190/50-17 and lowered front 1.5 inches

[mikelogan427]

Caught a nail in the stock K3 raceteck's so I went with the Pirelli Diablo Supersports. The bike only has 1300 miles on it but the K3's wore down extremely quick - without burnouts - guess i ride hard. Instead of the 190/55/-17, I went with a 190/50-17 rear. Many may wonder why I would do such a thing; well I'm use to a 190/50-17 and I refuse to pay 257+ for a rear tire. It was hard to get use to a 190/55-17 too. I also lowered the front forks by 1.5 inches. I did the research and read that 1.5 inches is the lowest you should go if you don't want to effect how the bike takes curves. I went on a ride yesterday and loved every bit of it. I feel extremely more comfortable in the seat. The front end still lifts up but it does so smoothly and more controllable. Head shake has decreased greatly. Also to note, I had a passenger yesterday as well, we rode for 5hrs; long sweeping and tight technical curves, and plenty of straights to open her up. Had the bike in race mode and DTS and ABS activated. I usually ride with DTS off and in slick but I didn't want to take a chance with a passenger. Even though I was taking curves magnificiently. Everyone on the ride was happy to see me with a passenger because they felt like the may have a chance that day, but they were wrong. I was still hanging or passing riders without passengers. Now wasI leading the pack?, no - because I didn't want to endanger my passenger however, this bike is a beast, I'd like to note that nothing is touching this bike right now and with an experienced rider the combination is sensational. I'd also like to note that I may return to a 190/55-17 because I'm already hitting the slip marks on the tire. Guess I'm just going to have to start getting use to a higher profile tire, because this bike can do so much more. BMW knew what they were doing, I'm just going to have to trust my abilities and the bikes as well. Good luck to you all.

[KWAK]

I know just what you are talking about.

When I get bored on US129 around Blood Mountain I take it further up 129 to the Dragon. Nothing I like more that to pass the so-called experienced riders riding 2 up.