Tire recommendations

I'm going to need some new tires come spring. I've never actually had a bike long enough to need new tires. Wondering if anyone can recommend some? I do most of my riding in the city. I'm looking for something that offers a nice balance between offering traction and a tread that wont wear out too fast.

and suggestions are appreciated!

 

While I'm not opposed to starting new tire threads - since there are always new models, reviews and products available - you'll find that opinions on tires vary to the extreme. My suggestion would be try using the seach function on this forum.

For a general comment: If you're not into continuously carving up the twisties, maybe consider a dual compound tire, such as something from Michelin (the PR3), or any other quality manufacturer out there - Continental, Dunlop, etc. For what its worth, I have the Michelin PR 2 on my bike, and they've been great all around - rain, warm up quick, stick in the corners for my ability, got about 5K miles and probably still another 3-4 left on them.

 

+1 Just go get yourself a set of PR2 or PR3 and you will be very happy. I have about 10K miles on them depend on how I ride. Some other have put more than 14K on a set of PR2 and PR3.

 

Do you like a particular brand? In Michelins, I like the pilot poer and the PR2. Did not read much reviews on the PR3. Bridgestone's, Look at the BT16 or 23's.

 

I vote Bridgestone BT-23. I have pr2 on one 4th gen vfr and bt-23 on the other. They are both good tires. The BT-23 are slightly cheaper. I could find fault with either. They do feel different. I have never reached the limit on the bt23 yet. but on the pr2 I have caught some gravel mid corner. There was lot of warning at the limit and was very predictable. I think the pr2 are better in the wet. I never drove the vfr with pr2 in the wet. But have ridden the sprint RS with pr2 in heavy rain and had no issues with traction.

If you don't have a preference, you can't go wrong with any of the major brand ST tires. The differences are very small between modern tires in the same category unless you explore the limits a lot at which point you may prefer the behavior of one to the other.

 

thanks for the info!

 

I was at Cycle Gear two weeks ago and they had Dunlap Qualifiers for $199 for the set. I did a search and those were a top of the line in 2006 if I remember correctly. Great price anyway. I did actually end up purchasing the Michelin pr3's for $299 from Chapparel. That's a hundred $ more than the Dunlaps but they will probably last a few thousand more miles and that's worth it to me to not have to change as often.
OBJ

 

Thoughts on the Bridgestone BT-16's? A local shop is offering a set for $350 installed.

I've found lots of reviews on line, but most from SS owners...

 

Those tires will not last long. They are super sport tires.

As mentioned you should look at the Pr2/3 or the Dunlop Roadsmart 2. All of them are amazing, I love the Roadsmarts myself.

 

I haven`t replaced the tire`s on my VFR I haven`t had it long enough but on my CB750 I`ve been using Metzeler lasertec they last and they are great in any weather.

 

Nowadays, I would buy the most Touring oriented, or hardest, type tires that you can find. Even the least stickiest Metzelers, or Michelins will allow you to get your knee down in a corner. For most of us, it is the center of the tire that is squaring off and wearing first. Michelin and Metzeler are at the top of the pile in my opinion.
You can usually save a considerable amount of cash by removing the wheels from your bike and just taking those into the dealership to be changed over.