Sizing of tire based on rim width

[hank]

I have heard that for a 5.5" rim a 180/55 tire is the way to go and for a 6" rim, go with a 190/55.

Using this rule of thumb gives both tires just about the same profile.



Squeezing a 190/55 on a 5.5" rim pinches it into a taller profile while a 180/55 on a 6" rim flattens it out.

Does this logic sound reasonable?

[Uber Racing]

Hank, Your logic is sound. Also the larger tire will weigh a little more. 1lb of static weight is huge amount at speed.

[Nexus]

So what difference is there when running a 190/50 compared to a 190/55 on a 5.5 GSXR600 rim.

Running Beginner/Novice pace at trackdays will it really matter? Lithium Motorsports has some great deals on DC3 sets, but only in 120-190/50. Just wanted to understand the difference. Rob at Lithium gave me some info, but I had to cut the conversation short since I was at work.

[LMsports]

We normally sell most of our customers 180 rear tires for their 5.5 inch rims on 600's. We do have quite a few riders that do request 190's though. For tracks with wide open fast sweeping turns I prefer to run a 190 on my 600 as well. It is not a hazard to run a 190 and the 50 series profile would work well for this application.

[Nexus]

We normally sell most of our customers 180 rear tires for their 5.5 inch rims on 600's. We do have quite a few riders that do request 190's though. For tracks with wide open fast sweeping turns I prefer to run a 190 on my 600 as well. It is not a hazard to run a 190 and the 50 series profile would work well for this application.

Rob,

I will be running at Blackhawk and Autobahn Country Club exclusively this summer. Your sale is AWESOME on 120/70 - 190/50 DC3s. My concern was/is just that most people say the 190/55 or 180/55 is a better choice. The catch being no one sells those even close to what your have the 120-190/50 sale at

With most of the stuff I buy I think I over research what I'm looking for. LOL I'm still trying to decide if I want to take advantage of your sale or hold out for a 120/70 - 180-90/55 sale

[Jason748]

psst... what does Rob know, he spent most of the season sitting on the side lines with his arm(s) in a sling!

For BHF & ACC I'd recommend sticking with a 180. But yea the 190 does work, and if I'm runnign a 190 on a 5.5 rim, I'd go for the 55 over the 50 as it doesn't "pinch" the tire quite as much. I'd call Rob and see what he can do for you on a 120/180 set...