thanks, steve.
the sizes available for the q2 is what really prompted my question. i'm pretty sure that steve will tell you to run the 190/55. i've got a feeling that the only reason they offer the 180 is for dealers or shops that will NOT install a 190 tire on a bike that the manufacturer calls for a 180. i'm interested to see what steve has to say about this.
Tom,
See Dunlop's fitment chart for the Q2 here: http://www.dunlopmot...tire.asp?id=108
As you can see the Q2 180/55 and the 190/55 will fit both a 5.5x17 and 6.0x17 rims (600,750 and 1000's). Forget the 190/50x17 Q2 for performance riding, its a flatter center and better suited for regular urban street riding and not aggressive cornering.
Q2 on a 600, I would start with the 180/55. Since it will be closest to your stock chassis settings. If you are willing to make small chassis adjustments (and looking for a future in track riding or racing), I would go with the 190/55. The 190/55 Q2 is the same width and height as the 190/55 D211GPA race tire, thus making the transition easier from Q2 to D211GPA.
Both are good choices in the Q2 for track days.
steve,
i'm definitely going with the 190/55. i'm still on the fence with regard to the q2 or the 211 gpa. of course i want the best tire for little money and i want it to last forever...lol...i know there are a lot of variables involved but how many track days can i expect to get out of the q2's or the 211gpa's? i do have a spare set of wheels so i am tempted to try both. if the life expectancy is fairly close i will just go with the 211's. would one tire be better than the other for the colder temps at the beginning and end of the season verses the heat of the middle of summer? what chassis adjustments would you recommend for the 190/55?
thanks again for being available here for us to pick your brain. i really appreciate it.
tom
Tom,
Its really hard to tell you exactly how many days you would get from each tire. there are just to many variables. It is like asking someone how long it takes to clean their room.
The best thing to do is try it and compare. I know that may not help you when you might be on a budget, but if you are going to play this game, you are going to use tires. So try both and gauge the tire usage for yourself, on your bike, with your riding style and your suspension settings. Only then will you know which is best for you.
On you question for what to change on the 190/55. let me ask which tire are you going from and which are you going to. Give me that data and I will talk about how to change the ride height in another thread.
ha ha, i got a good chuckle from the cleaning your room analogy. i hear what you're saying.
as far as tires, i'm coming from michelin pilot power 2ct in the 120/70, 180/55 flavor. i was able to get 8 days out of them at about 1k track miles. see my first post for the tracks i rode. the front still has quite a bit of rubber on it but the rear is getting close to the wear bars on the edges. going to the q2 and or 211gpa in the 190/55.