[jdvs1]

I've seen some ridiculously wide tires on a lot of sportbikes. Just wondering how wide do you have on your personal bikes? Also if you could, whats the biggest width tire you'd run on your rear?

 

[vertical_vs]

i've seen some show bikes that have 8.5 in their rears with a 240 tire. i think you could go wider. you just need a lot of money to do it.

 

[BigSexyZ]

I like to corner, my bike has the OEM spec sized tire, 190/50r17. Actually thinking about downsizing to a 180/55r17 so it's more flickable due to the narrower and taller tire. It ruins the point of a sportbike by putting a wide tire (like a 240+) on the rear unless you're going to the drag strip.
I could see doing it on custom choppers that way it adds extra stability but all a wide tire does is diminish your cornering ability. Plus, you're not going to be taking corners at higher than recommended speeds on a chopper.

 

[transistorkc]

I like to corner, my bike has the OEM spec sized tire, 190/50r17. Actually thinking about downsizing to a 180/55r17 so it's more flickable due to the narrower and taller tire. It ruins the point of a sportbike by putting a wide tire (like a 240+) on the rear unless you're going to the drag strip.
I could see doing it on custom choppers that way it adds extra stability but all a wide tire does is diminish your cornering ability. Plus, you're not going to be taking corners at higher than recommended speeds on a chopper.

I'd go 190/55 before 180/55.

I'm with you though. My buddy installed a wide rear tire and extended swingarm on his Gix. He can ride fast in a straight line, but he's nowhere to be seen when we go play in the twisties.

 

[Curtie223]

Wide Tires are a big no for me! I went smaller on my gixxer for more lean angle. (180) I have seen some track guys go as far as a 170! Like big sexy say's unless your drag racing those bigger tires actually hurt your bikes ability to preform.

 

[Inline4_rider]

It definitely lessens your ability to keep up in turns. When I pick up mine I'll probably keep it stock width until I get the hang of it. Then probably go with either a taller or narrower tire when I'm more familiar with the bike.

 

[Kawa-Jockey]

190 on mine as well. Stock specs.

 

[KawiGrnNmyVeins]

I have a buddy that rides a ZX-14 that went to a 190/55r 17 and loves it.

He's about 275 and flicks it around pretty easy with the taller tire.

I went with the stock size on mine when I replaced them but went with a wet weather touring tire...Avon Storm Ultra 2

 

[acalliste]

180/55-17 (stock)

See no need to reinvent the wheel (or tire). It seems like such a waste to take an exquisitely handling bike and turn it into a boat anchor.

 

[MarkJ.07]

You guys are all talking about staying stock with the width and going taller to like a 55 would this cause a problem with it flattening out if you go on longer rides as well. I love the twistys but every now and then i go on longer rides with my dad could the taller tire flatten out over extended cruses 200+ miles.

 

[jrick56]

my 2010 came with a 190/ 55-17 went back with a 200 50 doesn't handle any worse to me. in fact turn seems quicker. the stock tires stuck like glue, but wore out way too fast for me(2100 miles). went with shinko ravens. will know more after some more miles. it's getting dark earlier and the deer are running. haven't been going as far after work.

 

[z1 kid]

I'm going with a 190/55/17 to help the bike roll faster in the corner tires going to be michelin power pures.

 

[ridingswitch]

Im going with the bridgestone B23's when my stock tires are toast. They are a dual compound sports touring tire that are suppose to last longer. Had them on my other bike and they held the corners well.

 

[Barry]

My 2010 came with a 190/50 17.The 2011 will have the same.
Going to a 200 isnt recomended unless you get a wider wheel.
Your turn in probably seems faster because your wheel is pinching the tire in making it taller not wider,which would give you that sensation.

 

[jrick56]

i wonder why my bike had 190/55-17 on the rear. was checking it while riding with a cbr1000rr his was a 50. we thought it was odd mine was a 55. am i the only one with this tire? that's why i went with 200, didn't wantto go with a shorer tire, so i went with 200/50. will not do that again. will probably go back with 190/50.