Continental Motion or Pilot Road 2 for Bandit 1200?

[mynemesis]

What tyres are you using and what are they like?
Anyone know of any good deals going for a good new set?

I'm very near broke from pushing my budget right out to buy my Bandit. But after realising I have 13 year old tyres on it, I guess I need to push it some more.
Not much point saving money I can't take with me when I die (ironically, much sooner if I don't replace these black rings of death).

If possible I would like to avoid spending too much as that would result in being as good as dead when the misses finds out.

Seen cheap deal on a set of Conti Motion $350 and Botany Honda doing a deal right now on PR2 for $500 which I think I had on my Hyo gt650. Wasn't a bad tyre on that bike at least.

Anyway, asking for every KB forum members favorite thing - Opinions!

Cheers

[caspernz]

Tried Drury Tyres?

[mynemesis]

Tried Drury Tyres?

No but you are the second person to say that today so will likely give them a call. Thanks

Just wondering which tyres I should ask them to price for me?

[caspernz]

No but you are the second person to say that today so will likely give them a call. Thanks

Just wondering which tyres I should ask them to price for me?

Don't beat around the bush, just tell 'em you're on a tight budget, they'll set you on the right track.

Either choice of tyre you mentioned is ok, gotta be better than an old set...

[Big Dog]

Yep. Tell drury tyres your budget, bike and riding style / intentions.

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[caspernz]

Yep. Tell drury tyres your budget, bike and riding style / intentions.

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Haha, I'm guessing his intent is to spend less than 2 weeks in the dog box...:laugh:

[mynemesis]

Sweet I'll give them a call and see what they can advise. My impression was they were a general tyre (meaning pretty much just cars) place without much bike specific knowledge. But if you fellas think they know their shit!......?

and no avoiding the dog box, but yes trying to limit the amount of time spent there would be good.

Still got to sneak out enough money to get rear shock, front springs, braided lines, pads, jet kit and handlebars. Then maybe better seat, speedo underlay, led indicators, upgraded headlight or at least headlight bulb, tail tidy, etc = whole summer in the dog box. So maybe it's win / win with more time to ride?

[caseye]

Ring cycle treads in Barry's point road and ask for Mike, he's their tyre man, tell him what you want and how much you can spend, he'll do the rest, personally the conti's are OK, but I'd run with the PR's. I'm running Metzlers on my bandit and they are great, though not cheap, Mike will sort out the best deal he can for you remembering that it's a reasonably quick bike.
'

[nzspokes]

PR2s work well on the Bandit. Mate had Motions on a 1250 one and round coro loop he was lighting them up out of turns. Once you get used to the bike it will start eating fronts before rears.

I would also ask Richard at Moto One. Good guy and great prices.

I just fitted some Corsa's. See if the last the 1200k ride I have planned for the weekend.

[mynemesis]

Nice work with all the feedback and help. I'll be making some calls tomorrow to line up something asap.

Yeah I popped in and spoke to "someone" at moto one today. He was a proper nice guy whoever he was!?

Would be good to know what's the "best value" tyre/s and shop for the best price of that / those. However it does seem a little bit like tyre quality is a somewhat relative term. I'll make a few calls in the morning and let the experts advise me.

Cheers again

[Big Dog]

Haha, I'm guessing his intent is to spend less than 2 weeks in the dog box...[emoji23]
You need different river for different intentions. IYKWIM.

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[Big Dog]

PR2s work well on the Bandit. Mate had Motions on a 1250 one and round coro loop he was lighting them up out of turns. Once you get used to the bike it will start eating fronts before rears.

I would also ask Richard at Moto One. Good guy and great prices.

I just fitted some Corsa's. See if the last the 1200k ride I have planned for the weekend.

The set I just replaced lasted 24000kms. If they are only lasting 1200kms I'd be emptying my wallet every second week.

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[nzspokes]

The set I just replaced lasted 24000kms. If they are only lasting 1200kms I'd be emptying my wallet every second week.

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They are sport tyres and I like a corner. My bike has HP.

[iYRe]

FWIW, they havent made PR2's (or PR3's for that matter) for some years now. Any of these tires will be old stock.. and when i say old... like 5 years old. I personally wouldnt put any on my bike.

