Time for new rubber on my blade, but the rear is currently a 180/55 Dunlop sportsmart. I know the standard size is 190/50 - so should i stick with the 180 or revert to standard? Typically the bike is road use only. It feels sometimes like it doesnt hold a steady line mid corner, but im not sure if this is down to the tyre size, suspension set up or the mismatched front metzeler racetec. Any ideas on the pros/cons of the 180/190? Cheers matt
Should be 190. I know some people have gone up to a 200 rear, but never a 180. Just make sure you don't get caught out by your insurance company.
My mate put a 180 on a ruined it pretty quickly. Not sure if had anything to do with it. But it tore up fast. Put 190 on and it was ok again
Hmm mines lasted quite well to be fair but could be the tyre type. What is the logic for switching to 180 anyway? Faster turn in?
I'd stick to standard, mid corner stability should be solid (it's a Blade!!!!). Suspension the most likely cause of instability, but your current mismatched wrong size tyres not helping much.
Put a 190x55 on her, I have tried a 200 55 too but think 200 would best in 60 profile but that does throw out the geometry quite a bit, best grip and ride is 190x55 imho
i had a 180 for a while in 2013 never noticed a so huge difference on the street than i went 190-55 that s also what i suggest to you
Ok cheers! What is the 190/55 benefit - quicker turn in? Any issues with the tyre hitting huggers? I have a carbon fibre jobby on.
You need to be careful as a 180 is for a 5.5 inch wide rim and the blade is 6 inch so is being stretched to it Better off going to 190/ 55 better turn in that 190/50 and feels more stable in the corners
Just switched back from a 55 to a 50 rear tyre and have to report that although people on here seem to love their 55s and there is a very slight reduction in turning speed, the main difference I noticed was less strain on my wrists. Just that slight lower sitting position seems to shift a fair bit of weight off the wrists and it was a really enjoyable change. Martin
Never had a problem with my wrists as I grab the bike with my legs (stompgrips) and always have a light touch on the bars for most riding situations
