sports or sports touring tyres? (and which ones)

The front tyre (Dunlop sportsmax) is quite worn on one side (I guess the PO enjoyed right hand bends or roundabouts!), so needs changing (VFR800 1999). The rear is ok, but I might change both in one go if I can justify the expense. I don't do many miles at (1500 per year) but want good grip and confidence in handling - especially if I get caught out and have to brake hard or run into a corner a bit fast (of course, I'd try to avoid doing either!). Would you recommend I get a sports tyre (such as BT016 or PilotPower 2/3) or a sports-touring tyre (eg BT023 or Pilot road 2)? Or is there not much between them (sports vs sports touring) unless really gunning it (which I don't really intend to do). Many thanks

 

Seeing as you don't do high mileage and want good all weather grip with predicable handling can recommend Street/sport tyres like my previous Pirelli Rossi 2s or my current Michelin Power 3s.

I rate both these highly in all road conditions at all speeds especially over my earlier Road 3s which lasted well and were amazing in the wet but turn in was too slow and were hard work when riding hard over long distance twisties or the earlier Dunlop Q2s which were brilliant in hot dry weather on smooth roads but frightening in cold wet conditions.

Another Street Sports tyre I could recommend would be Dunlop Sportsmarts, a friend who had them on his Gsxr1000 & K1300S rated them equal to the Q2s in hot dry but unlike the Q2s they were also excellent in the cold and wet.

 

I'd recommend the Pilot Road 3's too, got them on my bike and although I do moremiles than yourself each year I can say with confidence that they are good for all conditions, havent tried it off road though

 

I second the Michelin pr3s. I've had them on my bike now for a year plenty of tread left and comute to work 75 miles a day. Always check air pressure weekly.

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I used to have the BT021 originally and they provided massive grip and performance, although not very confident inspiring in the wet. They don't last long either. Since then, (two years ago) I have had them replaced with BT023...these tyres are awesome!
They last for ages, so far 2,724 miles to be exact, they offer great grip both in the wet and dry and no nasty surprises when you have to radically change you riding style, like chasing after a mate when you realize he has your wallet!!! Remember this tyre has a tri compound, you can actually feel the difference in temperatures across the tyre after a good run, just as sticky, if not even better than the 21's round corners. Still have plenty of tyre left and will be replacing them with the same.

 

here we go again... op2:

 

Not to change the subject, but what do you guys think of the Dunlop Sportmax Q3s? They seem to be pretty good tires from the reviews I've seen on them...

 

Any set of tires ya toss up here are going to be good, bad or indifferent and will last some dudes a week and 500 miles or ten years and 20,000 miles. Or you could ask aboot oil and really get loaded up with BS..

 

The price of michelins is really high in my area (and for some reason garages here not so keen on them), so am trying to decide between BT016-pros and BT023s. Any thoughts on those choices please?

 

I had the 23's on when i bought the bike and whilst good I was able to get them to slip in the wet, the pr3's i've not though and nearly shaved off all the chicken strips when we was having rain everyday for like a month. I don't think you can put a price on grip. Shop around and hopefully something will come up

 

yeah.. get the michelin Pilot Road 3.. the price difference can't be that great.. at your mileage will last for years..

 

I just put new Pirelli angel GT and love them . The center of the tire is designed for high mileage and the sides are sticky for cornering dual compound .

 

I went from the pr3's to the pp2ct's and prefer the pp's. The pp's were about 30% cheaper and the pr's went about 30% farther making the economics pretty much a wash. I like the softer feel of the pp's and enjoy pushing it a little when the roads are dry but am a pussy in the wet.

 

I just put on a set of Pilot Road 4's. Sorry still cold in Chicago and I only have 150 miles on them. No help from me!