[MX Tuner]

Okay, I have 2200 miles on my bike and the rear tire is almost gone. I think I can get one more ride out of it. How important is it to stick with a 55 aspect ratio tire? If I switch to a 190/50-17, how will that affect its handling/turning? What symptoms will it show up as? Is it that important, especially since I'll probably never see the track?

Damn, I love this bike!!!

 

[racerx196]

Hey buddy listen I am going to pst about these tires... but yes anytime you chage tires weather it be dunlop 190/55/17 to pirelli you MUST be aware that it affects geometry of the bike as different brands that say the yare the same size are usually a few millimeters of..... now when it comes to stret riding it isnt tha bg a dal but if you planon the track then i would be careful...

I still would not change the stock size if it is 55 then stay with that....also th sock tires on the 1098 are actually therace dot tires that i use when i race so they have extremely awesome grip once warmed up but they also o not last bery long......

 

[SHIFT-TECH]

I would not change the tire size and neither the tire. Ducati has spend lot's of time to devolpe the bike/tire combination and the bike is made for this tire/size & compound.
If you are just cruising around then go for it, if you want the bike to handle as it does right now then replace it with what came on it.

 

[Peet]

Mount Michelin Pilot Power 2CT 190/55 or 190/50 (and raise the rear 1 cm, to get the same effect).

Compaired to the Stock tires, the 2CT gets warmer soon, lasts longer and is a better tire in the rain.

GreetZ

 

[racerx196]

both guys are right its your preference but rember what peet said if you change brands make sure you measure the tires first so you see how much u need to adjust to keep the same geometry...

 

[Dibs]

I would not change the tire size and neither the tire. Ducati has spend lot's of time to devolpe the bike/tire combination and the bike is made for this tire/size & compound.
If you are just cruising around then go for it, if you want the bike to handle as it does right now then replace it with what came on it.

Agreed, Not to toot any horns but I have ten years experience in tires sales and application. I might recommend the Pirelli Corsa 3 which has a little harder compound in the center but still retains a similar soft compound on the outsides like the dragons. Would not recommend changing sizes though.

 

[NevadaBoy]

Hey MX,
don't be afraid of trying the 50 if you think you may like it.
and yes you can adjust the rear height on the 1098 as Peet said so no big deal.
experiment and you will be happy.
the michelin 2ct are the tires to go with if you don't like the pirelli.
NB

 

[MX Tuner]

After doing a little research, I ended up ordering the stock tire (in the harder of the two compounds). It retails for $355 (IIRC), and I'm paying $261 before installation. I was going to try a Corsa III but they are on backorder for 3 weeks. If the stock tire didn't work so well, I'd look a bit more thoroughly for a suitable replacement.