Anyone actually tried a smaller rear?

[RSparky]

Disclaimer: I've never raced, let alone been to a track day. I know nothing of what I speak. This is only my curiosity.

So, I was reading about the much-loved by "motorcyclist" magazine, ducati panigale, and saw that it has a 200 rubber on the back. That's generally frowned on by you guys in threads here. Probably, mounting the 200 on a stock rim, which would maybe help turn in, but give less contact patch. I digress.

But, I'm just curious if anyone has mounted a 180 on a 190 rim or something. I'm not wanting to do anything of the sort on my bike. Perfectly happy with my tires, whatever size they are, I'm nowhere near their limits, except with my own mistakes... Just wondering?

[blue03636]

Most superbikes (ama, wsbk) run a 200 rear. If its designed for the rim it would be fine.

[shadyone]

If you fit a smaller rear I think you would get a a side wall that leaned in. Because it would have to stretch across the rim. It would give you a bigger contact patch when upright but less lean angle. I believe.

[Flying Brick]

If you fit a smaller rear I think you would get a a side wall that leaned in. Because it would have to stretch across the rim. It would give you a bigger contact patch when upright but less lean angle. I believe.

My winter tires on the scooter were like this. Helped with stability, but I had to be careful when turning. It was easy to reach the limit.

[max power]

I tried a smaller rear once, then I got married.

I find that I like a slightly bigger rear anyway....as long as its round and smooth.