180 or 190

[Audiomechanic]

Originally Posted by drewpy

rc runs 190/50 stock, i went with a 180/55 and love the difference, so that gets my vote- swap for the 180 or even better a 190/55

and i can end this debate....

The RC51 (& most other current literbikes) come with equipped with a 190/50 tire. The first thing most owners do is throw it away & put on a 180/55 or 190/55 tire. The reason for this is the 180/55 tire is a taller tire than the 190/50 & aids in the overall handling of the bike making it turn-in easier. The 190/55 is an even better choice as it gives you an even taller diameter so you get all the benefits & then some of the 180/55 plus way more rubber on the ground when leaned over (when compared to the 180/55). The downside is that the 190/55 tires are more expensive sometimes WAY more expensive than their 180/55 siblings & the taller the tire is the more you will have to adjust your bikes suspension geometry to make it handle properly (i.e. hold a line without putting pressure on the bars, not want to stand up on the brakes & not run wide on corner exit etc...)

The man speaketh the truth...eth.

I swapped the stock 190 tire on my GSXR-1K for a 180 and never looked back. Turn in was awesome and since they were pilot powers, they stuck like glue no matter what I did with the throttle. Granted, I never made it to the track, but I'd rock the roads pretty hard and the 180 felt great.