Well my stock rear is finally getting worn down and it's time to get some new rubber. What's the best tire for the money that I could track as well as street with?

Well my stock rear is finally getting worn down and it's time to get some new rubber. What's the best tire for the money that I could track as well as street with?


I would go check out the sales at sportbiketrackgear, they have some kick as deals on tires and shipping is free.

Check out these guys, their prices are great, like $130. for a tire with a list of $228! and their shipping is $9. from west to east coast. I'm leaning towards a sport tour tire myself. I'm going to try the AVON Storm ST. I've got one on the rear of my CBR, feels great!

http://www.motorcycleproshop.com/tires.asp

John

Those are good sites, quick question, anybody do a 180/55 or 190/55 on the rear or should I stick with OEM size?

Those are good sites, quick question, anybody do a 180/55 or 190/55 on the rear or should I stick with OEM size?

180 is the way to go on the rear.....period!!!!

BTW, for a huge amount of information, check out the mod page on rc51.org. It has directions for the flapper mod, soft rev limiter removal and a host of other things.

Good luck with the bike.

njracer

180 is not the way to go. Go with the 190/55 you'll be much happier

Ditto the 190...

I Have Found That The Dunlop Sportmax 180 Is Fantastic. When You Are Sliding Through The Corners And If You Are Brave Enough To Stay On The Throttle The Dunlop Will Keep Giving You The Grip You Want They Have Never Failed I Tried Pirreli And They Were Recalled And Bridgestones Sidewalls Are Not Stiff Enough In The Sidewalls. I Change My Tires Every 4000 Miles Any Longer On These Tires And They Start To Lose There Handiling Ability I Have 16000 Miles On My Bike And The Rc Loves Em. Ps Your Stock Tire Just Wore Out? Do You Ride It?

I am useing mich power race 2ct they are like glue on the track and there are some good deals on know at motorcylewarehouse.com they compare and rate many different tires.

Check it out

If you want a good street/track tire you can't go wrong with either the Michelin 2CT's or the Dunlop Sportmax. If you want good track/street tire try the DOT race tires from either Dunlop or Michelin. With those however, you can throw out the idea of "mileage" on the street. They will wear out a lot faster...

i have been running conti roadattacks and am very pleased with them on my fz1 durable and have plenty of traction for my riding ability, though since its getting colder they are a bit tough to get warmed up, other than that they last pretty good and look tits! anywho a bike like mine or the rc will go through any tire regardless of who makes it faster than the smaller bikes with less weight

I've had really good success with the Conti SportAttacks.

Their compound continually changes softer from center to edge as opposed to a distinct compound boundary change for others. I ordered them online and got the set for $277.
I may try their RaceAttack Street in the future.

I went with the 190/55-17 on the rear and had no complaints. Great in the rain as well.

The 190/55 has a similar profile as as 180/55, but more rubber on the sides, and it properly fits the 6.0" rim as opposed to stretching a 180 which is meant for a 5.5" rim.

http://www.ridedirect.com

As far as the on-line retailers go, I've used these guys for
about 4 years now - first rate custimer service, reasonable
prices, and I always have my tires in 2 to 3 business days.
Yeah, they may be a dollar or two more per tire than some
other bargain basement suppliers, but their great customer
service and prompt shipping are well worth it. Good people.

One thing to be aware of is, tires age after manufacture.
Even if the tire sits on a rack in a warehouse it continues to age.
So one reason some tires may be lower cost is due to the tire being old.

Most tires have a 4-digit date stamp on the sidewall in the form 2-digit week/2-digit year.
So 0609 is the 6th week of 2009.

I've seen good deals on tires, but were made over two years ago.
Now frankly, I didn't notice much difference.
But it might be important for track tires as the decomposition could have an impact on traction.

I recently bought a set of Pirelli Corsa III's and was told that tire prices are going up dramatically real soon for all brands, possibly this month.

The quoted soon to be MSRP for Pirelli Corsa III 190/55-17 will be over $300, and the 120/70-17 will be over $200.
Now that's full retail. But it will have an impact on all prices.

isn't the stock rear tire size for the rc51 190? what's this 180 business?

You're correct.
The stock rear wheel is 6" wide and the proper tire is a 190.

Most 190/50 series tires have a rounder profile.
They tend to slightly resist transitions into turns.

