Why "55?"

[LiterBoy]

With 190/50-17 tires as common as bird droppings, why did BMW choose a 55 aspect ratio tire for the S1000RR?

There's probably some mysterious and arcane logic to this selection, but I can't recall coming across anything about it.

[1000RR]

The profile is better for turn-in.

[Dshred]

Originally Posted by 1000RR

The profile is better for turn-in.

Egg zactly.

[1000RR]

I guess I should add, traction too at higher lean angles (more contact patch)

[Triple Threat]

50 feels sluggish in comparison. 55 is the new 50.

TT

[kevin_stevens]

I got to try going from a 190/50 to a 190/55 to a 190/50 back to back in the same tire model on my ZX-14 (don't remember how/why, something to do with a trackday and swapping tires around). I vowed then that I would never put a 190/50 tire on a 6" rim again. Even if they are on sale.

KeS

[RRrider]

Cool...I was wondering as well.

[1K Bimmer]

Originally Posted by 1000RR

I guess I should add, traction too at higher lean angles (more contact patch)

I agree, once you go 55, you'll never go back to the 50 series...

[Wolielmo]

and why not 180/55?

[S1RR]

Originally Posted by Wolielmo

and why not 180/55?

Again, its all about rubber on the road.

A 180/55 will have a smaller contact patch than a 190/55.