I have just replaced both tyres on my Multi as the rear was down to the wire!! This was Dunlop sportsmart as fitted to the bike when I bought it secondhand last October. To be honest I was not that impressed with these tyres as I found it quite 'loose' on occasion. I have replaced them with the Michelin road pilot 3's as I had read good things about them and as I had to replace my tyre pronto they were the only suitable ones available locally. My question is, the owners manual says rear should be 190/55 as the road pilot is yet I see plenty of 190/50's being advertised for the Multi. Can anybody enlighten me as to the difference this would make to the bike handling as there is a much larger voice of 190/50's about? Having just scrubbed in the road pilots I can say I am very impressed with them, even from zero miles they have been confidence inspiring, just hope the longevity is good.
190/55-ZR17 190 - width of the tyre 55 - aspect ratio (height = 55% of the width) ZR - speed rating (ZR = rated for over 150mph / 240kmh 17 - to fit wheel diameter 17" Reducing the 'height' of the tyre, the depth of the tyre wall in particular means there will be less 'flex' in the tyre and so better handling......that'd maybe best explained by someone who knows more than me! BUT you also get a less compliant tyre i.e. you'll get a harsher ride feeling more road defects, ok on the track I guess not so good on UK roads!
I have a vague (age related) memory of someone fitting 55 when they were touring in france (it was all that was available at the time) and potential issues were raised with respect to ABS operation and speed indication, unfortunately this was raised in ducatisti but if they have joined this forum perhaps they could run a memory refresh of the issues they had.
Thanks Andy, I'm glad I stuck with the Handbook spec then as I'll settle for 'plush' rather than some marginal handling gain. I do more road miles than I ever will on track.
Could also affect your traction control if the sizes are different, as the ECU will expect that each wheel is turning at x speed at any given moment
I also got the same 'new boots' this morning. First impression is that they turn a lot quicker than the flattened Scorpions they replaced.
