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Groins_NZ
9th August 2005, 11:09
Hi all,

I need a new rear tyre fairly soon and I'm thinking I wouldn't mind something I can get a little more mileage out of. I currently have a Michelin Pilot Power fitted front & rear which have given excellent performance. Considering my riding profile, however, I think I should fit some sport/touring tyres instead.

Does anyone have any riding experience with the following brands?

<B>#1 - Diablo Strada > Extended Mileage > Sport/Touring</B>

<B>#2 - Michelin Pilot Road > Sport/Touring</B>

<B>#3 - Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Radial > Sport/Touring</B>

<B>#4 - Avon AV45/AV46 Azaro-ST > Sport/Touring</B>

Many thanks,
M.


<B>Update: 07/09/2005</B>

Well in the end I went for the Diablo Stradas - basically because one of the reps offered me a price that I would have been raving mad to refuse. Latest comments at the top of the thread for your convenience.

<B>Previous Update: 20/08/2005 "Still fresh and unscrubbed... maaaatttte!"</B>

Got the Pirellis fitted today. Thought I'd post a couple of pics. Rear tyre tread is very chunky looking & rubber very supple. Ride home over Paekak Hill was sweet, just cruising and the bike felt nice and smooth - I think the tires take some of the bumpiness out of the ride.

Here ya go, after the first 30km...
<table align="center" border="1" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="95">
<tr align="center" valign="middle">
<TD><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/30km/rear_30_thumb.jpg"></TD>
<TD><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/30km/front_30_thumb.jpg"></TD>
<TD><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/30km/front_side_30_thumb.jpg"></TD>
</tr>
</table>


<B>07/09/2005: The Latest...</B>
<P style="line-height:1.4em">
Diablo Strada update…

Thought I’d post a running update on the Diablo Stradas I got fitted last month. I’ve just done over 2000Kms (2105 to be exact) on them now. I’ve been running 36ish front and 42ish (psi) in the rear.

Impressions of the tires are good if not excellent and I haven’t got anything bad to say about them… so far. I commute everyday to work on them – 30Km one way, weekend scratches and an occasional hoon (like the 300Km I did last night through the Wairapapa and Manawatu).

It’s noticeable how quickly the tires warm up, or maybe it’s just the inherent ‘stickiness’ they exude. I live around the Pauatahanui inlet so each morning I have a few twisties and chicanes to ride straight out of the gate, which doesn’t give the tires much time to warm up yet I have never felt paranoid about loosing grip. Albeit I’m probably what you might call a ‘nanny’ rider and not pushing the tires as far as they might go.

Another thing I’ve taken considerable notice of is my increased speed through corners. I seem to be riding much more aggressively on these tires yet I feel totally comfortable in doing so. In fact a lot of the time, mid-corner, I’m very aware that “it feels comfortable” and I’ve “got room to move” or “tighten up” – that’s a nice feeling. Very stable under moderate to heavy cornering.

I think the tires also help in smoothing out the ride.

I’ve experienced some loose gravel and road works without any problems – nothing out of the ordinary anyway. I went out one night and ventured out onto Moonshine Road (off Haywards Hill road) for the first time; what a gnarly road! A bit like doing the Makara Road only narrower and ‘twistier’. I didn’t get to see much of the surroundings being night time so I went again a couple of days later after work. Turn’s out there’s a whole section of road with a new surface that I didn’t even notice the night before. Not that I’m condoning spooning on a couple of Stradas and riding like a bastard on gravel roads.

They do turn in differently compared to the Michelins I had. I don’t know what it is but you soon get used to it. I’ve had a few ‘thangs’ up Paekakariki Hill road and that’s I real buzz on these tires. I seem to be able to switch side to side uber quick, with little effort, making for an exhilarating ride. The bike doesn’t fall into the corners, it’s still a progressive/smooth turn in.

Riding in the wet has been limited due to favourable weather conditions of late. I did make a trip to Wanganui the other weekend and left home in ‘piss-sisting’ rain and a howling Northerly. Not too much to worry about here (unless diesel is involved of course). If you ride to the conditions the tires keep traction and are still as predictable as if riding on a dry surface. The black tar seams that the ‘roadies’ use to repair cracks in the surface aren’t so much of a worry either. Nor are manhole covers and road markings it seems – I’m always paranoid about these obstacles since my seat height (or is that short stature?) means only my toes being on the deck when stationary.

Tread wear is minimal and the profile seems to be even still - at least I can’t really tell after just 2000kms (that must be good, right?) but it looks all good. It’ll be interesting to see how they wear when the weather warms up.

I’m registered to do the Rusty Nuts GC next month and I’m hoping there’s still plenty of rubber left for a few more thousand Kms after that. Can’t think of anything else to comment on so that’s it folks, cheers.
</P>

Some more pics after 2000Kms...
<table align="center" border="1" cellspacing="8" cellpadding="2" width="100">
<tr align="center" valign="middle">
<TD><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/2000km/rear_end_2000_thumb.jpg"></TD>
<TD><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/2000km/rear_side_2000_thumb.jpg"></TD>
<TD><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/2000km/front_end_2000_thumb.jpg"</TD>
<TD><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/2000km/front_side_2000_thumb.jpg"</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P>&nbsp;</P>

vifferman
9th August 2005, 11:35
I've had Avons, but I had the AV49-SP front, and an AV46-ST rear on my VTR1000. Good combo, but I don't think the feel was as good as Bridgestones.

Hitcher swears by the Z6s, and so I'm either going to go for those next on my VFR, or maybe the Pilots.

Pixie
9th August 2005, 11:53
The Z6 will give you the best durability and near sport tyre grip,the pirelli are apparently the same technology (pirelli own metzeler)
I've used avon but have had several sets of Z6

stify
9th August 2005, 12:36
got z6's on me vtr,although I'm not hard on them they seem to wear ok
good grip,wet & dry(well better than the oe dunlops anyway) and did get a rear punture,after bout 4000 kms on it,don't think tyre was at fault

madboy
9th August 2005, 13:22
For what it's worth, I was gonna buy the Z6 but they were outta stock so I bought the M1s instead. Haven't had them on long enough to comment on durability, but they've come through two track days (I'm a pussy). I'm told they will wear square from all my commuting, but no sign of it yet touch wood.

I think Jimbo runs M1s.

Much better than the Dunlop D208 on the back when I got it. And the Avon front tyre was worse than crap.

Hitcher
9th August 2005, 13:23
Yeah, Z6s truly rock. Your Hornet will love you for them. The ST gave some dude on a GSXR1000 a good hurry up on his ascent of the Takas on Sunday. I suspect he would have gone quicker if he had concentrated more on his own ride rather than on the large red bike that was all over his arse. Suffice it to say the Z6s inspire rather more cornering confidence than the former Battlax 020s...

vifferman
9th August 2005, 13:43
Suffice it to say the Z6s inspire rather more cornering confidence than the former Battlax 020s...
Yeah, yeah... blah blah blah... (I told you Hitcher liked 'em)
Just how much commission do you get, by the way? :whistle:
Seriously, I'm doing my best to wear out the Bridgestones. I think I'd like them better with a more sporty front; I don't like the way the transition from 'leaned' to 'leaned a bit more' feels, which is odd for such a rounded tyre profile. It's also odd given that I absolutely LURVD going from Azaros to Bridgestones on the 750 (but then that had a BT012 on the front).
Maybe some more fettling of the suspension (such as there is available) might help....

Groins_NZ
9th August 2005, 14:34
All awesome replies - thanks very much lads n' lasses!

P.S. I found this on the Web...
http://www.sport-touring.net/cgi-bin/msgboard/ikonboard.cgi?;act=ST;f=4;t=34913;&#top

James Deuce
9th August 2005, 14:53
I had the Avons on my GSX600 and they transformed it from an unweildy pig to a precise steering pleasure. They lasted well and were the best tyres I've had on a bike in the wet. They are the only tyre that have given me the confidence to play with my traction limits, not because they are super sticky but because they are utterly predictable. There's no, grip, grip, grip, "ahhhhh wtf why am I 20ft in the air?" with them. You can use them right to the edge and the feel when you get there is really good.

Lou Girardin
9th August 2005, 14:54
I vote for Z6's too. Sold a few to guys that have used sports tyres previously and they seem happy with them as well. We still have a deal at AMPS on them.
A pair for $459.00 inc.

Firefight
9th August 2005, 15:04
Blah blah, blah,I think we have done this b4.... Yes I totally agree that the Z6s are a good tyre, as I have stated b4, very good in the wet, fantastic for corners, a very grippy tyre.

I can not boast the claimed high mileage that some do, but they are a far better tyre than the dunlops that Yamahas seem to come with, well IMHO

Have bought them off Amps, WMCC, and Motohaus, all have given good deals at the time.

