I need to replace my original rear tire on my '06. My stock tire is a dunlop speedmaster but from what I can tell Dunlop either doesn't make this tire anymore or it's just not available in Canada. I have no complaints about the stock tire so i'm not looking for a drastic change. I do however need some advise as to what would be a suitable replacement, I will be keeping the stock front tire so I guess I should be matching the "new" rear to this one. Any help would be great. Thanks.
You should really consider replacing both. The stock tires from the show room are typically terrible! But if you must keep the front - Dunlop 220 would match it reasonably. If you can go to replace both - Dunlop RoadSmarts, Michelin Pilot Road 2 are 2 great tires. Others will suggest more types. Good luck, MD
You probably wouldn't want to replace using the original equipment tires anyway since they aren't the greatest. It seems the stock front dunlops tend to cup a lot too. There's lots of tire reviews on here; some of the common ones for not super agressive riding seem to be michelin pilot road 2, dunlop roadsmart, continental road attack, etc.
I just put new rubber on my '06; went with Michelin CT2 - love 'em. Found them at ridedirect for a whole lot cheaper than anywhere else.
I just got back from N. Carolina and I looooove the Conti Road Attack. They are perfect for my style of riding: no knees down, but love the corners and only teeny chicken strips. I don't know about the longevity of them yet, but so far I recommend them highly.
longevity? Speaking of longevity, I have tried just about every tire so far, and if longevity is an issue for you, you should try Michelin Pilot Roads. They last the longest for me. They are not the stickiest, but I am willing to sacrifice a little so that I do not have to change tires so often. brian
Thanks for the advise, I have heard good things about the Roadsmarts from dunlop but I will have to check out the Michelins. I always swear by Michelin when it comes to my truck or car tires so I guess it would only make sense to take a closer look at them for my bike. If I do end up with the Dunlop road smarts should I reconsider and replace the stock front too. I have 8400km's on the bike and I am far from being an aggresive rider.
Yes jrj - you really should do both. Otherwise you would have a mismatch in performance of the front/rear tires and that could lead to handling issues. Anybody seen a good price on a RoadSmart rear? My local shop just quoted me at $186.17 plus mount and balance. Holy xxxx....... MD
Not sure for good price on the roadsmarts; for the michelin pr2 I got front and rear from derbycycles for about $300 I think it was. My local honda dealer wanted that much just for the rear! Not sure where a good place in Canada is to order them for the OP............
I'm on my thrid set on my 06. The stock cupped, the Dunlop upgrades cupped and the present Road Pilot 2's are starting to cup as well. But otherwise I am pleased with the Michelins. I agree with changing both at the same time. Is there really that much tread depth left on the front that makes you want to replace only the rear?
Hands down, Michelin Pilot Road 2 on the rear. 3000 miles on mine, with 2000+ slab and it looks like brand new. Also sticky enough for Deal's Gap and the whole beautiful area. I also have a Pilot Power on the front, wearing very well with about 6300 miles on it now. It "was" cupped" but 4 days in the twisties fixed the problem. Damn FL roads!
