The difference between a 180/55 and a 190/55 tire is in their width and profile. The first number in the tire size represents the width of the tire in millimeters.
The second number represents the aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire’s sidewall as a percentage of its width. A 190/55 motorcycle tire is wider and has a taller sidewall than a 180/55 tire.
A 190/50 tire has a wider, flatter profile, while a 190/55 tire is almost identical to a 180/55 tire but on a larger scale to fit a 6.0-inch rim.
The 190/55 tire has a profile closer to the 180/55 tire used on a 5.5-inch rim, which gives it a larger contact patch and better grip and wear characteristics than a 190/50 tire.
A comparison shows that a 190/55 tire is 0.43 inches (11 mm) larger in diameter than a 180/55 tire. The width of a 190/55 tire is 7.48 inches (190 mm), while the width of a 180/55 tire is 7.09 inches (180 mm).
The circumference of a 190/55 tire is 79.26 inches (2013.13 mm), while the circumference of a 180/55 tire is 77.9 inches (1978.58 mm).
Some riders prefer a 180/55 tire over a 190/55 tire because it has a rounder profile and provides better handling in corners.
However, others prefer the larger contact patch and better wear characteristics of a 190/55 tire. It is important to choose the tire size that is recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer to ensure proper fit and performance.
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