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tyres
Aug 24, 2009 18:47:18 GMT 10
Post by manek on Aug 24, 2009 18:47:18 GMT 10
well after gettin my flat i have decided that rather than gettin an internal plug put it it might be best if i just spend the dollars and buy some new tyres, current ones are gettin relatively low.
so what i am asking here is for suggestions for suitable tyres for my firestorm, i generally only ride on wknds and usually up the twisty mountains. i figure some suggestions wouldn't go astray as i want something that will handle well on the vtr and being new to it i'm not real sure what works well with it. i was leaning towards pilot powers but then i have had pilot roads on a gsxr and they pretty good. the biggest thing is like everyone else i want excellent performance but don't want to buy a set of tyres after every ride. i figure there is a wealth of experience and knowledge here so any advice would be greatly appreciated. cheers
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nitros
Honourable Member
06 vtr Black
Posts: 878
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tyres
Aug 24, 2009 19:00:55 GMT 10
Post by nitros on Aug 24, 2009 19:00:55 GMT 10
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tyres
Aug 24, 2009 19:35:10 GMT 10
Post by manek on Aug 24, 2009 19:35:10 GMT 10
cheers nitros, maybe i should have actually had a look first before asking, lol. thanks for the links was helpful.
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shayne
Omnipresent
1998 Blueprint
Posts: 8,639
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tyres
Aug 25, 2009 9:40:06 GMT 10
Post by shayne on Aug 25, 2009 9:40:06 GMT 10
There are a number of people that use Bridgestones, Pirellis and Conti's, but the majority of riders use Michelin. So they are my suggestion.
I have Power 2CT's on the VTR, and Road 2CT's on the VFR, and I reckon they are very good. You should get at least 5000km minimum on the Powers with weeekend riding, and the Roads will do double that minimum. Plenty of people get a lot more out of them than that too.
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tyres
Aug 28, 2009 11:26:56 GMT 10
Post by colinlinz on Aug 28, 2009 11:26:56 GMT 10
I'm going to get a set of those new Pirelli Angles, and turn into a devil.
If there is one thing I hate doing is buying something just because everyone else does. The thought is enough to go looking for the razor blades when I consider what my CD collection would look like after all the years of buying top 40 commercial crap.
No one wants to spend money on something that is crap, but don't be afraid of experimenting a little. The main thing is to pick a tyre type that suits your needs (race, sport, touring, cruiser, ect). All the main manufacturers will produce a reasonable product, and perform well in their targeted market. They will all have their own characteristics, just as we do. This is a key deciding factor. To get the best tyre for you, you will need one that communicates information they way you want, that reacts to steering input the way you want, and that has traction characteristics that give you confidence. These factors are quite separate to basic measures like mileage and out right traction.
You could of course just buy something that everyone has, and hope that you are just like everyone else, or can be happy with something that does a job well enough. But if you do want the best tyre for you, then you are going to have to try a few different ones and experience and judge them first hand.
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jk
True Stormer
2000 VTR SP1; 2006 Daytona 675
Posts: 1,179
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tyres
Aug 28, 2009 13:17:31 GMT 10
Post by jk on Aug 28, 2009 13:17:31 GMT 10
x2 on Pilot Road 2ct's - I use for commuting, touring and the odd 'spirited' ride - handle well, good grip and great wear.
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cheekybugger
True Stormer
98' Black - Needs a Wash . . . Sold. 2014 899 Panigale.
Posts: 1,156
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tyres
Aug 28, 2009 14:03:20 GMT 10
Post by cheekybugger on Aug 28, 2009 14:03:20 GMT 10
What Colin Said.
I had Pirelli Diablos, which were awful in the wet, but if stay out of the rain they'll be nice and sticky and give good feed back. Am back in Pilot Powers - getting 7500-8000ks in mixed riding, and have my riding confidence back. Originally had Bridgestones and they were just all round bad IMHO. Having said that I'm inclined to try the 2CT's next as the move has meant more Freeway riding . . . or the Conti's many seem to think are great.
