Yamaha MT-07 - and its tyres

[RAYDEO]

Hey team, I've looked around on the internet and done a bit of reading, but struggling to find any real info relevant to my questions.

I bought an MT07 in September 2014, and since have done close to 20,000km, on the original tyres.

20,000km on a set of tyres seems a lot from what I've read, is this normal?

and my other question is, shouldn't the rear be in need of replacement before the front?

currently my front is getting low on tread in the middle, and yes my rear has a but of a wear pattern in the middle as i commute on the motorway everyday, but defiantly looks like it has more life left in it.

Love to hear your thoughts.

[Ulsterkiwi]

I too believed the "two for the rear, one for the front" myth.
Not the case it would seem. My Zooki has been through four sets of tyres, in all cases the front was munted and the rear could have kept going for a bit.
Dont complain about good mileage, that many kms on OE tyres is pretty good if you believe all the conspiracy theories about the factories producing treacle based tyres for the bike manufacturers.

[RAYDEO]

Could the high mileage on the OE tyres be due to my riding style? or just the tyres they chose to put on the bike from factory?

I mean I'm not a complete idiot on my bike, thrashing it every where on the back wheel etc, but then I'm not a nana in traffic either.

I do 100km per day, 5 days a week from Paraparaumu to Wellington, literally only 3km of that per day is at 50kph, the rest of it is motorway speeds (from 70kph to 100kph)

interested to hear others thoughts, theorys, experiences. and if you have any tyre recommendations I'm all ears also.

[EJK]

Could the high mileage on the OE tyres be due to my riding style? or just the tyres they chose to put on the bike from factory?

I mean I'm not a complete idiot on my bike, thrashing it every where on the back wheel etc, but then I'm not a nana in traffic either.

I do 100km per day, 5 days a week from Paraparaumu to Wellington, literally only 3km of that per day is at 50kph, the rest of it is motorway speeds (from 70kph to 100kph)

interested to hear others thoughts, theorys, experiences. and if you have any tyre recommendations I'm all ears also.

There are HEAPS of variables and everything matters from

*Tyre manufacturer brand
*Tyre profiles
*Tyre Pressure
*Suspension settings
*Front forks oil weight
*Your body weight
*Trail braking/ accelerating
*Road gradient/ camber
*Soft asphalt or coarse chipseal
*Temperature on road surface
*Tyre temperature heat-up/cool down time cycle

It's like asking what whey protein is best?


I guess the obvious first question is your tyre (e.g. Bridgestone S20 Evo) and PSI you run? :)

[RAYDEO]

Current tyres are Bridgestone Battlax BT023 sport touring

Front 120/70zr17m/c
Rear 180/55zr17m/c

Pressure is unknown (yeah I know I'm bad, I really should check it)
Suspension is factory
I weigh 110kg
Fork oil will be factory also
Trail braking sounds like something I don't know how to do. (Is there a need to trail brake on the motorway?)
Road temp, well this varies from cold to colder...
Tyre temp? I get on it and ride...

I know this doesn't help much. But interest to hear your opinion now you know the tyres in question.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/e5707f519697229810221807914d6653.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/d720b5b3735756b80b14e8cf5d40283d.jpg

[george formby]

I'm tempted to say riding style is the biggest factor OP. I ride a TDM, an old, heavy, twin. I mainly use Bridgestones, currently T30's. I ride for jolly's, no commuting.

My tire wear has changed quite a lot in recent years, I used to scollop the front and wear it quickly. The rear would wear out in the centre. I always changed as a pair. Now, after doing a lot of training, my front is wearing evenly with no scolloping and the rear is going to wear the edges before the centre. Rear tire life seems to have increased, too. I'm over 10'000km's on them and both are still fine. The rear has not appreciably flattened off. 10k used to be about my limit for a rear.

Lots of variables here but if your happy with the tires I wouldn't be worrying. Everybody gets different performance from tires which makes it difficult to get definitive answers.

Just seen your pics and yup, they look like commuting tires. I think the 023's are dual compound, hard in the middle, soft on the edges for the rear. Same as the T30's.

I reckon your not particularly aggressive with brakes and throttle so your getting good wear. Check your tread depth, though. They do look "worn". Oh, maintain your pressures, it's a biggie.

[Asher]

I brought my MT07 second hand with 18k on the clock and it still had the factory front on it.
Although I'm surprised you haven't needed a new rear already

[Gremlin]

As already listed, too many variables to have any certainty.

To compare with my commuter, I use a CB919, more power, bigger and heavier than an MT-07 and I'm not always gentle on the gas. Pilot Road 2, 26k front and 24k rear. PR3, less km, I think around 20-22k for the front, rear not quite finished.

[AllanB]

As already listed, too many variables to have any certainty.

To compare with my commuter, I use a CB919, more power, bigger and heavier than an MT-07 and I'm not always gentle on the gas. Pilot Road 2, 26k front and 24k rear. PR3, less km, I think around 20-22k for the front, rear not quite finished.


And then the most I ever got out of a set of tyres on my Hornet 900 was 12,000 from a pair of PR2's. Sport tyres died within 5,000.


Just shows there are lots of variables in tyre life.

2 for one? Depends on lots - my Suzuki GS1200ss were always a set, Hornet 900 at set, Ducati has killed the rear in 4500 - front will last another rear and next change will be a set (then a rear only, then a ....... ) earlier rides I had always did 2-1 but they were 80's bikes.


Just be happy they are lasting well - won't tell you what I just paid for a rear Pirelli ......

[george formby]

Just be happy they are lasting well - won't tell you what I just paid for a rear Pirelli ......

Awww, go on. I'm thinking of Pirelli's next, very light and summit different. My only concern is tire strength. The Bridgestone's are like a brick khazi in comparison to Angels and I've run my rear flat for a few k's with no consequent problems. I melted the poor thing but it's still tickety boo.

[Ulsterkiwi]

Current tyres are Bridgestone Battlax BT023 sport touring

Front 120/70zr17m/c
Rear 180/55zr17m/c

Pressure is unknown (yeah I know I'm bad, I really should check it)
Suspension is factory
I weigh 110kg
Fork oil will be factory also
Trail braking sounds like something I don't know how to do. (Is there a need to trail brake on the motorway?)
Road temp, well this varies from cold to colder...
Tyre temp? I get on it and ride...

I know this doesn't help much. But interest to hear your opinion now you know the tyres in question.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/e5707f519697229810221807914d6653.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/d720b5b3735756b80b14e8cf5d40283d.jpg

they were the OE tyre on my bike and I hated them. Doesnt make them a bad tyre. The combination of bike, tyre and riding type/style is something a multivariate analysis would have some fun with.
Yes you should check pressures.
As stated the tyres are wearing exactly as a commuter will, centre of the rear is square, edges of the front are making it more "pointy"
Do you feel confident in the tyres? if so great, you are enjoying the bike and getting good wear, use the same tyres until you can't get them any more or someone gives you a good deal on an alternative.
In those sizes Pirelli, Bridgestone, Dunlop, Continental, Metzler, Avon and even Shinko make a tyre you could use. I guarantee you will find someone on here to completely crucify every single one of them and convince you these companies have no clue what they are doing with respect to making a tyre. Its a bit like saying McDonalds know jackshit about making burgers only Burger Fuel and Wendy's get it right.

[RAYDEO]

Great response, thanks.

I think I'm going to get another set purely based on the KMs I've had up till now, and all the reviews say they're a great all rounder especially in wet conditions.
That's kind of what I need.


In all my years of riding, this is the longest I've ever owned the same bike, so buying tyres is a new experience for me.

[pritch]

And then the most I ever got out of a set of tyres on my Hornet 900 was 12,000 from a pair of PR2's.


I was happy to read that because my experience is similar. Twenty thousand? Amazing.

The OE tyres may not always be quite what they appear to be, one thing they will be though is cheap. I was wondering if cheap meant extra mileage, because experience certainly suggests it does not mean extra grip.

[Pound]

20,000kms?

Very impressive indeed.

Just replaced my Battleaxe front (12,000kms on it) on my 09 Blade with one of the new S21s from Boyds down in Hamilton for $210 fitted.

