Tyres for a 750 sportsbike - July 2008

[Mikkel]

Time to get some new feet for the mean greenie. It came with a set of Michellin Pilot powers where the rear had been squared off quite badly and the front had a rather odd wear pattern (probably due to a slow leak -> lower pressure).

It's the same old story - I want something sticky that'll still give me some decent milage. It'll be spending most of their time on the road - but I'll still take the bike to the track every now and again.

I'm looking at a number of different tyres at the moment:

Pirelli Corsa III
Michellin Pilot Powers (the ones on the bike didn't do much for me, but they are old and weird...)
Metzler M3

I'd appreciate any experiences anyone have had with these tyres. If there are some other tyres out there that I ought to consider as well - by all means throw them in here.

[MVnut]

Those are all good ones mate :Punk: if you're doing lots of track time, look at Racetecs as well. Talk to Jim (mechanic) at Rides BMW/Yamaha on Ferry Road ph 3771156 he'll fit/balance too.

[Mikkel]

I'll be doing some track time - but I still think that at least 66% of the milage will be done on the road.

[MSTRS]

If the Pilot Powers 2CT are just that bit better sticky-wise than the P.Road 2s - then you can't go wrong.
You've seen my riding (for example) + the PR2s on my 750 have not let me down and they are up to 11,000ks now with 4mm left in the centre

[ElCoyote]

Ive got the M3 on a ZX7R and find them great. Good feel on the limit and good wear so far

[Mikkel]

If the Pilot Powers 2CT are just that bit better sticky-wise than the P.Road 2s - then you can't go wrong.
You've seen my riding (for example) + the PRs on my 750 have not let me down and they are up to 11,000ks now with 4mm left in the centre

I've managed to keep your taillight in sight on a dark road in the middle of nowhere... You weren't going too slow if my memory serves :D

That's impressive milage I have to say. :yes: I doubt you would be able to get that much out of a pair of Pilot Powers though.

It wouldn't be fair of me to judge the Michelins by the tyres that came with the bike... but I haven't been too happy with them. On the other hand - the motard runs Pilot Powers on the front and Pilot Sports on the rear and it feels pretty good I must say.


Ive got the M3 on a ZX7R and find them great. Good feel on the limit and good wear so far

I've heard that the soft sidewalls of the M3s should give good feel and inspire confidence when keeled over going around corners. The downside I understood is that they shouldn't give too much milage - how many kms have you had out of yours so far and how would you rate them for wear?

[Devil]

I've heard that the soft sidewalls of the M3s should give good feel and inspire confidence when keeled over going around corners. The downside I understood is that they shouldn't give too much milage - how many kms have you had out of yours so far and how would you rate them for wear?

The M3's dont have soft sidewalls, as a result they feel solid, stable and well controlled. They also have better mileage than pilot powers. I would pick them anyday, particularly for thier profile. Turn in is very progressive.

Powers however, having a shitty weak sidewall tend to squirm around like a bag of shit. The Power 2CT's seem to be a little better in the sidewall department, but the trade off being slightly less mileage.

Get the M3's.

[MSTRS]

I've managed to keep your taillight in sight on a dark road in the middle of nowhere... You weren't going too slow if my memory serves :D

That's impressive milage I have to say. :yes: I doubt you would be able to get that much out of a pair of Pilot Powers though.

It wouldn't be fair of me to judge the Michelins by the tyres that came with the bike... but I haven't been too happy with them. On the other hand - the motard runs Pilot Powers on the front and Pilot Sports on the rear and it feels pretty good I must say.



I'm talking the dual compound ones in both cases. I had Pilot Sports on before and I never liked them. Somehow never gave me any confidence and the rear was shagged at under that mileage. Without increasing my speed, I've got much faster on the dual compound PR2s. So I suspect that the PP2s will be even better for grip, although sacrifice a little longevity.
NB - how long they last/value is in the users opinion...I know people who can wear out a Power (single compound) in under 1500ks and they are quite happy with that.

