Hi all,
I just noticed that the 954 I bought a month ago has a 180 rear as opposed to the 190 recommended by the manual. Tyre is still healthy (Bridgestone 002) so I'm not thinking to replace it just now. Just wondering though if a 190 section suits it better. True or false?
Next tyre will be the BT 016 tripple compound by the looks of what i have read so far.

Also I have read in various posts here about the chain mod (to a 520 I think) , but I couldnt find any info on the reason for such a mod. So...Why???

agis

 

Either tire will work just fine, a lot of people go to the 180 tire for a little better turn in, ie: leans over easier. As far as the 520 chain conversion, its a lighter, thinner chain, so it has a little less rotating mass. In theory it should free up a little bit of hp, but not so much you will probably notice, it also of course a bit lighter also.

 

Im riding a 180 tire and a 520 chain conversion. Personally i think i liked my 190 better but it could just be that im still getting used to riding twisties. didint notice any change from the chain, cept it looks really small. i actually like the stock chain better too just for looks

But thats just IMO. Take it as you will.

 

I see! Thanks a lot.

 

i have the 520 with a 180 rear tire as well. it turns-in really sweet at almost any speed. i have not tried the 190 and never had the stock chain on this bike so i can't tell you for sure.

going from the 530 to the 520 chain on my 600 definitely helped though, also bumping the rear sprocket up a couple teeth helps with acceleration / wheelies, if you're into that. Of course on the flip-side it can be more dangerous and make the front end get light and twitchy a bit easier.

locally i hear the Pirelli Corsa's are the best for grip, along with Michelin Pilot Powers. I have the Dunlop Qualifiers on mine, but i only push it so hard. I haven't heard anything about Bridgestone's for this particular bike.

 

There is a 3rd option. You can now get a 190/55 instead of the standard 190/50 which will give you the better turn-in (as the 180) and keep the 190 width

 

Now this guy knows his tires. I was wondering how long it would take before someone mentioned the /55, hehe....And yes the 180 vs 190 /50, the 180 handles better, leans over easier....But when you compare the 180/50 to the 190/55....Now the 190 wins hands down....So depending on if your going /50 or /55....=-)

 

ok, so 190/55 will be the next choice. I'm interested in multiple compound tyres as the bike is used on the road. Any recommendations?

 

^ you can definatly do a search on that one, the tire thing has been beaten to death around here . The answers you will find commonly though are Michelin pilot power 2ct, and Pirelli Diablo 2s. I will also still stand behind my Metzeler m3s, imo same as the first 2 but a bit cheaper. Any of the 3 you cant go wrong though.