Bikertrash

I would be very careful about changing tire size unless your willing to spend the time and money to treat it like an experiment and go back to the original size if needed. A 180/55 is reportedly 4 mm taller than a 190/50. The 190 will cause a weight shift to the rear of the bike. If anything I think the Bird needs weight shifted forward not back. The lower back end will increase the trail on the front end slowing steering. Also, for a given turn at a given speed the wider the tire the farther you have to lean it over to hold a given line. A 180 has all the capacity needed for holding back the horsepower of a stock Bird. I wouldn't do it. And the 190 costs more.

I started out with the Dunlop 205's (Yuck). Then ordered a set of Pirelli Diablo's. Dealer delivered the Diablo Corsa by mistake so I stuck those on. They were truly worse then the 205's. Perhaps the sidewall is not stiff enough for the Bird's weight. So I just replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport HPX. So far, these are wonderful tires. They ought to be for what they cost.

I have a IIIUSB on my '02. I wouldn't be without it. It was a big help in smoothing out the off idle response.

The Choice for Oil is.... I am new here but it seems like the issue of oil has been a hot one. What I don't understand is I haven't found a post yet that actually picks the right oil. Red Line 10w-40 is the correct choice (let the flaming begin). There is NO clutch slip. That's a myth. No, I don't work for Red Line. I just use it in everything I've got.

The Choice for Oil is.... I am new here but it seems like the issue of oil has been a hot one. What I don't understand is I haven't found a post yet that actually picks the right oil. Red Line 10w-40 is the correct choice (let the flaming begin). There is NO clutch slip. That's a myth. No, I don't work for Red Line. I just use it in everything I've got.