12R, turned quicker (as above) didnt notice the less traction a lot, if at all, 12s are stable on their side. No one I know of (anyone?) went back to a 200 after going to 190, except for the strip. NO way I would go smaller, I reckon it would DEFINITELY lose traction on the side and highside you without warning.

The manufacturers went for the best of all worlds, within design you can go either way. IMHO.

[Wattie]

*blink blink*
is that en echo? haha

thanks frog, i take it you've done it twice.
i might give it a go me thinks.

[hoffy]

I love the 190 on the 12. It give me a woody.

Or maybe thats just the powers

[hoffy]

On that subject, I noticed Metzeler do the 190/55 profile, best of both worlds, extra height and tip in with no loss of rubber on the sides.

[Strika]

I think you should fit the biggest fattest tyre you are able to!! that way you'll have way more street cred !!!!! Just think how fully sick it would look!

Here's some guidelines-
5.0-5.50 Inch rim, 160 or 170
5.5-6.00 Inch rim, 180 or 190

I am in agreeance with the majority of sentiments expressed, regarding use of a 180. Unless you are cutting lap records, you won't notice the difference in edge grip, but you will appreciate the ease of turn in or direction change.

[HemiDuty]

Hmmm, might go down to a 120 on the GPX then, could always do with a quicker tip-in. The 130 has no edge grip anyway so no loss there...

[Strika]

Hmmm, might go down to a 120 on the GPX then, could always do with a quicker tip-in. The 130 has no edge grip anyway so no loss there...

Mate.......get with the times...........the pucka solution for the rear of a GPX (I asume u mean 750? faark I hope so!) is a Dunlop K701 in a neat little 140 section!!! It's the pucka GPX race tyre Hemi! I used a set of 700/701's on mine with absolutely hilarious results! They allow power slides of the magnitude of Marco's!!!!!!