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I am looking for some feedback on tires, in specific the handling differences between two rear tires. Michelin Pilot Power size 190/55 ZR17 and 190/50 ZR17.
The tire will go on my Suzuki Hayabusa which has had some suspension work done at GMD Computrack, to improve handling I have been running the Pilot Powers in the stock size of 190/50 ZR17 for a few years and they seem to be fine. The last tire change, it appears, the size was changed to the 190/55 ZR17.
From what I understand, the 190/50 might be a more stable tire while vertical and the 190/55 would be a better tire for lean in quickness. I am not sure if that small size difference would make any noticable difference on the street or not. Would one give a greater tire contact patch during lean, compaired to the other? I am asking because the bike is currently running the 190/55, which have less than 200 miles on them, before I got a screw in the tire, plugged it, and it still has a slight leak. So I am in the process of replacing the rear tire. The 190/55 is hard to get right now and will take two weeks to come in. I dont have much seat time on the 190/55 to really know which might be the better choice. I typically ride spirited on back roads, but dont want to lose stability on the occational highway or straight streach of road.
Thoughts or experience on keeping it stock 190/50 or going to 190/55.