As per the title, on my ZZR 1400 I fitted a 190/55 rear tyre as opposed to the standard 190/50 and turn in on corners was improved and offered more sporty handling, has anyone done it with the GTR? or am I going to be the test pilot? :mfr_lol:
I think Debs did this, but I'm not certain
I run a 55 on pr4's and have done since acquiring the beast .ditto makes handling easier and more responsive..give it a try
Kenny :devil2:
I didn't as well, felt much better around corners and the same along the straights, improved turning in.
Alan
Thanks folks, that was my thinking. 190/55 it is then.
Yes, many over the channel are biking with that one :punk:
A word of caution - contact your insurance first and get them to verify its ok to do the change, they will take any route these days to avoid paying out in unfortunate circumstances if they have not been told of changes.
Quote from: zedmeister on September 06, 2017, 03:07:04 PM
A word of caution - contact your insurance first and get them to verify its ok to do the change, they will take any route these days to avoid paying out in unfortunate circumstances if they have not been told of changes.
So if this is the case do we tell Mr Insurance man about the fender extender, Radiator guard, Top Sellerie seat, Hugger, top box, rear fender extender, grip puppies, laminar lip along with Uncle Tom cobbley and all?
I very much doubt it.
Quote from: zedmeister on September 06, 2017, 03:07:04 PM
A word of caution - contact your insurance first and get them to verify its ok to do the change, they will take any route these days to avoid paying out in unfortunate circumstances if they have not been told of changes.
good advice :agree:
Quote from: BigAlan on September 06, 2017, 08:32:01 PM
So if this is the case do we tell Mr Insurance man about the fender extender, Radiator guard, Top Sellerie seat, Hugger, top box, rear fender extender, grip puppies, laminar lip along with Uncle Tom cobbley and all?
I very much doubt it.
technically speaking yes you should :yes:
Changing tyre sizes may be viewed as a structural alteration as opposed to the addition of an accessory
a 190/55 Tyre actually has greater load carrying capacity so you could argue it was done on safety grounds :whistling:
Be careful insurance wise if prob occurs they will use any excuse not to pay out. Also new bike under warranty if a prob occurs may say due to wrong size of tyre fitment. I would stay standard for mo. Not Worth risk for slight improvement in handling.
Quote from: BigAlan on September 06, 2017, 08:32:01 PM
So if this is the case do we tell Mr Insurance man about the fender extender, Radiator guard, Top Sellerie seat, Hugger, top box, rear fender extender, grip puppies, laminar lip along with Uncle Tom cobbley and all?
I very much doubt it.
I know of several instances whereby people have lost their full claim because of none dis-closure of modifications. A tyre specification alteration would be considered a safety issue by altering the geometry thus the handling, albeit for the so called good. odds on the insurance would would see it as safety related.
Its the individuals call -- think on though can you afford to lose your bike and then afford to replace it like for like? in theory the new bike is double the purchase price --- ask yourself is it worth it for a £150 tyre??
Better to be on the safe side :smiley:
Have just renewed insurance on two of my bikes and one of the insurers said you was allowed up to 16 mods without having to tell them , don't know what they was , when I got some bst carbon wheels for my ktm 990 I rang the insurers up and said am I covered , yes they said no extra charge but if the bike stole or crashed they will only payout on the standard wheels ,, ,,,,
Quote from: nightrider on September 06, 2017, 11:09:58 PM
Have just renewed insurance on two of my bikes and one of the insurers said you was allowed up to 16 mods without having to tell them , don't know what they was , when I got some bst carbon wheels for my ktm 990 I rang the insurers up and said am I covered , yes they said no extra charge but if the bike stole or crashed they will only payout on the standard wheels ,, ,,,,
A few years back 2007 I had a 7 week old bike written off in a head on crash (a woman hair dresser didn't want to queue :wacko: )
I had had original parts fitted when new pannier frames top box heated grips alarm etc and the bill of sale stated this but insurance still only paid out for basic bike as said on here I had to sue for the balance by the way this was insured with bennetts never been with them since
Quote from: Robbieben on September 05, 2017, 10:58:10 PM
As per the title, on my ZZR 1400 I fitted a 190/55 rear tyre as opposed to the standard 190/50 and turn in on corners was improved and offered more sporty handling, has anyone done it with the GTR? or am I going to be the test pilot? :mfr_lol:
Won't this mod alter the final drive gearing ? and hence the speedo will be out.
Dave .. you have an interesting point .... one could always blame a change in tyre size if you get a ticket for 36 !!! :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Changing the size of the tyre will almost certainly invalidate any insurance and or warranty unless it is approved by the manufacturer. This is down to safety and getting vehicles passed by government bodies at the design and build stage. Insurance companies insure a risk which they know about and have evidence from manufacturers regarding safety and suitability. Think of crash testing which costs millions and vehicle exemption rules. In the event of an accident the bike could be checked by the police engineers for cause of crash. If they deem a non standard tyre played a part then the problems just grow and grow. Invalid insurance? therefore riding while uninsured and a criminal record. Litigation and claims from other parties? the list is endless. In some countries it is illegal to change or alter anything from standard if it is not approved by the bike or car manufacturer.
When working for Lotus I was asked to retro fit a front skirt an rear spoiler from a late S4 to an earlier model Esprit. When I refused on the grounds of safety the man went bonkers and complained to the factory about how bad we were. The factory asked him why he wanted to fit wings to a 150 mph supercar which it wasn't designed for and what qualifications he had relating to aviation and aerodynamics LOL.
Forget all the insurance issues, it is an acceptable "UPGRADE", I have already confirmed this point. 190/55 is rated higher as regards load carrying capacity and is fine, though to use a lower rated tyre would then be outside C&U Regulations and would require the bike to be submitted for inspection and testing to confirm suitability, but is unnecessary in this case.
Changing the rear tyre by a small amount is a load of bollox I reckon, the improved response and then in gives the rider more confidence and helps the bike.
If your insurance company has a pop at you for this then drop them like a stone.
Just my 2p worth,
There is a reason why Kawasaki have fitted the std tyre. They will have done countless tests and spent a small fortune proving the tyre to be the best fitment for the machine. Ask Mr K or the tyre manufacturer their opinion. If another profile was proved to be the better fitment surely they would have fitted it.
Quite a few of us over here (US) have fitted that tire size for the same reasons quoted here. I think it improved the accuracy of the speedo some. How much, I don't remember. As far as handling and what I've observed (have one on now I think).....couldn't tell the difference, but then I've been called an unfeeling sod a time or two.
Quote from: virginiajim on September 08, 2017, 01:08:36 AM
Quite a few of us over here (US) have fitted that tire size for the same reasons quoted here. I think it improved the accuracy of the speedo some. How much, I don't remember. As far as handling and what I've observed (have one on now I think).....couldn't tell the difference, but then I've been called an unfeeling sod a time or two.
Never let it be said Jim :no:
:smiley: