Ok Tyre comparison time

[aff-man]

Right on the 18th of jan (or round abouts then) i am getting me some new tyres. (counting down the days yeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaa) But now the question is what to get.

They are all about the same price so GPR80's, sprtec M1's,Diablo's etc.. What is your guys experience with these tyres. i.e. i havn't hadproper sports tyres on the zxr400 yet (only owning it 5 odd months and not having the cash) so i don't know what to get.

And they did put the wrong tyres on. I am running a 120//60/17 and a 160/60/17. But apparently even though the manual says it's those i was told to run a 110/60/17 and a 150/60/17. It will make the bike tip in a lot quicker which is what i really really want. Any comments. Cheers

[Jantar]

Right on the 18th of jan (or round abouts then) i am getting me some new tyres. (counting down the days yeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaa) But now the question is what to get.

They are all about the same price so GPR80's, sprtec M1's,Diablo's etc.. What is your guys experience with these tyres. i.e. i havn't hadproper sports tyres on the zxr400 yet (only owning it 5 odd months and not having the cash) so i don't know what to get.

And they did put the wrong tyres on. I am running a 120//60/17 and a 160/60/17. But apparently even though the manual says it's those i was told to run a 110/60/17 and a 150/60/17. It will make the bike tip in a lot quicker which is what i really really want. Any comments. Cheers

My GS1200 came with Dunlop D207s. I found these to very good in the dry, but didn't give me any confidence in the wet. I have recently changed to Pirelli Dragons. They seem to suit my riding style well although I have yet to try them on a really wet road.

My RE5 runs best on Pirelli phantoms. Unfortuanately they stopped making that style of tyre about 20 years ago, so I'm currently using Demons instead.
A good all round tyre with quick turn in and easy to roll from side to side. I have tried Bridgestones which gave a good all round grip and were also quite suitable.

[onearmedbandit]

I'm running sportec m1's, brilliant tyres. Good feedback, plenty of grip both wet and dry. These came second in a PB tyre test, only beaten by the Diablo Corsa's. And definitely run with the OE spec sizes, as you say this will give better turn in, also a thinner width tyre doesn't offset the bike so much when tipped in.

[gav]

You want to stick to original tyre size for your ZXR esp if doing track days, I havent heard of anyone running the smaller size tyre combo on the track. Not sure why they would recommend those sizes, ZXR's tip in plenty quick, can raise your ride height on rear shock if you want more.

[Motoracer]

And they did put the wrong tyres on. I am running a 120//60/17 and a 160/60/17. But apparently even though the manual says it's those i was told to run a 110/60/17 and a 150/60/17. It will make the bike tip in a lot quicker which is what i really really want. Any comments. CheersI don't think ZXR400s had a 110 front. I think 120/60/17 is the stock front size.

And yes, put the 150 rear, it'll handle shit loads better than the 160 rear.

[jimbo600]

Depends on what riding you are mainly doing. If it's mostly track time go Metzeler Racetecs, if it's mostly road then M1 sportecs are the go. Awesome tyre for a good price. Good milage too.

[SPman]

Depends on what riding you are mainly doing. If it's mostly track time go Metzeler Racetecs, if it's mostly road then M1 sportecs are the go. Awesome tyre for a good price. Good milage too.
Performance Bikes picked Diablos slightly ahead of the Metzlers in their latest comparo. Same company but.. They're all good - except Dunlops...and Avons...and.........

[jimbo600]

Performance Bikes picked Diablos slightly ahead of the Metzlers in their latest comparo. Same company but.. They're all good - except Dunlops...and Avons...and.........

Yeah I read that article (in the newsagent) but those guys are professional bike journos and I'm just an ordinary pleb. The M1's are cheaper than the Diablos especially at $399 a set and they grip plenty good enough for my road and track shenanigans.