[caspernz]

Gentle, sedate riding obviously, not much cornering involved in that tyre wear. Typical commuting only tyres in all fairness. I'd be checking tyre pressures once a week at least, doesn't cost much to invest in a decent gauge. You can buy a simple plunger pump (bit like an old style bicycle type pump) to add air in bike tyres...

As for front and rear wear being down to some rule...nah, too many variables. In the old days I worked on one front to two rears, but nowadays it seems fronts are done before rears.

Splash out on a new set of rubber and it'll feel like you've got a new bike again :laugh:

Take your pick from the main manufacturers' sport touring range and you can't go wrong really, we all have our own preferences :innocent::shutup:

[aws]

Those tyres look pretty standard for the sort of commuting I do. Lots of upright riding, not much opportunity to wring its neck. Back flattening off - probably more than you think because there is no tread in the centre, so the tread lines tend to get shorter without you noticing. Front flattening off halfway around each side. I've always believed that rear tyre (and chain) life has a lot to do with how hard you are on the throttle (all other factors being equal). So I tend to get similar mileage top you and always try to change them as a pair.

I've also found that squared off tyres affect the handling quite a bit, but you only really notice when you get new ones. Worn tyres tend to make my bikes want to drop into a corner, and they get deflected off road imperfections (e.g. cats eyes) a lot more .

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[RAYDEO]

i defiantly notice the deflections you mention, road imperfections, cats eyes, humps and bumps, and currently the motorway from Wellington to where SH1 and SH2 split has been roughed up for resurfacing, and has grooves in it running the same way as the traffic flow, I find the bike tends to track those groves and is quite unstable.

Ive been offered some Z8's and tole ill likely get more life out of them, but there a lot more expensive than a set of BT023's

I know everyone has their own opionions but what are peoples suggestions for well priced, long life, good all rounder tyres?

[EJK]

I know everyone has their own opinions but what are peoples suggestions for well priced, long life, good all rounder tyres?

Wait till Gremlin comes here to tell you about Michelin Pilot Road 3/4s :)

[aws]

I've been a fan of Pilot Road 2s for a decent life of commuting. Cycletreads talked me into PR4s last time, but i didn't have the bike long enough to find out how far they would go.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[Gremlin]

I know everyone has their own opionions but what are peoples suggestions for well priced, long life, good all rounder tyres?


Wait till Gremlin comes here to tell you about Michelin Pilot Road 3/4s :)

Actually, for what OP asked, it's the PR2. It doesn't have the same wet weather grip as the 3 or 4, but is better priced and in my opinion anyway, lasts longer.

It's not just opinion but also rider preference. The Pilot Road carcass (especially the 3 and 4) are softer than a typical tyre. This means it moves around more, the result being the rider can feel the squirm and the movement generates heat, but also increased wear.

Boss put 3's on his CB919 and 2up hated them moving around and went to Z8, which have a stiffer carcass and much happier. I took them and put them on my CB919 and they've been fine, but then I'm almost always 1up and no country riding (got the BMW for that).

[pritch]

I had several pairs of Z6s prior to the introduction of Z8s, was happy with the Z6s and would buy Z8s.

I've also been happy with Pirelli Angels and Dunlop Roadsmarts. Never tried Michelins, was put off by the "squirmy" reputation, but I do like the idea of trying PR4s. But not too soon thanks.

Always in pairs though.

[george formby]

Not that I take much heed of reviews like this, undoubtedly biased, but worth a gander.

https://youtu.be/EzcgeHLZMvw

[aws]

Not that I take much heed of reviews like this, undoubtedly biased, but worth a gander.

https://youtu.be/EzcgeHLZMvw
Interesting, but even though it was a sport "touring" tyre comparison, it seems that the sportier tyres were always going to win out over the touring'er tyres. 😞

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[george formby]

Interesting, but even though it was a sport "touring" tyre comparison, it seems that the sportier tyres were always going to win out over the touring'er tyres. 😞

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Exactly why I have the salt shaker handy watching stuff like that.

[aws]

It's the same with bike reviews. The one that performs best on the track almost always wins.


Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[RAYDEO]

Interesting stuff here, thanks for the input.

