Tyre Help needed asap, please bear with me :S

[StoneChucker]

I know this has been discussed, and after a BRIEF title search for tyres, I cant find what I'm looking for. I have to tell my mechanic what tyres to stick on my bike, and I have no idea. I was pretty happy with what was on my bike (I ASSUME some dunlop 20-Something), but I've heard good things about others like Corsas, M1's, etc... (Other suggestions welcome, but I'm a bit on the conservative side, I prefer well known, trusted brands)

On the dunlop site I see Radial and crossply options, any suggestions?
What I'm looking for mostly, is grip. I'm not too fussed about replacing tyres regularly, if they stick to the road like superglue! That, and handling, I don't want anything which is too different to what I had. Even just taking into consideration Dunlop's, there are about 4 options I see (D208RR, D208GP, GPR70SP, D220ST, etc...)

I would really appreciate some pearls of wisdom.
Thanks heaps,
Dave.

[Cajun]

Okay dunlop say OEM tires are dunlop 218 and Recommended replacement are dunlop 208.

I say don't believe anything what other people say about tires, trust yourself, if you like a type of tire, stick with it, if you are happy with it on your bike thats all that matters.

Personally i don;t like dunlops, but thats why we are different, wife loved them on her vtr1000f so shrugs, its all personal, if you only replacing one tires or both, if replacing both could try something new, if only needing to replace one, get something to match it

[Motoracer]

Metzler race techs. It will stick to the road like superglue and it is desgined for high powered bikes, like yours. It'll last approximatly 1500kms if you cane it or about 2500 - 3000 if you nana around in them...

[StoneChucker]

Had a look on the Pirelli site, at the Diablo Corsas, they look quite enticing. Something about first tyre with some new technology, and offer good grip when cold, etc...

I guess I'd like to try a new brand, after loosing grip on the dunlops, not that it was the tyres fault necessarily, but who knows. I might try a new brand each time after I bin... I reckon I'd get through all the brands in a year or two :Pokey:

[StoneChucker]

Metzler Race Techs, is that the exact brand name? Sounds great, but 1500kms is a leeeetle to often. Then again, I am a nana, so 3000 is do-able. Thanks all, keep suggestions coming ;)

[Artifice]

new fangdangled dunlop tyre chooser thingy (http://www.dunloptyres.co.uk/bike/home/chooser.html)
check it out mate.

[Blakamin]

Had a look on the Pirelli site, at the Diablo Corsas, they look quite enticing. Something about first tyre with some new technology, and offer good grip when cold, etc...

I guess I'd like to try a new brand, after loosing grip on the dunlops, not that it was the tyres fault necessarily, but who knows. I might try a new brand each time after I bin... I reckon I'd get through all the brands in a year or two :Pokey:
I love my 1 pirelli... and svs runs pirelli on his race bike...
when you have decided on the best brand to bin with, remind me not to get them!

[750Y]

bro, get some of those M1s from WMCC before it's too late. Did i mention they're a bargain?

[Motoracer]

Metzler Race Techs, is that the exact brand name? Sounds great, but 1500kms is a leeeetle to often. Then again, I am a nana, so 3000 is do-able. Thanks all, keep suggestions coming ;)
Metzeler is the brand name which is made in Germany and Racetec is their latest model made for racing. K0, K1 or K2 indicate their compound. You should go for K2. Just bare in mind that this will be more grip than you'll ever need since these tires are made for racing. But if you can pay the $$ for it, they are literally the stickiest rubber you can buy right now for a street bike.

K0 Supersoft/Soft compound

Tarmac: Abrasive/Smooth
Temperature: Cold
K1 Soft compound

Tarmac: Smooth
Temperature: Normal
K2 Soft/Medium compound

Tarmac: Abrasive
Temperature: Warm/Hot

[That Guy]

Not having a 150HP missisle, I really like my GPR70SPs on my RGV250 race bike, although I reckon an R1 would stuff them on the road pretty quick unless they change the compound for all that extra power. As a rule I've always liked Dunflops 'cause they wriggle about a lot before letting go completely, giving you plenty of warning before they do. Only other brand I've had a reasonable experience with is Michelins - which compared I found gripped and gripped and then let go all of a sudden, without the nice Dunlop talking to you that they're thinking about letting go.

[vifferman]

Isn't there some R1 site/forum you can look at to find out what is de rigeur for R1s? That worked for me with my VFR, but with the FahrtSturm I ignored what everyone else said "were mega" for VTRs, and did the trailblazing thing, trying a non-recommended tyre and trusting instead the goodly Kerry at Motohaus.

Generally, if you read all the things other owners say, and then read between the lines to try and work out whether they're poseurs/going along with the crowd/telling the truth, and also how other owner's riding compares to yours, you can get a pretty good idea.