F/F :ride:

Sensei
11th August 2005, 22:30
Due to my high corner speeds I have gone for a M1 front & to get some K's out of the back have put Z6's on there . Got 7500k out of the 1st rear in the summer but . Should have gone for a M1 in the winter as the cold has not let the tyre get up to temp & when been caned it has ripped the shit out of it with 5500k looking like it may be about it . Still I'll be putting another Z6 back on as they have as much grip as all but the best would need . At $289 for a Z6 rear & $199 for a M1 how could you not go past these . :Punk:

Groins_NZ
12th August 2005, 11:06
Due to my high corner speeds I have gone for a M1 front & to get some K's out of the back have put Z6's on there . Got 7500k out of the 1st rear in the summer but . Should have gone for a M1 in the winter as the cold has not let the tyre get up to temp & when been caned it has ripped the shit out of it with 5500k looking like it may be about it . Still I'll be putting another Z6 back on as they have as much grip as all but the best would need . At $289 for a Z6 rear & $199 for a M1 how could you not go past these . :Punk:

I read that it was unwise to run a different front tyre if you had the Z6 on the rear as both the Z6 front & rear worked in unison when riding in the wet i.e. the front is meant to disperse water for the rear - or something like that?

Hitcher
12th August 2005, 11:15
I read that it was unwise to run a different front tyre if you had the Z6 on the rear as both the Z6 front & rear worked in unison when riding in the wet i.e. the front is meant to disperse water for the rear - or something like that?
As the resident cheerleader for Z6s, that's exactly right.

Groins_NZ
12th August 2005, 17:45
Well, believe or not, after all that I've gone with the Pirelli Stradas as the guy I get my tires from offered them at a price cheaper than all the other options!!! I know, couldn't believe it myself. I can't post the price here because it's just too obscene (okay maybe when I get home).

I couldn't find many reviews on the Web for them as they are new to market so I’ll post my impressions here for others in the near future.

Sensei
12th August 2005, 18:29
I read that it was unwise to run a different front tyre if you had the Z6 on the rear as both the Z6 front & rear worked in unison when riding in the wet i.e. the front is meant to disperse water for the rear - or something like that?

Have had different tyre on my bikes for 30y's . Haven't found a set that are perfect together even when they are the same brand . I use the best front & best back of the same brand eg soft/hard compounds & sometimes different ones mix matched . Do what you want dude you'll learn :yes:

Zapf
12th August 2005, 23:38
Had M1's for the front and Z6's for the rear on the SV650S... rode it pretty hard down in the mainland the April just been and they were great! I also had anywhere from no luggage to around 30/40kg of luggage while at it..

I'll be getting the same thing again for the 750 when I wear out the 014's :)

Re the M1 Vs Z6 front tread... they are basiclly the same, and the Z6 rear has more than enough grooves for water I think....

jimbo600
14th August 2005, 21:33
Z6 are the bizzo. I had them on my old GSXR750 and they lasted a while plus they performed very well at Manfeild and Pukekohe trackdays.

mjvduc
19th August 2005, 16:43
My 2 cent,

I can reckon Metzlers (M-1 or racetech), find them very sticky and easy to control. They don’t like the cold and compare to pilot sport and power not that good in the wet. After a short play with Michelins :puke: (sport and power) I’ve just done 600k’s on BT014 and found those shoes as good as Metzlers.


mjvduc

Btw there is a big difference between Metzler and Pirelli!!!! Metzler is made and engineered in germany :Punk:

Zapf
19th August 2005, 18:21
My 2 cent,

I can reckon Metzlers (M-1 or racetech), find them very sticky and easy to control. They don’t like the cold and compare to pilot sport and power not that good in the wet. After a short play with Michelins :puke: (sport and power) I’ve just done 600k’s on BT014 and found those shoes as good as Metzlers.


mjvduc

Btw there is a big difference between Metzler and Pirelli!!!! Metzler is made and engineered in germany :Punk:

So you recon the BT014 is on par with the M1's? Any idea price wise how they compare?

mjvduc
19th August 2005, 23:28
So you recon the BT014 is on par with the M1's? Any idea price wise how they compare?

metzlers or sportec's are a bit pricier than bridgestones, at least in NZ :chase: 220NZD front to 245 (M-1) and 250 rear to 280 (M-1) size 120/70 and 180/55. I’m defiantly a sportec fan, but over here the tyre prices are high and the roads aren’t that good either.


