We all must remember that these bikes are low and long .They do handle well for the rake and trail they have but tire size is not going to change much of the that. They touch metal too easyso saying one size is going to handle "better" is a little strange. Better fork springs and rear shocks will make a diffrence not tires. With all that being said Both sides of this thread are correct, Easy is right about the power loss but some will argue that point because some folks say HP is HP and you don't lose it ,but you lose in the action of getting it to the ground (more time ) I never felt that was correct -loss is loss to me . I also agree with the good rounded profile part. The center of the tire is more crowned on the 240 so it has the impression of more fall in compared to the 180 . It will feel like it leans over more but really it leans over quicker to its edge.(with more bar effort ) due to its peaked shape. Look at the 2 of them one is more 1/2 a football shaped and one is even all the way across. I also agree with Easy about the sportbikes. When I ran my Triumph at the track I would take the 190 off and run a 180 because it fell in sooner and helped bring the rear around on corner exit. Most guys do this . Now newer sportbikes are shorter so 190 is the factory norm. That adds merit to jagged edge's post about rake and trail -shorter rake means wider rear since it will fall over better since it has less wheel base . So you all have good points !

 

Has anyone with the stock 180 rear tire tried to replace the tire with a 190 or 200? If so, any issues?

 

The use of a 200 tire might need you to trim a little off the lower belt guard
JE

 

no 190 / 18 is made

200 requires some triming and if you have H-D saddle bags the brackets need mods .

 

Or just remove them all together, if you don't run bags that is. Easier then breakin' out the grinder. The belt guard/s might need timming to. A dremel will make short work of that. 200mm is the only upsize that is avaliable and works with a 04 VR with little to no mods on a stock wheel.

 

Let me tell you from experience the 240 does handle fine but when you ride it for a while and then go to a 180 tire it is like night and day. The 180 will give you a quicker turn response.

 

I have an 08 nrs (blk and or) and it handles great . I have ridden an 02 v rod and I would not say mine is worse

 

Not only will the 180 be a more functional tire, other than possible drag racing, it'll last longer and cost less.