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smokey
Honourable Member
2001 SP1
Posts: 788
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tyres
Aug 28, 2009 14:59:16 GMT 10
Post by smokey on Aug 28, 2009 14:59:16 GMT 10
The pilot road 2cts rear I had on myn was very hard wearing and seemed to work well with a pilot power front tyre.
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tyres
Aug 28, 2009 16:14:13 GMT 10
Post by colinlinz on Aug 28, 2009 16:14:13 GMT 10
What Colin Said. I had Pirelli Diablos, which were awful in the wet, but if stay out of the rain they'll be nice and sticky and give good feed back. I've got Diablo's on now. They are getting a bit long in the teeth. They are the same ones that I had on when I crashed. They are the longest wearing tyre I've had for many years. As for wet weather, I like them, the Bridgstone 020's and 021's that I've used seemed far worse. I will admit that the Diablo's aren't as good now as they were. But that's to be expected, they have been on the bike for a while, and have gone through a lot of heat cycles. I can't compare them to the 2CT's as I've not had a set yet. I can state that Pilot Powers were my favorite tyre for many years. The Diablo (IMO) is better. They warm up much faster, are just as sticky, and communicate to me very well. I'm not sure what I'll replace them with next. It could even be the 2CT's; but it won't be because everyone else has them. That rational would have me going to McDonalds next time I feel the need to eat out
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tyres
Aug 28, 2009 16:58:45 GMT 10
Post by Fozzy Bear on Aug 28, 2009 16:58:45 GMT 10
I have tried various combinations but have decided that a Metzeler M3 on the front and a Michelin PR2 on the back is perfect for me. The angle of lean on the PR2 just matches my comfort level, so I can ride having fun and have no chicken strips. If I go over a little too much, it starts to skip so provides a good warning to back off
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smokey
Honourable Member
2001 SP1
Posts: 788
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tyres
Aug 28, 2009 18:50:04 GMT 10
Post by smokey on Aug 28, 2009 18:50:04 GMT 10
I have tried various combinations but have decided that a Metzeler M3 on the front and a Michelin PR2 on the back is perfect for me. Thats the exact combo that came on my SP1 and I must say the 190/50 PR2 is shit and I'm not at all sold on the M3 front. Unfortunately the rear is almost new. Once its done I'm going back to a 180/55 something, maybe I'll give the pirellis ago although I thought the pirelli diablo front was shit as well.
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shayne
Omnipresent
1998 Blueprint
Posts: 8,639
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tyres
Aug 29, 2009 17:05:33 GMT 10
Post by shayne on Aug 29, 2009 17:05:33 GMT 10
All very well to make your own decison when you have the experince to do so. When you have been riding for many years and can rattle off all the tyres you have used and what you thought of them, then it is fair to say your are in a good position to make your own decision.
Not everyone is in this position. I certainly was not, and after a few years experience I am still not. So I ask for others advice, and base my decision on that. My initial tyre choce for the VTR was not as good as the one I now use. My current tyre I use because of the suggestion of other riders. Glad I listened.
Of interest to me was an article written on Nico Bakker (chassis builder) a few years ago. He stated that unless he knew what tyres the bike was going to use he could not build a chassis for it. In his opinion the difference between brands was that significant. Each chassis will be suited to a particular type of tyre construction.
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tyres
Aug 29, 2009 20:23:35 GMT 10
Post by colinlinz on Aug 29, 2009 20:23:35 GMT 10
This is true to some degree. The trouble is that many bikes are now coming out with special tyres. They might have the brand, model and tread pattern of the off the shelf models, but they will be different. You can buy these tyres as spare parts if you like, but they are much more expensive than the regular tyres.
Another observation. How many people stay with the standard tyres? Most people change them, so maybe the design factor isn't that important. I feel the more important aspect is how the tyre communicates with the rider, and how it reacts to rider input. This is where it gets difficult as there isn't really a right or wrong, just that they match what the rider needs or not. It is the same with bike set up. Two racers on the same bike will have the bikes set up completely different, both maybe just as fast, but neither can ride the others bike quickly.
