As the only component of the bike that touches the ground, tires have a significant impact on both performance and comfort. So whether you are upgrading your existing setup or fixing your bike, picking the right set of tires is essential.
This short guide will walk you through a quick comparison of 190 vs 200 rear tires so that you can select the most suitable one for your bike.
Comparing 190 vs 200 Rear Tire
Many people think that the 190 and 200 rear tires are comparable. However, there are some variations in how well the tires function.
If you choose a larger tire, the swingarm angle will be flattened, and the rake and trail will be eliminated. What does this mean? Overall, the bike will steer better, but the drive grip might reduce.
The fact that a 200 rear tire has a more rotational mass should be considered because it will impact your acceleration and potentially your shift points. Additionally, if you choose a specific corner and go through it at a similar speed and line on each tire, you will notice that the 200 requires more lean than the 190 to achieve the same arc.
The advantage of 200 over 190 is that you have a wider surface area to work with.
A table comparing a 190 and 200 rear tire’s differences is provided below to assist you in understanding the differences between the two tires.
| Features | 190 Rear Tire | 200 Rear Tire |
| Section width | 190 millimeters | 200 millimeters |
| Height | 7.0-7.5 inches | 7.5-7.8 inches |
| Tire aspect ratio | 50.0-55.0 | 50.0-55.0 |
| Rim size | 17 inches | 17, 18 inches |
| Load Index | 75.0-96.6 | 75.0-105.0 |
| Sidewall | Black | Black |
| Construction | Radial | Radial |
| Speed rating | W, H, T | V, Y |
| Tire weight | 11.0-16.47 pounds | 12.9-20 pounds |
| Price | $140-$280 | $140-$300 |
| Top three brands | Bridge Stone Michelin Metzeler | Dunlop Pirelli Bridgestone |
190 Rear Tires
Tread Design
190 rear tires have a more solid and long-lasting tread pattern. With these tires, your bike can be used on any road and for various activities.
Construction
The 190 rear tires have the most recent radial construction. These ensure that they remain incredibly sturdy on all terrains and roads.
Rim Diameter
The 190-millimeter rear tires can be used with 17 inches rims.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio of 190-millimeter rear tires ranges from 50.0 to 55.0.
Width
These tires have a width of 190 millimeters. This wide width offers your bike more to hold onto, enhancing its handling and maneuverability.
Pro and Cons Of 190 Rear Tires
Pros
- The tires look good on your bike
- They are highly durable
- They are inexpensive compared to the 200-millimeter rear tires
- They enhance your bike’s handling
Cons
- They are heavy
- They are expensive compared to smaller tires
200 Rear Tires
Tread Design
The 200-millimeter rear tires feature a robust tread design that offers your bike an unbeatable grip and stability.
Construction
The 200-millimeter tires feature the newly updated radial construction that makes them suitable for all roads and terrains.
Rim Diameter
These tires can be used with 17 and 18 inches rims.
Aspect Ration
The aspect ratio of the 200-millimeter tires ranges from 50.0 to 55.0.
Width
The width of these tires is 200 millimeters. This large width increases ground contact, enhancing your bike’s handling and maneuverability.
Pro and Cons Of 200 Rear Tires
Pros
- They look good on a bike
- Highly durable
- Offer better grip
Cons
- Compared to the 190 rear tires, these tires will require you to lean more when taking a corner
- They are expensive
190 vs 200 Rear Tire: Which One is Suitable for You
The 190 rear tire carries the day. With the tire on your bike, it is easy to accelerate, and you will not need to lean much compared to when you use 200 rear tires when taking a corner. The tires are also inexpensive compared to the 200 rear tires.
However, if you are looking for a tire that offers more ground contact, you can go for the 200 rear tires.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Are 190 and 200 Rear Tires Interchangeable?
Tire manufacturers are allowed to make tires that are +/- 4% of the badged size of the tire. As a result, a 200-section may only be 192mm wide rather than 200mm wide. A 190 might also be 197mm. For this reason, a 190 rear tire can sometimes be used interchangeably with a 200. However, obtaining your tire’s measurements is advisable before trying to interchange them.
What is the Difference Between 180 and 190 Motorcycle Tires?
A 180 usually fits a 6.0-inch rim, whereas a 190 fits a 7.0-inch rim. Nevertheless, a 190 can fit a 6.0-inch rim, but the tire has a smaller contact patch when leaned over.
What Exactly Does ZR on a Motorbike Tire Mean?
ZR denotes that the tire is designed for speeds more than 149 mph. The speed ratings for ZR tires are V (149 mph), W (168 mph), and Y. (186mph). Before introducing the V, W, and Y ratings in 1990, manufacturers referred to high-performance tires as “ZR” tires.
Can You Alter the Size of the Tires on Your Motorcycle?
Yes, but you must take a few factors into account.
Your tire size is a balance between acceleration and cornering grip. For this reason, motorcycle manufacturers include a specific size tire on motorcycles. The stock tires’ size has been carefully weighed against the bike’s capability, weight, and other elements. This does not preclude the possibility of changing tire sizes, though. It just means you must carefully consider how you approach the changes.
What Does the Letter H on a Motorbike Tire Stand For?
The H speed index indicates that the tire’s maximum speed rating is 130 mph.
Which Motorcycle’s Rear Tires are the Widest?
The Victory Hammer has a 250mm rear tire, the largest tire on a production motorcycle.
Do Wider Tires Lean More?
When taking a corner, you will be forced to lean more when using wider tires than when using less wide tires.
Final Take
We hope this article has given you all the information you need about 190 vs 200 rear tires. However, deciding which is better than the other depends on your taste and preferences.