A 180/55 series tire tends to have a more "pointier" profile which makes leaning into turns more responsive.
However, a 180 tire is designed for a 5.5" wide wheel and has to spread farther to seat onto the bead.
Because the tire deforms abnormally, the tire tends to lose a bit of that "pointier" profile they were intending to use in the first place.

The ideal tire for a 6" wheel width is a 190/55 series time.
It fits the wheel width properly and virtually the same profile as the 180/55 series (when properly mounted on 5.5" rim) but also has the added benefit of greater sidewall tread area.

Because the tire is slightly taller than a 190/50 tire, it raises the rear slightly.
This benefits the RC51 as it quickens the steering response.

Having tried both, I can say the 190/55 really does make the bike more responsive and much more wiling to flick into turns.
It might even seem strange until you adjust to it.

Another reason folks mount a 180 on a 6" rim is they are cheaper than a 190.
Especially as tires prices are rising.

ah! i run a set of pilot powers. regular, not the 2ct. thinking about a set of diablos but i've heard good stuff about the conti's.

i have mount bridgestone bt016, they are great but very expensive in Portugal. :mad:

what tires and what oil are two dangerous topics! they are proof that marketing works because people are so passionate about them!

i like michelin pilot road 2s.

i have mount bridgestone bt016, they are great but very expensive in Portugal. :mad:

They are good tires and expensive here as well :)

what tires and what oil are two dangerous topics! they are proof that marketing works because people are so passionate about them!

i like michelin pilot road 2s.
Go look at the thread I started about who uses what oil! Opened a can of worms...And I liked it!!!

You're correct.
The stock rear wheel is 6" wide and the proper tire is a 190.

Most 190/50 series tires have a rounder profile.
They tend to slightly resist transitions into turns.

A 180/55 series tire tends to have a more "pointier" profile which makes leaning into turns more responsive.
However, a 180 tire is designed for a 5.5" wide wheel and has to spread farther to seat onto the bead.
Because the tire deforms abnormally, the tire tends to lose a bit of that "pointier" profile they were intending to use in the first place.

The ideal tire for a 6" wheel width is a 190/55 series time.
It fits the wheel width properly and virtually the same profile as the 180/55 series (when properly mounted on 5.5" rim) but also has the added benefit of greater sidewall tread area.

Because the tire is slightly taller than a 190/50 tire, it raises the rear slightly.
This benefits the RC51 as it quickens the steering response.

Having tried both, I can say the 190/55 really does make the bike more responsive and much more wiling to flick into turns.
It might even seem strange until you adjust to it.

Another reason folks mount a 180 on a 6" rim is they are cheaper than a 190.
Especially as tires prices are rising.

Sub, thanks for passing on some really good knowledge. KUDOS! I can't help but wonder how much is really saved, in terms of dollars, by using a tire not designed for the RC's 6 inch rim? Added wear by stretching the 180 to fit a rim it wasn't designed for? Possibly. The bike's geomery being incorrect, thus negatively affecting handling, because the profile is lower than the stock 190? Probably. Not being able to ride the bike as hard as with the 190? Definately. (I sound like a credit card commercial.) Guys, run the 190. Don't be guilty of jumping over the dollar to save the nickle...

In Portugal the bt016 cost mi 310€ (400us) the pair.

In Portugal the bt016 cost mi 310€ (400us) the pair.

So far, the best price I've seen for BT-016 is $250 for a set (120/70-17 and 190/50-17) without shipping costs.

182 € for 2 tires :(, great price, in Portugal the price for motorcycle parts are very expensive

Sub, thanks for passing on some really good knowledge. KUDOS! I can't help but wonder how much is really saved, in terms of dollars, by using a tire not designed for the RC's 6 inch rim? Added wear by stretching the 180 to fit a rim it wasn't designed for? Possibly. The bike's geomery being incorrect, thus negatively affecting handling, because the profile is lower than the stock 190? Probably. Not being able to ride the bike as hard as with the 190? Definately. (I sound like a credit card commercial.) Guys, run the 190. Don't be guilty of jumping over the dollar to save the nickle...

All of this being said, what happens if I stick a 200 on my 6" rim?

All of this being said, what happens if I stick a 200 on my 6" rim?

On average I'd say a 200 would be a waste of money.
It will be more expensive than a 190 and add nothing more to handling.
So I'd say stick with a 190.

I think I'll mount up some Qualifiers on my RC. I got a great deal on them, so I'll try them once. If they don't work out I'll try the Dunlop Roadsmart or Pirelli Corsa's.

