50 vs 55

Experienced riders please comment on the differences between sizes 50 vs 55 Which do you like to ride and why?

in the market for tires now too! and interested to hear what members say!

Also interested in this.

The only thing I can say is what ive experienced and its not to many hours at all. The bike feels a little more tippy but turns alot nicer. If your into the twistys I dont see why yuou wouldnt have the 55 size. Im really not sure why they put the 50 size on as a stock size. The 50 must be better for wheelies though :) Most of my experience is on a R6 (180/55/17). Ive only spent a small time on 1000's with both sizes (50-55) but not enough to really give a educated comment

Ridden both 50 and 55, 55 has a steeper lean in angle but I am sure you guys are well aware of that. I feel on the 55 I can lean the bike over faster and I use less countersteer than I did on my 50's, which could be an debatable point. It all really depends on the type of rider you are. I'm a twisties guy myself, but my local buddies just ride up and down the highway and I pull wheelies on the 55's with no problem. My only suggestion would be if you are going to go with a 55, chose a tire with more grip such as a 2ct or a corsa III, your turn is going to be steeper and faster and if you ride hard, I would stick with a better tire. There are going to be a ton of opinions but it really boils down to the type of rider you are, and what you want to get out your tire. PS - If you need your new rubber put on, I am located in Jersey, currently doing all the local bike work for my friends and trying to get my name out there. Ride Safe. I am currently riding Pirelli Corsa III's 190/55 and 120/70, after riding a 55 rear and a 70 front, I would never go back to a 50, it's truly a big difference.

You will see opinions on both sides on this, and my side is for the 55 series over the 50. The 50 is a lower, rounder profile with a flatter center. Leaning the bike over with this tire takes more effort and time. Now that 190/55 is available and becoming widespread, I would use that tire (I will when I run out of 180s). One thing for you to think about with the 55 series tires. They are taller than the 50 series, and therefore will give you a small amount of increased ride height in the rear, which will also quicken your steering a little. So if you have offset your sag settings, or adjusted your fork tube height in the triple trees, you may need to adjust.

sounds good - i already have everything adjusted for a 55 so im all set. It seems that everyone likes the 55 better. i really dont see anyone saying they like the 50 better

So would a 55 make a bike dartier? Excuse me for being ignorant on the subject... but which do you feel would be easier for a beginner rider to get used to?

So would a 55 make a bike dartier? Excuse me for being ignorant on the subject... but which do you feel would be easier for a beginner rider to get used to? hmmm, good question! I would think a 55 since it turns nicer but then why would a 50 be a stock size?

So would a 55 make a bike dartier? Excuse me for being ignorant on the subject... but which do you feel would be easier for a beginner rider to get used to? 190/55 in my opinion. You get the fast turn in of the 55 profile, and the larger contact patch of the 190 mm tread face. hmmm, good question! I would think a 55 since it turns nicer but then why would a 50 be a stock size? 190/55 is a recent size. I believe so many people were running 180/55 with better handling that the tire manufacturers started making the 190/55 size. But I could be wrong. I haven't seen the size for very long now, thus I stocked up on 180/55s.

Can i just throw this tire right on or are there any adjustments that need made? Im just learning so im not looking for the "perfect" setup like some of you guys that race at the track.

hmmm, good question! I would think a 55 since it turns nicer but then why would a 50 be a stock size? The reason I don't think the stock rear tire is a 55 is two reasons. One, its a newer size. Two, the stock tires Yamaha puts on their bikes aren't exactly hypersport. Some of the newer riders with a 55 profile tire may try to lean in too quick, unwarm or newer tires = lowside. So the second point would be it is almost a liability issue, I mean look at the 04-06 torque curve for clutching wheelies, you need loads of rpm's. Can i just throw this tire right on or are there any adjustments that need made? Im just learning so im not looking for the "perfect" setup like some of you guys that race at the track. No adjustments need to be made just make sure you balance those bad boys.