[jrandom]

The M3's... have better mileage than pilot powers.

Really? Odd, I've heard the opposite from others. Never worn all the way through a pair of M3s, so I can't comment.


I would pick them anyday, particularly for thier profile. Turn in is very progressive.

I'd pick M3s any day, up to a point, depending on the bike. Much nicer to ride on, but they like to let go sooner than the Powers. Feel heaps better on the road though. Heaps better. But they definitely offer slightly inferior total levels of traction in the dry and the wet.

By 'progressive' I presume you mean 'slower'? The Powers like to tip in BAM, the M3s have a more rolling-on-in feel to them.


Powers however, having a shitty weak sidewall tend to squirm around like a bag of shit.

WTFLOL? I've always found them to be rock solid, like skates in a groove. The M3s make you feel like you're sliding it up Rossi style every time you get on the gas.

^ --- Statement exaggerated for effect.

[Mikkel]

I'm talking the dual compound ones in both cases. I had Pilot Sports on before and I never liked them. Somehow never gave me any confidence and the rear was shagged at under that mileage. Without increasing my speed, I've got much faster on the dual compound PR2s. So I suspect that the PP2s will be even better for grip, although sacrifice a little longevity.
NB - how long they last/value is in the users opinion...I know people who can wear out a Power (single compound) in under 1500ks and they are quite happy with that.

Oh, I didn't know they had both single and dual compound Pilot Powers...

I'd sure hope for more than 1500 kms :yes: While the mean greenie is a beast - it's not a 180 hps beast...


The M3's dont have soft sidewalls, as a result they feel solid, stable and well controlled. They also have better mileage than pilot powers. I would pick them anyday, particularly for thier profile. Turn in is very progressive.

Powers however, having a shitty weak sidewall tend to squirm around like a bag of shit. The Power 2CT's seem to be a little better in the sidewall department, but the trade off being slightly less mileage.

Get the M3's.


Really? Odd, I've heard the opposite from others. Never worn all the way through a pair of M3s, so I can't comment.

I'd pick M3s any day, up to a point, depending on the bike. Much nicer to ride on, but they like to let go sooner than the Powers. Feel heaps better on the road though. Heaps better. But they definitely offer slightly inferior total levels of traction in the dry and the wet.

By 'progressive' I presume you mean 'slower'? The Powers like to tip in BAM, the M3s have a more rolling-on-in feel to them.

WTFLOL? I've always found them to be rock solid, like skates in a groove. The M3s make you feel like you're sliding it up Rossi style every time you get on the gas.

^ --- Statement exaggerated for effect.

Seems the jury is still out on that one then.

What jrandom is relating sounds like what I have heard from people at the shops around Chch. Glen Hayward at Street and Sport said that the M3 would absorb bumps and be more planted through the corner - but that the Pilot Powers would have more grip when getting on the throttle coming out. On the other hand the downside should be significantly less milage on the M3s. I don't know personally... I haven't tried the M3s and Michelins on the motard are not really comparable since weight and power are vastly different.

Even when I do go to the track I try to be smooth - I am not usually pushing extremely hard. I'm not racing anyone but myself so whether the tyre is more or less competitive is irrelevant - I'd rather have something that lets go and regain grip in a predictive manner than something that'll hand out a highside as revenge for finding its shortcomings...

Anyone who can relate any experiences regarding the Corsa IIIs? They were presented as being the bee's knees.

[jrandom]

I'd rather have something that lets go and regain grip in a predictive manner than something that'll hand out a highside as revenge for finding its shortcomings...

Then get the M3s, not the Powers.


Anyone who can relate any experiences regarding the Corsa IIIs? They were presented as being the bee's knees.

I've had horrible times on Diablos and Super Corsas and hate all Pirellis as a result. They feel like rocks on the rims and stick like a non-sticky thing to something very slippery unless they're at precisely the right temperature.

