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rear tire size?

9 posts Started 24 Feb 2006 Last recovered post 25 Feb 2006 Wayback Machine snapshot 14 May 2006

#1
i have a 1998 vfr 800 fi with a highmount after market exhaust
and would like to go wider on the rear
1st is this possible with stock wheel?
i'm pretty sure i have enough space to go up to 190 50 17
but would hate to make a purchase and be stuck
any ideas or comments your help well be greatly appreciated
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#2
Yes, you can do it. It will fit. It's been done before with no problems.

However, the tire's profile on a 5.5" wide rim is suboptimal.

A 190 is really designed to be mounted on a 6" wide rim ideally.

All else being equal, installing a wider rear tire will result in slower steering. Your turn-in phase will require more muscle and the bike will feel "heavier" when leaning it over.

But your bike won't explode or anything, nor will it chuck you off into the rhubarb. Life will continue pretty much as normal except you'll have to work the bike harder to get it to turn.


Welcome to the forum Mark. fing02.gif wheel.gif

Oh, and if you absolutely, positively have to have a 190 rear tire, then a 190/55 would be a better choice than a 190/50.

The 190/55 series rear tire will raise the back of the bike by 5mm and partially offset the slower steering due to the greater width whereas the 190/50 actually lowers the rear of the bike by 4mm, compounding the width/steering issue.
#3
alright well thanks for the info
and i will surely take your advise on
going with the 190 55 17 rather then 190 50 17
makes sence what your saying
planning to make it a show bike so the wider tire
in my opinion just looks better
especialy after i polish the wheels
#4
mark vfr, Feb 23 2006, 11:47 PMalright well thanks for the info
and i will surely take your advise on
going with the 190 55 17 rather then 190 50 17
makes sence what your saying
planning to make it a show bike so the wider tire
in my opinion just looks better
especialy after i polish the wheels




The 190-55 size is basically only available in a supersport race type tire like the Pirelli Dragon SuperCorsa. Metzeler Rennsport has that size, Bridgestone also offers it's BT002 in that size and Michelin has their Pilot Power 2CT as well. Then there is the Maxxix SuperMaxx also. If you're Dunlop guy, the new Qualifier is available in that size also, IIRC, it's standard fitment to the new ZX-10R

So don't expect much mileage out of them, if you got 3000 miles, I'd be totally amazed. Maybe even more like half that in a hot climate.
#5
No offense, but this is nothing but bling. You are spending a whole bunch of money to make the bike handle worse. If you really want to make it handle worse, just put shitty tires on it. Either that, or I can give you a good deal on a worn-out stock shock and fork springs.

IMHO a "show bike" made from a sport bike involves visual changes, but nothing that would compromise the functionality. Put on the bling lights, the bling paint, the polishing, etc... but skip a wider tire. You do realize that some people who buy a bike with a 190 rear actually swap DOWN a size, right?

If you MUST do something with the tires, get yourself a set of race take-offs. You'll have a set of slicks, which will stick well, be the right size, and will look way cool at a show. fing02.gif
#6
I was gonna get a wider tire. Now I am not!
#7
What about going down in size?- My '05 takes a 180 55 VR 17, but I want to go with a Metzeler ME880 next time. I think the closest they come is a 170 60B 17. Is this not a good Idea? I don't ride on the track, nor pretend I'm a racer. My ride is spirited, but I'm no knee dragger. (I know it's a different bike) but my BMW K1200LT got 18k miles on a set of ME880s. My Sportmax on my VFR looks terrible at just 5k.
#8
Some 180 tires have a wider profile, if looks are really what you are after. Check around. I think the Bridgestone 014s have a wider profile and don't look to shabby. It would still handle better than a 190 tire on a 5.5 inch rim. cool.gif
#9
THANKS ULEWZ I WILL LOOK FOR THOSE TIRES
AFTER SOME THOUGHT AND LISTENING TO ALL
THE GREAT INPUT FROM YOU GUYS I HAVE DECIDED
THAT I WILL STAY WITH 180 55 17
I STILL ENJOY A SPIRITED RIDE TIME AND AGAIN
SO I DONT WANT TO LOSE THE CONTROL OF THE STOCK SIZE
SO THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYONES INPUT
HOPE I CAN HELP YOU SOMETIME THANK YOU


MARK
End of thread · 9 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 14 May 2006