Dunlop Q2s ( Sportmax ) Vs new Sportsmarts ?

I've been thinking of trying the R3s next, my last set of R2s lasted 10,600miles Front 8,500miles rear.

 

Wow! That's more like it.
I find the Q2's OK nothing special but they will be shot at about 3500. I Have some PR2's on my VTR and they seem to grip as good as the Q2.
Never tried PR2's on the VFR but they will be my next set. I really need my tires to last a min of 6000 miles.

 

Havcar, Thanks for the pro advice. I have noticed my VFR tends to steer very slowly but maybe its me. I have been experimenting with rear ride height and wanted to drop the front end a few more mm already did 5mm .Where is the best/ cheapest place to get m3's? at. My dealer will mount them for $45.00. I know they wear much faster but more stick= confidence = more fun....Thanks again.

 

^^^ Motorcycle Superstore is the cheapest I've seen. With free shipping on orders over $89, a pair should set you back about $195; not bad, considering they were $350-$400 last season. You may want to get the tires mounted before you drop the forks again. I suspect that the current 5mm drop, combined with the new tires, will give you all the turn in you want; short of sacrificing high-speed stability. Let me know how they work out, after you've tried them it's going to be very difficult to go back to a sport-tourer. If you're like me, sometimes a little more expense is worth the gain.

 

Hav my man, one more question. Have you looked into the new (much more expensive) M5's. Rave reviews. You are right Motorcycle SS has the M3's for $204 otd.

 

Yeah, the M5's look to be great. My understanding is that basic performance hasn't changed in regard to shoulder (lean) angles. Metz added more silica for a slightly different compound, which is friendlier in wet conditions, but does nothing in a dry environment (Metzelers track only tires, "Racetecs", do not have the added silica and are closer in compound to the M3, although softer). Essentially the same stick and lean as the M3 in dry conditions, with improvements being made in the wet. There was some minor tweaking on center band tension which supposedly gives the tire a little more longevity down the middle, and even more high-speed stability, which is amazing considering how stable the M3's already are. Neutrality, a Metz trademark, remains the same. Unlike most other manufacturers, Metz uses tension belts and refuses to use dual or tri compounds. So no funky inconsistencies going from one compound to the next. I'd like to try the M5, but the slight upgrades on the M5 don't outweigh the cost benefit of the reduced price M3's; at least for now. But I avoid rain when at all possible, so for a person who doesn't, the M5 would be a nice step up.

Metzeler Sportec M5 Review

 

Great info. I try to avoid rain as much as possible. I have a set of M3s coming from the superstore for $199. Hope it does not rain now.

 

Just changed my Q2s for the new Michelin Road 3s after reading an excellent write up in UK BIKE Mags ST Tyre tests in preparation for a tour next month, let you know how they go.