Ducati Monster Forum

Has anyone put a 190 series tire on their m1100?  Was there a noticeable difference?

 Why would anyone want to do that.

 [popcorn]

Often cited reasons:
Larger contact patch for improved grip?
Larger tyre footprint for greater stability?
Better drive off corners?
190/55 profile gives a good compromise?
More even wear due to larger contact patch?

Oh ok, coz it looks hawt/hot! [laugh]

Really, just because it looks sexy!  But if it slows steering down, I won't do it . I love the way the bike handles now.

if it ain't broke, don't fix it

words monster owners have never quite understood.

http://books.google.com/books?id=prypfB7vRoEC&pg=PA14&lpg=PA14&dq=biggest+motorcycle+tire+without+effecting+steering&source=bl&ots=Vk80p8_jSc&sig=K75OVVsinONndH8_eUz41QVbXy0&hl=en&ei=2S_kTq_uOeXb0QHZw_TNBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEgQ6AEwBw (http://books.google.com/books?id=prypfB7vRoEC&pg=PA14&lpg=PA14&dq=biggest+motorcycle+tire+without+effecting+steering&source=bl&ots=Vk80p8_jSc&sig=K75OVVsinONndH8_eUz41QVbXy0&hl=en&ei=2S_kTq_uOeXb0QHZw_TNBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEgQ6AEwBw)

A wider tyre will slow turn-in.

Dunlop Sportmax Q2 180's look as fat as most other 190's...

(http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Motosport/DT-Q2-005_is?$product_large_1000$)

true enough

Just because you have a bigger tire doesn't mean you have a larger contact patch. Contact patch is determined by your weight.

as stated... wider tire will slow your turn in.
hassle to install + heavier tire + more expensive tire = less performance.
that equation doesn't sit well with me, that's for sure.

Its true, the Q2 180 is ss wide as a 190 of some other brands.

A 190/55 shouldn't slow steering much if any, it will add un-needed weight.  The reason most 190s steer slow is that they are 190/50s with a flatter profile.  A 190/55 is an improvement over a 180/55 on really high-power bikes, but a 180/55 is way more than enough to handle what the M1100 can put to it.  If you've gotta have the fat-tire look a 190/55 or even 190/60 would let you retain essentially the same handling.  Note,  you'll need to adjust the suspension/ride height to compensate for different tire heights/profiles.

How can this be? -I believe you, but I don't understand how it's possible?  ???
Can someone fill me in? And from what I've read, those Q2's are very track-oriented. Is there a more touring-oriented tire (like Pirelli's Angel) that appears wider?

I'm a fan of  "junk in the trunk" and will happily post some NSFW pics to prove it-- and this fetish certainly extends to motorcycles. I would even consider going to a 6" wheel on a monster, if the SSS would accept it with a 190/55 or even a 200/something mounted. Will it? So far, the wheel change looks like it would cost at least $1500.

I admit that my interest in a wider tire reveals that I'm a slave to fashion, but then, doesn't riding a Ducati in general do the same thing?  ;)

Translation : " I LIKE BIG BUTTS AND I CANNOT LIE..."

 [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

I have had only 5mm chain clearance with the 180/55 Q2. My chain adjustment had to be exact to get alignment and adequate chain clearance. I get more than twice that with with the Pirelli Rosso Corsas. The Q2s really flare out at the edge with a more angled out side wall. Same bike same 5.5 inch rim. Different tyre companies approach to design/construction I guess.

Its true too about using 190/55s.

Guilty.  [drool]

Thanks for explaining koko64.

One thing, if a Michelin Pilot Pure 190/55 fits the swingarm/chain it could be an option. The 55 profile will give back some agility and the Pilot Pure tyres are very light.
So you can mitigate any weight and handling concerns and have the look you want.