180 tire on 190 rim?
 

These are factory recommended tire sizes for my R1. I've only tried Pilot Powers in these sizes.

Front : 120/70-ZR17
Rear : 190/50-ZR17

I'm thinking about trying these Pilot Race tires.

Front: 120/70-17 soft or medium soft front
Rear: 180/55-17 medium

What do you think about putting on 180 tires on a 190 recommended rim? I've heard some guys do it and say it's fine and that it turns in faster.

Does the tire wear a lot faster?

Should I go with a soft or medium soft front? This is only for trackdays, not racing.

190/55.... brother;)

edit - the tires i have now are 190/55.

is there anything to worry about with the 180/55?

Nothing to worry about...it will feel a little different, that's all...

Pilot Race Tires? Are they still making those? Or do you mean "Power Race"?

Personally, I'm with FD - 190/55

Power Race, not Pilot Race. My mistake.

A 180/55 on a 6" rim will flatten out the profile and it will slow turn in... I would stick with the 190/55 so the profile remains as designed.... but it should be "safe"
190/55 was designed so riders with 6" rims could use a 55 profile....

Ronin, I use both on my RC. Power Race 190/55 (soft compound) street tires for when the track is slightly wet. I use the 180/55 michelin (s1200/s1800) slicks when the track is dry. The RC comes with 6" rim and recommends 190/55 but both tires wear equally. Contrary to what the others have suggested, my experience indicates the 190/55 turns in slower/harder than the 180/55. I say give them a shot, you will not hard the bike in any way and if you don't like them after a few sessions, I'll take them off your hands as the RC eats tires almost as quickly as gasoline. :) :twocents:

i decided to pass on them since they require tire warmers and are sensitive to heat cycles. i don't want to be required to use tire warmers.

if anyone else is interested, STT is selling a front and 2 rears for $350 shipped.

I like the 190/55 on my TLR.

Just remember TPM charges 50 bucks to mount tires that weren't purchased through the parts club,
Ken

i change my own tires now. its pretty easy and quick, i should've starting changing them myself sooner. my setup is the harbor frieght tire changer and the no mar bar. easy as 1, 2, 3.

I average three to four track days from the rear and three rears to one front. Does that make sense? :)

I use only soft compounds but it is not necessary for track day paces. I suggest using whatever compound gives you the most confidence. :)

you get that many days out of a rear? I get two, sometimes three out of a rear and twice that out of a front. Hell, the last Dunlop set i used, 211gp's, i got a day and a half out of the rear, but that was only because i couldnt stop it from tearing. This is at a Blue group pace though, on a gsxr750.

Your confidence matters more then the compound you are using. There are plenty of people who can run a fast pace on street tires like DCIII's or 2cts.

I used Power Race last seasson and they have a nice grip but dont last too long (ask Ant) , I killed a set in 2 days on my 600cc. Im using 190 on my gsxr600 if that any help to you.