Hi guys have done some searching just curious for peoples opinions, I have some wheels on order and the rear is a 6 rather than a 5.5 wondered what sizes people find work best. Cheers, Olly
190/50 is the correct fitment. Although standard fit, the 190 is too tight on a 5.5 hence people fitting 180's back in the day
Ive a 190 on my 6" 916 rear. What I was told is that the 916 isn't quite as agile as with the 180 on a 5.5". But as my set are mag, this more than offset it. My oem 3 spokes may as well be cast iron.
you might have to trim the chain guard mate, i had 6' wheels on my 996 with a 190/55 tyre and it hit the guard.
I put a 190/55 onto a 6 in magnesium wheel on my 998 and wished I had gone for a 180/60. The taller (slightly) narrower tyre will make for better turning without sacrificing side grip. I was running 180/60 on the previous 5.5 in. I was overly concerned about rim to tyre ratios when I fitted the 6 inch rim, but have since received advice that the 180/60 will be fine. Now I'm waiting to wear out the 190....
unless your names pacco bagnia i doubt any body will no any difference in a 180 or 190 obviously 190 looks better.. a 180 '55' 17 has the same rolling radius as a 190 '50' 17 just slightly wider,, the 50 or 55 is the sidewall depth its called ''aspect ratio'' 50 or 55%of the width. 55% of 180 is the same as 50% of 190 or as near as dammit !!
180 better turning on a 5.5 in rim especially. 190/55 versus 190/50 is taller and also helps turn in. 190 is really designed for a >5.5 in rim. But the 916/996/998 bikes don't really have enough power to justify a big, fat heavy tyre and Ducati put the 190/50 (there were no 55s in those days) for aesthetics and to keep up with the Japanese superbikes.
My name is nothing close to Bagnia, either in heritage or in talent the name might imply, but I assure you the difference between a 180 and 190 on a 916 chassis can not only be felt quite strongly, but in my experience it makes for a significant improvement to the overall handling. Or, put more simply, I totally disagree that a rider of less talent than Bagnia would notice the difference between the two
The difference between 'noticing the difference' and 'making use of the difference' are two totally different things.
As riding fast is all about feel and confidence, I would say "yes": your laptimes may be marginally quicker because, as Bootsam says, you should be able to access the benefits of quicker steering, better feel etc. It won't be like jumping onto a japanese IL4, but should provide an incremental improvement (assuming the base settings are all good - ride height, wheelbase, trail etc.....)