IMO there is no risk with trying different tyres, as long as they meet the basic requirements. Touring or cruiser tyres may not be your best choice if you plan on doing a lot of track days. Or conversely, a race spec tyre may not be the best option for winter road riding. Get the usage right, then try a few different brands and see which one suits you as an individual.
There is some merit with sticking to a chosen tyre if you have gone to a lot of trouble fine tuning the set up of your bike. But even then it could pay to try new tyres occasionally as they are a rapidly developing area, and rapid advances can happen in short periods of time.
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tyres
Aug 30, 2009 10:34:37 GMT 10
Post by slicer07 on Aug 30, 2009 10:34:37 GMT 10
My advise to Manek is this: Don't compromise. A bad choice will have you paying far more. I have similar riding habitat, no commuting and no touring. I have chosen to stay with sport tyres for this reason. I also recommend you fine tune the set up of your bike, suspension, tyre pressures etc.
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tyres
Aug 31, 2009 12:47:35 GMT 10
Post by snowcone on Aug 31, 2009 12:47:35 GMT 10
I decided to change from Michelins to Bridgestones and paid top dollar for them. Worst decision I have made. Rear worn out in 3,000kms and no feedback at all from the front. I am just not comfortable on the bike at present with this thing on the front, so will go the dual compound Michelins now
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tyres
Aug 31, 2009 13:35:01 GMT 10
Post by slicer07 on Aug 31, 2009 13:35:01 GMT 10
Try 32psi in the front.
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Saz
Living Legend/Mod
ex-stormer
Posts: 3,266
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tyres
Aug 31, 2009 18:07:28 GMT 10
Post by Saz on Aug 31, 2009 18:07:28 GMT 10
I'm not sure what I'll replace them with next. It could even be the 2CT's; but it won't be because everyone else has them. That rational would have me going to McDonalds next time I feel the need to eat out I'll throw in here, have had numerous sets of Pilot Powers, been running them for 2+ years, never had any moments of lost grip (PSI 33F, 36R), besides at a wet track when they wiggled a bit under accelaration. Tried the 2CT's and my record keeping may have been off but I got less out of the rear than the standard power. I couldn't pick much grip difference between the stocko power and the 2CT. Have heard good thing about the Metzelers but I usually get 8000k's out of a rear Michie with a nice mix of touring, fanging and a track day or 2. I like the Michies and never let me down, may change them next time just for something new but may not, like I said the Michies never let me down. Guy at the bike store was saying he loved the Conti's on his Trumpy Speed Triple. Funnily enough the bike shop doesn't stock 'em. Don't use the Michie's just because a lot of people use them, just consider why so many people use them..
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tyres
Aug 31, 2009 18:46:36 GMT 10
Post by beerlizard on Aug 31, 2009 18:46:36 GMT 10
Hmmm... Was going to post something huge, but now I'm WHEELy TIREd........
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tyres
Aug 31, 2009 19:52:19 GMT 10
Post by rods on Aug 31, 2009 19:52:19 GMT 10
I put a set of Pilot Powers on as well love them. A lot of people I know also use them. Good Price $550 a set fitted
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tyres
Aug 31, 2009 20:36:22 GMT 10
Post by colinlinz on Aug 31, 2009 20:36:22 GMT 10
I'm not sure what I'll replace them with next. It could even be the 2CT's; but it won't be because everyone else has them. That rational would have me going to McDonalds next time I feel the need to eat out I'll throw in here, have had numerous sets of Pilot Powers, been running them for 2+ years, never had any moments of lost grip (PSI 33F, 36R), besides at a wet track when they wiggled a bit under accelaration. Tried the 2CT's and my record keeping may have been off but I got less out of the rear than the standard power. I couldn't pick much grip difference between the stocko power and the 2CT. Have heard good thing about the Metzelers but I usually get 8000k's out of a rear Michie with a nice mix of touring, fanging and a track day or 2. I like the Michies and never let me down, may change them next time just for something new but may not, like I said the Michies never let me down. Guy at the bike store was saying he loved the Conti's on his Trumpy Speed Triple. Funnily enough the bike shop doesn't stock 'em. Don't use the Michie's just because a lot of people use them, just consider why so many people use them.. Don't get me wrong. As I said earlier, Pilot Powers were my favourite tyre. I've used them ever since they first came out, and before that my favourite tyres were Michelin HiSports. I do believe the Diablos are better though, but then that is just my individual take on them. Once again I'll resort to McDonalds. They would be the most popular take away food outlet in Aust. Why do so many people eat there? Surely it isn't because they have the best food? Popularity is no measure suitability, or even quality, it is a measure of good marketing though. All I'm saying is that you are doing yourself a disservice by not trying a few different tyres first hand. The PP's might win out, but then something else might just click and feel even better. One of the German magazines did a tyre test a while ago (track based). The Metzlers got the top spot.