I just did a Google search using "Yamaha R1" tyres OR tires, and from that I got:
"The riders choice seems to be Michelin Pilot Race (although road compound is equally as good). Second appears to be Dunlop's 207 GP-RR, which are grippy enough to keep your R1 stuck to the black stuff, and in third came the Avon Azaro 2, a suprise choice, but there you go."
That gives you at least 3 choices. I've got the new Azaros on my VTR and love them, but then again, it's got less power than an R1. And then again again, what would I know.:crazy:

[Coldkiwi]

Well, I've used Diablo corsas, Rennsports RS 2 and SC1 supercorsas and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of them. Don't know anything about other metzeler, dunlop, bridgestone types cause i've never felt the need to change from Pirellis - read between the lines what you will! :)
(P.S. pretty much all race grade tyres will give you more than enough grip for the road but if you're planning on using all the R1's grunt out of corners, the extra stability will probably be appreciated!)

[StoneChucker]

Thanks for the help, but as I thought, I'm no more the wiser :confused: But, I do like That Guy's post:

I've always liked Dunflops 'cause they wriggle about a lot before letting go completely, giving you plenty of warning before they do
I know what he means (from the tyres that came on the bike), thats exactly what happens. They give you heaps of warning, letting you back off a little before you loose all grip.
I guess in the end, cost to some degree will come into it. Having read the replies, I doubt I'll get any full race tyre types.

PS: That guy, it's 180 ;)

[pipeman]

new fangdangled dunlop tyre chooser thingy (http://www.dunloptyres.co.uk/bike/home/chooser.html)
check it out mate.
Hey dude thats cool got anymore like that :cool:

[Two Smoker]

OK here goes,

You probably dont want Race techs, because you have too ride like MR or WT to keep them hot, plus they cost HEAPS.....

Diablo Corsa's ARE AWESOME, i have used Diablo's on my old man's CBR1100XX (similar power to the R1, but more weight) and they didnt move around at all when i gave it shit (including scraping the hero blobs) also good grip when cold and really good grip in the wet.....

Other tyres you can look at are the Metzler M1's, Dunlop 208GP, Bridgestone BT-014's or 012's, Avon Azero AV49/50, Pirelli Diablo's, Michillen Sport Tech are all very similar tyres and most people wont see the difference in them (unless you go balls out all the time) so take your pick, and get the best deal :niceone:

[DEATH_INC.]

My opinion;
I don't like diablo's(never tried the corser version though)but give good mileage,feel funny(like they're flat???)and slide too easily,let go very progressively though,lotsa warning.
I've been using a pair of Dunlop 208's lately,I don't know why people don't like 'em,they're great,no complaints.warm up fast,never had 'em slide.
Avon azzaro's av 49/50,awesome grip but wear fast,need to warm up for a k or 2.(never reached the point they let go either)
Metzeler sportec m1 and michelin pilot sports(which I think are obselete now),great grip and feel,warm up fast.Both very forgiving and lots of warning before letting go,average mileage...
RS1 rennsports(metzeler)Grip like snot when hot,need lotsa warm-up and hard to keep hot in the cold weather or if you're cruising.Surprisingly,average mileage.Never had 'em slide hot but if they cool down will let go suddenly with no warning....

Take from this what you will,I ride fairly fast on a similar weight bike,though down a little on power....

[pipeman]

Avon Azero AV49/50,

Word of advise don't even bother :stupid: These don't have grip when you really push it. ok for touring thats about. Last word Cheap :bash:

[Marknz]

All depends on what sort of rider you are SC, and I haven't ridden with you yet so can't judge or recommend any particular combination for you or your bike. I do know that Dunlop have made a 218 rear specifically for your bike... I just happen to have seen one on a rack at a tyre shop on the Island while we were getting a mates tyre patched.

I know my Firestorm is totally different to your R1 and delivers it's power in a very different way, but I used to run a super sticky Dunlop 208GP front with a harder touring type Dunlop 220 rear in Aussie. Suited my riding down to the ground and used that combination for 900km tours to the island, 320km scratches down to the coast as well as track days and I had no problem at all.

But like I said, my 'Storm is completely different to yours and I'm definitely not the quickest rider around here. I say research the topic well and find a combination that you will be comfortable with both on the road and in your pocket.

[StoneChucker]

I'll end up going for the Dunlops, either 208GP or 218. Anyone know the difference? I really don't ride very fast, but I'd like the tyre to have more grip than I use (lol, err obviously). So the most torture I'd put on it, is SEMI decent bank angles, but not quite knee scraping (my jeans won't hold up to that!).

I'll let you know what I get. Thanks :)

[Blakamin]

I'll end up going for the Dunlops, either 208GP or 218. Anyone know the difference? I really don't ride very fast, but I'd like the tyre to have more grip than I use (lol, err obviously). So the most torture I'd put on it, is SEMI decent bank angles, but not quite knee scraping (my jeans won't hold up to that!).

I'll let you know what I get. Thanks :)
get whatever jimbo750 has....http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4509

[StoneChucker]

Jimbo750 rides on rubber he got from selling his soul to the devil!!! I don't think I want to ride that well, just now anyway, State won't like me ringing up again anytime soon!