I had a set of Rosso's and Corsa III's on the bike and they were great.
I liked the Corsa III's over the Rosso's myself.
The Roadsmart's are supposedly good. They got good reviews in the UK magazine tests.
I think the BT-016's would be a good street tire as well.
I currently using Conti RaceAttack Street's as a test.
Compared to the Corsa III's, the RaceAtack Street front is slightly shorter and the rear is taller.
The RaceAttack's are definitely more dry road oriented as the sides are mostly slick.
They also make the RaceAttack Comp which is track oriented with the same tread design as the Street (different compound of course), or totally slick.

For street riding, most premium brand tires these days are real good.
Only when you push the tires beyond their normal design limits (and most of us won't) can you really separate them.
So far, the lowest cost premium tires I've found are the BT-016's and Conti SportAttack.

U guys should try Michelin Power 1 Race....There is V, A, B or C compound...I used front V & rear B for better grip on track. For long lasting u guys can try C compound..Bought it at $435 size 120/70-180/55...In Singapore dollars

So far, the best price I've seen for BT-016 is $250 for a set (120/70-17 and 190/50-17) without shipping costs.

Let me list some of our tyre price in Singapore
1.Pirelli Diablo corsa 3 $440
2.Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa Pro $425
3.Pirelli Diablo Rosso $495
4.Dunlop Qualifier $360
5.Dunlop Alpha 10 $410
6.Michelin Power 1 $445
7.Michelin Pilot Power 2CT $440
8.Bridgestone BT016 $445
Al tyre size 120/70-190/50 or 55

GPT/PZ Gear indicator is around $180


All In Singapore Dollars...

I just installed a BT016 set again and couldn't be happier. $415 CAD installed out the door.:D:D

[QUOTE=SubSailor;4529]
The Roadsmart's are supposedly good. They got good reviews in the UK magazine tests.
QUOTE]

I can perosnally vouch for the Roadsmarts on my 04 FZ1S. I put on a fresh set just before Daytona this year and I really liked them. I put about 500 miles on the bike down there and I liked the way they handled, even in the rain. Responsive and pretty grippy. They look nice too. I'd select something more aggressive for the RC, though.

[QUOTE=SubSailor;4529]
The Roadsmart's are supposedly good. They got good reviews in the UK magazine tests.
QUOTE]

I can perosnally vouch for the Roadsmarts on my 04 FZ1S. I put on a fresh set just before Daytona this year and I really liked them. I put about 500 miles on the bike down there and I liked the way they handled, even in the rain. Responsive and pretty grippy. They look nice too. I'd select something more aggressive for the RC, though.

The main positive note the UK article had was wet weather performance.
I can't understand that as it rarely rains in the UK. :D

Let me list some of our tyre price in Singapore
1.Pirelli Diablo corsa 3 $440
2.Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa Pro $425
3.Pirelli Diablo Rosso $495
4.Dunlop Qualifier $360
5.Dunlop Alpha 10 $410
6.Michelin Power 1 $445
7.Michelin Pilot Power 2CT $440
8.Bridgestone BT016 $445
Al tyre size 120/70-190/50 or 55

GPT/PZ Gear indicator is around $180


All In Singapore Dollars...

To compare, here's some prices I found at a site I buy from (USD).
Michelin Power One:
120/70-17 $179.95
190/50-17 $264.95
190/55-17 $269.95

Bridgestone BT-016:
120/70-17 $101.95
190/50-17 $139.95
190/55-17 $163.95

Let me list some of our tyre price in Singapore
1.Pirelli Diablo corsa 3 $440
2.Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa Pro $425
3.Pirelli Diablo Rosso $495
4.Dunlop Qualifier $360
5.Dunlop Alpha 10 $410
6.Michelin Power 1 $445
7.Michelin Pilot Power 2CT $440
8.Bridgestone BT016 $445
Al tyre size 120/70-190/50 or 55

GPT/PZ Gear indicator is around $180


All In Singapore Dollars...


All come in pairs.....if using rear 180/50 or 180/55..it cheaper..i think less $20-$50 Singapore Dollars

My bike came with a 200/55/17. I'm guessing when I get new tires I should probably replace that with a 190?

Any thoughts?

Most people are running 180 or 190 tires. Mine has a 190 on it. I have seen alot of comments from people that run the 180 and say it handles measurably better. I have not tried it myself though.