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tyres
Aug 31, 2009 21:01:29 GMT 10
Post by colinlinz on Aug 31, 2009 21:01:29 GMT 10
I thought these reviews might be of interest. They are from a tyre retailer, so their job is to sell you a tyre, but you can see the individual aspects that may help you decide which way to go.
Pirelli Diablo The Diablo will offer you a grip that is second to none – it makes cornering at speeds easier and even on the wet this tyre performs superbly and will not let you down. Diablos are also very responsive at all speeds giving you a smooth and enjoyable ride and very secure handling. These tyres are a recommended purchase if you ride trackdays as they will warm up rapidly and give you confidence in your performance on the track. The only downside to the Diablo is the price which is on the expensive side. However the balance that Pirelli have struck between the grip of these tyres and their durability is fantastic, the feedback the Diablos offer you is superb, and you will also get a decent amount of mileage from them – what more can we say, this tyre comes highly recommended to buy as a year round tyre.
Michelin Pilot Power The Pilot Powers benefit from the same material that is used for Michelin’s MotoGP racing tyres but are for sale at a much more affordable price. For a sport bike you won’t go wrong with a set of Pilot Powers as they are quick to lean and have good levels of handling especially if you enjoy tackling twisties on the road. If you have an aggressive style of riding these tyres will suit you down to the ground, although they may take a while to get used to - although once you do there will be no looking back!
Continental Conti Force The Conti Force tyre is the tyre of choice if you want steering that is quick to respond if you take corners hard. This tyre offers you extraordinary grip even in wet weather and helps keep your bike stable at all angles even at higher speeds. We would advise that these Conti Force tyres are most suitable for heavy motorbikes that have moderate levels of horsepower - so if you ride a bike that falls into this category then they are a great value for money motorbike tyre.
Bridgestone Battlax BT 014 Sport The Bridgestone Battlax BT 014 Sport is an ultra high performance motorbike tyre made from a new compound (based on the MotoGP tyres) which offers you fantastic grip and light handling if you enjoy reaching the faster speeds on your motorbike. These tyres possess all the good elements of Dunlop and Michelin motorbike tyres but without the weaknesses these brands have, along with giving you good feedback on leans especially in wet weather. The BT 014 does tend to wear out quite quickly if you have an aggressive riding style, but this has to be weighed against the exceptional riding experience that it offers you in all weather condition
Metzeler Sportec M-1 The Sportec M-1 tyre was developed for high performance motorbikes and these tyres allow you to ride in cold and wet weather due to the high levels of contact with the road that these tyres provide. We found that the Sportec M1s handle superbly giving you more confidence and a smoother ride which will ensure you have a more pleasurable ride on the bike. Once warmed up, these tyres will stick to the road like glue as the grip is second to none making these tyres a great buy.