If it is more than one or 2 years, I'd be twitchy about it.. 5 or more is definitely no.. Your life depends on that rubber. You can figure it out here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a4047/how-old-are-your-tires-15441034/

I use Richard at motoone in manukau, and he gives great deals. You can probably get a set of PR4's for 600 or so.. dont spend 500 on old, superseded tires... its just not worth it.

[nzspokes]

FWIW, they havent made PR2's (or PR3's for that matter) for some years now. Any of these tires will be old stock.. and when i say old... like 5 years old. I personally wouldnt put any on my bike.

If it is more than one or 2 years, I'd be twitchy about it.. 5 or more is definitely no.. Your life depends on that rubber. You can figure it out here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a4047/how-old-are-your-tires-15441034/

I use Richard at motoone in manukau, and he gives great deals. You can probably get a set of PR4's for 600 or so.. dont spend 500 on old, superseded tires... its just not worth it.

Bullshit. My last set of PR2s were made in 2014.

[Blackbird]

FWIW, they havent made PR2's (or PR3's for that matter) for some years now. Any of these tires will be old stock.. and when i say old... like 5 years old. I personally wouldnt put any on my bike.


PR3's are still advertised as available at Cycletreads and Boyd Honda but in fairness, I haven't enquired to see if they're actually available. They are still available in other parts of the world. Personal experience with 2 sets of PR4's on the Triple shows relatively little gain over the PR3's. Rear tyre life is no different at ~15,000 km.... which is pretty good anyway. Front tyre life is marginally better which might be due to the wider spacing of the sipes and less flex. Performance of the 3's or 4's exceed my modest ability. I think I paid close to $700 for my last set at Drury Performance Centre so $600 or thereabouts is a good deal.

[iYRe]

PR3's are still advertised as available at Cycletreads and Boyd Honda but in fairness, I haven't enquired to see if they're actually available. They are still available in other parts of the world. Personal experience with 2 sets of PR4's on the Triple shows relatively little gain over the PR3's. Rear tyre life is no different at ~15,000 km.... which is pretty good anyway. Front tyre life is marginally better which might be due to the wider spacing of the sipes and less flex. Performance of the 3's or 4's exceed my modest ability. I think I paid close to $700 for my last set at Drury Performance Centre so $600 or thereabouts is a good deal.

I paid $600 ish for mine (I cant remember exactly, it was like $602 or something).

FWIW I also tried a conti motion on mine, admittedly secondhand, but it was terrifying. I got rid of it as soon as I could afford something else.

nzspokes, prove it.

[Big Dog]

They are sport tyres and I like a corner. My bike has HP.

I too like corners, never seen the need for a sticky compound though, isn't that what your wrist is for?
I have always found the two biggest factors in shredding tyres is how close to take off I am with my right arm flapping about and what notch on my belt I am using.;)



Mind you compared to the tyres I learned on, Shinkos are sticky tyres.

[nzspokes]

I paid $600 ish for mine (I cant remember exactly, it was like $602 or something).

FWIW I also tried a conti motion on mine, admittedly secondhand, but it was terrifying. I got rid of it as soon as I could afford something else.

nzspokes, prove it.
You do know all tyres have dates of manufacturer on them dont you.

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[nzspokes]

PR3's are still advertised as available at Cycletreads and Boyd Honda but in fairness, I haven't enquired to see if they're actually available. They are still available in other parts of the world. Personal experience with 2 sets of PR4's on the Triple shows relatively little gain over the PR3's. Rear tyre life is no different at ~15,000 km.... which is pretty good anyway. Front tyre life is marginally better which might be due to the wider spacing of the sipes and less flex. Performance of the 3's or 4's exceed my modest ability. I think I paid close to $700 for my last set at Drury Performance Centre so $600 or thereabouts is a good deal.

I found the PR3s great for commuting but average for fun riding. Sipes at the edges cause then to wobble so I guess thats why they changed the edges of the PR4s.

[nzspokes]

I too like corners, never seen the need for a sticky compound though, isn't that what your wrist is for?
I have always found the two biggest factors in shredding tyres is how close to take off I am with my right arm flapping about and what notch on my belt I am using.;)



Mind you compared to the tyres I learned on, Shinkos are sticky tyres.

Quick turn throttle, no arm flappy.

[Big Dog]

You do know all tyres have dates of manufacturer on them dont you.

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Their continued listing (albeit only in limited sizes) in the 2015 catalougue would suggest that they are still in production.
http://motorcycle.michelinman.com/content/download/155848/1971708/file/2015%20U.S.%20Fitment%20Guide_21%20Pilot%20Road%20 3%20and%20Pilot%20Road%202.pdf

It would not be unusual for a tyre manufacturer to continue to make a popular tyre in popular sizes if the charachteristics are different to the succeeding models.

[nzspokes]

Their continued listing (albeit only in limited sizes) in the 2015 catalougue would suggest that they are still in production.
http://motorcycle.michelinman.com/content/download/155848/1971708/file/2015%20U.S.%20Fitment%20Guide_21%20Pilot%20Road%20 3%20and%20Pilot%20Road%202.pdf

It would not be unusual for a tyre manufacturer to continue to make a popular tyre in popular sizes if the charachteristics are different to the succeeding models.

Of course. The last set off the Bandit are gone but I still have a few kicking about that are sitting under the shed. Could go check the dates but the couch is to comfortable.

[mynemesis]

Ive heard of someone recently who had late 2013 dated pr2s. Which is what I think I'm getting based on all reviews and reports. By the time I'm too fast for them I will likely need new rubber anyway or at least have some more money for tyres at least.

Didn't get to ring around today as sick son but will do tomorrow.

Gonna probably be swinging by sme soon and following your rejetting instructional nzspokes.

Pity the weather isn't co-operating as wanted though.

[local]

I bought a PR2 from Cycletreads mid last year, it was a very late 2013 build.

[mossy1200]

Got some very old conti motions on mine.
They slide around fine. Very exciting to ride on. Cant see why more people are not recommending them. They seem to be lasting very well, possibly due to not being able to get heat into them.

[SVboy]

I love pr2s-have them on my FZ1. They hang on just fine. Had a great run out of them on my GSX1200. Also had a ContiMotion on the rear, and it coped well, even in poor conditions, but not as good as a PR2.

[mynemesis]

Moto one said their PR2s were 2015!?

I'll pop down Monday as they are really close by.

[nzspokes]

Moto one said their PR2s were 2015!?

I'll pop down Monday as they are really close by.

Dont bother, doubt he will be open being a holiday and all.

Let us know if you want me to to point, stare and laugh when you do the carbs.

[mynemesis]

Dont bother, doubt he will be open being a holiday and all.

Let us know if you want me to to point, stare and laugh when you do the carbs.

Doh!:scratch:

Thanks Spokes. I still need to get my arse over to sme to grab those Jets. If I'm lucky I'll make it tomorrow and the exhaust will arrive tomorrow too (arrived at Auckland sorting office this afternoon according to ems tracking site).

If all that happens, I may well be able to use a point and laugh guide at some point over the weekend, if you're around. I do plan on pulling the bank out to give the carbs a good clean before rejetting.

[nzspokes]

Doh!:scratch:

Thanks Spokes. I still need to get my arse over to sme to grab those Jets. If I'm lucky I'll make it tomorrow and the exhaust will arrive tomorrow too (arrived at Auckland sorting office this afternoon according to ems tracking site).

If all that happens, I may well be able to use a point and laugh guide at some point over the weekend, if you're around. I do plan on pulling the bank out to give the carbs a good clean before rejetting.

Oh Im away for the weekend. PM me your e-mail addy and I can send you a document that will be of interest.

[Moise]

Boyds in Htown usually have good deals on Bridgestones. A set of T30's would be better than either of what you've suggested.

[AllanB]

$379 for top tyres. E-mail them to see what they will cost to courier to you. Factor in fitting at your end too, may blow out.

Fantastic price. Bloody good tyres - I rated them on my Hornet 900

http://www.avoncitysuzuki.co.nz/BreakingNews/?article=71

[nzspokes]

$379 for top tyres. E-mail them to see what they will cost to courier to you. Factor in fitting at your end too, may blow out.

