hey guys.

can i replace the stock 180 rear tire with a 190? would it drastically change the bike?

 

It will slow the steering and won't really improve anything. I wouldn't do it unless someone gave me a tire or something like that.

 

Also if you install yourself, it's harder to mount on the rim.

 

You have little need for extra rubber back there, and the bike will turn more slowly. I guess YMMV, but I wouldn't recommend.

 

thanks guys, pretty much what they told me at the shop.

i love this site...

 

I do wonder what a 190/55 would feel like, however. I would tend to think its taller profile wouldn't have quite the same impact. I seem to recall someone on the site (Bird ofPrey?) running one and saying he liked it

 

I've ridden my bike on the street and on the track with both a 180 and a 190 tire. You know, I honestly cannot tell you that there is a huge difference between them. Maybe the 190 slows the steering, but it's really not enough to make a difference. I think your body compensates and puts more effort on the bars. This is because your brain is saying that you should be at a certain lean angle so you push until you get there. The difference in effort is too little for me to distinguish.

I think the difference between tire brands/models is more drastic than size. Again, this is just my opinion. For what it's worth, I use a different set of tires roughly each year. Each set will see mostly street riding but will also be used for at least two full days at the track.

 

i just did this comparison, before i get flamed i put on a used *free* 190 rear tire so i could commute for the next month before i put my new tires on for my 3000 mile trip coming up

my experience

the 190 rear tire make the bike noticeable slower entering and exiting turns

just riding/commuting, no difference, accelerates the same

BUT: mid corner when the rear end used to bounce all over the place with the 180 tire and stock shock, the 190 makes the bike feel MUCH more stable, mid turn once leaned over is great

with a better shock it would be a mute point

with that being said, I will be buying a 180 again in a few months

it does look alot better with the 190

 

hmmmmm...

as i am nowhere near an aggressive rider the swap would be just for looks. think i'll keep the 180 and just get a set of diablos.

thanks for the info cobra!

 

I just registered here and was wondering about clearance for a 190 rear. My 180 will rub on the stock chain guide and Im wondering how much clearance there is to the swingarm if I put on a 190? I use 190's on my TLR race bike and have lots of take offs I'd like to use on my VTR...
Thanks