I love the look of the 200 tire, but I guess it's really not about looks in this game. I think I'm going to go with the 190. Anyone on here tried any of the Metzler tires?

180/55 is where its at. 190/50(stock) good all around tire & 200/50 is just stupid and dangerous depending on how you ride.

Well I do not want to do anything stupid or dangerous. Would like to keep only the rubber on the road. If you know what I mean.

To save money and have good handling response, you can mount a 180/55-17 on your rim. Or, you can mount a 190/55-17 on your rim.

The 190/50-17 simply makes the bike a lazy handler. It doesn't want to turn in without effort.
There is a world of difference between a 190/50 and 190/55 or 180/55 tire.

The 190/55 tires are slightly taller, and with the "pointier" profile, quickens the turn in response.
Once you try an /55 aspect ratio tire you won't want to go back to a /50.

I'm probably not what you would call an expert rider. Just looking for something that gives good performance and is safe/sticky. Any suggestions for tires (brand and size).

I myself have been a Pirelli fan for several years. They're just really good performing tires.
Unfortunately, like everything else, the prices have been ratcheting upward, so I've been branching out into other brands.

The other factor is that here in FL, we suffer from FSTS (Florida Square Tire Syndrome) due to lack of turns and hills. So we have perfectly good rubber on the sides and bald in the middle. And having to replace all too quickly worn out tires gets expensive.

I've been running Continental for several months now. Both the SportAttack and recently the RaceAttack Street. The prices for the SportAttack are very low for a premium tire. And they seem to handle quite well even in the rain.
The RaceAttack has very little siping and is mostly slick on the sides, so I take it very carefully in the rain with those tires.

The brand in the same price ballpark is the Bridgestone BT-016. It's also a very good tire.
Many times it's the cheapest premium tire out there.
I just ordered a 190/55-17 BT-016 to replace my RaceAttack.

Pirelli's here to. They make a pretty good tire. The Bridgestones are nice and good price. The powers are still probably some of the best but their priced alittle high. I tried a Pirelli Strada dual compound and its been great so far. Not the most aggressive tire out there but its harder in the middle so it lasts alot longer.

SubSailor is correct, "square tire syndrome" is tough to overcome, no matter where you live. I live in an area with tons of mountain passes and challenging roads, but I tend to eat up my center as well. The reason being, Central Virginia, and West Virginia roads are continually chip sealed with jagged pieces of limestone, probably from mining tailings. This stuff eats tires incredibly! I have gone out with a legal rear on my CBX and have come back in at the end of the day, 250 miles later, with cord showing in places. With sticky, high performance tires on a sportbike, I can eat up a set in 2000 miles or less on the street. That is why I've switched to tour tires, simple economics. I can ride a HP tour set almost 6K miles. The Avon Storm ST's on my bike were installed last summer, and have 4800 miles on them, and still have life on them in the center.

Now the nice thing, these cheese grater rough surfaced roads create incredible cornering traction, especially in the rain. I can lean and corner my bikes as hard as I wish in pouring rain with no loss of traction. I remember attending a CBX rally in West Virginia and riding with a local in pouring rain on secondary roads, at a scorching pace of 75-80 mph on 28 year old, 700lb CBX motorcycles, with massive 6 cyl engines sitting in the frames, being steered by spindly 39mm fork tubes. I was impressed, I could never ride a motorcycle anywhere near that hard on wet roads in CT, the instant I would lean, my front end would kick. Aside from gravel, I've never lost traction cornering here, that includes laying on the throttle cornering in rain. Amazing!

So the point of my ramble is: ROAD SURFACE also has a HUGE EFFECT on your cornering traction, all roads are not created equal! The surfaces you ride on, can define your tire choice as well.

John

Does anyone use the Michelin Pilot Power or Pilot Road 2CT? I've been looking at either one, and they both seem decent. Trying to decide if extra stickiness is good for me (I'm not a racer or anything) or if I should just go for the Road tires.

I just put a new set of the Pilot Power 2CT's on before I rode to Indy this past weekend. They were on the bike when I bought it, and I loved them. I went with the 180/55 on the rear and the difference over the 190/50 is amazing. I highly recommend it. The bike is so much more willing to lean into turns, it made the previous handling seem lazy and resistant to lean input. Now the bike is eager to lean and is much more fun to ride, although I didn't think it could get any more fun. It also inspires more confidence in me, since I always sensed the resistance to leaning and just thought that was part of the bike's nature. Now she responds to inputs like she should.