Can i just throw this tire right on or are there any adjustments that need made? Im just learning so im not looking for the "perfect" setup like some of you guys that race at the track. For the most part you should be able to put it on and go. If you have pulled your forks up in the triples, lowering the front, you may consider flushing them back up. But even then, there is only a few mm difference in height, so you should not have any significant problem. There isn't a perfect setup though. Conditions change, your weight may change, road types change etc. The important thing is to remember what may need to be adjusted to accomodate the changes.

I just recently jumped from 190/50 to 180/55. It's a big difference. The way I test this is I make side to side turns to round off my tires and when I did this on the 50 and then on the 55, it was very noticably easy on the 55. Only draw back is it raises the ride height just a tad. I'd go with the 190/55 if I go to track days, but since I a city rider, 180/55 does the job.

whats the difference between the 180/55 and the 190/55 when riding?

i would think not much. 190/55 just has a little wider profile.

One thing for you to think about with the 55 series tires. They are taller than the 50 series, and therefore will give you a small amount of increased ride height in the rear, which will also quicken your steering a little. So if you have offset your sag settings, or adjusted your fork tube height in the triple trees, you may need to adjust. I am actually wondering about this. Sportrider recommends top of the tubes being 4mm from the top of the tripples for the 07. The 55 is about 8mm taller overall, which to get back to factory specs, you need to compensate 4mm. I had several people tell me to run factory fork position (in tripples) and run the 190/55 as is and there is no ill effects. However, you will get quicker steering. (a result of the front being relatively lower than it was with a 50. Discuss? Oh as far as 180 vs 190 Dan, are you having traction issues with the 180? If not, I think I would stick with the 180. Less rotating mass, more flickability and less power (hp) loss and more to the ground. That and they are $30 or about, cheaper. I say if its not broke, don't fix it. But if you think you need more rear grip, then get-r-done.

I am actually wondering about this. Sportrider recommends top of the tubes being 4mm from the top of the tripples for the 07. The 55 is about 8mm taller overall, which to get back to factory specs, you need to compensate 4mm. I had several people tell me to run factory fork position (in tripples) and run the 190/55 as is and there is no ill effects. However, you will get quicker steering. (a result of the front being relatively lower than it was with a 50. Discuss? Oh as far as 180 vs 190 Dan, are you having traction issues with the 180? If not, I think I would stick with the 180. Less rotating mass, more flickability and less power (hp) loss and more to the ground. That and they are $30 or about, cheaper. I say if its not broke, don't fix it. But if you think you need more rear grip, then get-r-done. Noticed that about the recommendations for the the settings on the 04. I flushed my forks back out about a year ago, and have been pretty happy with it. Not so much traction issues as lack of tread concerns. After a day at the track, or even serious street riding, I notice that I have nothing left on the edge. I've had a couple of tire spins on track days but nothing too bad, and some of it was in the rain. But I would feel better with a little more rubber on the sides. I'm definitely sold on the 55 profile though. And when I use up the 180/55s I'm going to switch. Or... maybe I'll order a set of 209 GPs from Dunlop racing and save the 208 GPas for use on the FZR 1000. Still learning as I go, and I'm hoping to switch to slicks after I hit another school.

Noticed that about the recommendations for the the settings on the 04. I flushed my forks back out about a year ago, and have been pretty happy with it. Not so much traction issues as lack of tread concerns. After a day at the track, or even serious street riding, I notice that I have nothing left on the edge. I've had a couple of tire spins on track days but nothing too bad, and some of it was in the rain. But I would feel better with a little more rubber on the sides. I'm definitely sold on the 55 profile though. And when I use up the 180/55s I'm going to switch. Or... maybe I'll order a set of 209 GPs from Dunlop racing and save the 208 GPas for use on the FZR 1000. Still learning as I go, and I'm hoping to switch to slicks after I hit another school. All that beign said, the 190 is probablly a nice option to you. A nice benefit of a larger contact patch is longer tire life. I have been wanting to try some slicks on a track day. I just am curious how much better they turn in, if at all and how much more lean angle you get. I have heard, of course I don't know this, but because of no tread they are heavier and you can notice the extra weight and less flickability. Makes since, but I don't know that first hand.

