Ok folks, I have an old (2009) cbr1000rr that has been retired from track duty since 2014. I got it to the race shop, all fresher up ready for action. Back then the bike was setup for 190/60 rears (Pirelli). I put on a fresh 200/60, adjusted the rear shock length 3mm to somewhat maintain the old geometry and I hit the track. Oh boy! I hate the 200. Feels like there is no edge grip (confidence), and it has lost all of its agility. A boat -compared to what I remember. The new crop of superbike Diablo slicks at 190/60 are recommended to be fired on a 5.5” rim. Has anyone got any experience mounting said tire on a 6” rim? Width wise it’s only 5mm less so I am not going to run out of tire. Bike barely pushes 155hp not like the current crop of 190+ so I don’t think I’ll run out of tire. I just want the old feeling back. ps. Geometry wise, it feels good. also I do prefer a soft carcass tire, so I rather stick with Pirellis Cheers
Yeah, I am aware of the current recommendation, I just don’t quite understand. Funny thing is that in 2025 Pirelli doesn’t mind the 180 fitted on a 6” but the 190 is for 5.5” rims. Attached pic of what I received from Pirelli moto Australia when I asked the same question (no answer or reason other than “recommended”) I need to chat with Pirelli direct I think.
I believe the 180 on the 6 inch rim is for older OEM spec stuff. My Ducati 999R back in the day had a 6 inch rim with 180 tire off the showroom floor. The 200/65 is better than the 200/60. Tires more “pointy” since it’s taller which in turn makes it feel more agile than the 200/60 was IMO. Also again IMO better edge grip with the profile. You need to run the 125/70 front with it to keep the geometry right
Thanks JB, I end up trying a 190/60. A nice improvement, not as much in terms of lap times (I picked a hand injury at work a week earlier), but the feeling was a lot better. I’ll be testing a stiffer (+1kg) rear spring on Easter Monday and slightly altered geometry. Next step is to try what you suggested. 125/70, 200/65. Something tells me that combo will be good at Phillip Island but not at this -short &tight track. Baby steps. (First time on the bike after an 11 year break)
Sorry to hijack the thread but when switching from the 180/60 to the 190 I understand that the tire is 3mm taller. Does that mean to keep my geometry numbers from my current setup if I were to just drop the rear 3mm would that compensate or am I going back down the road of a whole new setup
There you go, start reading , a lot of top notch information. https://forums.13x.com/index.php?threads/tire-size-shape-vs-bike-geometry.378342/
So, I'm gonna ask here. @metricdevilmoto is this correct? Given the following rim sizes: F: 17x3.5in R: 17x5.5in Pirelli tire size: F: 120/70r17 -> 120/70r17 (unchanged) R: 180/55r17 -> 190/60r17 Pirelli Diablo Slicks F: SC2 R: SC1
On a 5.5" rear rim, you can use 180/55, 180/60 and 190/60. We really only fit the 180/55 on the Kramers. The 180/60 isn't a tire we use much (if at all on race weekends) but some track day guys like it because it's still available in the SC2 compound. The 190/60 is the current gen tire and the best choice for most race bikes with a 5.5" rear. Front compound choice usually comes down to rider preference and a lot of feel can be tuned with pressure. Rear compounds can vary with temperature and track surface, but the SC1 has the broadest operating range and is the best choice for most racers. You're a Summit guy, right? If so, SC2 120 and SC1 190 should be good to go.
Thanks. Since I coach and race mostly, I'm spread out a bit. The tracks I visit/race at range from Pitt to Barber.
Rats, I thought that I retired from everything but golf last year but here's a thread that nobody could find apparently? https://forums.13x.com/index.php?threads/pirelli-tire-selection.353239/ And on Post 842 Racing opens things up with development, sidewall shape/angle, and carcass/tread materials. I am sure that the current 190/60 that is designed first for 5.50 wheel has a different build process, sidewall shape, and profile that are optimized for performance. Then when you look at tires for Phillip Island and Daytona those have different materials too. This isn't the old superbike 190/60 slick (6.0-6.25 wheels) from 10 years ago. Ok, time to watch WSBK, then do some yard work, and then hit some range balls before grilling some pork chops for dinner Ciao a tutti, and leave me alone