[BUBBLE]

GSXR600K3. Ive had Dunlop 207's, wouldnt hang on in the dry, felt comfortable in the wet.
Now running a Metzler Reinsport I bought second hand off Trademe for $100, it had done a practice meet on the track and ive now done 3000k's on the road and it looks like it has another 2000k's left to go. Awesome grip in the dry but a bit slippery in the wet.
Next tyres will be some second hand Super Corsa's or Diablo Corsa's. Can't go wrong for $100 per 5000k's.
If you are using your 160 rear to the edges I would agree to go narrower (150) and you will get a more round profile allowing you to tip it over more in a corner.

[aff-man]

Yeah I read that article (in the newsagent) but those guys are professional bike journos and I'm just an ordinary pleb. The M1's are cheaper than the Diablos especially at $399 a set and they grip plenty good enough for my road and track shenanigans.

Where did you get them for that price????? I got quoted a little over $500 fitted??

Gav: Try riding my zxr.... i know it has a lot to do with the shittyness of the avons profile but it is really sluggish into the corners. Definatley decided on a 150 for the rear but not to sure if i want to do the 110 front yet???

MR: Yes the stock front is a 110. But the manual says the rear should be a 160 so if i am changing the rear i want to change the front to dont i?? Dont want then tippin in at different angles aye :doh:

[Bonez]

MR: Yes the stock front is a 110. But the manual says the rear should be a 160 so if i am changing the rear i want to change the front to dont i?? Dont want then tippin in at different angles aye :doh:Having the rear tyre as close to the size of the front tyre is the way to go.

[DEATH_INC.]

Go with dunlop gpr's,70's if you're not to worried about mileage or 70 front/80 rear if you are.Best tyres we've ever used on a small bike.
And don't believe all the rubbish about a smaller rear,it will make the bike tip in easier,but that's because it doesn't turn as fast so it resists leaning less.

[Two Smoker]

Use a 120/60 on the front, and you can go down to a 150 on the rear.... Ive still got a 160 on the rear, but i havnt had money or time to experiment with a 150. KK uses 150's and he swears by them...

Personally i would go for Metzler Sportec M1's due to the majority of your riding being on the road... They grip like fuck and are cheap too.. That or GPR-70's are awesome too,

I found my Supercorsa's a little vague on the road due to having to do almost race pace to have them at a good temperature....

[Motoracer]

MR: Yes the stock front is a 110. But the manual says the rear should be a 160 so if i am changing the rear i want to change the front to dont i?? Dont want then tippin in at different angles aye :doh:
Eh? In my post above, I said it should be a 120 stock, not 110. Then again maybe your ZXR could be a slightly diff model. Or that manual you got ain't right.

[aff-man]

Eh? In my post above, I said it should be a 120 stock, not 110. Then again maybe your ZXR could be a slightly diff model. Or that manual you got ain't right.

Online manual. Well i reallly want some sticky tyres and so i think the best i can get for my money is the sporttech m1's. Will be running a 120 front and a 150 rear probably

[Motoracer]

Online manual. Well i reallly want some sticky tyres and so i think the best i can get for my money is the sporttech m1's. Will be running a 120 front and a 150 rear probably
Good choice!

[jimbo600]

Where did you get them for that price????? I got quoted a little over $500 fitted??

Gav: Try riding my zxr.... i know it has a lot to do with the shittyness of the avons profile but it is really sluggish into the corners. Definatley decided on a 150 for the rear but not to sure if i want to do the 110 front yet???

MR: Yes the stock front is a 110. But the manual says the rear should be a 160 so if i am changing the rear i want to change the front to dont i?? Dont want then tippin in at different angles aye :doh:

Welly motorcycles.

[merv]

My RE5 runs best on Pirelli phantoms.

You really got an RE5? How's it go and can you still get spares for it?

Were there only 700 made as per this note on the one at the Bike Shed Museum?

[magnum]

have been very happy with pirelli diablos,good grip and milage

[ajturbo]

You really got an RE5? How's it go and can you still get spares for it?

Were there only 700 made as per this note on the one at the Bike Shed Museum?


a mate of mine in nelson owned a brand new one!!.. but he sold it before i knew him...
dumb bugger! :moon:

[TwoSeven]

My suggestion on tires would be to try out several different brands over a period of a year or so then choose the ones you like best and stick with em for a while.