My SP1 came with BT003 DOT racers, and some take offs in 180/55. I used them and found no reason to go bigger. But now that I went back to Jennings and was able to ride at nearly my good pace from years past, I had a pretty good rear slide in the long T1 left. I was using Pilot Power street tires in 180/55, but I've lapped faster on my old F3 with the same tires. I don't think it was the rubber, but maybe I got it too leaned over onto the edge? I think I need to try a 190/55. That should get me a similar profile and turn in, and more shoulder to lean. Is that right?

My SP1 came with BT003 DOT racers, and some take offs in 180/55. I used them and found no reason to go bigger. But now that I went back to Jennings and was able to ride at nearly my good pace from years past, I had a pretty good rear slide in the long T1 left. I was using Pilot Power street tires in 180/55, but I've lapped faster on my old F3 with the same tires. I don't think it was the rubber, but maybe I got it too leaned over onto the edge? I think I need to try a 190/55. That should get me a similar profile and turn in, and more shoulder to lean. Is that right?

That's the idea anyways. :)

just put bt016's on on saturday
find them fantastic

Before I ordered my BT-016, I priced a 190/55 Dunlop Qualifier 2.
Even with discount, the tire was over $300.
Hello Bridgestone 190/55 at $150-160.

I'm going to have to give the 190/55 a try for my next Jennings ride, then. Sportbike Track Time has a good deal on some trackday/race rubber. I hope they still do by the time I can afford them.

Before I ordered my BT-016, I priced a 190/55 Dunlop Qualifier 2.
Even with discount, the tire was over $300.
Hello Bridgestone 190/55 at $150-160.

That is fucking ridiculous!

That is fucking ridiculous!

For that price I expect them to stick like glue and wear like steel.
I was going for the B-Stone's anyway, I was just curious about the Q2's.

Before I ordered my BT-016, I priced a 190/55 Dunlop Qualifier 2.
Even with discount, the tire was over $300.
Hello Bridgestone 190/55 at $150-160.


Holy crap thats high!!! Remind me to never be in a position where I have to buy something in Florida. My buddy put a 180/55 DQ2 on his 600rr a week or 2 ago and he paid $170 for it.

I just put on a set of Bridgestone BT-002 RS with a 190/55 rear and had no complaints at the track in the dry. (Probably not the best wet weather option though.) I'll report back as to how they wear after some more time on the track.

update the report dude

I just put on a set of Bridgestone BT-002 RS with a 190/55 rear and had no complaints at the track in the dry. (Probably not the best wet weather option though.) I'll report back as to how they wear after some more time on the track.

How well does the 190/55 fit and what size sprockets are you running? My SP1 is pretty tight with a 180/55, and I don't think the 190/55 will fit with 15/43 gearing and 104 link chain. Got a track bud that can't run his hugger with a 190/55 due to tire rub, and it nearly scrubs the swingarm too. I had to cut a notch out of my track lower cause the 180/55 was starting to rub a little.

How well does the 190/55 fit and what size sprockets are you running? My SP1 is pretty tight with a 180/55, and I don't think the 190/55 will fit with 15/43 gearing and 104 link chain. Got a track bud that can't run his hugger with a 190/55 due to tire rub, and it nearly scrubs the swingarm too. I had to cut a notch out of my track lower cause the 180/55 was starting to rub a little.

Hmm...that could be the area where the SP2 swingarm's 16mm additional length was beneficial. I've never had any tire rub anywhere on my SP2.

well i am running shinko 009 on the rear seems to grip good for the street and wears really good and cost 100 dollars for the rear 190/50 r17 just so i don't get hung for i know there not great tires but on a budget (being laided off) i will be running rosso's when i go back to work

well i am running shinko 009 on the rear seems to grip good for the street and wears really good and cost 100 dollars for the rear 190/50 r17 just so i don't get hung for i know there not great tires but on a budget (being laided off) i will be running rosso's when i go back to work

No problem.
I used to run a set of Dunlop TT100's back in the '70's on my Yamaha 500.
The Shinko's would seem like race tires compared to those.

How well does the 190/55 fit and what size sprockets are you running? My SP1 is pretty tight with a 180/55, and I don't think the 190/55 will fit with 15/43 gearing and 104 link chain. Got a track bud that can't run his hugger with a 190/55 due to tire rub, and it nearly scrubs the swingarm too. I had to cut a notch out of my track lower cause the 180/55 was starting to rub a little.

