Replacement Tires

keeksrc51 · 06-29-2008, 1:50 AM

It's time for some new rubber on my 05-51. Is anyone out there running the new Bridgestone Battlax BT016 or the Conti Sport Attack tires? Also, has anyone gone to the 190/55? If so, how's the handling, turn in etc. Does the taller tire affect the speedo at all and does the rear end sit any higher?

whatever · 07-04-2008, 9:52 PM

I have the conti-sport attacks..about 1000 miles on them already. No issues and I would recommend them. Seem to be wearing fine, they stick great, turn in a bit early but it helped me.

Everyone advise me against the 190/55, I have the 180/55. Purchased them cheap and will do it again.

Tire size will affect the odo, as do sprockets...mine is off by almost 20%

jvinson · 07-10-2008, 1:46 PM

I'm running Michelin 2CT's, I like them because they have the dual compound, so if your running around town you don't wear a big flat spot in your tire, but they still have good traction if you do the occasional track day.

As for size, I went with the 190/55. The bike does turn in much better than the stock 190/55. From what I hear the 180/55 will give you similar handling but with a little less rubber on the road in the corners, plus they are quite a bit cheaper.

rustybottoms · 07-10-2008, 4:26 PM

i also went with 2ct in 190/55... by all accounts, more rubber in contact, though haven't changed my suspension (freaks me out). rc51.org has a lot of info, starting with this:

The purpose of this page is to give the reader some key & commonly misconceived information about sportbike tires.
First off it is important to know how to read the numbers on the tire.

Example: 190/55/17

190 is the tire width in millimeters. These are not exact as you will find that no two manufacturers 180 or 190 size tires are the same width etc...

55 is the aspect ratio in that the sidewall height of the tire is 55% of the width (190*.55=104.5mm)

17 is the rim size in diameter

Now we'll put that into to use:

The RC51 (& most other current literbikes) come with equipped with a 190/50 tire. The first thing most owners do is throw it away & put on a 180/55 or 190/55 tire. The reason for this is the 180/55 tire is a taller tire than the 190/50 & aids in the overall handling of the bike making it turn-in easier. The 190/55 is an even better choice as it gives you an even taller diameter so you get all the benefits & then some of the 180/55 plus way more rubber on the ground when leaned over (when compared to the 180/55). The downside is that the 190/55 tires are more expensive sometimes WAY more expensive than their 180/55 siblings & the taller the tire is the more you will have to adjust your bikes suspension geometry to make it handle properly (i.e. hold a line without putting pressure on the bars, not want to stand up on the brakes & not run wide on corner exit etc...)

rustybottoms · 07-10-2008, 4:30 PM

what i meant to say was: i don't know if i'd spend the extra money for the 190/55 again, but i'm not upset that i did. and i like the 2ct.

beerock · 07-11-2008, 5:07 AM

id like to know how the bridgestones are too

keeksrc51 · 07-12-2008, 1:00 AM

I'll let you know,having them installed tomorrow.

exit90a · 07-12-2008, 2:29 AM

You didn't say what tires you are running currently. I used the Sport Attacks on my old R1 once and they were ok. Lasted about 3000 miles I think. Never used the 190/55 but plan to when I wear out my current Pilot Powers which, by the way, are the best tires I have ever used. One of the bike mags tested the BT016 and said they should make a great street tire but the edge compound (soft, super soft?) was to soft for track use and would overheat and slide too easily. Let us know how you like them.

macca9540 · 07-12-2008, 4:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beerock

id like to know how the bridgestones are too

Just put my second set of Bridgys 002 type 3, 120/70, 190/55 combo on the 954 and I have no complaints at all. The extra height in the rear end makes it turn in easier but not so fast as to sh*t yourself. The only drawback is the mileage, 8000 klm front, 4500 klm rear on a trip to Phillip Is via the mountains.. Hav'nt done much riding in the rain on them to comment on that side of the coin. But thy are as sticky as.

skwyd · 07-15-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keeksrc51

It's time for some new rubber on my 05-51. Is anyone out there running the new Bridgestone Battlax BT016 or the Conti Sport Attack tires? Also, has anyone gone to the 190/55? If so, how's the handling, turn in etc. Does the taller tire affect the speedo at all and does the rear end sit any higher?

You can fix any speedometer error with a Speedo Healer. They are now digital so programing is a breeze, and they come standard with the remote button so you can check your top speed without having to pulling over and dismounting.

I am currently running the Michelin Pilot Road 2 (2ct) and have to say I absolutely love them. Took them to Cali for a canyon riding trip and tried them out on the track in Fontana. They are the best all around tire I have used to date. I am running the 190/55 and am very happy with them.

Good luck!