sp1 180/55 tyre

[SP Junkie]

A tyre fitter has put a 180/55 on my Sp.

Should I get it switched over or would there be any perks to keeping it on there?

I would mind but the only thing is I had it done in London while I was down there with work.

[Zakalwe]

The profile will be flattened by running it on a wider rim (I assume thats why the dodgy bastidge fitted a 55 profile).

Personally I wouldn't want it on there, especially if you are pressing on, as you may go off the edge. It'll probably be fine and dandy, but tyres (and brakes) I personally dont take chances with.

[marravtr]

got to agree with zakalwe, tyres and brakes are the only things that keep you upright!! Mr Honda says 190! he knows a lot more than any dodggy tyre fitter

[mik_str]

curiously, many choose to run this size on the SP as it speeds up handling (on track days too, so you souldn't have to worry about running out of thread when leaned over; do a search on the Speedzilla forum if you want comments specifically from SP owners on the topic). The stock 190/50 is notoriously slow handling mid-corner and the taller 55 profile helps remedy this. I have a 6" PVM rear rim on my VTR (same size as the SP) ideally suited to a 190 tire and ran all last summer with a 180/55 and everything was fine. My suggestion is to try it, you likely not want to go back to the flatter 190/50. Next time around, you may want to try a 190/55 (as I am going to do this coming summer)

BTW, having looked at the Michelin motorcycle tire site, they say a 180 can be fit on either a 5.5 or 6 inch rim.....

[Beamish]

Got to agree, I ran a 180 last summer (inc a run up to Scotland) its still on now. No probs apart from an almighty tank slapper when I was riding like a Richard (no damper on mine either). I will go back to a 190 next change over but I dont see much of a difference under road conditions.

[sirch345]

I was always under the impression that racers used the 180 section tyre instead of the 190 on the SP to speed up the turn in as mik_str says, but I don't have any person experience of that myself unlike others have mentioned.

Chris.

[Phil-VTwin]

Non standard fitment may invalidate your insurance too

[Pete.L]

You'll be fine.
You'll also noticed you went up to a 55 profile. eg 190/50 to a 180/55 so you'll have no problems with tyre shape or running off the edge nonsence.
I tried it the other way and went to a larger profile on my old CBR. I had hoped to get a little more grip and some extra miles out of it, it didn't work. The stearing was slower and it took a little more effort to flick from left to right but you soon got used to it and I found under normal conditions it was no benifit at all so I want back to the 180 on the next changeover.
See how you get on with it, I bet you'll like it

Pete.l
Oh! I used to get plenty of slappers er tank slappers running a 190 on the the SP. Combination of suspension wound up too tight, bumpy roads and a strong right hand

[Jbrebel]

Read loads of threads on this subject on other forums for various bikes.

Seems to be a bit of a quandary tbh...

Some want to run a bigger tyre for bling reasons-some for performance reasons and vice versa for a smaller tyre. Others because they can or can’t get the tyre they want for one reason or another, or cos its cheaper.

A few good mates of mine track there bikes a lot and run smaller profiles not ideally suited to that rim (under tyre manufacturers/bike manufacturers recommendation) with no issues-for better turn in etc.

Personally-I just stick to what it says on the tin I don't ride quick enough nor am I good enough to notice any difference on the road. I'll stick with 190's on the SP. Only bike I considered putting a 180 on instead of a 190 was the TL. That really didn’t suit a 190 anyway and it had chain clearance issues.

The SP was fine on my ride out today. 1st decent run I’ve had (160miles) and it goes/turns and tips in just fine with a 190.

Oh, it really goes fine...