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On a trip had an incident where tire needed to be replaced. In the middle of nowhere shop only had 180 so I chose to install the set and kock them both out as the front was due soon anyway.

I'm in love, to me the bike handles better. It is dfferent but I think it's a better ride. I installed Conti Road Attack 2. After reading everywhere they are pumped up a litte higher 36/42 but it's smooth. Clearence was not an issue on either side of swing arm.

Anyone else running a wider tire? How has it been for you?

Bike handles better because the old tires probably squared off so now you have a freshly round tire. The only thing I would be worried about is the possibility of you chain wax/spray/lubricant getting on the sidewall of your tire because it sticks out more.

+1 to old, square tyres.
Tip-in will also be tougher now.

I'm running a 180 Michelin PR. No problems at all.

Personally I would not recommend installing a 180 width tire, which uses a 5 1/2" wide rim, on a rim that's 4 1/2" wide, and in doing so you have changed the profile of the 180 tire, and I bet if you asked a tire manufacturer, they would say that that's too big of a jump in width for your rim.

Umm as the guy in the bike shop explained to me. No matter if its a 170 or an 180, the tire is still a 160 because its on the stock rim. Only thing is more tire to hang off which makes it less stable because nothing to reinforce the extra tire. The better handling most likely is mind over matter. Like when you say you have a headach and your head starts aching same thing.

I've been using a 170 Dunlops on the rear for about a year now and really like them. Decided to try them out after hearing from several other riders that they worked well for them. I think putting a 180 might be taking it a bit far though.

That guy at the bike shop is an idiot for him to tell you that a 180 tire is just like a 160 tire, except for all that extra, unsupported tire hanging off the rim . You would do yourself well to find another bike shop.

I've always found it funny how people think they know more about designing and engineering of their motorcycle than the factory engineers, and let face it, the majority of people who want to install a bigger rear tire on their bikes do it for one reason, looks, and to to improve the handling, which of course the wider tire always does.

So far 180 is OK. But I think as soon as this pair is gone I'm back to the 160. Either way the 180 got me home. Using conti road attack 2. Tires have awesome grip but ride a little harder than the stock.