My 2 cents (again)

Pirelli (super) corsa: stunning tyre, top in dry conditions and good in the wet as well, but too expensive over here (3500k’s)
Metzler/sportec: my personal favorite, stunning tyre and very good to handle. not that good in the wet and in cold conditions but always good for 5000k’s (rear tyre)
Pilot power and sport: rear tyre was done after 2500k’s and I had always an unsafe feeling. But a good tyre for cold and wet conditions, wouldn’t buy it in the summer.
BT014, just done 600k’s but was positive surprised nice handling and grip.


mjvduc

Zapf
19th August 2005, 23:35
metzlers or sportec's are a bit pricier than bridgestones, at least in NZ :chase: 220NZD front to 245 (M-1) and 250 rear to 280 (M-1) size 120/70 and 180/55. I’m defiantly a sportec fan, but over here the tyre prices are high and the roads aren’t that good either.


My 2 cents (again)

Pirelli (super) corsa: stunning tyre, top in dry conditions and good in the wet as well, but too expensive over here (3500k’s)
Metzler/sportec: my personal favorite, stunning tyre and very good to handle. not that good in the wet and in cold conditions but always good for 5000k’s (rear tyre)
Pilot power and sport: rear tyre was done after 2500k’s and I had always an unsafe feeling. But a good tyre for cold and wet conditions, wouldn’t buy it in the summer.
BT014, just done 600k’s but was positive surprised nice handling and grip.


mjvduc


I have just done about 3'500 k's on the factory BT014's and the rear is looking slightly low... and I am a nana..! so will let u know when I finally run out of the rear aya.

Sensei
19th August 2005, 23:39
Btw there is a big difference between Metzler and Pirelli!!!! Metzler is made and engineered in germany :Punk:[/QUOTE]

Dude they are made by the same people in the same factory . Just not made public .

mjvduc
20th August 2005, 13:23
Btw there is a big difference between Metzler and Pirelli!!!! Metzler is made and engineered in germany :Punk:

Dude they are made by the same people in the same factory . Just not made public .[/QUOTE]

No, they do run separate engineering departments, test teams and you won’t find any metlzers made in italy (so far). Pirelli and metzler merged back in 1986 to keep up with the japs.

mjvduc :hitcher:

Sensei
20th August 2005, 15:10
Dude they are made by the same people in the same factory . Just not made public .


No, they do run separate engineering departments, test teams and you won’t find any metlzers made in italy (so far). Pirelli and metzler merged back in 1986 to keep up with the japs.mjvduc :hitcher:

Sorry Dude was told to me by NZ Road race Champion & Ilse of Man winner thought he might know something .Oh well will have to bash him when I see him this week for you for Lying to me . :oi-grr:

Groins_NZ
20th August 2005, 18:13
Got the Pirellis fitted today. Thought I'd post a couple of pics. Rear tyre tread is very chunky looking & rubber very supple. Ride home over Paekak Hill was sweet, just cruising and the bike felt nice and smooth - I think the tires take some of the bumpiness out of the ride.

Here ya go, after the first 30km...

mjvduc
21st August 2005, 07:43
Sorry Dude was told to me by NZ Road race Champion & Ilse of Man winner thought he might know something .Oh well will have to bash him when I see him this week for you for Lying to me . :oi-grr:


hit him hard for talking bull :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Hitcher
21st August 2005, 15:52
Got the Pirellis fitted today. Thought I'd post a couple of pics. Rear tyre tread is very chunky looking & rubber very supple. Ride home over Paekak Hill was sweet, just cruising and the bike felt nice and smooth - I think the tires take some of the bumpiness out of the ride.

Here ya go, after the first 30km...
Hmmm. Same modus operandi as a Z6. And they look remarkably similar as well. Enjoy them!

aff-man
21st August 2005, 16:59
My 2c.

Had diablo's on the Cibber. Had some pretty good grip and i found they had reliabl;e feedback, no "just let go" moments on them. I got 6000km out of the front and rear. (yes both wore out evenly)

Replaces them with avons a sport tourer on the rear and a sport on the front. Only had 1 or 2 decent ride on them but from what i can gather the front sticks like flies to shit. The rear is also pretty good under power and holds well when warm. Very good in the wet. $500 a set.

Got M1's on the gixxer and they seem to do a good job as well. :Punk:

Please let me know how long those strada's last cause i might think of getting some ex-racies for the gixxer when these ones wear out (poor student) but if they last ages i might spend the dough on the strada's :ride:

Dafe
21st August 2005, 17:05
I have a mate who has a TL1000 and commutes every day over the Wainuiomata hill. Rain or shine. If you don't know this road, It's very fast with poor camber and when wet, is very slippery.

