190 50 vs 190 55 Sport Bike Rear Tires - Which Width is Best?

Comparing 190 50 and 190 55 Rear Tires for Sport Bikes

When selecting new rear tires for your sport bike, two common sizes you may consider are 190 50 and 190 55. But what is the difference between these two sizes and how do you choose which width is right for your motorcycle? In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare and contrast 190 50 vs 190 55 rear tires so you can make an informed decision for your next set of rubber.

Understanding Tire Sizing

First, let’s decode those number and letter combinations. The 190 refers to the tire section width in millimeters. This means a 190 mm tire will measure 190mm across from sidewall to sidewall. The 50 or 55 refers to the aspect ratio, which is the sidewall height as a percentage of the width. So a 190 50 tire has a sidewall height that is 50% of 190 mm, while a 190 55 tire has a slightly taller 55% sidewall height.

How Do the Sizes Compare?

When looking at 190 50 vs 190 55 rear tires, the main difference is that 190 55 tires have a slightly taller sidewall, meaning they will be slightly taller in overall diameter. The 190 55 is only around 3% taller from the rim to the tread surface since the difference in aspect ratio is just 5%. However, this does translate to a small but measurable increase in air volume and suspension travel for the rear shock on a sportbike. Aspect ratios typically range from about 50% to 70% for sportbike sized tires.

Performance Differences

In terms of performance, taller tires typically provide a bit more suspension damping and a more comfortable ride. The taller 190 55 rear tire acts almost like having a slightly longer travel shock. On smooth roads, you may not notice a big difference in feel between 50 and 55 series tires. But on uneven pavement, bumps and potholes will be dampened slightly better with the 190 55 size.

However, during aggressive cornering and canyon carving, the taller 190 55 rear tire may feel slightly more vague. The steering response won't be quite as crisp due to the increased sidewall flex. For track days and racing, a shorter 50 series sidewall is generally preferred. But for street riding comfort, the 55 series strikes a nice balance between performance and plushness.

Availability Concerns

One important factor when choosing between 190 50 vs 190 55 rear tire sizes is availability. While both sizes are very common for sportbikes, the 190 50 tire tends to have a wider assortment of brand options. This size is produced by Dunlop, Pirelli, Michelin, Bridgestone, Metzeler, and other major manufacturers. The slightly less common 190 55 tires may not be offered for every brand or model of sportbike tire.

How to Choose Which Width is Right

So when deciding between these two similar rear sportbike tire sizes, consider how you plan to use your motorcycle. If you mainly ride casually at street pace and value comfort, the 190 55 is an excellent choice. The plush sidewall soaks up imperfections better and offers great grip.

For more aggressive riders that push the pace in the canyons or do the occasional track day, the 190 50 is probably preferable. The shorter sidewalls offer quicker turn-in, better feel while leaned over, and inspired cornering confidence.

And for many bikes, the OE tires from the factory may dictate which size fits. While rim widths have some flexibility for various tire sizes, the chain, swingarm clearance and suspension settings ultimately decide the replacement tire sizes too. Consult your owner's manual or local dealer when in doubt about the ideal replacement rear tire size.

Popular Tire Options

Both the 190 50 and 190 55 rear sportbike tires have abundant excellent tire models to pick from across different price tiers. Here are five of our top rated tires to consider for your motorcycle.

Dunlop Q3+

The Dunlop Q3+ is one of the most popular sportbike tires going. It offers excellent warm weather grip on a wide range of sportbikes, thanks to Dunlop's proprietary Mulit-Tread Compound technology. Available in both 190 50 and 55 aspect ratios.

Pirelli Diablo Rosso III

Pirelli has really stepped up their game recently, with the high performance Diablo Rosso III tires impressing testers. They work excellently across a wide temperature range thanks to the enhanced compounding and tread pattern.

Michelin Power RS

Another top rated sportbike tire, the Michelin Power RS shines brightly, especially on lighter middleweights. The dual compound tread features a harder center for longevity and softer shoulders for tremendous grip when heeled over.

Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22

Bridgestone's hypersport offering brings race bike performance to the streets. The dual compound center tread remains steady across the middle while the edges bite hard under pressure. Lots of sizes offered too.

Metzeler Racetec RR

German tire company Metzeler makes the superb Racetec RR for the track and canyon connoisseur. The slick-looking center tread and soft compound shoulder treads give confident performance on a wide range of sportbikes.

Conclusion

When comparing 190 50 vs 190 55 rear motorcycle tires for sportbikes, the decision comes down to your riding style. Taller 55 series tires absorb bumps better for comfort and offer plenty of grip. Shorter 50 series tires deliver quicker steering response and better feel when pushing pace. Check your owner's manual or local dealer if unsure whether a 50 or 55 series tire is stock. With great offerings from Dunlop, Pirelli, Michelin, Bridgestone and Metzeler, you have abundant excellent replacement tire options for your sportbike.

FAQs

What is the difference in sidewall height between 190 50 and 190 55 tires?

The 190 55 tire has a sidewall height that is 5% taller than the 190 50. This translates to about a 3% increase in overall diameter from rim to tread.

Which rear tire gives better grip and cornering - 190 50 or 190 55?

The 190 50 tire will generally provide better steering response and cornering grip due to the shorter, stiffer sidewalls. But the 190 55 offers plenty of grip as well, with a bit more comfort and damping.

Will a 190 55 fit my bike if it currently has a 190 50?

Maybe. Consult your owner's manual or check with your local dealer. The rim width and swingarm clearance ultimately determine if a 50 or 55 series tire will fit. They are very close in size but verifying compatibility is important.

What are some top rated sportbike tire models available?

Some of the best rated sportbike tire options in both 190 50 and 190 55 sizes are the Dunlop Q3+, Pirelli Diablo Rosso III, Michelin Power RS, Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22, and Metzeler Racetec RR.