01-25-2025, 05:23 AM
This may have some random relevance to the discussion, even though the numbers are different.
My 92 900SS came from the factory with a 170/60 rear tire. I probably went through 3 tires, staying with the stock sizing. Approaching my second track day I spooned on some relatively sticky Metzeler Rennsports and stepped up to a 180/55. By then most bikes with a 5.5"- 6" rim were already fitted with that size anyway. Most of what I had researched up until that point suggested it could possibly increase the input effort required at tip in and fast left to right transitions (the Ducati, generally, already steered like a truck). Surprisingly I found the challenges I worried about didn't exist. In fact the bike was much easier steering in all aspects of that track day and then the street miles it took to wear them out. Turns out the crown profile of those tires made all of the difference, regardless of size.
My 92 900SS came from the factory with a 170/60 rear tire. I probably went through 3 tires, staying with the stock sizing. Approaching my second track day I spooned on some relatively sticky Metzeler Rennsports and stepped up to a 180/55. By then most bikes with a 5.5"- 6" rim were already fitted with that size anyway. Most of what I had researched up until that point suggested it could possibly increase the input effort required at tip in and fast left to right transitions (the Ducati, generally, already steered like a truck). Surprisingly I found the challenges I worried about didn't exist. In fact the bike was much easier steering in all aspects of that track day and then the street miles it took to wear them out. Turns out the crown profile of those tires made all of the difference, regardless of size.