Fantastic price. Bloody good tyres - I rated them on my Hornet 900

http://www.avoncitysuzuki.co.nz/BreakingNews/?article=71

$120 to fit 2 tyres? WTF?

[nzspokes]

I just fitted some Corsa's. See if the last the 1200k ride I have planned for the weekend.

Well they made it. Just. Now stuffed and will come off during the week.

[Mike.Gayner]

Well they made it. Just. Now stuffed and will come off during the week.

Jesus that's an expensive week.

[mynemesis]

$379 for top tyres. E-mail them to see what they will cost to courier to you. Factor in fitting at your end too, may blow out.

Fantastic price. Bloody good tyres - I rated them on my Hornet 900

http://www.avoncitysuzuki.co.nz/BreakingNews/?article=71

Wow! highly cheap :eek:, but for now, all things considered, I'm happy to spend an hour and grab a set of PR2s this week from the nice chap down the road at moto one. By the time they wear out I may have regained enough skills to warrant some better rubber.

[AllanB]

$120 to fit 2 tyres? WTF?

Ride in ride out price. Pretty sure they are making sweet F-all on the grab and go price for the hoops so if you want fitting you pay.

[nzspokes]

Ride in ride out price. Pretty sure they are making sweet F-all on the grab and go price for the hoops so if you want fitting you pay.

Most places are $20 to $30 an end.

[Banditbandit]

I've run both Comti Road Attacks and PRs (2, 3 and 4s) on my 1250 Bandit - I much prefer the PRs ..

[Swoop]

I love pr2s-have them on my FZ1.
+1.
Chewed up a set of PR2's and they were magnificent. Just the same with the PR3's.

Arse-puckering moments = 0.
Awsomeness in both wet AND dry conditions = WOOHOO!!!

[Blackbird]

+1.
Chewed up a set of PR2's and they were magnificent. Just the same with the PR3's.

Arse-puckering moments = 0.
Awsomeness in both wet AND dry conditions = WOOHOO!!!

Totally agree - and 2 sets of PR4's ditto :headbang:

[nzspokes]

Jesus that's an expensive week.

Thats how I roll.

[BrendonF]

PR4s all the way. I've just rolled 15,000km on my current set and still pretty good. I did 100,000 km on PR3s and was averaging 20,000km a set


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[mulletman]

PR4s all the way. I've just rolled 15,000km on my current set and still pretty good. I did 100,000 km on PR3s and was averaging 20,000km a set


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Im thinking this will change now your living down here...

[BrendonF]

I'm thinking the same


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[mynemesis]

PR4s all the way. I've just rolled 15,000km on my current set and still pretty good. I did 100,000 km on PR3s and was averaging 20,000km a set


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Thanks Brandon!

After being caught out with work for the past couple weeks I finally managed to drop in to arrange getting my pr2s bought and fitted........Gone!
Tried Cycletreads.........Special offer is now OVER!

Looks like I missed out and will now have to decide whether I wait and save a bit more to get some pr3/4 or go backwards and look at a cheaper tyre.....:brick:

And after todays nightmare with the braided brake lines, I am considering ending it all...............and buying a harley:weep:

[BrendonF]

You will end up spending a forty on a Harley.
Have you thought about buying a set from overseas and then just getting them fitted here. Used to be cheaper that way in Aus


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[nzspokes]

Thanks Brandon!

After being caught out with work for the past couple weeks I finally managed to drop in to arrange getting my pr2s bought and fitted........Gone!
Tried Cycletreads.........Special offer is now OVER!

Looks like I missed out and will now have to decide whether I wait and save a bit more to get some pr3/4 or go backwards and look at a cheaper tyre.....:brick:

And after todays nightmare with the braided brake lines, I am considering ending it all...............and buying a harley:weep:

Snooze ya loose.

Whats hard about braided lines?

[mulletman]

Have you thought about buying a set from overseas and then just getting them fitted here. Used to be cheaper that way in Aus


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Unfortunately not many countries will ship down here , one look at US sites makes ya weep :weep:

[mynemesis]

Don't worry Brandon I won't be buying a Harley for at least another 50 years mate:niceone:

Looked overseas but with shipping and duty it's not that great a saving for the time you wait.