At the end of the day one cant really rely on other peoples opinions for whats good and whats not when dealing with sports and touring tires - at best your looking at a ballpark (such as ching wossnames are not great).

The other thing I would suggest is learn as much about the technology that you can and also get to know your tire technician (get a good one). Once they learn what you like and what you dont like, it can make for choosing tires a lot easier.

Once you settle on a brand of tire and start learning its characteristics in depth, it becomes harder and harder to change brand because there is a big difference between the handling delivered from a michelin and that of a dunlop and as I found out, if you get used to one, its very hard to switch to the other (I still cant get the hang of dunlops and i've been trying for years) - so thats one of the reasons why I suggest cycling brands often.

Also different people have different thoughts about what makes a good tire and what doesnt - simply because riding styles, machine setup and machine characteristics can be so different.

So at the end of the day the best thing to do is to sit down with your tire technician, tell them how you ride your bike (and be honest) and listen to their suggestion for what may be ideal - sometimes it can also save a bit of money.

[DEATH_INC.]

My suggestion on tires would be to try out several different brands over a period of a year or so then choose the ones you like best and stick with em for a while.

At the end of the day one cant really rely on other peoples opinions for whats good and whats not when dealing with sports and touring tires - at best your looking at a ballpark (such as ching wossnames are not great).

The other thing I would suggest is learn as much about the technology that you can and also get to know your tire technician (get a good one). Once they learn what you like and what you dont like, it can make for choosing tires a lot easier.

Once you settle on a brand of tire and start learning its characteristics in depth, it becomes harder and harder to change brand because there is a big difference between the handling delivered from a michelin and that of a dunlop and as I found out, if you get used to one, its very hard to switch to the other (I still cant get the hang of dunlops and i've been trying for years) - so thats one of the reasons why I suggest cycling brands often.

Also different people have different thoughts about what makes a good tire and what doesnt - simply because riding styles, machine setup and machine characteristics can be so different.

So at the end of the day the best thing to do is to sit down with your tire technician, tell them how you ride your bike (and be honest) and listen to their suggestion for what may be ideal - sometimes it can also save a bit of money.
Well put. :2thumbsup

[Jantar]

You really got an RE5? How's it go and can you still get spares for it?

Were there only 700 made as per this note on the one at the Bike Shed Museum?

There were 6250 made. Most of them were the M model like the one in your photo, and they came in two colours. Red or Blue. There are currently around 1700 still in existence world wide, and about 1200 of them are still road worthy. I actually have 2, but one is strictly a parts bike. Some parts are still available from USA. An enthusiest over there bought out Suzuki's entire parts stock and now is the sole supplier.

My bike goes reasonably well for a 30 year old machine. It is not as crisp as when they origionaly came out, and is down a bit on power. Feels like about 50 BHP instaed of 65 BHP. I think I know the cause (30 year old rubber in the vacuum operated butterfly), but it still cruises at the legal speed limit with some to spare.

[aff-man]

My suggestion on tires would be to try out several different brands over a period of a year or so then choose the ones you like best and stick with em for a while.

At the end of the day one cant really rely on other peoples opinions for whats good and whats not when dealing with sports and touring tires - at best your looking at a ballpark (such as ching wossnames are not great).

The other thing I would suggest is learn as much about the technology that you can and also get to know your tire technician (get a good one). Once they learn what you like and what you dont like, it can make for choosing tires a lot easier.

Once you settle on a brand of tire and start learning its characteristics in depth, it becomes harder and harder to change brand because there is a big difference between the handling delivered from a michelin and that of a dunlop and as I found out, if you get used to one, its very hard to switch to the other (I still cant get the hang of dunlops and i've been trying for years) - so thats one of the reasons why I suggest cycling brands often.

Also different people have different thoughts about what makes a good tire and what doesnt - simply because riding styles, machine setup and machine characteristics can be so different.

