Has anyone fitted a 190/55 Rear Tyre To Improve Handling?

[davetherave]

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?

Won't this mod alter the final drive gearing ? and hence the speedo will be out.

[Rusty]

Dave .. you have an interesting point .... one could always blame a change in tyre size if you get a ticket for 36 !!! 

[ChrisB]

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.

[Robbieben]

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.

[BigAlan]

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,

[zedmeister]

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.

[virginiajim]

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.

[O.C.]

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     

[virginiajim]