Does size matter?

[Jambo]

Hey guys. As some of you know I got a 14 last february and the rear tire isn't the standard size of 190/50. Instead it is a 190/55.

My question is, does it change the handling of the bike having a larger circunference tire? Is it for the better? should I switch with a proper size tire or let it wear out first?

Which pressure should I use. Same as standard? I don't like this a bite!

Give me your thoughts and knowledge on this.

Cheers

PS:Tires have 3000km on them and look preety new. Michelin pilot power 3, front and read.

[Mick_J]

A 190/55 will affect the handling slightly, it will give you a quicker turn in but you can get around that by dropping the forks through the headstocks by a couple of mill.  I am switching to a 190/55 this year as it will make the speedo read more accurately and lower the revs a little, I am getting it for a good price as well so win, win.  I would run it at the same pressure so if you can live with it just use it up.

[Hooli]

I've recently gone up to a 190/55 in preference from the standard 190/50. It makes the bike a lot lighter to turn in & at least in my bikes case has cured it's tendency to push wide on quick bends. I much prefer my bike on a 55.

[Irish in Oz]

Why not go 180/55 then you are in the middle of those two profiles just like the sports bikes.
When I was a boy racer I ran 180/55. my FJR was 180/55 standard and it was very fast.

[Hooli]

180/55 makes the speedo overread by about 10% which is just silly.

Having ridden with 180/55 190/50 & 190/55 I'd say the 180 is a fraction lighter to turn, almost too light compared to the front. 190/55 suits these bikes better in my opinion.

[Irish in Oz]

Mr. Suzuki got it wrong then.

[Kiwifruit]

Didn't Mr Suzuki make weaving machines lrish ??   

Suzuki Museum, Hamamatsu, Japan

[Kiwifruit]

Jambo, have used 190/50 but l like my 190/55, when its done thats what l will be putting back on. I find it lighter to turn in.

[Irish in Oz]

Didn't Mr Suzuki make weaving machines lrish ??   

Suzuki Museum, Hamamatsu, Japan

James Mackie & Sons made better weaving machines.

[Irish in Oz]

180/55 rear and 120/70 front corner ok on the FJR and 1200 Bandit.

[Kiwifruit]

Didn't Mr Suzuki make weaving machines lrish ??   

Suzuki Museum, Hamamatsu, Japan

James Mackie & Sons made better weaving machines.

Probably why Suzuki went into making motorcycles........ 

[Wilson]

Why not go 180/55 then you are in the middle of those two profiles just like the sports bikes.
When I was a boy racer I ran 180/55. my FJR was 180/55 standard and it was very fast.

Cause the 14's 6" rim is to wide to fit a 180

[Irish in Oz]

Well the guy that put a 180/55 tyre on my 14 rim must have a special fitting machine.

[Hooli]

180s appear to fit fine to me, I just prefer various things on the 190 so went back to it.

[seth]

I tried a 180 rear tyre on my first k2 in about 2004/5 I don't like the way the bike felt .
I'll stick with the 190/50's
On our bikes .
The red and black felt a little different when I got it that had a 190/55 now back to standard and much better for me .

As I always try to say in stuff like this they are your bikes do what you like to and with them .