Tyres are a minefield !!!!

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R1Damo · #1 Unread post by **R1Damo** » Wed Sep 20, 2006 9:35 pm

I've been on bikes from the early 90s and started on a Honda NSR125 R then went up through Yamaha FZR600 R , within a year of first sitting on a bike was on a Kawasaki ZX9R and now ride a Yamaha YZF R1. (Picture in the yamaha gallery)

Its nothing like a standard bike and has been tuned and played with, had bits added and is now giving me just over 160bhp at the rear wheel. I'm using Racetec K2's 120 front and 180 rear. The 180 rear being smaller than standard gives a better turn into the corners.

It would be good to hear what everyone uses on the different bikes we all ride.

Take care

Damian.

VermilionX · Thu Sep 21, 2006 4:16 am

im using the new pirelli diablo corsa III. 120/70 F, 180/55 R.

they're way better than my stock bridgestone BT014s but they're probably wear out a lot faster though.

Mintbread · #3 Unread post by **Mintbread** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:00 am

Nice can. I am running a full Hindle system and love it to bits.

My last tyres were a set of Avon Vipers and I have to say that they were the best tyres I have ever used if you disregard the longevity.
I still have the Viper on the front but am using a Diablo Strada on the back for some added life (I have a 1200 Bandit with a few mods so a harder rear tyre is a must

).

scan · #4 Unread post by **scan** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:32 am

I'm running Avon Azaros, and they are plenty sticky for me, and seem to be lasting longer than my last tires, Conti Road-attacks. They were also suppose to be a high milage tire, but they seemed to stick better than they lasted. The Azaros would not likely be a good choice for track type riding, but I've had no reason to be concerned in about 5000 miles of wear.

drevil · #5 Unread post by **drevil** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 3:34 pm

After 9200 miles I finally replaced the original tires today. I went with the same Bridgestone BT020 120/70-18 in front but went a little smaller in the rear with a Continental Road Attack 190/50-17 as opposed to the stock 200. The dealership told me they had front wheel bearings in stock, which I knew needed replacement. When they had the wheels off, they realized, in fact, that they didn't have the bearings after all. After farting around for hours trying to find a shop in the area that had them, they elected to remove the bearings from a brand new bike on their showroom floor to install on my bike. Total time for tire replacement, bearing replacement and bleeding of front brakes with all new fluid - 6 1/2 hours! Total bill - $59.02(the cost of the bearings)!

R1Damo · #6 Unread post by **R1Damo** » Thu Sep 21, 2006 10:19 pm

Its good to hear people suggesting different tyres for different bikes and I guess it all comes down to the bike, the set up, the type of road surface, and the rider. I've used Metzeler , Bridgestone and Michelin, as you can see below, the michelin's couldn't handle the power and don't last long so I think I'll stay with my Racetec K2s for now.

Safe riding guy's

damo.

jmillheiser · Fri Sep 22, 2006 9:22 am

Im currently running a 110/70-17 Dunlop K520 on the front that will need to be replaced soon. Running a 160/60-17 Metzler sportec M1 on the back.

the dunlop is a Piece 'o crap and came on the bike when I bought it (I decided to keep it until it wore out), its a lousy combo with the bandit 600s already way too soft fork.

the Metzler has been great, just wears really fast. It was an emergency replacement on the day I bought my bike (previous owner didn't realize that the rear tire had a nail in it). I have 4000 miles on the back tire and its about due for replacement. It does stick like glue and I have never had the rear try to step out with it.

Im currently shopping for tires for it. I would go with a full set of M1s but dont like how fast they wear out. Looking for something with good grip and better wear. I have never hit the edge of the tire on the M1 so I dont need something THAT sticky

Lovinit · #8 Unread post by **Lovinit** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:38 am

I am running a Dunlop GT501. I really don't have but 2 options for tires on my bike and the Dunlop tread pattern looked the best of the 2.

The other option is a Bridgestone Battleax I think. I am riding a 85 Ninja 900.

DivideOverflow · Mon Sep 25, 2006 9:54 am

I have metzelers on my VFR and I have Pilot Powers on my Ducati. The Metzelers held up pretty well, and I can't comment on the durability of the Pilot Powers yet... but they both grip quite well.

runsilent · Wed Sep 27, 2006 3:40 am

I used Dunlop touring tires on my four 400-750cc Hondas for years and got 25-30k miles on the rears. My GS500's just weren't happy with those bricks and I ended up preferring sport touring radials on the GS's. Never have allowed myself the luxury of low milage supersports.

Of about 10 different front tires I've used on the GS's, only the old ME33 Laser and my current front Lasertec have worn evenly; all the rest have beveled and/or cupped badly. The Lasertec is now my front tire of choice and I just replaced my Lasertec rear with a Conti Road Attack and it is the stickiest rear tire I've tried.

Think my Laser/tacks may be the ultimate for the GS500's, I am running a 110/80/17 Lasertec with a 150/70/17 Road Attack and they are great! The Road Attacks are advertised as having supersport performance with sport touring life and I can confirm the performance part but it will be next year till I can report on the life.

I really don't expect the 13-14k miles from the rear Attack that I got from my Z2 and AV46 ST radials, but if that Attack goes the 10k miles I got from the rear Lasertec it will be a winner. Here are all the tires I've tried on two GS500's in about 120k miles on them:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/ ... irelog.jpg

My Road Attack after 1200 miles: