I just got my 999 and tried to scrub in tires today with a couple of mates on a series of familiar twisties here in Hong Kong.
Results: I rode it at usual speed and still couldnt manage to scrub in the last 1/2 - 2/3 inch of the sides of the rear...while I would have done it on my ninja636 and R1. I realised the rear rim is 5.5inch but isnt rim of such size often fitted with 180 rear instead of 190 rear? The standard Pilot Sport profile doesnt seem right to me.
a 180 will be a better fitment and give a better profile/turn in speed etc. 190's were fitted as standard really only for cosmetic reasons. most people change to a 180 at their first tyre change
I run a 190/55 on the street and 190 or 195/60 slick for the track. I also have a 6" rim to suit. With a 5.5" rim, the proper tyre fitment is a 180/55. A 190/50 as fitted standard is the wrong profile.
I run a 180/55 Supercorsa on mine, much better than the 190 standard section tyre.
When the 190 is fitted to a 5.5 rim the bead is forced inwards and this curls the extremity of the tyre away from the intended contact patch with the road and distorts the true section. So the further you lean the further you need to lean to meet the edge of the tyre.
Because the profile is distorted the stability of the tyre is affected and will not behave in the manner the manufacturer intended (especially) when cornering.
I doubt that the majority of us could tell the difference but all I can say is that this is how the issue has been explained to me and I am much happier with the bike running the 180/55 rear on a 5.5 rim
Mind you, the Supercorsa has a lighter carcass.................
KeefyB, Did you stick the 180 on and if so how did it feel?I rang Ducati Uk and discussed the issue of tyre size and he said "The 999 was designed to run with a 190 tyre and felt there would be little benifit in changing to a 180".So i'm not sure what to put on now.Also has anyone got experience of Bridgestone 010's on a 999,i need a durable tyre as i'm riding down for WDW.comments aprreciated.