Sorry for the question that I'm sure has been posted a million times before, I tried using the search but as you know entering the word 'tyres' brings up so many posts to sift through. Just noticed I'm going to need a new rear Dunlop sportsmart sport max on the rear of my 04rr and currently I have a 190/50. I've heard that using a 55 profile tyre gives better handling and inspires more confidence? I've also upgraded the rear sprocket from a 40 to a 42 tooth so my speedo will be ever so slightly out. I'm guessing that by using a 55 profile will not only give me better handling but will more than likely correct the speedo? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Many thanks.
I had a 190/50 Metzeler M3 on my RR4 and then switched to a Pilot Power 2CT in 190/55 and I liked it. I wouldn't go back I don't think. Just feels more flickable and agile.
I'm also looking at moving to a 55 profile. Do you need a speedohealer if moving up from a 50 to a 55 with no other changes to sprockets, etc?
The Speedo will be even more accurate using a 55 as the standard one over reads by some margin so the bigger circumference of the 55 helps bring that error down. Much better handling also.
The 55 will not correct the sprocket change difference, been there and done it, although i dropped a tooth on the front. I found the 55 to be more tippy, so much so it made riding in a strait line feel odd due to the sensitivity of it. Now feels normal now i am used to it. Far more confidence inspiring with the extra rubber on the tarmac when lent over, wheelies at 75degrees coming out of corners on my Conti Sport Attack2's not a problem.
I have gone from a 50 to 55 on a 2009 Blade. Fantastic ride quality, much better on bends. I use Pirelli DRC'S. No need for a speed healer.
I went from a 190/50 DRC to a 200/55 Supercorsa recently on my Blade, the extra height on the rear has made the bike much more agile for sure. My old Suzuki has a 25mm lift on the rear and 5mm drop on the forks and is really flickable but very stable in a straight line at high speed and, TBH, whilst the Blade is a league above in performance and cornered well I have now realised how lazy to turn it was, needing to be hauled over, rather than a light flick. Since going over to the 200/55's it seems to be getting there in the turns, maybe a drop on the forks is an option....but will wait till the tyres are fully scrubbed before going taking that decision, plus they're only on till Oct/Nov when the PR4's in 190/55 will be getting fitted for winter and the wetter days.
Just a reminder ! Approval revoket for 55er tyres in Germany The following tyre manufactures revoked the approval for the 55er tyres on the ABS Fireblade in Germany . - Continental ContiSportAttack 2 & Street - 55er ( including NON-ABS Version ) - Michelin Pilot Power & 2CT, Power Pure - 55er ( except NON-ABS Version ) - Pirelli Supercorsa SP, Diablo Rosso Corsa - 55er ( except NON-ABS Version ) The reason is, that Honda ( GE ) did not approved it because it could cause an ABS issue. A German Motorcycle Magazine ( Motorrad ), tested in 2009 most of the 55er tyres on a ABS Fireblade and they didn’t have any issues at all. The test guy was IDM-Superbiker Arne Tode.
after people said try 55 over a 50 profile I took the plunge and glad I did Never looked back Not had any issues with my ABS blade using a 55
Honda will blame anything apart from their lack of R&D of there abs electronics wait for it dudes the memo saying your cleaning products you use could have a detrimental effect on your abs performance or are you a Tetley or a Yorkshire Tea man as the flavour of you piss will cause servo failure Yeah I know I'm a sarcy twat
I dont care what Honda says but the insurance might think different if something happened even if it has nothing to do with tyres. I had a track day in Silverstone ( 20.05. ) and my 50er tyre worked fine for me. Anyway, I ordered a 55er now and I will see how it goes.
I ordered my tyres on Monday and read this just after, I did read a lot on here about the 50 or 55 debate, In the end I bought Michelin PR4's in the end in 190/50 profile. It rides better than I can ever push it even with the Dunlop Sportmax 2 tyres on it, so with the PR4's it should be a step up, dunlop a wasn't worn out but would be during our motogp Mugello trip next week. Roll on Tuesday !!!