I'm running 15/41 and have a 600rr hugger on there as well, no probs. It looks pretty close to the track lower, but it hasn't rubbed yet.

I found this post. I have ran all brands of tires and will not buy Michelins...yeah, I was at the Indy F1 when they pulled that shit.

How do the BT016 tires wear, feel etc....I bought the 190/55 for the rear for sure, my first RC handled like a turd with the 190/50 and "fell" into turns with the 180. I hope this will be a happy medium.

I have the BT016s and they are excellent. Couldn't ask for more traction. Seem to be a bit more even rounded than the Michelin Pilot Powers that I had on my SP2. A great tire imo.

Anyone running Dunlop Q2s who could offer some feedback? I was running Michelin Pilot Powers on my GSXR 1000 before I totaled it, and I was pleased with those tires, but I can get Q2s for less. I've not heard many comments about the Q2s, but was thinking about putting them on both my GSXR 750 and RC51 when I next replace tires (the GSXR needs new tires real soon).

Look at my tire find post...Comp Acces has a sales this month.

Anyone running Dunlop Q2s who could offer some feedback? I was running Michelin Pilot Powers on my GSXR 1000 before I totaled it, and I was pleased with those tires, but I can get Q2s for less. I've not heard many comments about the Q2s, but was thinking about putting them on both my GSXR 750 and RC51 when I next replace tires (the GSXR needs new tires real soon).

love my Q2's, very sticky on the track, tall profile so they fall in nice too

Anyone running Dunlop Q2s who could offer some feedback? I was running Michelin Pilot Powers on my GSXR 1000 before I totaled it, and I was pleased with those tires, but I can get Q2s for less. I've not heard many comments about the Q2s, but was thinking about putting them on both my GSXR 750 and RC51 when I next replace tires (the GSXR needs new tires real soon).

I'm running Q2's on my VFR for almost a year now. Different bike, I know. But the Q2's are better than any other tires I've had on that bike, and I do ring it out sometimes. Only been riding 5 years, but my confidence level went up a little more with these tires. I only ride dry weather so don't know how they are in wet conditions. But for me, they're a little better than the sportmax's and a lot better than the battlax'es I had.

That's why I'm leaning towards Q2's for my RC, cause I need new tires too. I found the Q2 package Dunlop Q2 120/70ZR17 & 190/55ZR17 $272 shipped. Not bad...

http://stores.dunlopq2.com/StoreFront.bok

i use both michelin 2ct or dunlop sportmax. both awesome tires. My BMW s1000rr came with Metzler racetek K3's and so far i've been happy with those as well.

I'm interested in the Dunlop RoadSmart ..I'm not sure , if I take the 180/55/17 or the 190/50/17 ..I would love to try the Higher Tire.:confused:

I have run Michel 2ct the last 2 years and loved them until power purest came out and wow. They stick to the asphalt like glue and give you a sense of security money can't buy. If you ride aggressively you gotta try em. Not excellent for wear but the ex ain't a sport tourer anyways.

I'm interested in the Dunlop RoadSmart ..I'm not sure , if I take the 180/55/17 or the 190/50/17 ..I would love to try the Higher Tire.:confused:

According to some of the earlier posts, if you want a taller tire, and apparently the best handling, 190/55-17 is what some on this forum are saying. That's what's on my RC.

I have used a 180 on the RC before....it makes the bike "fall" into turns just a little too quick for street riding. 190/55 fits the 6.0 rim better.

According to some of the earlier posts, if you want a taller tire, and apparently the best handling, 190/55-17 is what some on this forum are saying. That's what's on my RC.

The main reason the 190/55-17 tire is frequently recommended are two-fold:

1) The tire has a more pointed (ogival) profile than the 190/50-17 and this makes the bike more willing to transition into a turn.

Case in point. I had installed a 190/50-17 Conti RaceAttack Street on my RC51 due to a mis-shipment. I noticed immediately my bike resisted rolling into turns and I had to push on the bar more to make the bike turn.
I replaced the tire with the Conti RaceAttack 190/55-17 I wanted in the first place, and the bike easily rolled into turns.

2) The 190/55-17 is a few millimeters taller than a 190/50-17 of the same brand. On the RC51 (and other bikes) this causes the rear to be raised also by a few millimeters thereby reducing the trail by a small amount.
By reducing trail by a small amount it causes the bike to steer quicker.