So at the end of the day the best thing to do is to sit down with your tire technician, tell them how you ride your bike (and be honest) and listen to their suggestion for what may be ideal - sometimes it can also save a bit of money.

That there is some sound advice.I knew what i liked on the 250 but this 400 is another kettle of fish. The guys at Mt eden know thier stuff and i have been going to them for years so they know how i ride. But this is my first time buying tyres for the 400. Unfortunatley i can't afford to try a couple of sets of tyres a year (will havr to though hahaha)but i think i will go for the sportech m1's (just for shits and giggles) or depending on price diablos. I think if they are the same price i'll run the M1's and maybe the diablos later. If they are cheaper well...... you get the picture. But they would have to be $50 or more cheaper.

[Milky]

...Dunlop D207s. I found these to very good in the dry, but didn't give me any confidence in the wet. I have a 207 on the rear, and i second that comment. Good in the dry if you get it nice and warm, but a pile of shite on wet roads... Even worse when you have no tread left :whistle:

[aff-man]

I have a 207 on the rear, and i second that comment. Good in the dry if you get it nice and warm, but a pile of shite on wet roads... Even worse when you have no tread left :whistle:

Hey milky wanna buy some avons :wacko: :mellow: :mellow: :mellow:

[Milky]

I think i will look elsewhere...

[aff-man]

I think i will look elsewhere...

Hahahahahaha yes i DO NOT recommend them for any sports bike. They will suit a sports tourer perfectly though hahahahaha

[Bonez]

Hahahahahaha yes i DO NOT recommend them for any sports bike. They will suit a sports tourer perfectly though hahahahaha
Todays sports bike is tomorrows sport tourer :whistle:

[enigma51]

For a 400 I would by some Bridgestone Batelaxe (How ever you spell it) but if you have the money go for Diablo back Diable corsa front. I just did the whole find the best price thing and found that Colemans gave the best price for Diablo's (I think it was like 520 or something) they where about a 100 bucks cheaper than any one else on almost all there tyres. But what ever you do dont buy dunlops they are shit!

[**R1**]

Right on the 18th of jan (or round abouts then) i am getting me some new tyres. (counting down the days yeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaa) But now the question is what to get.

They are all about the same price so GPR80's, sprtec M1's,Diablo's etc.. What is your guys experience with these tyres. i.e. i havn't hadproper sports tyres on the zxr400 yet (only owning it 5 odd months and not having the cash) so i don't know what to get.

And they did put the wrong tyres on. I am running a 120//60/17 and a 160/60/17. But apparently even though the manual says it's those i was told to run a 110/60/17 and a 150/60/17. It will make the bike tip in a lot quicker which is what i really really want. Any comments. Cheers
Hey man those 400's rock. I had one for 3 years, i would fully recomend dropping to the 150 or a 155max, as for tyres if michy do a pilot power in your sizes i would get them without a second thought, good milige and awesome grip, they do over heat a bit on the track but are wikd on the road.

[hodgeman]

Where did you get them for that price????? I got quoted a little over $500 fitted??

Gav: Try riding my zxr.... i know it has a lot to do with the shittyness of the avons profile but it is really sluggish into the corners. Definatley decided on a 150 for the rear but not to sure if i want to do the 110 front yet???

MR: Yes the stock front is a 110. But the manual says the rear should be a 160 so if i am changing the rear i want to change the front to dont i?? Dont want then tippin in at different angles aye :doh:

Just PM White Trash for that deal,
I'm Running the Sport Tec M1's on my bike and they are the shizza.
Quick to warm up, great grip in wet and dry conditions.
Decent wear, done around 4,000km and I'll get another 2,000 I hope out of the rear.

Happy Shopping.

[cowpoos]

with a light weight bike like yours get a real soft compound....like mich pilot power or pilot race...while diabalos a rated very well among most biker's including myself...most bikers ride heavier machines/more powerful machines and diabalos are a much firmer compound than 'mich pilot power or pilot race'

heavier/powerful bikes create more friction with the ground through there weight and power and heat a firmer compound up to there working temp range

softer will give your zxr more grip!