Opinions, Comments, Please

[macsguitar]

I have a recently acquired 2007 Buell XB9R, which I am very impressed with! I traded a 2008 Kawasaki ZX6R for it, and was really worried about the difference in power and acceleration but the whole experience and handling more than make up for anything the Buell lacks!! Anyway to my point, the bike has Shinko Stealth rubber front and rear, with the front a 120/60-17 and the rear a 190/50-17. I have a brand new front and rear set of Michelin Pilot Power 2CT's in the 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 sizes recommended for the Buell. I have never been a fan of Shinko rubber, but I really like these Stealth tires, they handle awesome and make the bike very flickable but very planted and stable! My question or thought is, will the bike be as stable, and how will the handling differ with the taller Pilot tires? I have heard and read that the Buell can be a little twitchy and like the way it feels now, so kinda reluctant to put the Michelins on, thinking about possibly just buying another set of the Shinko Stealth in the 120/60 and 190 rear. Thoughts, suggestions, ideas? Thanks

 

[EricZ]

I don't know about the Shinkos, but I recently tried a Dunlop Qualifier 190/50 on the back of my XB. It handles very well but I think I will go back to the 180/55 with the next set. It does seem to make the bike a bit more aggressive going into a turn. I really enjoyed the 180 the best.

 

[50dro]

Most people suggest staying with stock sizes as it will maintain the proper tire profile (and thus handling). From that prospective, it should be more stable. I believe that most would also feel that the Michelins are a better tire than the Shinkos in just about every way. I personally don't have any experience with Shinkos or 190's on the Buell but I'm just telling you what I've read. I have the PP2CT's on my bike now. They're a good tire. There are lots of people that run a 190 and like it but from a theoretical prospective, it's "too wide" for the wheel.

If you need me to dispose of the Michelins just let me know!

 

[macsguitar]

Well I usually stay with the stock sizes too, just really impressed with the current handling, and I have owned 14 Ducati's and thought they handled great! Sorry about the double post, damn computer!!

 

[50dro]

Well I usually stay with the stock sizes too, just really impressed with the current handling, and I have owned 14 Ducati's and thought they handled great! Sorry about the double post, damn computer!!

It may handle even better with the stock size then? 14 is A LOT of Ducatis!!!!

No problem on the double post...It happens.

 

[macsguitar]

I have had the pleasure, most of the time, of having owned a lot of Ducati's, I love them, and I hate them lol. I usually end up going back to one but this Buell as really gotten my attention! Can't really explain it, I told my wife, I really like this bike, she said, so your going to keep it? I replied, maybe! LOL I like to try different bikes and don't have the resources to keep more than a couple at a time so I'm always changing and trying other bikes! Think I might hold on to the Buell for a bit though! And yes it probably will handle better with the stock size tires Buell intended for us to use!