YMMV, I know nothing, etc.

[Devil]

I'd pick M3s any day, up to a point, depending on the bike. Much nicer to ride on, but they like to let go sooner than the Powers. Feel heaps better on the road though. Heaps better. But they definitely offer slightly inferior total levels of traction in the dry and the wet.

By 'progressive' I presume you mean 'slower'? The Powers like to tip in BAM, the M3s have a more rolling-on-in feel to them.WTFLOL? I've always found them to be rock solid, like skates in a groove. The M3s make you feel like you're sliding it up Rossi style every time you get on the gas.

^ --- Statement exaggerated for effect.

I've got 13,000km out of a pair of M3's including at least one track day. 10,000km on Powers (standard ones)

By progressive, i mean progressive. Steady, you turn the bike, it turns progressively. As opposed to slow (Diablo), or too fast (power).

Here's something that needs to be considered, and people spit out a tyre preference without considering the bike it's going on:
Powers will make a heavier bike turn faster and feel a little more positive on turn in, due to their profile. When you put them on a bike that's light, nimble and already handles, you increase that turn in speed which makes it feel terrible, too fast, uncontrolled and like it's going to fall over. Same way putting diablo's on the heavier bike may make it turn even slower and horrible.

Using my Speed Four as an example, being a very quick turning, light bike: Diablos were very stable and steady. Didn't feel ideal for me, but that was personal preference. Squared off very quick, didn't like the straight line wet grip. M3's were the perfect balance. Very neutral steering and tip in. Found the dry grip on par with the powers as long as you got the right pressure. Wet grip i'd give to the powers. I think it's the silica content.
Powers on the Speed Four? No thanks (he says, standing in front of his 2CT's - they're a little different though). Provided unstable handling, the weak sidewall felt horrid in bumpy corners. It's a very sensitive bike that provides lots of feed back. Technical grip, good though. Was a bit concerned about running out of tyre though, particularly on the front...

[MSTRS]

Some people like Avons too
http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=tyres&method=showtyre&id=15

[Mikkel]

Sounds like people are converging on the M3s now...

For the record - the bike is about 220-230 kgs with all fluids and 105-110 hps at the wheel. The steering geometry is fairly aggressive for the age of the bike I believe.

It certainly feels quite nimble on the Powers...

[Cajun]

Sounds like people are converging on the M3s now...

For the record - the bike is about 220-230 kgs with all fluids and 105-110 hps at the wheel. The steering geometry is fairly aggressive for the age of the bike I believe.

It certainly feels quite nimble on the Powers...

everyone has there own opinion on tires, find a brand you like at right price and put them on.

[Devil]

everyone has there own opinion on tires, find a brand you like at right price and put them on.

Of course, never let the facts regarding profile interfere with an opinion.

If the bike is nimble as it is and you like it (except that they're feeling a bit shit and old) stick with the powers. But i'd recommend going for the M3's as they're very neutral handling and I bet you wont have any problem with them!

[phoenixgtr]

This is an interesting read...indeed.

I've got a Pilot Sport on the front of my 6R and a Pilot Road 2CT on the rear. All this stuff about the michelins making the bike turn in quicker is so true!! My bike feels very unstable, you feel every bump and it turns in like crazy, yet Ryan's bike (same model but with Contis) feels planted and slow turning. I've been searching for a middle ground but never thought the tyres would make that much impact (I always thought it was suspension settings, but both bikes were setup the same).

Sounds like the metzelers might be worth looking at when my michelins need replacing.

[Mikkel]

I'm thinking I'll go M3s. When they've served their time I'll consider something else if I feel a desire for more flickability.

