Pirelli Vs Dunlop Vs Metzler

I just bought a new 2006 VFR ABS, which came with Dunlop Sportmax II D204 tyres. My last bike was a 2004 Honda Hornet, which I had just fitted a set of Pirelli Diablo's to about 3 months ago. The Honda.co.uk website said the VFR would come with Metzler ZR17M's, which I was quite happy about, as these are very similar to my Pirelli Diablo's. I haven't read much about the Sportmax II and was just wondering if anyone else has tried them or should I be looking for my old/new Pirelli Diablo tyres back or asking for a set of Metzerl's as advertised on the Honda site. The size of the tyre's for my Hornet were the same as the VFR, so there would be no issue swappng them.

Wheel dimension for VFR and Hornet

Tyres Front 120/70
Tyres Rear 180/55

 

I can't comment on the other tires but my viffer also came with the Dunlops. I have not noticed any major problems with them. My chicken strip is about 6-7mm so I am not pushing really hard. I have noticed a little uncertainty with the front tire in cooler weather. Not sliding but a little like it might. No problems at all with the rear or the front in warmer weather. I have Helibars which changes the balance a little so I may be running tire pressure a little high on the front, presently 36psi.

 

My original '03 Gen6 came with Dunlop D204's, they seemed ok until I gave them a bit of a sustained caining once in our Alpine Region, when they went off they stayed off even though they had lots of tread left but were like butter to ride on with rear slipping out everywhere, total crap tyre's...

The then new Michelin Pilot Powers ( April '04 ) were amazing in comparison turned in quickly but predictably and havn't gone off no matter how hard I have hammered them, onto my third set, 2nd on my now Gen 5 and wouldn't consider anything else currently on the market.

 

I have nevre heard anything good about Dunlop tyres. I questioned the bikeshop where I have bought my last two Honda's form and he fobbed me off with some rubbish about how he wouldn't expect Honda to put anything but good quality tyres on their bike. I asked how come they didn't come with the advertised Metlzer's on the UK website, which he fobbed me off with some other rubbish answer. From the guys that I know that work in Ducatti and BMW, who frequent the same cafe shop I go to on a daily basis, they said they will not let any bike leave their show room with a set of Dunlops on them. Looks to me like I was done by my own bike shop... Well I certainly enjoyed my Diablo's on my Hornet and have heard lots about the Pilots. So I reckon it will be time to go back to the bike shop and see if they can cut me any deal on a new set of tyres.