Tyres for the VTR1000

[Reckless]

Its time for tyres the ones that where on the bike when I bought it are shagged. Well the Metzeler Mez3 front is. About 5,000k from what looked like a fairly new tyre. And the Pilot Road on the rear goes aswell as I want to go for a bit more grip rather than milage. Although I'm told I'm doing O'K to get to the edge of a tyre that wraps around as much as that does.
Anyway my pocket tells me to choose a Metzeler M6 but my "go hand" wants the Pilot power or maybe the Diablo. I was told the Pilot sport is now old technology and the Pilot Power will be much better for about the same mileage.

Maybe some long time riders of the big twins could advise me if the Z6 are to much towards the Pilot road I have on now, or will give more preformance??

Otherwise Its between The Michelin M1 or the Pilot Power

Wadiya think guys!!

[dveus]

I've got Pilot Powers on mine, only had the bike less than a week but they seem to be fairly decent rubber. Nice and predictable.

[marty]

bt010's. you'll only get 1500kms out of em, but they're sticky as fuck.

[Morepower]

I would suggest looking at the new Diablo Stradas as an excellent road tyre that should last well.Seem to he holding up well on the TL.
Dave

[Reckless]

Looking for a bit more than that 5-8 k would be fine.

Jeepers Marty is that you in that pic your a brave boy!! Any permanent damage??

[Reckless]

Morepower
Don't you think the Strada would be closer to a road tourer like the Pilot road I have on now. Id like to try something a tad more sporty and if I think they don't last long maybe try the Z6 after that. I know this is all subjective but the discussion is helpful.

[imdying]

When I brought the SV, they warned me the factory Pilot Sports would chew out pretty quick. Apparently the Z6s are quite popular, still grippy, but with better life. I'll be into a set of those once the Pilots die.

[paturoa]

Got a new Avon AV46 Azaro St on the back this arvo for the brass monkey and the mich pilot sport was more than half worn with 7500ks on it, (commuting only). I'll put it back on when the avon is shot.

Several people have said that they get very good milage out of the avon, so I'l give that a try.

[Gremlin]

I have z6 front and rear right now. They are more of a grippy but longer lasting tyre. Obviously not the same levels of grip as the more sporty stuff, but an excellent tyre for a mix of commuting and weekend riding.

Found it has excellent performance both in the wet and the dry, and 2 up as well.

edit: oh, the only problem I have had is with the rear. It is actually solid in the very centre of the rear tyre, meaning not much grip when hard on the gas or brakes in pouring rain when upright.

[stify]

i don't ride that hard and found the z6 to be a good alround tyre, have changed to strada's and they seem to have much the same grip, maybe a little better when they get hot, am with gremlin on the wet thing with both tyres

[imdying]

Any idea what your Z6s get for mileage on the VTR? I'm at about 2800kms on the clock now, and the Pilot Sports are looking about 1/3-1/2 worn :( Hate to think how fast they'll chew out next time, cause I won't be running it in :(

[Reckless]

ok guys thats great sorta made my decision now with one of you saying you got 7500 Ks and just over 1/2 worn.
So I'm gonna try the softer sport racer get some Pilot Powers, Diablo Corsa or the Metzler M1. Depending on the best deal I can get.
So I'll try a softer sport tyre, first up, then have a go at the Metzler Z6.
I'd just like to replace the crappers that i have finally worn out with something that will stick like shit for a while.
Than maybe try the Z6 and see how much grip I trade off for more milaege.

Your feedback has been great Thanks to all.

[Gremlin]

For the moment, you want something good in the wet... obviously. Then when it dries out for certainty, you chuck something grippy on, and not prone to problems in the wet.

Almost makes it "summer" and "winter" tyres :shifty:

[paturoa]

ok guys thats great sorta made my decision now with one of you saying you got 7500 Ks and just over 1/2 worn.

Yeah, but that is AK commuting - I get all excited if I get up to 70ks!:laugh:

[Madness]

Done about 750k's on my new Conti's so far. They turn in exceptionally well, had them squirming under full power on the Taka's today. I'll see how they last, if no more than 5000, I'm going to Diablo's next.

[Reckless]

Gremlin I try not to ride in the wet to much have a car for that! Usually we go for a blast round whitford for an hour or so or round the coromandel for a couple of days. AlsoI like to keep it clean and hate cleaning the thing after rain riding. So the dry tyres should be ok and I'm not going track based tyres with very little tread. Just want something that will extend the bike a bit.

[marty]

i'm running a pilot sport on the rear now - it's a bit squirrly, but getting much better mileage out of it than the bt010. haven't had any problems with it stepping out though, and i ride in the rain all the time

[Reckless]

Gonna go for the Pilot powers try them and see how they go. Got a damn good price for the Metzler M1 Sortec from Haldanes aswell but the Powers do it for me I think as the Pilot Road I have on now has been in the least predictable and solid. only 10 bucks difference anyway.

Thanks to all for your input

[Devil]

Pity I didnt see this earlier. Highly recommend the Sportec M3, dont bother with the M1 anymore.

[Dazza]

For what it's worth. I done quite a few k's on vee twins,original Diablo on the rear of the Super Duke shagged @ 3000k's fit Strada absolutely rooted @ 8,500 k's original Diablo on front totally rooted @ 12000k's. Just fitted z6's and did a spirited ride on Sunday through one of my favourite stretches of road (Whagamomana & back) which had wet sections,moss,animal shit,road kill, sheep and all the usual country road stuff and was more than impressed.:rockon:

[Lou Girardin]

Metz M3's are the new tyre on the block and have received rave reviews. A lot of people seem happy with Pilot Powers too.

[jonbuoy]

Yup very happy with the pilot powers, really well behaved when cold too.

[vifferman]

Back in the old days, when I had a FahrtSturm, I had the AV49-SP on the front hoop, and av46-ST on the backun. Worked for me, so I stuck the same on the VFR.

[NinjaBoy]

Pity I didnt see this earlier. Highly recommend the Sportec M3, dont bother with the M1 anymore.


Have to back Devil here... coming up to 10,000Kms on the M3 (commuting, weekend blats and 4 trackdays). Stickier than M1's when hot and better wear. But M1's are cheap ...

[elphick]

I use Pirelli Diablos on my VTR. Most of my riding is 2-up. The grip is great. The rear lasts approx 8000kms.

[bungbung]

i'm running a pilot sport on the rear now - it's a bit squirrly, but getting much better mileage out of it than the bt010. haven't had any problems with it stepping out though, and i ride in the rain all the time

Pilot sport only lasts 3000km on the back.