[scracha]

M3's if you ride in the wet. Otherwise, go for the cheapest

[puddytat]

Theres a trackday on the 31st @ Ruapuna....
Ive had 11000 ks outta my PR2's,loved them & the rears still warrantable, but Im going to try the new Pirelli Rosso next,will be interesting to see the differances between the two

[ElCoyote]

The M3's dont have soft sidewalls, as a result they feel solid, stable and well controlled. They also have better mileage than pilot powers. I would pick them anyday, particularly for thier profile. Turn in is very progressive.

Powers however, having a shitty weak sidewall tend to squirm around like a bag of shit. The Power 2CT's seem to be a little better in the sidewall department, but the trade off being slightly less mileage.

Get the M3's.

I agree, I have logged 5k om my M3's and they are still in good condition. Because there is tread showing, some people tend to say they have "heaps of tread left". I mean useable tread and with Metzler's I have many miles left after both road riding and some track days. To each his own but I judge a tyre on 1) feel 2) wet weather ability and 3) wear. Every person puts different demands on a tyre depending on their ability. Their normal percentage of straightline useage and the type of roads they encounter on a daily basis must be taken into account therefore do your homework.

[Devil]

My bike feels very unstable, you feel every bump and it turns in like crazy, yet Ryan's bike (same model but with Contis) feels planted and slow turning. I've been searching for a middle ground but never thought the tyres would make that much impact (I always thought it was suspension settings, but both bikes were setup the same).


Yep it really does make quite a difference. On my Triumph (with the same same setup each time - suspension etc) i've had Pirelli Diablo's, Metzeler M3's, Pilot Powers, Pilot Power 2CT's, Bridgestone BT010's (OEM tyre), Bridgestone BT002R Streets. So I've been able to see the direct effect of each tyre on the handling and the differences between.

Definately impressed by the M3 for its neutral handling, good life and good grip. My favourite tyre (not really for winter though) was the Bridgestone BT002 Streets. Absolutely excellent. Stunning grip and handling, road or track and they held their shape incredibly well with day to day commuting.
I shifted to the BT002's when I started pushing harder on the track. Still got 8000km out of them too! Excellent tyre.

[Mikkel]

Their normal percentage of straightline useage and the type of roads they encounter on a daily basis must be taken into account therefore do your homework.

I'm trying - and you guys are all helping me out... Thanks a bunch :D

[Gremlin]

hmmm you haven't mentioned what bike it is, but it appears to be an older one... not a zx7r is it? I had one.

I ran z6 front and rear on the 7r, got around 10k I think out of each set, they warmed up fantastically quick, never really gave me grief, besides a serious aquaplane that involved both wheels, and lasted long enough to start looking at the side of the road and think... f**k :eek5: Only thing that really worried me about the z6 was that I had a puncture on both rear tyres... maybe bad luck, but never had punctures on any other model/brand of tyre, and I have been on a few.

zx10, conti sport attack... fantastic tyre, depending on what 750 is it, perhaps the conti road attack? sport attack has fantastic grip, front and rear wear evenly, and normally 6k to a set (seems to vary a little).

running pilot road 2 on the cb900, really can't fault the tyre, I give it shitloads of stick, white lines, tar snakes, takes a lot to phase it. It would be roughly 220-230 with fluids, and around 100hp I think... not too sure on that. They also seem to last forever and ever (guessing around 10-12k, which for me, is forever)

[Mikkel]

It's a '96 zx7rr.

What brand are the Z6?

[Devil]

It's a '96 zx7rr.

What brand are the Z6?

Metzeler.
The Z6 is Metzelers equivalent of the pilot road.

[Gremlin]

other option, which is another competitor to the z6 and pilot road is the pirelli diablo strada (if I got all the pieces of the name right... I knew them as stradas), which is actually made in the same factory as the z6, has an almost carbon copy of the z6 tread pattern, but the middle isn't as solid, with the grooves going closer to the middle.

This results in less life in the centre of the tyre, but may reduce stuff like aquaplaning... They are also fine on heavier bikes, used a blackbird which would have probably weighed 375-400kg (inc me and gear), sustained quickish stuff, and the tyre withstood the punishment remarkably well. Even rode it at 110 with it deflating under me, and still wasn't too bad.