Dunlop 208 These Dunlop 208s will inspire confidence because of their solid grip, however they suffer from a similar problem that also affects the above models – they are not long lasting and the tread will wear down quite quickly. For the average motorbike rider these tyres are an ideal choice of tyre to buy as the tyre grip gets better the more frequently that it is used, although if you are going to be riding on tracks that are wet it is advisable to warm the 208s up a bit. The D208s best selling point is their grip, as they are a great choice of motorbike tyre for dry tracks and offer the rider great feedback, however they are not as praiseworthy on the roads.
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cheekybugger
True Stormer
98' Black - Needs a Wash . . . Sold. 2014 899 Panigale.
Posts: 1,156
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tyres
Aug 31, 2009 21:14:33 GMT 10
Post by cheekybugger on Aug 31, 2009 21:14:33 GMT 10
Brilliant Colin - puts perspective on all that has been shared.
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tyres
Oct 5, 2009 20:41:32 GMT 10
Post by charlymammoth on Oct 5, 2009 20:41:32 GMT 10
I just had new tyres fitted (diablo front -angel st rear) and it hasn,t stopped f#&king raining since.
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tyres
Oct 20, 2009 15:28:39 GMT 10
Post by knee on Oct 20, 2009 15:28:39 GMT 10
Well i just changed the tyres on the bike with these Bridgestone qualifiers and have been very very very happy with the results so far As i ride not a huge amount of k,s just weekend rides i wont wear the tyres out in under a year maybe but since of had them on for about 2 months and 1500ks all good so far
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RedNob
Member
1998 - Silver, yellow highlights
Posts: 74
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tyres
Oct 23, 2009 15:40:04 GMT 10
Post by RedNob on Oct 23, 2009 15:40:04 GMT 10
Hey guys,
I've got 12,000 so far from my Pilot Powers, the non-dual-compound type.
Getting fairly close to the markers on the rear though.
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tyres
Oct 23, 2009 22:50:33 GMT 10
Post by Fozzy Bear on Oct 23, 2009 22:50:33 GMT 10
Hey guys, I've got 12,000 so far from my Pilot Powers, the non-dual-compound type. Getting fairly close to the markers on the rear though. fark, I used to get about 10k from a PR2 rear. I don't think the latest one will last that long though
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tyres
Oct 24, 2009 9:14:03 GMT 10
Post by slicer07 on Oct 24, 2009 9:14:03 GMT 10
Hey guys, I've got 12,000 so far from my Pilot Powers, the non-dual-compound type. Getting fairly close to the markers on the rear though. They usually only last about 1 track day. So to get 12K from them on the road, well..... you do the math.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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tyres
Oct 24, 2009 20:02:10 GMT 10
Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2009 20:02:10 GMT 10
I'll throw in here, have had numerous sets of Pilot Powers, been running them for 2+ years, never had any moments of lost grip (PSI 33F, 36R), besides at a wet track when they wiggled a bit under accelaration. Tried the 2CT's and my record keeping may have been off but I got less out of the rear than the standard power. I couldn't pick much grip difference between the stocko power and the 2CT. Have heard good thing about the Metzelers but I usually get 8000k's out of a rear Michie with a nice mix of touring, fanging and a track day or 2. I like the Michies and never let me down, may change them next time just for something new but may not, like I said the Michies never let me down. Guy at the bike store was saying he loved the Conti's on his Trumpy Speed Triple. Funnily enough the bike shop doesn't stock 'em. Don't use the Michie's just because a lot of people use them, just consider why so many people use them.. Don't get me wrong. As I said earlier, Pilot Powers were my favourite tyre. I've used them ever since they first came out, and before that my favourite tyres were Michelin HiSports. I do believe the Diablos are better though, but then that is just my individual take on them. Once again I'll resort to McDonalds. They would be the most popular take away food outlet in Aust. Why do so many people eat there? Surely it isn't because they have the best food? Popularity is no measure suitability, or even quality, it is a measure of good marketing though. All I'm saying is that you are doing yourself a disservice by not trying a few different tyres first hand. The PP's might win out, but then something else might just click and feel even better. One of the German magazines did a tyre test a while ago (track based). The Metzlers got the top spot. Im with you here Col... Love maccas but it aint good 4 ya!! Any of the latest Sport,Sport touring tyres on the market today will do you fine. Ive used Bridgies 014/020/021, most the time, Had one set of Powers and now on the 2ct's $430 set (yet to ride on these) The only real problem with the powers is they "dont" give warning when there about to let go.....but most of us wouldnt feel this point of tyre feed back on the road anyhow! Now days i just go for a tyre that looks COOL!