Choosing tyres is proving harder than choosing the damn bike!!! I was planning on going to the shop today, to tell the mechanic what I wanted, but suprise bloody suprise work ran late, again...

[Two Smoker]

Jimbo750 rides on rubber he got from selling his soul to the devil!!! I don't think I want to ride that well, just now anyway, State won't like me ringing up again anytime soon!

Choosing tyres is proving harder than choosing the damn bike!!! I was planning on going to the shop today, to tell the mechanic what I wanted, but suprise bloody suprise work ran late, again...
Well Jimbo has BT-014's on his gixxer 600, what most people dont understand is that most tyres will outperform their riders...... So most tyres will be fine as long as they are of the sporting kind rather than the Sport touring kind......

[JohnBoy]

i reckon that you should go for the prellies... motomart are doing a set of diablo's for $399, i think. go and talk to sparky bills aka Martin Billing and he will sort you out. or call 0800 MOTOMART

[Lord Pac]

I'll vouch for Pirelli Diablos. I had stock Dunlops on mine and they just didn't feel right for me. I read heaps on all the above mentioned brands, peoples threads on other boards and decided to change from the stock dun's 190/50 s to diabs 180/55. It has definitely made a huge change to my riding and a lot more confident on corners. hope it helps! ciao

[Lord Pac]

and a link to the r1 forum would help!
Cheers
http://www.r1-forum.com/

[Blakamin]

i reckon that you should go for the prellies... motomart are doing a set of diablo's for $399, i think. go and talk to sparky bills aka Martin Billing and he will sort you out. or call 0800 MOTOMART
I agree!!!!!!!!... pirelli!!!!!!

[Firefight]

ah, not sure if this is of any help Mr Thrower of stones, I have had two R6,s from new both came with the dunlop thingy tyres, first bike I tried bridgstones when it came time to change, got good mileage out of them but they did not seem that good at high speed cornering, second bike was same had dunlops, got told to try those Metzler tyres White trash was selling, and man, have never looked back, they stick like crazy, am completly sold on them, have just pmed Jimmy for another back tyre, don,t expect great mileage, but shit they stick..

Most of my rides are on secondary H/ways, like 22, raglin rd, Kawhia,
Corramandel/Whitigaga/Whangamata, and a bit of M/way comuting.

F/F

[MrMelon]

I just got a set of those Metzelers today, and they're fuckin awesome! Completely transformed the handling of the bike, but then again the old tyres were pretty fucked.

[badlieutenant]

they werent tyres mate, more like rim protectors, they were :buggerd:

[AMPS]

Metz Roadtec Z6's, good grip for all, but racers (1.06 around Puke on a Blackbird), excellent wear, great feel, not too dear.
What more do you want?
Lou

[Firefight]

Metz Roadtec Z6's,
What more do you want?
Lou

A price !


F/F :spudwave:

[StoneChucker]

Ok, Dunlop, Pirelli or Metzeler. Thats what I'm tossing up between. I'll let my mechanic sway me when buying...

And as they say, just about all supersport type tyres will be more than good enough.

[StoneChucker]

I went into Sawyers after work today (which I left early, since I never get out on time grrrr).

I ended up getting Pirelli Diablo Corsas
Rear: $349 (190/50)
Front: $229 (120/70)

They're on special at the moment, from the price you guys estimated, I reckon thats a pretty good deal.

I decided against the Pirelli Diablo SUPER Corsas, since they apparantly are too soft for road only riding. I'm looking forward to going for a ride, to try the new tyres out :soon: (Hopefully end of next week, for next weekend)

Thanks again.
Dave.

[Two Smoker]

Nice one Stonechucker, you wont be dissappointed with them unless you ride on the limits like Death..... Great too see you will be back out on the road soon :niceone:

[DEATH_INC.]

Corsa's could be ok,like I said I've only ever used the standard diabolicals.....

[vladi]

Metzeler RACETECH/K1 front/K2back.Top tyres :not:

[Zapf]

I went into Sawyers after work today (which I left early, since I never get out on time grrrr).

I ended up getting Pirelli Diablo Corsas
Rear: $349 (190/50)
Front: $229 (120/70)

They're on special at the moment, from the price you guys estimated, I reckon thats a pretty good deal.

I decided against the Pirelli Diablo SUPER Corsas, since they apparantly are too soft for road only riding. I'm looking forward to going for a ride, to try the new tyres out :soon: (Hopefully end of next week, for next weekend)

Thanks again.
Dave.

hahaha... with even more stickier tires, you'll be chucking more stones :) :scooter:

[StoneChucker]

Zapf, you're going to blow my evil plan :devil2: I will be the fastest rider in NZ, because noone will want to get close enough to overtake me :laugh:

Seriously though, it was only the once, and only from hitting a patch of gravel at, err, high speeds, with the unfortunate biker right behind me giving it hell aswell...