[baron4406]

Starting to really flog my RC, and some issues have come up. Basically the bike sports a new set of Dunlop 208's but there is a 200mm size on the rear. I guess the PO wanted that cool fat tire look (the guy who owned it before my friend). I really have to muscle the bike around on techical roads, and turn in is pretty heavy. Also the 208's have a spotty rep as far as tires go. Would I really notice it if i went to a 190 or 180 size rear in something like a pilot power or Diablo? I hate to dump a new set of tires, but I really like carving corners and wanna do a couple of track days. Bike will be 95% street tho.

[onealrc51]

i was just searching for some info for an rc51 with a 200 on the rear. I need new tires and i never go to track so i'm wondering how the tire performs on the street?

[jhonda41]

You will definitely notice the difference in turn in on the 180. I changed from a 190 to 180 and I'm gonna stick with it for the track.

It will be a drastic change in "look" from the 200.... but you should get over it quickly if you really like twisties.

I wouldnt go out and buy a new set of tires unless it was for a track day. But it really depends on how many street miles you'd put on the 200 before you'll normally need new tires.


-jh

[belowme51]

190-55-17!!!!! enough said!

[onealrc51]

anyone have a pic to compare a 190 vs. 200 rear tire?? on an rc would be nice but any shot will do from the back i think

[RoooStEr]

I heard that the 190-55-17 actually has a taller contour than a 180-55-17 is this true? I forgot where I read it, but it I am pretty sure it was in an article from a reliable source.

Whatever you do do not go with Qualifiers, they SUCK!!!! Take a lot longer than pilot powers to warm up, the pilot powers are stickier when cold, and the pilot powers last longer!

[belowme51]

I run 190-55-17 pilot race prc's and they are great. They have great turn in like the 180's but still have the larger contact patch. I will use nothing else for the track.

[Rigor]

Originally Posted by RoooStEr

I heard that the 190-55-17 actually has a taller contour than a 180-55-17 is this true?

Well....lets do the math together.

190-55x17 rear tire:

190mm width (sidewall to sidewall, not just tread)

55% sidewall aspect

17" diameter.

55% 0f 190mm width is 104.5mm tall, from ground to rim.


180-55x17 rear tire:

180mm width

55% sidewall aspect

17" diameter.

55% of 180mm width is 99mm tall, from ground to rim.

The difference in ride height from a 190-55 to a 180-55 is 5.5mm, or a total of 11mm taller all together, from ground to top. Both tires add to the bike's ride height, and increase turn-in abilities. Their "crowned" tread also helps, vs the flatter profile of the stock 190-50 series tire.

This is a theoretical, Mathematical explanation. In reality, different tires, although marked with the same size, can vary in height, based on that manufacture's specifications and design. Dunlops are enherantly taller then most tires.

[RoooStEr]

I didn't know 55 was a %, hence why I thought it would be the same. Thanks fro clearing that up, but next time please try not to soud like such an old fuddy duddy. Thanks.