All that beign said, the 190 is probablly a nice option to you. A nice benefit of a larger contact patch is longer tire life. I have been wanting to try some slicks on a track day. I just am curious how much better they turn in, if at all and how much more lean angle you get. I have heard, of course I don't know this, but because of no tread they are heavier and you can notice the extra weight and less flickability. Makes since, but I don't know that first hand. I'd have to ask Finsl and GPD270. I trust them implicitly with anything dealing with the track. The last track day we went to Finsl was running slicks in light rain and going faster than many of the bikes in his group.

All that beign said, the 190 is probablly a nice option to you. A nice benefit of a larger contact patch is longer tire life. I have been wanting to try some slicks on a track day. I just am curious how much better they turn in, if at all and how much more lean angle you get. I have heard, of course I don't know this, but because of no tread they are heavier and you can notice the extra weight and less flickability. Makes since, but I don't know that first hand. I could probably set you up with a set of take off slicks pretty cheap. 190/55? Pshhh, how bout some 195/70 son!

has anyone rode with both 50 and 55 and like the 50 better?

Some food for though for everyone: -There is no 50 or 55 size tire. A 180/55 isn't the same as a 190/55. -There is no "190/50" or "180/55" size tire. These numbers are not absolute and vary quite a bit between manufacturers. -The "50" or "55" tire profile size doesn't determine the overall height of the tire. Here's an example: My Dunlop slick is a 195/65-17. The overall width installed only measures 191mm. 65% of that is 124mm. That tire is not 124mm tall from the rim lip, it's only about 100mm. That's a 1 inch difference. They are a vague reference at best. -180 size tires were not made for 1000cc bikes. I don't care what the profile looks like on a 5.5" rim, it changes on a 6" rim. -A supersport 190/50 tire will flick just fine and provide plenty of side grip. -If you are confident on the bike and like to hit the twistys, then by all means go for the 190/55. In general it will be a taller tire and better suited to aggressive riding. -There are easier ways to play with geometry and change how your bike handles than buying a new tire size.

I could probably set you up with a set of take off slicks pretty cheap. 190/55? Pshhh, how bout some 195/70 son! But after they have heat cycled, aren't they not any god anymore? 70, pshhh, I would have 2 inch chicken strips on that tall puppy.

Some food for though for everyone: -There is no 50 or 55 size tire. A 180/55 isn't the same as a 190/55. -There is no "190/50" or "180/55" size tire. These numbers are not absolute and vary quite a bit between manufacturers. -The "50" or "55" tire profile size doesn't determine the overall height of the tire. Here's an example: My Dunlop slick is a 195/65-17. The overall width installed only measures 191mm. 65% of that is 124mm. That tire is not 124mm tall from the rim lip, it's only about 100mm. That's a 1 inch difference. They are a vague reference at best. -180 size tires were not made for 1000cc bikes. I don't care what the profile looks like on a 5.5" rim, it changes on a 6" rim. -A supersport 190/50 tire will flick just fine and provide plenty of side grip. -If you are confident on the bike and like to hit the twistys, then by all means go for the 190/55. In general it will be a taller tire and better suited to aggressive riding. -There are easier ways to play with geometry and change how your bike handles than buying a new tire size. thanks for the info. i need new tires now thats why im asking about the different sizes.

thanks for the info. i need new tires now thats why im asking about the different sizes. He is spot on about the tire size thing. It varies from company to company depending on where they measure the tire. Sizes are relative. But generally speaking a 55 is a taller tire. 190 is wider. 190's ideally fit on a 6 inch rim, just as 180 ideally fits on a 5.5inch rim. Most 180's you see though, they recommended rim size is 5.5-6. But when you put it on a 6 inch rim, you will spread it out a little and flatten it. But the 180/55 will still be taller than the same model in a 190/50. And yes, you can tweak the geometry and get quicker turn-in. But the way a bike "falls" into a turn is greatly influenced by the profile shape of the tire. And a taller tire is DEFINATELY more conducive to this than a flatter, 190/50 tire. YOu can get a pilot road, or macadam in the exact same size as the manufactuers sport tire, and it will definitely turn in slower and require more rider effort. This is because the profile of the tire is not designed to turn-in like a full sport tire. There is no magic bullet. YOu need to pick a tire that is appropriate for you and that you like and have confidence in and tweak your suspension to the style of riding you do.

