180 instead of 190 rear tyre

[KenT140D]

Anyone had any experience, good or bad with putting a 180 instead of a 190 rear tyre on a Speed Triple? I have a 2004 model and I have been offered a particularly good deal on a 180 rear tyre with a 120 front tyre.
cheers
Ken

[dblhelx]

My 2007 came stock with a 180, but I think the rear rim is a bit narrower. Coming from a 190 previously I was skeptical. However, the 180 is more "flickable" in some continuous nasty twisty roads I run on weekends. Handled better and easier!

[WTPIII]

On my previous bike (97 T509), going to the 180 profile from the 190 sure didn't hurt, in fact, it seemed to help the handling.

[Stampy]

Yip, 180 handles a bit better, Less tyre to drop over.

[TonUp]

Quicker Steering!




Ton Up!

[2bugeyez]

Take the deal.

[DaveM]

Hi KenT140D,
I have used both on my Sprint on and off in the last three years.

It comes down to the tyre profile.

ie. on a Qualifier I felt like it slowed the steering, but only slightly

On Pilot Powers, Battlax BT 002 Medium race and also Michelin Pilot race medium tyres I feel the 190 is better and do not notice any noticable lack of turn in speed.

My 2 cents worth.

Sorry I can't speak for the S3 as I havent owned one.

DaveM

[Speed3]

The '04 has a 6" rim so it will change the profile of a 180 tire. If you can get a 190/55 then you will get the quicker turn-in. You should use the tire specified for your rim width.

[DGA]

Triumph went to a 180 tire in the 05+ models for handling reasons. Few guys that I ride with, that run Suzuki GSXRs, switch from a stock 190 to a 180 for handling reasons and say that it makes a world of difference.

[Aurelius]

Originally Posted by KenT140D

Anyone had any experience, good or bad with putting a 180 instead of a 190 rear tyre on a Speed Triple? I have a 2004 model and I have been offered a particularly good deal on a 180 rear tyre with a 120 front tyre.
cheers
Ken

Never done it with a Speed Triple, but I have done it with two other sportbikes. In both cases, the results were bad. All it does is slow the bike's handling, and the too narrow rim pinches the tire so that it actually puts less rubber on the ground than the narrower 180 profile tire.