Reply With QuoteGreat write up. I'm new to motorcycles in general but I like the wider look for sure. I definitely appreciate the comparisons because safety is definitely an issue I pay attention to then looks come next.
Well as some of you know I have put some new items on my bike one of which is a new set of Shinko 005 Advanced Radials.
Out back I wanted to try and fill in some space and decided to up the size a little so I choose the 200mm, which is the largest you can fit with the stock belt. I have roughly 3/16" of clearance between my tire and belt.
The big questions that were raised were obviuosly the amount of performance lose or gains one would have, so here is what I have found.
Cruising(highway)- I have found no difference on the highway as far as smoothness, pulling, or added noise.
Cruising (around town)- Same as above.
Drag Racing (At a drag strip) - better grip with no need to let out any air pressure as I did with the 180mm.
Cornering (most Important)- As some may have seen in my pictures I removed my foot peg pins as to not drag them as I turned. This has never been an issue until this weekend when I was riding my bike and decided to lean into a turn I had taken many of times nothing crazy just 45mph or so. As I leaned my bike down I actually felt the side of my foot drag along the ground. This has never happened with the 180mm tire. So as I straightened back out I instantly look to see what my foot placement was, normal foot was all the way against the rearset not hanging out like I thoought it would need to be to drag my foot.
So as all the questions to whether a 200mm back tire would take away from your performance and leanability I would say not at all. With the same breathe though I wouldnt say it is better to have the wider tire.
There are variations everywhere the track may have been preped differetly, the road may have been warmer, the angle of the bike may even change with the wider tire to give the feel of leaning lower than I would have been with a 180mm.
Overall-- I say the 180mm and 200mm are comparable and the differences are not big enough to notice for an all around riding tire like I use it for. So if you want the wider look go for the 200mm but if you prefer the narrower tire go for the 180mm. Since my opinion is, the differences are null if any.
Pic of the tire I run.
Little Shinko Background:
Established in 1946, the Shinko Group began as a manufacturer of bicycle tires and tubes in Osaka, Japan that today has become a burgeoning manufacture of rubber products.
In 1998 the Shinko Group purchased the motorcycle tire technology and molds from Yokohama Rubber Co., and began production of these products under the Shinko Tire brand. With manufacturing based in South Korea and design based in Japan, the company has seamlessly combined Japanese engineering and design principles with South Korean production and quality control standards. Today Shinko Tires produces approximately 200,000 motorcycle tires per month.
Great write up. I'm new to motorcycles in general but I like the wider look for sure. I definitely appreciate the comparisons because safety is definitely an issue I pay attention to then looks come next.
xtremelow~
My XB9S is my first bike, so there's a lot I have yet to learn...do you have to use a new rear wheel, or will the 200 fit (safely?) on the factory rim?
Well First I will say Semper Fi, spent 6yrs in the Corp, Infantry, 2 tours 1-OIF and 1-OEF.
Anyway the tire fit just fine, safe and secure. I paired my bike up with my GF's which still has a 180mm and you can tell the 200mm does hang a bit over the edge. I would say it would be an advantage since it will protect your wheel a little more if you drop your bike.
But it fits just fine no worries.
How about A pic. of the tire on the bike?
Bam there ya go
what series is the tire? 200/50?
Looks real serious from the rear!
Great information and write-up Xtreme.
Awesome xtreme...I'm in rocket artillery (radio operator, HIMARS) and will finish up my 6 yrs in Feb. Thanks for the info. My bike had 4200 miles on it when I got it, now 9500 and almost time for a new rear, so this post was perfect timing for me. Semper Fi :D
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