[sherwood]

Hey guys,
I need a new Pilot Power for my back tire. I have an 03 GSXR 1000 and stock it came with a 190/50/17, so that's what size pilot power i put on. Now, I can't find any pilot power's 190/50/17, only 180/50/17. I talked to a race dude and he said racers only use 180/50/17 and it's better if I go with that size. Is this true? Tell me what you think. Keeping in mind I ride on the street, never the track, but ride aggressively.

 

[pobrediablo]

:scratch: I think they use the 180 cause it allows better cornering, I got an 03 gsxr 1k with a 200 on the back and is just a littler harder to take turn, well the bike is also stretch 6 1/2 inches

 

[sherwood]

I know the 180's allow you to go side to side quicker, but from what I understand there's less contact patch, especially at the top. That's what I'm worried about.

 

[Gas Man]

Yes there is going to be slightly less contact patch.

Many people downgrade to the 180 for better turn in. I have a 190/50/ZR17 on the back of my 9R... so maybe there is just a lag on the ordering with whereever you are getting it.

Try someplace else like kneedraggers

 

[f4ilapper]

Try www.sportbiketracktime.com the 190/50-17 is $152 and if anyone has 'em they will.

Going to the 180/55-17 seems to be the thing on the CBR 1KRR as well for better turnin. I just put one on mine due to a slice that I got from a slice of metal in a parking lot. It did ride different but not bad.

:luck:

Rob

 

[No Worries]

You would think that a wider tire has a larger contact patch on the ground. But it ain't necessarily so. If a 180 and 190 tire have the same stiffness, pressure, and rubber compound the area of the contact patch will be the same. Archimedes Principle on buoyancy proves this. The 180 tire will have a longer contact patch and the 190 will have a wider contact patch, but the contact area of each will be the same. So the debate is: when leaned over, do you want a wide or long contact patch with the road?

 

[sherwood]

Cool. Got some good info but I went with the 190.

Just FYI for anyone that lives in Las Vegas or around there. Kawasaki of Las Vegas $148 installed Pilot power rear!!!

$210 installed for the set.

 

[jeeps84]

Not a bad price!
Just for the record I tried the 180's on my 03. I made little if any difference to me except the price. I was advised to stay away from them with my 05.

 

[twisty]

Yes there is going to be slightly less contact patch.

Many people downgrade to the 180 for better turn in. I have a 190/50/ZR17 on the back of my 9R... so maybe there is just a lag on the ordering with whereever you are getting it.

As I said before YOU WILL NOT LOOSE CONTACT PATCH DUE TO THE THICKER SIDEWALL OF A 180. Gasman has very limited track experince(1/2 of a trackday) and should be taken serious only if he is talking about choppers.... :lol:
Also racers use a wide range of tire sizes. AMA superbike use a 195 some FX bikes run a 185 like mine. But UPGRADING to 180 will make your bike come alive in the corners. Handling will be improved and contact patch that Gas said you will loose is myth...Think of it this way....Why would racer giveup contact with the track? Spinning your tire costs you time.... :scratch: