180 tyre on standard rim

[Beau]

Guys... my new TRX has a 180 tyre fitted to the rear and I assumed that it has had a YZF rear wheel conversion.

Upon checking the actual wheel tonight I realise that it is still running the standard 5" wheel. The tyre seems to be in a very useable profile, so doesn't seem to be too distorted by being on a too small rim.

I've only ridden it in the wet so far so can't really comment on the handling but would be interested in other opinions and if anyone else is doing the same.

The tyre is almost new so I'll leave it there unless I really don't like it, but may switch back to a 170 or 160 when it's due for a change.

Opinions? And yes I know a 160 will steer quicker...

[trixynut]

Standard fit for a 5" rim on the TRX is 160. Some fit 170. To take a 180 you need a 5.5" rim. But you know all that

So a 180 must be distorting?

Suppose it depends how it feels when you ride it properly in the dry, and also what tyre size you've got on the front too.

Other point is that a 180 will have a bigger circumference so will increase the gearing (slower acceleration, higher top speed)

[Beau]

Must admit I did notice two things the first time I rode it... the rear does stand out as not wanting to tip in, but being wet I didn't want to push it around too much, so once its dry and I can muscle it a bit that may be quite bearable. I'm a big guy and don't mind using a bit of body language on a bike.

The circumference thing also stood out to me as the gearing does feel too tall. However if I decide I like running the 180 I may just adjust the gearing. It has also damaged the rear hugger.

I am suprised though that the tyre doesn't appear too distorted. I would expect it to be very round with the sides pulled in too far and the edges of the tyre virtualy unuseable, but it doesn't appear to be the case. The tyre has a nice profile and doesn't drop away at the shoulders as you'd think. It's got Shinko Ravens on it... they certainly wouldn't be my first choice of tyre but I was impressed with them in the wet, so they may suprise me.

[G Beale]

If you're happy with it mate then just use it. Standard TRX gearing (1st gear) is a bit on the tall side I found even with normal sized rear tyre fitted. 39 teeth on rear sprocket, 17 front from memory ? I fitted 42 rear as have a lot of TRX owners which makes it more user friendly around town speeds but it runs out of forward motion a bit earlier now.. . Not necessarily a bad thing.
180 rears look very nice I must admit but I would ideally want one on a 5.5" wheel for peace of mind if nothing else.
Got any pictures ?

[Beau]

If you're happy with it mate then just use it. Standard TRX gearing (1st gear) is a bit on the tall side I found even with normal sized rear tyre fitted. 39 teeth on rear sprocket, 17 front from memory ? I fitted 42 rear as have a lot of TRX owners which makes it more user friendly around town speeds but it runs out of forward motion a bit earlier now.. . Not necessarily a bad thing.
180 rears look very nice I must admit but I would ideally want one on a 5.5" wheel for peace of mind if nothing else.
Got any pictures ?

No pics yet, but will be away on it all weekend so will post some up next week.

[idl1975]

As we don't need to say anything about steering we probably also don't need to say (although Dave's already had a go ) that it's unclear what will happen to the contact patch at full lean.

You can get the pegs down no problem with the original 160/60 profile so I can't see any advantage to a 180, aside from the fact that you can get lots of cheap used 180s on e-bay. I would replace that back tyre if it was my bike.

I've used the 170s and (Pirellis and Metzelers only for me) they seem to be nicer when new, but worse after the first 1,000 miles or so. I now use 160s, except when a very cheap 170 appears on the 'bay.

Guys... my new TRX has a 180 tyre fitted to the rear and I assumed that it has had a YZF rear wheel conversion.

Upon checking the actual wheel tonight I realise that it is still running the standard 5" wheel. The tyre seems to be in a very useable profile, so doesn't seem to be too distorted by being on a too small rim.

I've only ridden it in the wet so far so can't really comment on the handling but would be interested in other opinions and if anyone else is doing the same.

The tyre is almost new so I'll leave it there unless I really don't like it, but may switch back to a 170 or 160 when it's due for a change.

Opinions? And yes I know a 160 will steer quicker...