Any more on this? My 180/55 is getting towards the wear bars and I'm going to have to make a decision soon. Another fly in the ointment is that there has been a suggestion on another thread that fitting non oem sizes can invalidate your insurance :/ Has anybody fitted different tyres thanks to this thread and if so, can we have some feedback please? I have a 2003 grey swing arm 999. 5.5" rims. Oem fitment is 190/50 but I have a 180/55 Michelin Pilot Power on there. Front tyre is a Michelin 2ct, so I was thinking in terms of a 2ct to match it.
What do ya need to know Oldie?Wheels are the same as far as I know so fit either tyre. Ducati have probably tried to compensate for the extra power of the 999 with a 190/50 tyre, the 180 slightly narrower but taller so a better turn in. If you are a smooth steady rider on the road a 190/50 would be better.
I have read the thread and others but this was a little while ago now and people who participated may have tried new sizes since then. There's talk of the 190/55 being a newer, better bet. It should give the best of both worlds in having a larger contact patch but a similar profile to the 180/55, thus avoiding the allegedly more ponderous feel of the 190/50. However, some report clearance issues at the inboard end of the swingarm due to the the taller profile. I wonder if this is the same with both grey and black swingarms - I have the grey. I'm interested to know if any 999 owners have tried the 190/55 in a grey swingarm and if it worked for them.
Many on the American forum use a 55. If you google the differences, there are many write ups with measurements, you could take your own measurements before you order. The old 10r used a 190/50 and I swapped to a 55, turn in was much improved.
It was me that had a problem with 190/55 in black arm. The chain was brand new with the spindle well forward. Probably would be ok with an older chain or smaller rear sprocket. Luckily I had a part worn 180/55 handy so was the easiest option. I seem to alternate between 190/50 and 180/55 and whatever I fit seems to feel better than the previous size!
Yes, a new tyre with intact design profile is almost certain to feel better then any old, squared off tyre
190/55 will be taller than a 180/55 (more like a 180/60) so will not be an issue getting to turn. I did think the 999 had a 6" rim tho? Never owned one mind you. If it were me I'd go 190/55
Definitely 5.5" rim on both bikes. I'm worried about clearance issues and also speedo error and gearing, both of which I hadn't thought of previously. Now leaning towards sticking with 180/55 :/
Not sure about speedo (although it will have more top end) but yeah could be a clearance issus if you have a hugger. Could just add a spacer to lift tho