Tyres can be a very personal thing, simple example I give is death and I. He loves the diablo something D208/D218? (stock tread for an 04 zx10), finding them very edgy and I hated them, finding them very unstable unless going all out.

[Devil]

Even rode it at 110 with it deflating under me, and still wasn't too bad.

You're a real salesman you are. :clap:

[Gremlin]

You're a real salesman you are. :clap:
No, the scary part was that I thought I was going really slowly. I wanted to make the next town (which ended up being 60km away), and obviously the longer I took, the worse it got... surprised me when I was still doing 110 :sweatdrop

[slopster]

I've had 2 violent near highsides on my old gsxr 750 once on track once on road with m3's. Everyone seems to love them but I hated them I couldn't feel them starting to weave around until they let go properly. In saying that the rear was a 190 profile and all my other tyres have been 180's so I wasn't comparing apples with apples. I've got nothing but good things to say about pilot powers, pirelli diablos (not sticky but predictable), and conti ex racies I've got on at the moment.

[crash harry]

My 2 cents worth:
I've had Pirellis, Bridgestones, and Dunlops. Just put a set of Pilot Road 2s on the R1 to see how I go on Michelins.

I like Diablos - they seem to be very predictable if not the absolute most stickiest. I don't ride hard enough on the road to know the difference.

I HATE bridgestones. Every bike I've had them on has felt shit and let go at random moments, especially under brakes.

Dunlops have always felt good but been too expensive or unavailable or just a bit behind the times when I've gone to buy more - hence why I'm now running Michelins - the dual compound pilot road 2 should hopefully last a while under commuting duty...

[Devil]

I HATE bridgestones. Every bike I've had them on has felt shit and let go at random moments, especially under brakes.


While I understand what you're talking about with the BT010'2, 14's, 15's. I urge you to try the BT002R Street. (not to be confused with a BT020). They're a new generation super sports tyre that perform excellently. Massive amout of grip, solid sidewall and hold their shape really well.

[Mikkel]

From what has been posted in this thread and what I have been told by other I'm pretty set on trying out the M3s.

Anyway, my bike has a 17"x6" rim and a standard tyre size of 190 mm. Now I understand perfectly that there is an amount of wank factor about fatter tyres (just like cars) - on the other hand I can't believe that the factory would put out a bike which is less than ideal just because of the wank factor.

So what are peoples take on this subject? What are the disadvantages of dropping down from 190 to 180 mm? What is the difference? I always get suspicious when people say "it'll handle better and it's cheaper too"... So what's the verdict on this matter?

[honda929]

Put a set of M3's on my blade, and they are very good,Id stick with the 190 size.

[Jerry74]

Just got a Pirelli Sport Demon today for the rear look like a goody.

Not a bad price either

[James Deuce]

Just tried a '97 'blade for an evening and it had M3s on it. They worked really well. They were even black and round.

[MaxCannon]

Totally unhelpful post.......

Had to get a new rear for the ZZR400.
Only tyre available in the size I needed and my price range was the Metzler
M1

It is way better than the Shinko 005 it replaced.

See - told you this wouldn't be any help to you.

[Mikkel]

Well, as I said - I have decided upon the M3s. However, I'm currently contemplating whether to go down from a 180 mm to a 190 mm tyre on the rear.

Surely there would have to be someone with an opinion on this matter!

[James Deuce]

I wouldn't.

But then I am struggling to understand how one would "go down" from a 180 to a 190. ;)

If that's a 6 inch rim on the back, stay with the 180. Folding a 190 onto it may give the rear a markedly different profile from the manufacturers intention.