-There are easier ways to play with geometry and change how your bike handles than buying a new tire size. But would you agree that a more novice rider/suspension tuner would be better served changing a tire than to start wrenching on suspension setup? From the factory, suspension setup is pretty decent these days. (granted on the conservative side for aggressive riding, but safe) If he starts messing with things like ride height (yes, I understand a 190/55 WILL alter the rear ride height as well as handling characteristics) and comp/rebound/preload, don't you think he has more potential to create a very bad handling bike that could potentially be unstable? Let's say we tell him to raise his forks 4mm in the triples. Suddenly, the bike flicks better, turns-in faster and shaper. Then the novice mentality kicks in. . .well, 4 was good, 8 is probably better. Now suddenly he is riding a tank slappin prone death missle.

But would you agree that a more novice rider/suspension tuner would be better served changing a tire than to start wrenching on suspension setup? From the factory, suspension setup is pretty decent these days. (granted on the conservative side for aggressive riding, but safe) If he starts messing with things like ride height (yes, I understand a 190/55 WILL alter the rear ride height as well as handling characteristics) and comp/rebound/preload, don't you think he has more potential to create a very bad handling bike that could potentially be unstable? Let's say we tell him to raise his forks 4mm in the triples. Suddenly, the bike flicks better, turns-in faster and shaper. Then the novice mentality kicks in. . .well, 4 was good, 8 is probably better. Now suddenly he is riding a tank slappin prone death missle. The quickest way to a ride height adjustment is winding on the preloads. Next would be moving the forks through the triples. If you want to jump ahead on your own instead of listening, than that's the risk you run.

But after they have heat cycled, aren't they not any god anymore? 70, pshhh, I would have 2 inch chicken strips on that tall puppy. Heat cycles ruining a tire is more myth than reality. I use my front slicks for up to 3 race weekends. That is 6 full days of track riding at an expert pace. The rears I wear down until the wear indicators don't show any more. Pa-lenty of grip.

But the 180/55 will still be taller than the same model in a 190/50. And yes, you can tweak the geometry and get quicker turn-in. But the way a bike "falls" into a turn is greatly influenced by the profile shape of the tire. And a taller tire is DEFINATELY more conducive to this than a flatter, 190/50 tire. Not necessarily. Tire height and profile shape are independent of each other.

Heat cycles ruining a tire is more myth than reality. I use my front slicks for up to 3 race weekends. That is 6 full days of track riding at an expert pace. The rears I wear down until the wear indicators don't show any more. Pa-lenty of grip. That is good to hear. I guess I am with the same misconception as most non-racers. Perhaps I might consider some take-offs and try a track day with them. Though I will probablly kill my self on them. I wish I had the time and money to race in CSS. I think it would be a blast.

I could probably set you up with a set of take off slicks pretty cheap. 190/55? Pshhh, how bout some 195/70 son! LOL< I just noticed the "son" in there. That's funny.

This is some good stuff guys, i've had 180/55 on my bike for a few months and i like them a lot. I've done 4 track days on them and they turn beautifully i can't wait to get that 190/55 on a turn and see what it can do. I'm probably gonna test them out next month at roebling road at the racing school.

This is some good stuff guys, i've had 180/55 on my bike for a few months and i like them a lot. I've done 4 track days on them and they turn beautifully i can't wait to get that 190/55 on a turn and see what it can do. I'm probably gonna test them out next month at roebling road at the racing school. I have always ran 190/50. After much deliberation between the 180/55 and 190/55, I am trying my first 190/55 at the track this weekend. Going to do a 2 day session. I am going to be curious if lap times improve or how much effort decreases. I have to say that five-oh is right in the sense that setup is more of a determining factor on turn in and turning. But I have great expectations of the 190/55. The tire can just add a little icing to the cake.

Ok, reading everything you guys posted I have narrowed it down to this,, I am still confudsed as to what to buy :dundun: Never tried the 55's before and want to. Only doing track days from here on out but think I'd like to try the 55's. Is it that noticable?

Go for it...

Ok, reading everything you guys posted I have narrowed it down to this,, I am still confudsed as to what to buy :dundun: Never tried the 55's before and want to. Only doing track days from here on out but think I'd like to try the 55's. Is it that noticable? Yes. If you want to mess with your geometry, you may even wish to look into the 60 series slicks. That may present problems, but they can be overcome.

If he's just getting into track days I would skip the 60 series and or slicks for now.

If he's just getting into track days I would skip the 60 series and or slicks for now. I didn't catch that in his post, but if he is just starting I agree completely.

Is there ANY disadvantage to a 190/55 vs a 190/50? Is there any scenario where someone would suggest the 50 over the 55? I mainly do highway riding (as i just got the bike, no agressive twisties for me yet) but i am gona order tires friday and would really like a definitive answer.

Yeah I'm just doing track days so I'm going with the 55 rear for now. I'll leave the taller sizes for you racers :thumbup

Is there ANY disadvantage to a 190/55 vs a 190/50? Is there any scenario where someone would suggest the 50 over the 55? I mainly do highway riding (as i just got the bike, no agressive twisties for me yet) but i am gona order tires friday and would really like a definitive answer. If you are just getting started, I would recommend the 50 because the bike will fall over a little more slugishly. In your case that is not a bad thing. I don't see you pushing the envelope or getting hard core with it for a while. You will tend to oversteer a lot on a bike that dips in fast. (one of the things a taller tire will assist in doing. I would also recommend something like a pilot Road 2, which I do not think comes in a 190/55 anyway. You will pay a little more up front, but on the back end you will get considerably more milage from it. It will have the softer shoulders for added traction during lean as well. I think it will be quite a while before you would push the ability of the Pilot Road 2's. If you do a track day, you may. I have ridden Macadams and found that they have an amazing amount of available traction as long as you ride smoothly. (amazing as in a lot more than I expected.) The Pilot Roads are reported to be better than the Macadams. But if you are set on a straight sport tire and do not care about decreased milage, go with the 190/50. It's not worth the extra money for your skill level to get a 190/55. The benefits you are not ready to take advantage of at this point in your riding career.

So you RACER types, what is the main reason you go with a TALL ass tire like a 60 and larger? More lean angle? More Traction? Faster dip in? All the above?

Thanx for all the Good Info, Just ordered 190/55 Corsa III's... Now how do I Adjust the Height of the Front to balance this out? Or Can I just leave it alone and have No worries?

i can only add this... im not a racer but bought an r1 that came set up with a 190 55 17. It is definately more of a tippy feel to it. it feels more like a heavy 600 but it takes more to keep it balanced of course. its also a little harder on the wrists b/c of the taller tire but not much. I did feel it mostly when riding 2up, maybe thats the reason why i felt more in the wrists. I cant tell yet what tire i like more. The 50 is more stable and takes more effort to turn while the 55 is the opposite. The one bad thing i can sa about the 55 is that i dont think anyone makes a sport touring tire for it. The pilot road 2 would be nice to have in the 55

Thanx for all the Good Info, Just ordered 190/55 Corsa III's... Now how do I Adjust the Height of the Front to balance this out? Or Can I just leave it alone and have No worries? If you ever pulled the forks through the triples, you could raise them. All in all, once one the bike the tire will result in about 1/4 to 1/3 of an inch. Should need any adjustement unless it causes handling problems. Most report quicker steering with the 190/55 and no ill effects. Doesn't really become tricky until you start getting to the larger sizes used for racing.