My mates gone to the Pirelli Diablos and he has just clocked 10,000km on them and they look only half worn. I was bald on my SV1000 at 9,000Km and I'm an easy going rider and he's a hoon riding a demanding road daily.
He has commented on not noticing any loss in traction from the Diablos.
He has been convincing me to try them.

T.I.E
21st August 2005, 17:10
yep got z6's on my cbr1000f (94 model) heavy. have to say that i have had the rear step out many times but never to the fault of the tyres. road condtions and a heavy wrist to get the old girl moving early. but when ever they could they have gripped for me. a few small tank slappers and its all good.
so i have nothing bad to say about them.

Lou Girardin
22nd August 2005, 08:57
No, they do run separate engineering departments, test teams and you won’t find any metlzers made in italy (so far). Pirelli and metzler merged back in 1986 to keep up with the japs.

mjvduc :hitcher:

Do you really think that they don't interchange technology?

mjvduc
22nd August 2005, 09:21
Do you really think that they don't interchange technology?

I'm sure they do, one of the reasons they merged. metzler was a leading tyre manufacturer, but simply to small and too expensive and pirelli wanted there technology.

life goes on, think both manufacturers are more than good.

mjv

Groins_NZ
7th September 2005, 23:20
Latest update... see top-o-the-thread.

Hitcher
8th September 2005, 13:05
An interesting wear pattern evident -- out to the edge (almost) on the rear but not so much on the front.

Also 42psi in the rear sounds a bit hard for a Hornet. Is that what Honda/Pirelli recommend, or are you experimenting?

Groins_NZ
9th September 2005, 08:03
An interesting wear pattern evident -- out to the edge (almost) on the rear but not so much on the front.

Also 42psi in the rear sounds a bit hard for a Hornet. Is that what Honda/Pirelli recommend, or are you experimenting?

An equally interesting point Hitcher. The wear pattern you mention, I thought, was normal, as the front has a much steeper curve - or is this something to do with how I ride? Any comments KB'rs?

Pounds per Square Inch - 1 pounds (square inch) = 0.000292639653 m2 kg

I don't know too much about what Psi I should be running. My Hornet manual advises 42 rear, 36 front (the same when carrying a pillion incidentally). Although, a couple of mechanics I've talked to in the past have suggested running 32ish front and rear. D'you think I could let a couple of 0.000292639653 m2 kg out?

Sensei
9th September 2005, 08:51
Your trye's will gain approx 4lb when they get hot so just keep that in mind . 34-36 F / 34-38 R . Now Summer is here you could run alittle less with the roads warming up .

Lou Girardin
11th September 2005, 16:52
An equally interesting point Hitcher. The wear pattern you mention, I thought, was normal, as the front has a much steeper curve - or is this something to do with how I ride? Any comments KB'rs?

Pounds per Square Inch - 1 pounds (square inch) = 0.000292639653 m2 kg

I don't know too much about what Psi I should be running. My Hornet manual advises 42 rear, 36 front (the same when carrying a pillion incidentally). Although, a couple of mechanics I've talked to in the past have suggested running 32ish front and rear. D'you think I could let a couple of 0.000292639653 m2 kg out?


Set the tyres to factory specs stone cold, then recheck after around 50 k's riding. Pressure rise should be between 3 and 5 psi. If higher than this - raise tyre pressure 1 or 2 psi. If lower - drop the pressure.

Zapf
28th October 2005, 17:27
How was the Strada's thru the GC Groins_NZ?