[imdying]

6" rim was designed for a 190, that's true.... 5.5" for a 180... but having said that, there's a whole heap of different tyres, each with different profiles. They all feel a little different, so you'll just have to experiment. Just buy soft tyres, you'll whip your way through them soon enough, and after a year of that you'll have a pretty good range of experience on your bike to go on. And just as you've decided on the perfect combination, your favourites will go out of production :lol:

[Mikkel]

I wouldn't.

But then I am struggling to understand how one would "go down" from a 180 to a 190. ;)

If that's a 6 inch rim on the back, stay with the 180. Folding a 190 onto it may give the rear a markedly different profile from the manufacturers intention.

Ah, sorry. I meant go down from 190 to 180 of course... Silly me.

It comes with a 190 as factory standard. Then the question is, would it be better to go down to a 180 instead? I never contemplated going up from the 190 :no:

[James Deuce]

Nah, stick with the 190. You'll end up with a profile like a car tyre because the 180 will have to "spread" across the rim. It's an unknown but you can end up with everything from a bike that refuses to drop into corners predictably and weaves in a straight line to not noticing any difference between the sizes.

I tend to stick with the recommended sizes because I fear change, and secretly respect tyre engineers and tyre manufacturing companies. They know more than me you see.

[Mikkel]

I tend to stick with the recommended sizes because I fear change, and secretly respect tyre engineers and tyre manufacturing companies. They know more than me you see.

That is my thought as well - surely they would put on a tyre size that fits the rest of the design.
Although wide tyres are often more wank factor than anything - I have a hard time seeing why the factory specification should not be spot on.

I've just had some people suggest that the 180 would make it more nimble and be cheaper too. I think I shall retain the factory spec.

[Cajun]

well why don't you go 190/55, instead of the stock 190/50

best of both worlds

[imdying]

Nah, stick with the 190. You'll end up with a profile like a car tyre because the 180 will have to "spread" across the rim. It's an unknown but you can end up with everything from a bike that refuses to drop into corners predictably and weaves in a straight line to not noticing any difference between the sizes.I'd have a play with tyres if you have the time and money Mike... I remember not reading that long ago about one of the PB staffers that went R1 racing. Was halfway through the season before someone told him that the 190 was always ditched for a 180... :laugh:

[mouldy]

well why don't you go 190/55, instead of the stock 190/50

best of both worlds

Because that size is only available in supersport or race tyres . Stay with the 190/50/17 on the R1 only on TLS,s do you gain by going 180 on a 6" rim .
M3s are good but Diablo Rosso's are better .

[Cajun]

Because that size is only available in supersport or race tyres . Stay with the 190/50/17 on the R1 only on TLS,s do you gain by going 180 on a 6" rim .
M3s are good but Diablo Rosso's are better .

rosso's come in 190/55 (http://www.pirellityre.com/web/catalog/moto/moto_catalogo_schedaDescription.page?categoria=/catalog/moto/hypersport/none&vehicleType=MOTO&product_id=90919&uri=/pirellityre/en_IT/browser/xml/catalog/moto/MOTO_MV_DIABLOROSSO.xml)


It was a race type of tire, but they are starting to be become more main stream, with people wanting the contact patch of a 190 but turn in on a 180

[Mikkel]

well why don't you go 190/55, instead of the stock 190/50

best of both worlds

Ah, I see. I always thought that the profile in the tyre code was the sidewall (around cars for too long - new to bikes) - but indeed if you get a steeper profile I see how your turn in ought to be sharper.


I'd have a play with tyres if you have the time and money Mike... I remember not reading that long ago about one of the PB staffers that went R1 racing. Was halfway through the season before someone told him that the 190 was always ditched for a 180... :laugh:

PB?

I'm not going to eat tyres just for the hell of it. :no: I just want to try and get it as close to right as possible in the first go - then we can always try and improve from there.

