170 vs 180 on a 5.5" rim

[shovelstrokeed]

Well, I finally found out why BMW fitted a 180 rear tire to the SBX and Boxer Cup models. There is apparantly enough difference in geometry with the "sport" suspension setup that the 180 is really needed.

I finally got to use my S the way it was meant to be ridden this past weekend. The upshot is that I was able to ride right to the edges of the 170 tire I had fitted while still leaving 1/2" of chicken strip at the front. I really was unwilling to push the rear any harder as I did get a bit of spinup coming out of a couple of corners. A new "thrill" for me.

The rear tire, BT-010 now looks like hell after 280 miles of strafing turns on the BRP today. I don't like the color or the shiney look to the surface. Methinks I got it a bit warmer than was the plan. The front, which had been cupped is now worn right past the cupping and actually looks pretty good again. The new set will have to wait a bit as the 3500 repair bill for replacing the trashed transmission on my '04 GS Adv is now due. Hope I can nures these home.

Ed