Thanx for all the Good Info, Just ordered 190/55 Corsa III's... Now how do I Adjust the Height of the Front to balance this out? Or Can I just leave it alone and have No worries? Acouple of my buddies ran the exact same tire down in Fla during a track day @ Jennings and loved em, they said the tires where great and grabbed very well. From the pics they sent me I'd say they did the job:thumbup http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x249/kennyw1106/JenningsTripMarch2008016sm.jpg Good choice :)

Acouple of my buddies ran the exact same tire down in Fla during a track day @ Jennings and loved em, they said the tires where great and grabbed very well. From the pics they sent me I'd say they did the job:thumbup http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x249/kennyw1106/JenningsTripMarch2008016sm.jpg Good choice :) I will have to post up some pics of my PP 2CT after my trackday this weekdend. I just mounted them today. UNfortunately I don't have time to ride before then, so I guess I am going to be scuffing in on the first couple laps on the track. Hopefully I wont have those monsterous chicken strips like the one above. (<1/8 inch) :hammer:

Most report quicker steering with the 190/55 and no ill effects. Doesn't really become tricky until you start getting to the larger sizes used for racing. Thanx! :thumbup http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x249/kennyw1106/JenningsTripMarch2008016sm.jpg Good choice :) Now thats How to Use a Tire! :rock

Most report quicker steering with the 190/55 and no ill effects. Doesn't really become tricky until you start getting to the larger sizes used for racing. Well I test road and scuffed in my New 120/70 and 190/55 Pilot Power 2CT's today. Put about 30 miles of twisties on them. I can say that I second Dan's comment. THe bike FELL into corners effortlessly and beautifully. 100% improvement over the factory Corsa 190/50. Once I got past about 10 degrees of lean, the bike just begged to lean more. Handled just like my R6 with the same tires except a 180/55 rear on it. The bike was a little heavier obviously, but barely noticeable. (as compared to the R6) I found a couple long straight and popped it up in excess of 130 and the bike felt stable. There are several elevation changes and drops where I ride, any tendency to headshake was controlled by the damper. I never felt any tendancy to shake, so if it was there, the factory damper stopped it. I couple of those drops my R6 would faitfully wobble a little before I put a damper on it. So all in all, very good experience. Now keep in mine, the PP temds to be much more peaky than the corsa, even new. That combined with a taller tire all add up to the drop in. But I am pleasantly surprised with the R1 and cannot wait to get it on the track Sunday. (come on rain gods, take a nap sunday for me!!)

Great news:thumbup Hopefully mine will be here mid next week and I'll be singing the same song!

Hell yeah!! That's what i like to hear.

i still am wondering one thing- Wouldnt a 190/55 make for a better tire for a beginner? Since its more agile like the R6, I would think that when heading down the road into a turn sometimes the speed gets the better of us and we cant turn as quick (especialy with a heavier bike than we're used to) as we'd like to and thus forcing the bike to take a much wider turn- hopefuly not going off the road. I think the 55 might be better for a beginner since you can turn in with less effort and making corrections easier. What do you guys think?

Beginners that are uneasy about leaning the bike will feel more like the bike is going to tip over.

I guess I meant beginners of the 1000. If someone moved up from a 600 to a 1000 the first thing i noticed was the harder the bike was to turn and of course the weight.

I guess I meant beginners of the 1000. If someone moved up from a 600 to a 1000 the first thing i noticed was the harder the bike was to turn and of course the weight. There really isn't much of a weight difference. The main factor is crankshaft inertia. You really can't make a blanket statement that a 55 series is this way, and a 50 series is this way. Like I said earlier, the profile shape varies quite a lot brand to brand and model to model independently of the sidewall ratio.

I LOVE the 55's :thumbup When you go to lean they definitly do the work for you, I immediatley noticed the difference :) I'm not sure in all honesty if a new rider on a 1000 will feel all too comfortable right off the bat. But it wouldn't take long in my opinion :thumbup