Now also remember that tires can vary greatly between brands for the same "size" tire.
I usually measure the inflated circumference when replacing tires, and have found quite a few surprises when compared with another brands tire set.

Of course, once you wear the rear down to where it's squared off, the bike handles like a pig no matter what tire is mounted. When that occurs, it replacement time.

Im going crazy trying to decide what tire to put on the rear. Im going with a 190/55 for sure but its between 3 right now,

Rosso Corsa (heard good things about it but doesnt have triple compound)
Corsa III (What I have on the front and rear of the bike now, happy with em)
BT-016 (Heard really good things too)

I have ridden with two different model tires on front/rear before without problems but what do you all think about that? I push my tires pretty hard too.

Input please........Its getting warm here in Md and Im ready to take the battery off the tender NOW!

I used to run Pirelli's all the time (Corsa III mostly), but Pirelli has priced me out of their business sadly.
I haven't tried the new Rosso Corsa, and probably won't unless I find them on sale.
I didn't like the original Rosso. It felt vague compared to the Corsa III.

I've been running the Dunlop Q2's and I like them quite a bit.
Reminds me of the Corsa III.

The BT-016's are a really good tire for the money.
I ran a couple of sets until I shifted to the Q2s.

I've hit the figure 4 interstate entrances/exits with the Q2's last summer, 195/50 at about 70mph...felt great, no complaints. As you've stated before Sailor, tires are wider/narrow from brand to brand, my Q2's compared to my Dad Pirelli's that came stock on his 1198s look insanely wide and aggressive. Have the appearance of a 200 series. I can't wait to try out a 55 on my RC this season.

I've decided to go with Q2's when I next replace the tires on my RC51. I've been doing some work with the staff at California Superbike School recently (they support a motorcycle training program we have in the Marine Corps), and they really like the Q2's for all around performance. And, Motorcycle-USA did a great tire comparison recently, and the Q2's turned in a great performance.

What do you guys think about running a Q2 on rear with a Corsa 3 on the front? I can save about 70 bucks going to the Q2 and probably get more life out of it.

What do you guys think about running a Q2 on rear with a Corsa 3 on the front? I can save about 70 bucks going to the Q2 and probably get more life out of it.

They always say never mix brands of tires, but most of the time you can get away with it on the street.

Occaisionally, some tires do differ in profile enough that they are incompatible with each other and I've run into that myself.
The only choice there is to return to the same rear (or front), or swap over to a new set.

I don't think you'll run into many problems with a Q2 and a Corsa III on the street.

I'm interested in the Dunlop RoadSmart ..I'm not sure , if I take the 180/55/17 or the 190/50/17 ..I would love to try the Higher Tire.:confused:

I bought my bike last April with a RoadSmart on the rear and a D208 up front. I rode the biek like that last year to get used to the bike before changing tires this season(still researching what I'm goign to use). The RoadSmart does not like rev-matched downshifts on the RC. It still tends to want to lock the rear tire for a split second. I'm also not to fond of how stable the tire feels taking exit ramps at a spirited pace. The rear wants to wander around a bit while the front stays planted.

This is just my feelings on this, but, I did go to the RoadSmart when I was fresh off of riding with D208GP's.

I'll be going back a a stickier compound for sure.

I think Im going to go with the Q2 rear. Talked to a friend who ran a similar setup and even did some track days like that. He had no problems. I think as long as both tires are more aggressive rubber it should be ok.

To save money and have good handling response, you can mount a 180/55-17 on your rim. Or, you can mount a 190/55-17 on your rim.

The 190/50-17 simply makes the bike a lazy handler. It doesn't want to turn in without effort.
There is a world of difference between a 190/50 and 190/55 or 180/55 tire.

The 190/55 tires are slightly taller, and with the "pointier" profile, quickens the turn in response.
Once you try an /55 aspect ratio tire you won't want to go back to a /50.

I thought the handling of my BT016 190/50's couldn't be any better, but I will go with 55's next time. Thanks.

Hello,
As usual, Sub Sailor is all over it! The forum touchstone.

The Sports Tire ratings in the Bike UK March 2011 issue are:

5 Stars: Dunlop Sportsmart; Bike's first ever 5 star rated tire. Cited as the most versatile they've tested, on the road or track. BUT: I haven't been able to find them in US.

4 Stars: Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa (Good in the Wet), Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa, Dunlop Gp Racer D211, Dunlop Roadsmart (Great Wet Grip), and Bridgestone BT-023.

