Using a Different rear tyre size on the ZZR1100
Using a Different rear tyre size on the ZZR1100
Hi
my factory recommendation for rear tyre size ie 185/55, 17inch.
Has anyone messed about with putting a different size on for "everyday" riding, and if so, what was your impression?
Reason for Q, is I've seen a 190/50 on special and was toying with the idea, but wasn't really sure how much handling would be change ie: dramatically of just a "bit"..
I've played with different compounds before ie; sports vs touring tyres before, just never ventured into different size territory.
Any/all opinions greatly recieved..
Cheers,
Dave
my factory recommendation for rear tyre size ie 185/55, 17inch.
Has anyone messed about with putting a different size on for "everyday" riding, and if so, what was your impression?
Reason for Q, is I've seen a 190/50 on special and was toying with the idea, but wasn't really sure how much handling would be change ie: dramatically of just a "bit"..
I've played with different compounds before ie; sports vs touring tyres before, just never ventured into different size territory.
Any/all opinions greatly recieved..
Cheers,
Dave
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Its not a huge difference in size, you may notice slightly *slower* steering, and perhaps a tiny difference in ground clearance. Gearing will also be affected (very slightly).
If you went to a 180/50, the steering would be a tad *sharper*, but there isn't going to be a whole lot of difference.
post search will reveal plenty of opinions !

If you went to a 180/50, the steering would be a tad *sharper*, but there isn't going to be a whole lot of difference.
post search will reveal plenty of opinions !


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On my 1996 D model ZZR1100, I tried 170, 180 and 190. 170 seemed to steer best. 180 was OK and 190 seemed to make the pipes easier to scrape. From memory the C model ZZR ran a 170 and D model 180 from the factory. 

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Yeah I like Kawasakis.

The wider the rear tyre the more the back of the bike will want to stand up when going into a corner. Take it to the extreme of one of those customs with a 300 on the back and you should get the drift.
ZZR's werent caught up in the "fatter" tyre fashion.
ZX12R's came out with 200's and just about everyone has gone back to a 190. My 7 came with a 190 but runs a 180. I dont think you would feel TOO much diff going up from a 170 to 180 but may notice the extra "grip" when on your side and driving out of a corner.
I'd go for it.
ZZR's werent caught up in the "fatter" tyre fashion.
ZX12R's came out with 200's and just about everyone has gone back to a 190. My 7 came with a 190 but runs a 180. I dont think you would feel TOO much diff going up from a 170 to 180 but may notice the extra "grip" when on your side and driving out of a corner.
I'd go for it.
Just because you CAN ride, doesn't mean you SHOULD