[george formby]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was just thinkin about dual compound tires. Are the fronts softer overall than the centre of the rears? As has been mentioned it's now common for front and rear to wear equally.

OP, all seems good in the house of MT07 but you do need new tires fairly soon. So you have to swing for grip, longevity and price. The best Iron Butt I know usually has BT45's, his bike is heavier but less powerful than yours and he rides it to the limit. He considers weather to be something you see just after the news. He is also passionate about his piggy bank.

My point is, decide your criteria and go from there. It's hard to go wrong, really. I don't think I've seen a thread on a crap tyre for a long time. It may have been a magazine article come to think of it.

Anyhoo, onwards.

[RAYDEO]

Another potentially dumb question, is there anything dreadfully wrong with just replacing the front tyre at this stage?

its wearing down faster than i thought, and I dont think i can afford to replace them both this month.

[AllanB]

Not that I take much heed of reviews like this, undoubtedly biased, but worth a gander.

https://youtu.be/EzcgeHLZMvw

So obviously bias to the sport side. Turns that big BMW into a S1000r. I don't see that as a positive, if you'd purchased the big touring bike you obviously did not want the sport 1000r. Doh!

Still - given the ratings of all of them 7.5/10 being the lowest, whatever you pick up out of the set at the best price is very good.

Why to Mitchelins and no Pirelli?

[george formby]

So obviously bias to the sport side. Turns that big BMW into a S1000r. I don't see that as a positive, if you'd purchased the big touring bike you obviously did not want the sport 1000r. Doh!

Still - given the ratings of all of them 7.5/10 being the lowest, whatever you pick up out of the set at the best price is very good.

Why to Mitchelins and no Pirelli?

Fairly typical MCN reporting. And yeah, we are blessed with the quality of tires nowadays.

I asked myself the same question about Pirelli's.

[george formby]

Another potentially dumb question, is there anything dreadfully wrong with just replacing the front tyre at this stage?

its wearing down faster than i thought, and I dont think i can afford to replace them both this month.

Stopping is a big deal so if it gives you more confidence go for it. The only caveat is that you should not mix and match tires unless you get very good advice. Best speak to your tire man about that.

How close is the front to the wear markers? Little blocks inside the tread grooves.

[RAYDEO]

The front has a bald strip just off to the right hand side of center. (Matching the camber of the road)

[nzspokes]

The front has a bald strip just off to the right hand side of center. (Matching the camber of the road)

It will delaminate soon, thats when the fun begins.

[george formby]

The front has a bald strip just off to the right hand side of center. (Matching the camber of the road)


Bald as in tread gone? Or bald as in no rubber?

Technically speaking it's either A, close to knackered, or B, proper knackered.

Again, it may pay to swing past your local, friendly and informative, tire shoppe for a professional opinion.

Rears can look worn one day, then show canvas the next. I've never had this issue with a front despite riding one until it had a profile like a Toblerone.

[RAYDEO]

The front has a bald strip. As in no tread on that strip.

[AllanB]

The front has a bald strip. As in no tread on that strip.

Sounds like toast. Change it pronto. Tread is there to get rid of water. It's winter.

Post a pic - interested to see this tyre.

[Madness]

Another potentially dumb question, is there anything dreadfully wrong with just replacing the front tyre at this stage?

I wouldn't piss about. I'd get a new set fitted first thing tomorrow morning, call in sick if I had to. Brace yourself if you do this, it will feel amazing with a new set of tyres after what you're riding on now and you'll probably wonder why you hadn't done it sooner.

[EJK]

Whatever happens, don't be this guy

<img src="http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=321677&d=1463483123" />

[Maha]

Two weeks have passed and you've done nothing about it?

[RAYDEO]

First photo is 2 weeks ago,



http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160613/cbb3ec6b2de0788fcdfbdd7f73b0c34c.jpg

2nd one is from tonight

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160613/1574da2f6aac5b87a02138d107019e17.jpg


I can't believe how fast it chewed it's self out.

Booked in at Red Barron for new tyres on Wednesday,

Getting pilot road 2's I think..