My SP-2 with Bridgestone BT-016 (190/55), has been very predicable.

Thanks,
Phillip

P.S.: For many years I ran mixed sets of Pirelli Diablo fronts and Avon Storm rears on my Vtec VFR with great results.

P.S.: For many years I ran mixed sets of Pirelli Diablo fronts and Avon Storm rears on my Vtec VFR with great results.

The last tires I bought for my 02 VFR were Q2's. They were such an improvement over the battlax's and I was sold. I just dropped the hammer on some q2's for the RC51. 222.98 to my door. That's a damn good price for such a good tire. imo:cool:

Just put Michelin Pilot Powers on. They are crazy. I can't believe I've been riding without these. I had sportmaxs on, but these are way more grippy. I picked them up at cyclegear, $230 for both.

I've just gone through my rear Dunlop 2CT, only took 2,500 miles! So I found a good deal on Michelin Pilot Power 2Cts and am worried that they will not last long at all, and the RC51 will just chew it up to quick!!?? Wondering if I should sell it for a longer lasting but still road sticky set?

I've just gone through my rear Dunlop 2CT, only took 2,500 miles! So I found a good deal on Michelin Pilot Power 2Cts and am worried that they will not last long at all, and the RC51 will just chew it up to quick!!?? Wondering if I should sell it for a longer lasting but still road sticky set?

Still a huge trade off on the grip vs longevity. I'm going to try Pilot Road 2/3 on the RC (I just bought a set for my 919, very nice grip).
Had Q2's on my 600, I'd estimate a 3k replacement. I've read the PR's can last 10k+ miles. Comparing PR2 vs Q2, the Q2's have a bit better grip, with much more feedback. But I just don't want to run through 2 sets a year.
My RC will see a track day a month during the summer, I think the PR's will be able to handle it just fine.

Still a huge trade off on the grip vs longevity. I'm going to try Pilot Road 2/3 on the RC (I just bought a set for my 919, very nice grip).
Had Q2's on my 600, I'd estimate a 3k replacement. I've read the PR's can last 10k+ miles. Comparing PR2 vs Q2, the Q2's have a bit better grip, with much more feedback. But I just don't want to run through 2 sets a year.
My RC will see a track day a month during the summer, I think the PR's will be able to handle it just fine.

I've got Pilot Road 2s on my FZ1 and the front is just nearing replacement with 12K miles on it.
The first rear PR2 lasted 8K miles and the current PR2 is nearing 4K miles and only just now starting to flatten (not square) a small bit near the middle. And I haven't been babying those tires.

If I used them they way they were intended (touring) I'm sure my rear would have gone at least 2 or 3K miles more.

The reason I tried them was a buddy who got 9K out of a set on this Hayabusa. And that ain't bad at all.
So while they weren't cheap, I certainly got my moneys worth.

Here's the front with 12K miles on it.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/rc51/FZ1Front12Kmiles.jpg

And the rear with only 4K miles on it.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp158/rc51/FZ1Rear4Kmiles.jpg

That's what I'm talking about! My buddy got a set on his FZ1 last summer, and talked me into it for my 919.

Can we get a report on its grip, feedback, breakability.

I had a set of bridgstone bt016's fitted to my SP1, 190/55 rear, 120/70 front,and all i can say as a street tyre they are simply awsome!.They are not the latest tyre out, but they do the job on the street.I have found the grip, well just awsome once they are warm!,Peg scraping is too easy with these tyres.I'm sold on these tyres, my next set of tyres will be another set of BT 016's

so we all know that v-twins chew up tires faster than the inline 4s do; and I have a friend who has a SV1000 who rides about 45 mins to town every day and then on weekend scrapes pegs with me and the group who says he can get close to 9,000 miles out his Pilot Road dual compounds! So far I've owned Dunlop duals and they didn't last 3,000 miles and now have the Pilot Power 2Cts and they seem to be wearing fairly similar however I they are so much more sticky

I had a set of bridgstone bt016's fitted to my SP1, 190/55 rear, 120/70 front,and all i can say as a street tyre they are simply awsome!.They are not the latest tyre out, but they do the job on the street.I have found the grip, well just awsome once they are warm!,Peg scraping is too easy with these tyres.I'm sold on these tyres, my next set of tyres will be another set of BT 016's

+1 ...been happy with mine as well. No drama and they're wearing well too.