[Cajun]

Ah, I see. I always thought that the profile in the tyre code was the sidewall (around cars for too long - new to bikes) - but indeed if you get a steeper profile I see how your turn in ought to be sharper.


http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/Riderresc/tires.asp

[mouldy]

rosso's come in 190/55 (http://www.pirellityre.com/web/catalog/moto/moto_catalogo_schedaDescription.page?categoria=/catalog/moto/hypersport/none&vehicleType=MOTO&product_id=90919&uri=/pirellityre/en_IT/browser/xml/catalog/moto/MOTO_MV_DIABLOROSSO.xml)


It was a race type of tire, but they are starting to be become more main stream, with people wanting the contact patch of a 190 but turn in on a 180

Not in this country they don,t . Nationwide hasn't got any on order yet otherwise I'd be running one .

[MIZXR]

190-55-17 the "55" is the sidewall height. It will make your bike tip in because it will raise the height of the arse end of the bike by another 5% of the tyre width. Raised rear ride height.

Manufacturers choice the tyre size to be applicable to many different riders of many different skill types for most of the different purposes it could be used for a 180 may be better suited to some applications but unless your willing to play, stick with the 190, unless recommened by someone who knows how you ride and what effects it will have.

Get a sticky frount tyre dude, real sticky :Oops: Sorry.

go the Rosso's cause I want to know what they are like.

[MIZXR]

I prefer the pilots because of the quick turn in, saves having to raise the ride height to speed up the turn in thus decreases the chance of tankslappers.

Metz were not all that fun on mine.

Also consider a sports touring on the rear insted of the stickier version, seems more usefull for the riding we do. Warm up is quicker and only becomes a problem at the end of a session in summer. Or on occasion to Akaroa on hot days it starts squirming everywhere.

When you ride like OAB or Bren then consider the super sticky

[Chrislost]

From what has been posted in this thread and what I have been told by other I'm pretty set on trying out the M3s.

Anyway, my bike has a 17"x6" rim and a standard tyre size of 190 mm. Now I understand perfectly that there is an amount of wank factor about fatter tyres (just like cars) - on the other hand I can't believe that the factory would put out a bike which is less than ideal just because of the wank factor.

So what are peoples take on this subject? What are the disadvantages of dropping down from 190 to 180 mm? What is the difference? I always get suspicious when people say "it'll handle better and it's cheaper too"... So what's the verdict on this matter?

what kind of bike?
"sport" riding I would sugest some bridgestone 016s, their pretty good in the rain too.
for commuting /weekend thrashes then pilot road 2s.
for just commuting then bridgestone 021s.(their slightly harder than the pilot road 2s but same type of tyre.)


I wouldn't.

But then I am struggling to understand how one would "go down" from a 180 to a 190. ;)

If that's a 6 inch rim on the back, stay with the 180. Folding a 190 onto it may give the rear a markedly different profile from the manufacturers intention.

a 6 inch rim takes a 190.
a 5.5 inch rim like on my 750 takes a 180.


It comes with a 190 as factory standard. Then the question is, would it be better to go down to a 180 instead? I never contemplated going up from the 190 :no:

I have seen a 200/ /17 tyre, It was big...:wari:
usually if your bike feels to heavy for your liking and you dont want to play with suspension a 180 will make it feel lighter.
it will also be a bit flatter on the rim meaning smaller"chicken strips" for the same effort.

[Mikkel]

it will also be a bit flatter on the rim meaning smaller"chicken strips" for the same effort.

Now where is the fun in that? :scratch:

Nah, I've decided to try out the Metzler M3s. I'll stick with the factory standard tyre size.

Cheers guys! :)

[WRT]

Nah, I've decided to try out the Metzler M3s. I'll stick with the factory standard tyre size.

Soooo . . . what was the outcome? I've got a similar decision coming up!

[ritchtheitch]

Come on Mikkel, what say you..? two months worth of M3's.. we want to know (and what they're on too please, so I know if it's similar to mine..) what you think of them, how they wear, what the grip is like, and how hard you ride them..!! :soon: