Shiver (narrower rear wheel) - Noticeable difference?

[wrxified]

Anyone ever compared the feel of a 2010 Shiver to the older models? Magazines mention the 5.5" wheel reshaping the tire to better match the front profile for more predictable steering.

Reason I ask is I've considered powder coating my wheels black. I have a 2008. I've also considered just looking for a used set off of a newer model. Wondering if it would be worth it. While I'd love to just get a lighter set, I don't want to spend that match money. Anyone have their original black wheels they would consider selling?

"For 2010/11 the Shiver’s rear wheel is half an inch narrower than the previous model year’s 6.0-inch wheel – one of a number of updates to the current Shiver. The new, narrower wheel reshaped the 180/55 x 17 Pirelli Diablo Corsa III rear tire to better match the front tire’s profile, which in turn gives the Shiver linear, predictable steering."

[wrxified]

Bump.

Anyone have some feedback. I have a lead on some 2010 black shiver wheels. Would be about $150 for powder coat and keep the 6" rear wheel or $500 for the set of 2010 wheels.

Is the 5.5" rear wheel a noticeable improvement in handling?

[DownUnderDorso]

I recall reading thread on this forum ages ago where a Shiver owner (one with alot of track experience IRRC...), actually cut and shut the rear wheel even thinner in persuit of better handling

[DownUnderDorso]

Found it : http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/s...ver-Rear-Wheel

[Fangit]

I couldn't imagine it'd make that much difference. There are a hell of a lot of exotic highly acclaimed bikes out there with those exact sizes. I'd spend the $350 you'd save elsewhere. Although if you could sell your old wheels you might recover costs.

[Shiv]

Put a 190/50 on the 6" rim.

I had one for a while and didn't notice the steering had slowed much but you get much more lean angle.
The 180/55 is just too flat on a 6" rim. I get to the edge too easily with plenty to go on the front.

[Grug]

I put a 190/55 PR2 on the rear of my 2008 Shiver. The taller profile of the larger tyre made tip-in noticeably faster. The 5.5" rim is certainly a more sensible choice for the bike, but for those of us on older bikes I'd highly recommend a larger and taller rear.

[wrxified]

I'm considering just buying a new rear wheel from AF1. The new 2010+ rear wheel is $380. Then I can use my current tire and just have the front wheel powder coated. I can then try to sell the current wheel on eBay or something.

[anders_sl]

Would the new 180/60 profile make sense I wonder? Still not made for the 6" rim, but guess the profile would be taller...

[firemoto]

That would just make the profile flatter on the 6" rim. the "60" in 180/60 is the side wall height, so if you want to get the similar tire profile as the 5.5" rim then you would need to lower the number to get a more rounded profile. But since you cant get lower than a 50 than the logical would to be go to a wider with the same side profile.

[pithylittlegeek]

On my last service I got a 2010 loaner with a 5.5" rear and was amazed at how much better that bike handled compared to my 2009 with the 6". So I went ahead and put a 190/55 on the rear last week. It's incredible how different the bike feels now. Steering feels so much lighter, it tips in much more easily both a low and higher speeds. Gives you way more confidence, it feels like it handles the way it should.

Anyhow, just wanted to add my 2 cents. I think of anything I could have done to my bike, this has got to be the most bang for the buck.