By the way, all comments are appreciated. Yeah I was hoping I could make it another few weeks before having to replace as I have rego and a service due. But as always happens everything comes at once.

[george formby]

Good.

That's definitely, technically, a B.

Make sure they check your front pads at the service.... :yes:

[AllanB]

Being polite - it's fucked.

replace it tomorrow - you will not believe how well it will handle. Actually given the front's condition the rear is probably fucked too - replace the pair of them and you'll be passing GSXR :cool:

[kiwi-on-wheels]

yeaahh, they pretty toasted... and as mentioned, if the fronts that bad, the rear wont be far behind it.

[RAYDEO]

Good.

That's definitely, technically, a B.

Make sure they check your front pads at the service.... :yes:

What do you mean "a B"?

[aws]

Bald as in tread gone? Or bald as in no rubber?

Technically speaking it's either A, close to knackered, or B, proper knackered.

Again, it may pay to swing past your local, friendly and informative, tire shoppe for a professional opinion.

Rears can look worn one day, then show canvas the next. I've never had this issue with a front despite riding one until it had a profile like a Toblerone.
It's a B... knackered!

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[aws]

Incidentally, it's a common misconception that the right side wears out first because of camber on the road. The real reason is that we spend more time turning right than we do left. That's because we're always on the outside of a right hand bend and always on the inside of a left hander, and the outside distance is always greater than the inside distance.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[RAYDEO]

Oh really? Because the motorway I ride up and down (and I fact spend 95%of my ride time on) has a constant camber on both sides, I just assumed this was the reason.


MT07 is in for tyres this morning and I've been lent a nifty wee Suzuki SV650,

Not a bad wee bike, but completly different power delivery to my bike, not as much torque under acceleration, but easy to chuck around in traffic.

Love the red color though, and the white stripe. the dash cluster is a bit busy, and compared to the MT feels very far away.
the headlight makes it look a bit like a stunned possum.


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160614/c2e571e79882442fdb3231dfcbfe6863.jpg

Looking forward to my first ride on new tyres.

With the old ones it was becoming a pig to Handel in the corners. Almost hard to get it to change direction, in picking this is due to the flat strip on the back tyre.

[EJK]

Oh really? Because the motorway I ride up and down (and I fact spend 95%of my ride time on) has a constant camber on both sides, I just assumed this was the reason.


MT07 is in for tyres this morning and I've been lent a nifty wee Suzuki SV650,

Not a bad wee bike, but completly different power delivery to my bike, not as much torque under acceleration, but easy to chuck around in traffic.

Love the red color though, and the white stripe. the dash cluster is a bit busy, and compared to the MT feels very far away.
the headlight makes it look a bit like a stunned possum.


http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160614/c2e571e79882442fdb3231dfcbfe6863.jpg

Looking forward to my first ride on new tyres.

With the old ones it was becoming a pig to Handel in the corners. Almost hard to get it to change direction, in picking this is due to the flat strip on the back tyre.

You'll definitely feel the difference. Might notice bike a bit "taller" (since you do get 5-6mm increase in tyre treads). Very minor difference but certainly noticeable.

Also might experience sudden "drop into corner" feeling :D

[AllanB]

And the front wheel won't shot out sparks at night any more ......


What tyres did you get?

[george formby]

Don't forget to take it easy on the new rubber until they are scrubbed in. Modern tires ain't to bad but they are still squirrely on damp tarmac, wet white lines etc.

And yeah, turn in will be significantly different.

Enjoy.

I like that SV. I'm hoping to tempt my G/F into one for her next bike.

[RAYDEO]

Ended up with pilot road 2's
Picked up the bike last night just on dusk and had an awesome ride over the Haywards and Paekak hill, just felt so amazing.

[Pound]

About damn time.

Now update your damn blog!

It was a good read :)

[RAYDEO]

About damn time.

Now update your damn blog!

It was a good read :)

someone actually read all that? ha! ok ill write something in soon.

[Pound]

someone actually read all that? ha! ok ill write something in soon.



Absolutely fine sir!

Your writing style is personable, down to earth and thoroughly engaging.;)

And in all honesty, your blog was a more interesting read than many of the large online bike jurno magazines blogs.