i like that 180/55-17 dunlop sportmax that i have on my 91 1000f. i havent had any problems with it. i even have great grip in the rain at 70+.

 

"The wheels on the bike go round and round
Round and round,
Round and round.
The wheels on the bike go round and round,
All through the day"

Sorry. Your question reminded me of a kindergarten song from the past.

 

In case you look more forbling than goodlong-term handling, and there is clearance to the specific tyre, a 190 may be used. However, I seriously doubt more DD cup blonds will approach me if I change from 180 to 190:-) I've read that one guy used a 190 on his ‘Cane but there is no guarantee that there is enough clearance. Thereare small differences in dimensions between brands and types, so even if one 190 will do, another can cause clearance problem to the frame or the chain and you need to consider different loads as well.

Assuming there is clearance, the difference to a 180 will not be huge. I used a 190 onmy bird with a 5.5" rim for a couple of 1000 km's since I hada used but good 190 laying and had to change when the shops were closed.I was in fact quite happy with it as itfelt much better than the flattened Z6 (that is a real good tyre as new). The 190 was a lightweight Michelin PilotPower 2CT though.Later I changed toBridgestone BT021 (180) and the bike once more felt like new and different to the better, as a new tyre always will. I have no plans to use a 190 in the future on a 5.5 rim that was only done due tocircumstances. However, you will not be alone if you want touse a 190 on the 5.5" inch rim, Ducati 999 and a few other bikes were delivered stock with this combo.

The 180 (55), as well as the 170 tyre, will make the bike turn a bit easierthan a 190 (50). Especially after a few 1000 km'swhen thetyres begins to flatten. At this point the180 and 170 will feel more linear than the 190 that will be more unwilling to turn and will tip over and feel a bit unstable after the turn is initiated.

 

Ah thanks, yeah I'll stick with a 180.

 

I run a 190/50 on the back of my 94. Never had any problems.

FarAway

 

Why bother? You only need a wider tyre if you have the HP to go with it. The CBR is slow steering at the best of times. Why make it an even slower steerer? Having a wider tyre doesn't give you any more grip.

Unless you are riding your CBR so hard that you are constantly spining up the rear tyre in corners stick with something that makes it easier to lean over.

 

Wide tyres look good though

 

I keep thinking the same thing each time I see this thread.