Groins_NZ
29th October 2005, 11:31
<P>
<B>29/10/2005: The Latest...</B>
</P><P>
<B><FONT SIZE="3">Diablo Strada Update… 8,121Km</FONT></B>
</P><P>
Another chapter in the Diablo Stradas I had fitted to the Hornet a couple of months back. I've now done 8,121Kms on them, including completing the Rusty Nuts Grand Challenge - 1000miles in approx. 20hrs.
I've since equalised the pressure in the front and rear to approx. 32psi.
</P><P>
To date, I've had no major problems with them. There's been no occasion to 'soil my undies' due to the tyres slipping out from underneath me (tyres better than my riding ability anyway I think) and no punctures (god forbid!) although there are a good collection of notches in the rear from glass, etc (no worse than the Pilot Power I had before).
</P><P>
I've had plenty experience with these tyres in wet now. One night on the way home from Wellington was particularly memorable. Other folk from down this way may remember the recent storm that came through a few weeks back with torrential rain and wind. When I got to the Paramata roundabout the rain was 2 inches deep all over the road and water was spraying up, tank height, on both sides. Still with all this going on I didn't have any trouble, not even the slightest twitch.
</P><P>
Tread wear is evident now but it's not looking too bad still, considering the amount of kilometres. I was/am a little worried about the front wearing unevenly (see my other thread "Tyre Wear Question (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=18763)"), however, looking at it today it looks like it may of 'evened' out a bit, if that's possible. The concern I had was with the right side of the front tyre starting to wear at an angle rather than being rounded like the left side still is. I've taken a couple of profile photos so you can see for yourself, although I'm sure it doesn't look as bad as it did (after the Grand Challenge). Still waiting to see how the tyres fair on the hot seal once the weather really warms up.
</P><P>
Some more photos after 8000Kms. These are a thumbnail view, click on the image to open a bigger and more detailed version (some of them are 1.2Mb full size).
</P><P>
Cheers and ride safe to live another day!
</P>
<CENTER>
<FONT SIZE="3"><B>REAR - Pirelli Strada</B></FONT>
<HR SIZE="1" COLOR="red" width="90%">

<A HREF="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/8121km/rear_001.jpg"><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/8121km/small/rear_001_sm.jpg" hspace="4" align="left"></A>

<A HREF="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/8121km/rear_002.jpg"><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/8121km/small/rear_002_sm.jpg" hspace="4" align="left" style="position:relative;top:-32px;left:0px;"></A>

<A HREF="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/8121km/rear_003.jpg"><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/8121km/small/rear_003_sm.jpg" hspace="4" align="left"></A>

<A HREF="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/8121km/rear_004.jpg"><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/8121km/small/rear_004_sm.jpg" hspace="4" align="left" style="position:relative;top:-96px;left:0px;"></A>

<FONT SIZE="3"><B>FRONT- Pirelli Strada</B></FONT>
<HR SIZE="1" COLOR="red" width="90%">

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<A HREF="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/8121km/front_002.jpg"><img src="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/sj_stude/images/cb900_hornet/8121km/small/front_002_sm.jpg" hspace="4" align="left" style="position:relative;top:-32px;left:0px;"></A>

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Zapf
29th October 2005, 17:44
cheers for the update :) will make a nice good review this one..

btw how did you find the factory BT54's that came with the bike?

terbang
11th November 2005, 09:17
Great review I just put a pair of Strada's on myh 98 1200 bandit. Its had BT55's, Dunlop 204's, Dunlop 207's, BT 010's & Pirelli Diablo (last set) in its life from new. The Pirelli so far has been the best product and after a short fang the Strada is looking promising.

Groins_NZ
23rd March 2006, 21:45
Just finishing off my review on the Pirelli Stradas.

I got another set fitted last weekend. Price had gone up about $100 since last year in November, although they were given at a very special price the first time. I would have put an additional months riding on them (approx. 1200Km) if it wasn't for loosing the licence to ride. There was still a bit of meat on them but needed a new set fitted before going down South this weekend. I didn't get round to taking any photos this time sorry.

Handling quality had obviously diminished but you tend not to notice that when you’re riding everyday. It’s only when the new tyres are fitted that you realise what you were missing out on! The rear had worn a little flat across the middle so cornering wasn’t so confidence inspiring and was also a little skittish in the corners too. I still had plenty of side-wall tread to burn, alas I failed to heat them up enough times (not enough twisty hill climbing!). The rubber got it’s fair share of nicks and cuts but most importantly no punctures. I think the tyre actually ended up being in better nick than the previous Michelin Pilot Power I had on, possibly due to the harder compound the Stradas have in the middle of the tyre?

The front tyre wore at an angle on the right side – probably due to road camber but did not get seriously bad. Some evidence of ‘scalloping’ in the tread pattern as well but nothing like the first tyre I had, a Michelin Pilot Sport – that got really knarly at the end of it’s life.

Tyre stats. as follows:
*** Pirelli Diablo Stradas ***
Tyre: Front & Rear
Brought: 20/08/2005 @ 23,163Kms
Approx. Usage: 39,955 - 23,163 = 16,792
Cost: $564.00
Rear - $286.00
Front - $238.00
Cost per Km = $0.034 (approx)


Cheers all.

Lou Girardin
27th March 2006, 10:41
16,000 out of a rear?
How the hell do you do that?

beyond
27th March 2006, 17:05
16,000 out of a rear?
How the hell do you do that?

They live in Wellington Lou. :bleh:

It's always raining there and tyres last a lot longer on wet roads. :)