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tyres
Oct 25, 2009 16:04:15 GMT 10
Post by gadgetarse on Oct 25, 2009 16:04:15 GMT 10
I thought these reviews might be of interest. They are from a tyre retailer, so their job is to sell you a tyre, but you can see the individual aspects that may help you decide which way to go. Pirelli Diablo The Diablo will offer you a grip that is second to none – it makes cornering at speeds easier and even on the wet this tyre performs superbly and will not let you down. Diablos are also very responsive at all speeds giving you a smooth and enjoyable ride and very secure handling. These tyres are a recommended purchase if you ride trackdays as they will warm up rapidly and give you confidence in your performance on the track. The only downside to the Diablo is the price which is on the expensive side. However the balance that Pirelli have struck between the grip of these tyres and their durability is fantastic, the feedback the Diablos offer you is superb, and you will also get a decent amount of mileage from them – what more can we say, this tyre comes highly recommended to buy as a year round tyre. Michelin Pilot Power The Pilot Powers benefit from the same material that is used for Michelin’s MotoGP racing tyres but are for sale at a much more affordable price. For a sport bike you won’t go wrong with a set of Pilot Powers as they are quick to lean and have good levels of handling especially if you enjoy tackling twisties on the road. If you have an aggressive style of riding these tyres will suit you down to the ground, although they may take a while to get used to - although once you do there will be no looking back! Continental Conti Force The Conti Force tyre is the tyre of choice if you want steering that is quick to respond if you take corners hard. This tyre offers you extraordinary grip even in wet weather and helps keep your bike stable at all angles even at higher speeds. We would advise that these Conti Force tyres are most suitable for heavy motorbikes that have moderate levels of horsepower - so if you ride a bike that falls into this category then they are a great value for money motorbike tyre. Bridgestone Battlax BT 014 Sport The Bridgestone Battlax BT 014 Sport is an ultra high performance motorbike tyre made from a new compound (based on the MotoGP tyres) which offers you fantastic grip and light handling if you enjoy reaching the faster speeds on your motorbike. These tyres possess all the good elements of Dunlop and Michelin motorbike tyres but without the weaknesses these brands have, along with giving you good feedback on leans especially in wet weather. The BT 014 does tend to wear out quite quickly if you have an aggressive riding style, but this has to be weighed against the exceptional riding experience that it offers you in all weather condition Metzeler Sportec M-1 The Sportec M-1 tyre was developed for high performance motorbikes and these tyres allow you to ride in cold and wet weather due to the high levels of contact with the road that these tyres provide. We found that the Sportec M1s handle superbly giving you more confidence and a smoother ride which will ensure you have a more pleasurable ride on the bike. Once warmed up, these tyres will stick to the road like glue as the grip is second to none making these tyres a great buy. Dunlop 208 These Dunlop 208s will inspire confidence because of their solid grip, however they suffer from a similar problem that also affects the above models – they are not long lasting and the tread will wear down quite quickly. For the average motorbike rider these tyres are an ideal choice of tyre to buy as the tyre grip gets better the more frequently that it is used, although if you are going to be riding on tracks that are wet it is advisable to warm the 208s up a bit. The D208s best selling point is their grip, as they are a great choice of motorbike tyre for dry tracks and offer the rider great feedback, however they are not as praiseworthy on the roads. Nice info! But, did anyone else notice they list two tyres with grip, 2nd to none!
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tyres
Oct 26, 2009 8:19:43 GMT 10
Post by snowcone on Oct 26, 2009 8:19:43 GMT 10
Just got a set of Michelin Road 2s to replace the horrid Bridgestone 016's but haven't tried them out yet.
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