Joined Oct 2009
195 Posts | 0+
Hertfordshire
So, I changed my rear tyre to a 190/55, and the difference is quite remarkable, and definitely for the better. The steering is lighter, the bike leans and steers quicker (more intuitive and less need to wrestle with it), and now I have chicken strips because I should be able to lean further, too. :thumbup
Technically, it is supposed to have the same shape as a 180/55, but to fit a 6" rim instead of 5.5" (180/55 can be fitted to a 6" rim, but a 190/55 cannot be fitted to a 5.5" rim as it distorts the carcuss, in case you didn't know), but is slightly taller. It is claimed that there is more grip whilst leant over than a 190/50, which has to be a good thing, especially when getting back on the gas.
What doesn't make sense, is; why is this tyre not fitted by Aprilia as standard? :dunno
I am of the opinion, to all those still running the recommended 190/50, next time you need a new rear tyre, change it for a 190/55, because it really does make the bike much better.
Technically, it is supposed to have the same shape as a 180/55, but to fit a 6" rim instead of 5.5" (180/55 can be fitted to a 6" rim, but a 190/55 cannot be fitted to a 5.5" rim as it distorts the carcuss, in case you didn't know), but is slightly taller. It is claimed that there is more grip whilst leant over than a 190/50, which has to be a good thing, especially when getting back on the gas.
What doesn't make sense, is; why is this tyre not fitted by Aprilia as standard? :dunno
I am of the opinion, to all those still running the recommended 190/50, next time you need a new rear tyre, change it for a 190/55, because it really does make the bike much better.
The 190/55 tyre wasn't in production until around 2006 or thereabouts as i recall and the 190/50 had already been out for years as a road tyre.
Not a fan of the 190/50 and never have been, i have a 180/55 on my Gen 1 and i recently bought a Gen 2 which has a 190/50 fitted and i can feel the difference instantly in so much i do feel a bit of a fight when trying to get it turn in as quick as i can on my Gen 1.
Definitely either going to a 180/55 (which is plenty for the road) or if i can be bothered up to a 190/55 (which i had on my R1), but i may even try a 180/60 which is the current track day tyre size that plenty of people are swapping to, a good trade off in between the 190/55 and 180/55
Not a fan of the 190/50 and never have been, i have a 180/55 on my Gen 1 and i recently bought a Gen 2 which has a 190/50 fitted and i can feel the difference instantly in so much i do feel a bit of a fight when trying to get it turn in as quick as i can on my Gen 1.
Definitely either going to a 180/55 (which is plenty for the road) or if i can be bothered up to a 190/55 (which i had on my R1), but i may even try a 180/60 which is the current track day tyre size that plenty of people are swapping to, a good trade off in between the 190/55 and 180/55
Joined Oct 2009
195 Posts | 0+
Hertfordshire
My bike is a 2009 model, so I reckon Aprilia should have changed the standard specification by then.
Joined Oct 2009
195 Posts | 0+
Hertfordshire
The new tyre fitted without any issues. No need to remove the rear hugger.
Fair comment, i wasn't aware you had a later bike, although I doubt they changed the geometry of the bike or the manuals in which case they would have just stuck to what was working when it was designed i suppose
Joined Oct 2009
195 Posts | 0+
Hertfordshire
Fair comment, i wasn't aware you had a later bike, although I doubt they changed the geometry of the bike or the manuals in which case they would have just stuck to what was working when it was designed i suppose
Hence why owners have to put everything right themselves.
