Another Tire Thread

Ya, ya, I know ANOTHER tire thread. Anyway, I’m going to need new shoes for the bike in the next couple of months. So far these are the tires on my short list. I’m really leaning toward a dual compound tire. I ride around 85% commuting with an occasional trip to the mountains for some twisty roads. Since I live in the desert I’m not really worried about riding in the rain. I added prices for a set to the list because I think any of these brands would work well and I’d like to get the best deal I could. The other consideration is having the tires mounted and balanced. Cyclegear is the cheapest in town and charges $25 per tire to mount and balance if bought there, $35 per if bought else where. So if I go with them it’s a $20 savings plus they usually have what I want in stock. Oh yeah, I know someone is going to say “buy the tools and mount them yourself”. Thanks, but not interested right now. Currently I’m leaning toward the BT-021’s. Let me know what you think!

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Dunlop Roadsmart – Dual Compound
268 – Motorcycle-SuperStore.com
285 – CycleGear.com
251 – SW Moto

Michelin Pilot Road 2 - Dual Compound
307 – SW Moto

Bridgestone BT021 - Dual Compound
224 – SW Moto
260 – CycleGear.com
213 – Shadetreepowersports.com

Conti Road Attack
223 - Shadetreepowersports.com

Avon Storm
276 - Motorcycle-SuperStore.com
261 – SW Moto
238 - Shadetreepowersports.com

 

I have a set of Michelin Pilot Road IIs on my 06 and absolutely love them. They handle very differently than my OEMs. The bike feels more nimble and makes me feel more confident at leaning the bike over with out slip. I only have about 500 miles on them so far and have no complaints.

 

Lat year I could not finad anyone who had a set of Raod 2's in stock so I got a set of Pilot Powers... But now that te Road @'s are not so new and the stock is up I would get them in a heartbeat... I know 2 people who have them and they will never go back to any other tire...

 

used 2 sets of pilot powers and just put on the conti road attacks. the road attacks are great ,rode them at the dragon and surronding aeras as hard as I ever road any bike i owened. tires never slipped once. love them and ordered a 2nd set for when these are kicked. best tire for the buck IMO

 

I run Metzler SPORTEC M3 FRONT AND REAR, TOO probably got 1100 miles on em. They feel real nice. I swear by them. Metzler only makes Motorcycle tires.

Der Stuka, What caused your blow out? Do you know?

 

I ran the OEM METZ and liked them until they were at the half tread life mark. They seem to get harder as they wear and slip more. I got rid of them after a lowside and put the Mich 2CTs on. LOVE the 2CTs. The bike is a different beast with them on. More nimble, greater lean angle, quicker turn in. Keep that in mind should you change tires. Tires affect the hanlling and the bike might not be the same animal you droped off at the dealer once you have new tires on.

The other tire I hear good things about and might use in the future is the new Dunlop roadsmart. Similar theory behind the constuction as the 2CTs but reports are that they are realy good in the rain.

 

LOL Can't let a tire thread go untouched One word " Pirelli" Once you have had em, you'll never look at another tire.

 

Thanks for all the responses. Jason, thats the price for a SET. If anyone knows of a drastically cheaper price, let me know.

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I would vote for the Conti Road Attacks. I've had two sets now and absolutely love the feedback, grip and excellent wear. I've gotten around 65-7000 out of the rears and 10000 out of the fronts. Unfortunately I got in a bind and ended up buying a set of BT021 Battlax's as a replacement set on my Viffer and I have not been very impressed with them. I have around 2000 on the rear and it is flatspotting. This was never the case on my Conti's until around 5500 miles. The tire also is very neutral and just has no feel.

Thumbs up for Conti's!

 

thanks for the warning! getting close to half way noticing they don't hold the conners like they used to thought i was just getting more daring but maybe not should change them anyways to many plugs

 

Thanks for the input! I was leaning toward the BT021's but a guy at work has them and says the same thing. Now I'm looking at the either the Conti's or the Road 2's.

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I'll go for the Roadsmart or the Pilot Road II when it is time. I like the dual compound idea, since my back tires always wear out in the middle. I notice a disturbing lack of corners on most highways...

 

For the first time in many many years I'm running a Dunlop tire. The Roadsmart tire has transformed the VFR into the best handling bike I've ever ridden. I've got about 1500 mi. on this set and you'd have to fight me to get me to switch. I can't speak for wet weather performance yet but for the dry they just don't get any better. I tend to ride a little more aggressive than I should at my age but I can't help but feel I'm 35 yr. old again when I climb on the VFR. I think everybody should fully investigate and consider the Roadsmart as the best tire for the VFR.

 

I second that remark!

 

Just curious How many have tried the Pirelis? Corsa Diablos or even know about em? beside me and Bubba. Not that the tire you ride on isn't working, but if you're looking for a great tire, don't discount em by not checking em out.