New tires

[The Bearded Duc]

I have an '01 M750, I know the stock rear is supposed to be 160/60-17. I didn't put it on but the current rear is 170/60-17, riding absolutely fine. I've been looking for a deal, not that I need new tires right now but if I come across a deal it won't hurt to have them.
The question is can I go 180 on the 4.5 wheel or do I need a 5.5? Can't seem to shake the idea that bigger is better

[ducpainter]

Don't do it.

Not only because the 4.5" rim is too narrow for the 180, but you'll slow the handling even more with the wider tire.

[The Bearded Duc]

Don't do it.

Not only because the 4.5" rim is too narrow for the 180, but you'll slow the handling even more with the wider tire.

Cool. Thanks! Oh, will the 180 work on the 5.5?

[ducpainter]

Cool. Thanks! Oh, will the 180 work on the 5.5?

Absolutely.

I run a 180 on a 5.5" rim and like it.

A 170 on either rim works too.

I had a 750 SS with a 4.5 and the thing handled best with a 160 rear.

[Slide Panda]

And don't worry about mounting a wider wheel. It takes a bunch of work and expense.  A 5.5 is heavier - so your acceleration, braking and turn in will all be slowed