Yep snooze too long Spokes! Bloody employment sux!

As for braided lines.....nothing should be hard if they send the corrwct threaded banjo bolt!!!!

[BrendonF]

Employment pays for our bikes and toys for our bike. I've spent thousands on bike bits over the years. Shame about the import tires. Is that cheap tire place still in Takapuna?? They used to be good


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[nzspokes]

Employment pays for our bikes and toys for our bike. I've spent thousands on bike bits over the years. Shame about the import tires. Is that cheap tire place still in Takapuna?? They used to be good


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They are not good anymore. Cheaper places to go.

[mynemesis]

I've sent an email to cycletreads but that was late today. I'll give them a call and talk to the fella I was recommended to talk to weeks ago by a helpful KB member.

Employment though can suck my chuddies! Sux double when you can't tell the boss to go screw himself and just walk out on one of these good riding days. I am the boss :facepalm:

[nzspokes]

Yep snooze too long Spokes! Bloody employment sux!



You need to keep an eye out, picked up a pair of barely used Z8s on the weekend for $100. They didnt suit the guys bike.

[mynemesis]

You need to keep an eye out, picked up a pair of barely used Z8s on the weekend for $100. They didnt suit the guys bike.

S.O.B

:chase:

[BrendonF]

Continental tyres on special at motozone.co.nz. Worth a look


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[Bassmatt]

Pilot 4s pair $559
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/tyres/auction-979636313.htm

[Blackbird]

Pilot 4s pair $559
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/tyres/auction-979636313.htm

Sharp price! I think the last PR 4's I had on the old bike were close to $700 fitted from Drury Performance Centre. I still see they're claiming much better life than PR3’s. Certainly not my experience with 2 pairs. Great tyres though.

[mynemesis]

Any better than road 3s?

[Moise]

I've imported a couple of sets of Dunlop Q3s from the US - less than $400 landed. But with the drop in our dollar, may not be worth it now.

$700 for a set of tyres has to be some kind of piss take!

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[BrendonF]

Any better than road 3s?

A big yes! 3s where great, 4s are excellent


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[mynemesis]

Just for the sake of closure I thought I'd offer an update.

After tons of mucking about and procrastinating (and missing out on a bunch of good deals while doing so) I jumped on a set of PR4S. Haven't had much chance to really test em out (but then again I'm probably not good enough still to do that anyway), but can't complain so far. Definitely feel different to the old (13 year old) rubber that was on there.

Anyway, thanks for all the useful feedback and advice. I'm now off to have a small blat before getting back in the truck for work :-(

Next project, balance and sort the air fuel mix on these fucking carbs!

[nzspokes]

Once you get the carbs right they are a fun bike. As newer models of bandit come out they get less fun. I see the GSX1000 as the proper Gen 1 bandit replacement.

[mynemesis]

Thanks Spokes for all your help.

It IS a really fun bike and I'm really glad I got a fully naked one, as 140kph feels fast due to the mental wind buffeting. Gonna keep me out of (some) trouble thanks to that.
Carbs are ok-ish just trying to find the sweet spot that I hit now and again. Rear shock is in the mail too so almost there now.

I'm guessing you already know!? But beware the new speed camera on west coast rd! Got me twice last month:brick:

[nzspokes]

Thanks Spokes for all your help.

It IS a really fun bike and I'm really glad I got a fully naked one, as 140kph feels fast due to the mental wind buffeting. Gonna keep me out of (some) trouble thanks to that.
Carbs are ok-ish just trying to find the sweet spot that I hit now and again. Rear shock is in the mail too so almost there now.

I'm guessing you already know!? But beware the new speed camera on west coast rd! Got me twice last month:brick:

Not seen it, where on West Coast road is it?

[mynemesis]

Pretty much oposite Waikaukau Rd heading up towards parrs park.

[nzspokes]

Pretty much oposite Waikaukau Rd heading up towards parrs park.

Oh ok, not a place to be travelling quick through there anyway. And the bike or car will still be cold by the time I get there.

[mynemesis]

Not quick but 62kph both times at 2am responding to alarm activation.....:weep: