Metzeler vs Pirelli vs Michelin

[Farab]

The rear is coming up for replacement and I am considering a few:

Metzeler M3

Metseler Z6

Pirelli Diablo Rosso

Michelin Pilot Power Road 2

Continental Attack

Considerations:
I commute 90% of the time, rain or shine
I go for spirited weekend blasts in the twisties

Went into a bike shop the other day that also fits Michelin. Mechanic actually recommended against them! Also confirmed the story that I have been heard of them changing characteristics after about 50% of wear. He reckons Michelin is over rated...

He recommended the (slightly cheaper) Metzelers: Z6 or M3.
After I said I’d be happy with 8 to 10K km’s he said go for the M3, more stickier, although he reckons the Z6 is excellent in the wet and has sold truckloads…

I get the idea that Metzeler is an under rated (and slightly cheaper than Michelin) tire..
Also reading and hearing rave reviews about the Pirelli Diablo Rosso - Pirelli and Metzeler being the same company...got me very interested in trying Metzeler.

Any suggestions?

[MSTRS]

I commute 90% of the time, rain or shine
I go for spirited weekend blasts in the twisties


There is your answer. Dual compound FTW!!!

[98tls]

Went to Pirelli Diablos awhile back and am very happy both with how they stick and the mileage,TL is pretty hard on tyres and these things are proving the best yet in mho.Have heard good things about Conti tyres.

[Gremlin]

After never getting more than 10k from a tyre (including a zzr250), the hornet has had a pair of Pilot Road 2's for at least 12k, if not going towards 20k (I have no idea when they were actually put on, but its been a while), that is all commuting, maybe 750km of country tops, with wheelies and blasting away from lights thrown in.

Damn good tyre, still have them, but they will need to be replaced shortly

[kiwifruit]

Whats on the front?

[vifferman]

Any suggestions?
Why yes!
Avon Storms.

[banditrider]

I happen to like Metzlers and I see you're considering the Z6 (as am I). Pirelli also have the Strada's which are pretty comparable. So, if you're leaning towards the Z6 then the Strada could also be an option ($?) - I got just under 11,000km out of my first set and they're just as good in the wet as the Metzlers. If you're more of a sports-tourer than full-on sports then either of these could be a goer - esp if you want reasonable wear.

[98tls]

I happen to like Metzlers and I see you're considering the Z6 (as am I). Pirelli also have the Strada's which are pretty comparable. So, if you're leaning towards the Z6 then the Strada could also be an option ($?) - I got just under 11,000km out of my first set and they're just as good in the wet as the Metzlers. If you're more of a sports-tourer than full-on sports then either of these could be a goer - esp if you want reasonable wear. Out of interest what do you use on the VTR?As i posted i am using Diablos on the TL and well happy,anything thats not shagged after 5/6 k is good on that.

[Hitcher]

Why yes!
Avon Storms.

Yay!

Dunlop's new RoadSmarts are worth a look too, although after 6,000km my jury is still out on them.

[Gremlin]

As has been said in previous tyres threads, the z6 and strada are very similar, to the point that the tread pattern is almost identical, and they are made in the same factory.

The z6 has a wider solid piece in the middle, whereas the strada's grooves go further towards the centre, ie, centre wise, the z6 should last longer. I had a puncture in each of my two rear z6, and never another tyre... really weird. Strada gets a little cut up with harder riding on heavier bikes.

I found the PR2 better than both the z6 and strada, and I have ridden 10k+ on all of them.

[Madness]

My whale chewed up & spat out the Conti Road Attack, they don't like getting hot.

I'll run only Pirelli. Diablo front, Strada rear.

[MSTRS]

After never getting more than 10k from a tyre (including a zzr250), the hornet has had a pair of Pilot Road 2's for at least 12k...

I still had a legal Z6 on my GSXR1100 after 10k, but changed to the 750 so don't know what I would have got from the Z6. Put Pilot Sports on the 750...after 8k the rear was squared and as thin as paper in the middle. Changed to PR2s...14k later, not square, not bald, no chicken strips, still very legal.
Like I said...Dual compound FTW.

[jafar]

BT020 or 021 for distance or 014 for a bit more grip with good tyre life. :niceone:

I have gotten over 10k out of these on my CB1300 & will buy again :cool:

[Taz]

New BT016 out now also. Multi compound front and rear.

[roy.nz]

Go the M3 you wont go wrong..... :headbang:

[The Stranger]

He recommended the (slightly cheaper) Metzelers: Z6 or M3.
After I said I’d be happy with 8 to 10K km’s he said go for the M3, more stickier, although he reckons the Z6 is excellent in the wet and has sold truckloads…


I must admit, I did like the Z6 in the wet.
However at this time of year I never bother to consider how a tyre performs in the wet, so what if it's shit, it'l be long gone by winter.

[Farab]

Thanks for the awesome response, guys!

I currently have the crappy BT56's front and rear, cant wait to get rid of them.

Will gave alook at the Strada. Funny, I was pretty keen on the Conti Road Attacks, until one of the bike shop mechanics said he had one on his VTR - never again he said!

I would like to go for the Rosso's - just wasn't to sure what km's they would give for $400!

So, I will have a look at the Strada's. Still pretty keen on trying A Metzeler though. Problem is I commute, but like "spirited" riding on the weekends. Also Auckland being so wet...I was told the Z6's are excellent for the wet, as are the Michelin Road 2's

I have also heard that the Metzelers warm up straight off the word go. Any one care to comment?

[MaxB]

Bear in mind the Diablo Rosso wears out pretty fast, the price of all that stickyness. IMO it is probably the best tyre mentioned (at least in the tests) but are you going to use all that grip in your commute?

The Diablo Strada would maybe a better bet for your type of riding. They are an excellent tyre but not so extreme.

[NZsarge]

Unfortunately I have no experience with the tyres you mention but I know of a few of the guys I ride with have and in some cases still are using Pilot road 2's and all of them seem suitably impressed, so much so i'm pretty sure that's what i'll be putting on the back next, either that or if I can find a dealer that not asking stupid money I might try the new multi-compound Bridgestone 016.

[SixPackBack]

Conti sport attack............all the rest are shit

[Farab]

Mate of mine just put on a new Bridgestone 016 on the rear, he is very happy with it.

I am thinking of the Pilot road 2's - only thing is that I heard they seem to change their behaviour after about 50% wear...

I was told the Metzelers give good miles and good grip, I do like the thread pattern of the M3's!

[jrandom]

BT020

WTF?

Those things are downright dangerous.

[MSTRS]

Mate of mine just put on a new Bridgestone 016 on the rear, he is very happy with it.

I am thinking of the Pilot road 2's - only thing is that I heard they seem to change their behaviour after about 50% wear...

I was told the Metzelers give good miles and good grip, I do like the thread pattern of the M3's!

Mine are probably at 75% worn...can't say I've noticed anything.
See - the thing is, everyone wants a tyre that will do everything well and never wears out. When such a tyre becomes available, let me know.

[The Stranger]

Mate of mine just put on a new Bridgestone 016 on the rear, he is very happy with it.

I am thinking of the Pilot road 2's - only thing is that I heard they seem to change their behaviour after about 50% wear...

I was told the Metzelers give good miles and good grip, I do like the thread pattern of the M3's!

So now that everyone has recommended something different, has the thread helped you decide?

Any more than a search of last 100 "which tyre" threads?

Tell you what - oil, what oil are you using? It is important to get the right oil you know. Best you start a "which oil" thread just to be sure.

Or you could start a "which bike" thread, but before you do, the trick is to sit down and work out a set of impossible and/or contradictory requirements, then when people suggest a bike you can knock them back on one of your impossible requirements. See how long you can string them along for, check out Gremlins "which bike" thread as an example of a man well skilled in this type of deception, top mark to Gremlin, strung them out for ages.

[BM-GS]

Pirelli & Metzeler are the same tyre with a differnt tread pattern on. Which one you choose will depend on which pattern you like. They always have tyres aimed a the same people.

Go for something sport-toury as they'll do you nicely and won't need much "warming up" - they're designed to work in rain on mountain passes and on sunny tarmac ribbons. Just get a matching pair (profile more than make) and you won't go far wrong.

If people warn you off the expensive one, that sounds like the one to avoid!

[Farab]

Pirelli & Metzeler are the same tyre with a differnt tread pattern on. Which one you choose will depend on which pattern you like. They always have tyres aimed a the same people.




Yup, if money/km's wasn't an issue, I'd go for the Pirelli Diablo Rosso's, so I guess thats out. I have heard nothing but rave reviews, feedback from them.

I'm down to the Metzelers:M3, Z6 and the Michelin Pilot Road 2's, of which I'm favouring the M3's, seeing that we should be heading into drier weather (although I heard that they are pretty good in the wet, just not as good as the Z6's). As I said before, I quite like the thread pattern on the M3's.

I'm sure Michelin is a very good tyre, but get the feeling that there is some marketing hype around them. Similarly I'm picking up that the Metzelers are possibly slightly under rated and value for money.


Thanks to everyone that's contributed (and still may contribute) to this thread, much appretiated!

[vifferman]

Go for something sport-toury as they'll do you nicely and won't need much "warming up" - they're designed to work in rain on mountain passes and on sunny tarmac ribbons.
Like say....


... the Avon Storms! :niceone:

[Farab]

Like say....


... the Avon Storms! :niceone:

Haha! Throwing a cat amongst the pigeons!

Had a look at them on their website:

http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=tyres&method=showtyre&id=25

Looks like a pretty mean tire, you can see it means business in the wet!

What sort of riding do you do? What sort of km's do you get out of them?

Cheers Mate!

[Hitcher]

Those things are downright dangerous.

At best they're disturbingly sub-optimal. Yet they've been OEMs on my last three bikes. Go figure.

[AllanB]

My original 'sports' tyres were dead at 6,000 kms on my Hornet.

I've now got the Pilot Road 2's - I'm loving them - only done 2,000 kms so far but f-all wear and predicting a comfortable 10,000 of hooning. Make sure you get the 2's not the older PR if interested.

The PR2's stick like a sticky thing, and what I really like on the Horny is the profile gives a progressive (but quick) turn-in that you control - none of that sudden tip in you get on the pure sports tyres. Dual compound, with sticky sides for the corners :sunny:. Apparently highly rated in the wet (I have not wet them yet!).

M3's must be one of the spunkiest looking hoops around and a well rated sports tyre - you will not get the same life out of a set of these as the PR2.

IMO for your stated 90% commuting 10% hooning, look for the dual compound sports tourers. They will last longer for day to day running and keep you smiling on the twisties. Pilot Road 2's & the Avon Storms are well rated as are Continental Road Attacks which are a popular choice in NZ on the Hornet (I found these great on my previous bike).

You could comfortably go to your tyre dealer with a list of the above and fit the set he/she can do the best price for and not be disappointed.

[Hitcher]

If you don't like a set of tyres, they'll wear out soon enough. Three sets a year allows plenty of opportunities for comparisons to be made.

[Mishy]

Like I said...Dual compound FTW.

Haha ! you crack me up ! And I agree with you too, Dual compound is kind of the new "thing to have", but if you choose sensibly It's not the biggest thing in the world.

Best advice for Tyre choice ? Pick one that suits what you actually want it to do. If Mileage is a big deal, don't pick a BT16 or a Sport Attack. If you ride in wet weather a lot, consider a Michelin (lots of Silica in the compound for wet grip) or a Road Attack ( micro porous compound) and if you want long life for the money consider Conti Motion - they also have a very flexible carcase (but still 0 degree steel belt) to soak up the bumps and stuff.
Pick sizes that are right for you. I don't know what you ride, but don't get talked into a 190/55 if you are on a big bike and you want mileage over side grip
As you can see from the response, there are heaps of good tyres out there, and no one "right" answer - just a few common sense suggestions. All manufacturers have very good tyres available, but stay away from the older designs that are generally cheaper.

[Mishy]

At best they're disturbingly sub-optimal. Yet they've been OEMs on my last three bikes. Go figure.

And the OEM tyres are often not the same as what you buy from the shop, despite having the same name on the side. It has something to do with having to be able to sell them to the manufacturer for $130 for the set . . . . . . . . .

[Farab]

... Dual compound is kind of the new "thing to have", but if you choose sensibly It's not the biggest thing in the world...

... I don't know what you ride...

Yep, thats what bike mechanic said that recommended the Metzelers, don't need a dual compound with them they are so good in his opinion/experience.

I ride 900 Hornet;)

[gammaguy]

im the service and purchasing manager for a rental company.we have 85 plus bikes.i know tyres,believe me.

and the thing is,it all comes down to how you ride.like mishy says,there are no really bad tyres out there(unless you look for them,but anything named wonglongdong should get the alarm bells ringing)

find a tyre you like,and stick to it.

having said all that,for pure touring like our bikes mainly do,we get good mileage out of metzelers,but for a bit of sporting thrown in(like if i take a bike home for the weekend,or a long delivery ride)we all love the Continental road attacks.:done:

[Mishy]

Yep, thats what bike mechanic said that recommended the Metzelers, don't need a dual compound with them they are so good in his opinion/experience.

I ride 900 Hornet;)

Yeah, highly under rated bike. Most brands have a tyre which is that good, and without dual compound. Mostly dual compound is useful if you want a stickier shoulder, but don't mind it chewing out quicker.
The Metzler (read Pirelli, they don't design those Metzlers in Germany any more) is fine, and if it works for you, then that's even better.
As long as you consider a genuine sports tourer tyre, and look after the pressures routinely, you should get what you are looking for.

[Gremlin]

See how long you can string them along for, check out Gremlins "which bike" thread as an example of a man well skilled in this type of deception, top mark to Gremlin, strung them out for ages.
:killingme Since you so evidently loved my work, you better look at it again http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=80474

FYI, I think I met those requirements :bleh:

[Farab]

:killingme Since you so evidently loved my work, you better look at it again http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=80474

FYI, I think I met those requirements :bleh:

The 919 is an awesome bike!:first:

[Gremlin]

The 919 is an awesome bike!:first:
You would say that you biased bugger!! No... actually, there is another lurking behind the scenes :shifty: The hornet is a brilliant bike, but a bit lacking in the countryside... the ultra smoothness of it turns into a yawn when you want a little excitement.

[jafar]

WTF?

Those things are downright dangerous.

I've had no issues with them @ all, My bike was supplied with Dunlop Sportmax tyres as OEM's When they were replaced it was with a Pilot Road on the front & a Bt020 on the rear. The 020 did over 10k with no issues & only very small chicken strips :shutup:


At best they're disturbingly sub-optimal. Yet they've been OEMs on my last three bikes. Go figure.

Any tyre supplied on a new bike is going to be less than perfect, the simple fact is that they build the bike anything up to a year before you get to park your fat arse on it & the tyres have had that year to harden up. Installing fresh tyres on your machine will make it handle better than the OEM rim protectors the manufacturer supplied:done:

The Pilot Road was replaced with a Pilot Road 2 on the front after 22k

[jrandom]

The 020 did over 10k with no issues & only very small chicken strips

That doesn't fit with my experience. 020s just don't stick to the road. You have to tiptoe around everywhere lest you die.

In a single week of using them (they came stock on the 1400) before I threw them out in horror and fitted PR2s, I had:

(a) a major, as in 'how the fuck did I not bin?' two wheel slide in a gentle sweeper in the rain when the bike directly in front of me, on Pilot Powers, noticed nothing but a gentle twitch of the rear,

(b) straight-line wheelspin in top gear in the rain on a major highway,

(c) shocking subjective 'road feel' at all times. I had no idea what was going on down there, except for all the times the front would push and the rear would skate.

BT020s are fucking horrible tyres.

I hear the 021s are moderately OK, though. Haven't tried them. Won't ever. Friends Don't Let Friends Ride On Bridgestones (tm).

(That said, I have heard good things of the new 016s.)

[jafar]

That doesn't fit with my experience. 020s just don't stick to the road. You have to tiptoe around everywhere lest you die.

In a single week of using them (they came stock on the 1400) before I threw them out in horror and fitted PR2s, I had:

(a) a major, as in 'how the fuck did I not bin?' two wheel slide in a gentle sweeper in the rain when the bike directly in front of me, on Pilot Powers, noticed nothing but a gentle twitch of the rear,

(b) straight-line wheelspin in top gear in the rain on a major highway,

(c) shocking subjective 'road feel' at all times. I had no idea what was going on down there, except for all the times the front would push and the rear would skate.

BT020s are fucking horrible tyres.

I hear the 021s are moderately OK, though. Haven't tried them. Won't ever. Friends Don't Let Friends Ride On Bridgestones (tm).

(That said, I have heard good things of the new 016s.)

Ha everthing you have said about the BT020 is what I had with the Dunlop Sportmax, I originally went for Michelin front & rear but when I couldn't get the rear ended up with the BT020.
On the Dunlops I was getting both wheels sliding into a corner if the bike was pushed even a little bit. I'm told that NEW dunlop's are an ok tyre but I won't be checking that out.
I've got a BT 014R on the CB1300 now & it has been really good. Previous to the BT014 was a Pirelli Diablo Strada & that was also a good tyre.

[banditrider]

Out of interest what do you use on the VTR?As i posted i am using Diablos on the TL and well happy,anything thats not shagged after 5/6 k is good on that.

Haven't had the VTR for long it came ex the shop with a mismatched pair - whatever was cheapest to give it the warrant & get rid of the bike eh? I'll be looking for suggestions when they need replacement...

[Jerry74]

Pirelli are the best all rounders I have used.

[portokiwi]

This is great info....:headbang: Going to Cycle treads tommorow good selection to look at now.

[The Stranger]

(b) straight-line wheelspin in top gear in the rain on a major highway,



I've had the GSXR just spin up whilst not even adding throttle in a similar situation with M3s on it.
I blame what passes for a major highway in NZ for that.

[jrandom]

I've had the GSXR just spin up whilst not even adding throttle in a similar situation with M3s on it.
I blame what passes for a major highway in NZ for that.

Fairy muff.

020s are still shit to ride on, mind you.

[puddytat]

I had the PR2's on my R6 & got 11000 k's out of the rear....& I didnt notice them going off at all & would put them on again if I was still on the road...
But I be a racin' in clubmans on her now & I switched to Pirelli Rosso's & are luvin' them. Dont know about the longevity of them but the grip & feedback of the Rosso,s seems alot better...

[Kickaha]

Pirelli & Metzeler are the same tyre with a differnt tread pattern on. Which one you choose will depend on which pattern you like. They always have tyres aimed a the same people.

They may both be part of the same company but that doesn't neccesarily mean they are the same tyre, some of them might be but I'd doubt the whole product range is


Haha ! you crack me up ! And I agree with you too, Dual compound is kind of the new "thing to have", but if you choose sensibly It's not the biggest thing in the world..

Dual compound isn't even a new thing, Bridgestone have done it since the late eighties with the BT45 (which I love on my old shitters)

[NZsarge]

Haven't had the VTR for long it came ex the shop with a mismatched pair - whatever was cheapest to give it the warrant & get rid of the bike eh? I'll be looking for suggestions when they need replacement...

Standard answer mate, PP 2ct front and PR2 on the rear. :done: :rockon:

[banditrider]

Standard answer mate, PP 2ct front and PR2 on the rear. :done: :rockon:

Just so long as they last longer on my bike than yours...

[NZsarge]

Just so long as they last longer on my bike than yours...

The front is'nt too bad on my bike, it's the rear tyres that i'm chewing through, that's why I think i'll have to come off PP's on the rear and go to PR2's.
That blue ZX14 on the toy run yesterday was running a PR2 on the back and it seemed to be holding up ok.

[MSTRS]

Haha ! you crack me up ! And I agree with you too, Dual compound is kind of the new "thing to have", but if you choose sensibly It's not the biggest thing in the world.

Best advice for Tyre choice ? Pick one that suits what you actually want it to do. ...
He has described that he wants a tyre that will commute without quickly squaring off AND will keep him happy (and on the road) when pushing in the tighter stuff. Why would he not go for dual compound ST tyre (hard/er in the middle, soft/er on the sides).
NB I have been told be a bike shop that the Conty Road Attack is dual compound...IT IS NOT. (the Sport Attack is). Have a read of my thread comparing RA and PR2.


Dual compound isn't even a new thing, Bridgestone have done it since the late eighties with the BT45 (which I love on my old shitters)

Brilliant tyres on the smaller/midweight bikes. Probably get torn to shreds on anything with more than about 60hp tho....

[vifferman]

What sort of riding do you do? What sort of km's do you get out of them?
Most of my riding is communtering, with the odd weekend ride thrown in. I'm not the most aggressive rider, but the back one is worn to about 5mm from the edge.
They've been very good so far - better'n any other tyre I've had on any of the bikes I've owned. That said, I can't compare them to Pirellis or some of the other tyres mentioned.
In the time I've had them on the bike, I've had only one 'moment' - the back trye spun up momentarily in the wet when I accelerated over a lane marking that had been painted over with tar or black paint. By the time I noticed, it had stopped. ANY tyre would've done the same.
Mileage? Who knows. I never measure it: if I get a year or 18 months out of a tyre, I'm happy. These have been on the bike since October last year, and still have HEAPS of life left in them, and they've worn VERY evenly: no squaring off, and (most importantly) the front one still has the same profile and no "scalloping" of the tread blocks.
I gave them a fair thrashing on Sunday, and was surprised that they showed little evidence of it.
I expect they'll "go off" before they wear out. Were it not for my curiosity about some other tyres I've heard good things about, I'd just get another set when they wear out.

[discotex]

(That said, I have heard good things of the new 016s.)

Love mine.

Way more grip under lean powering out of corners than the OEM 015's I had before yet the middle seems to be holding up to commuting really well.

Triple compound on the rear seems to do the job as advertised.

Can't compare to the others but I keep hearing nothing but praise.

EDIT: YR64L review of PP2ct vs 016 - http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1843560#post1843560

[The Stranger]

Love mine.

Way more grip under lean powering out of corners than the OEM 015's I had before yet the middle seems to be holding up to commuting really well.

Triple compound on the rear seems to do the job as advertised.

Can't compare to the others but I keep hearing nothing but praise.

EDIT: YR64L review of PP2ct vs 016 - http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1843560#post1843560

Well hey, if The Hoff (Raj) reccommends them it's good enough for me. I'm off to get some now.

[Max Preload]

My whale chewed up & spat out the Conti Road Attack, they don't like getting hot.

I'll run only Pirelli. Diablo front, Strada rear.

My whale has just chewed up & spat out a Rosso rear in 2-1/2 months. But it was a fun 2-1/2 months...


Standard answer mate, PP 2ct front and PR2 on the rear. :done: :rockon:

I've had that combo on my whale. They wore at a similar rate. Had I been able to get a PR2 rear whan I needed it I think I would have gone the same again.


I am thinking of the Pilot road 2's - only thing is that I heard they seem to change their behaviour after about 50% wear...

I would agree with that. They do get very squirmy towards the end of their useful life and beyond, but it's a preditable squirmy and I quite enjoy that.


That doesn't fit with my experience. 020s just don't stick to the road. You have to tiptoe around everywhere lest you die.

My bike had 020s that were new when I bought it. They were bloody horrible. I was glad to see the back of them.

[Zapf]

The rear is coming up for replacement and I am considering a few:

Metzeler M3

Metseler Z6

Pirelli Diablo Rosso

Michelin Pilot Power Road 2

Continental Attack

Considerations:
I commute 90% of the time, rain or shine
I go for spirited weekend blasts in the twisties

Went into a bike shop the other day that also fits Michelin. Mechanic actually recommended against them! Also confirmed the story that I have been heard of them changing characteristics after about 50% of wear. He reckons Michelin is over rated...

He recommended the (slightly cheaper) Metzelers: Z6 or M3.
After I said I’d be happy with 8 to 10K km’s he said go for the M3, more stickier, although he reckons the Z6 is excellent in the wet and has sold truckloads…

I get the idea that Metzeler is an under rated (and slightly cheaper than Michelin) tire..
Also reading and hearing rave reviews about the Pirelli Diablo Rosso - Pirelli and Metzeler being the same company...got me very interested in trying Metzeler.

Any suggestions?

Metzeler are very good tires, I have used their range.

your discription of commuting and sprited riding are very different so it will be a compromise.

you will get around 6~7k's on the M3's

Z6's about 10~12k's.

I suggest you get the pirellie Strada's. Metzeler technology, like the Z6 but with a more rounded profile.

If you get the M3's it will fit your requirment for sprited riding, where as the Z6/Strada will be the middle ground.

I have used both on my 900 Hornet.

[pritch]

At best they're disturbingly sub-optimal. Yet they've been OEMs on my last three bikes. Go figure.

"Sub-optimal" indeed.:yes: They came as OEM on the VFR but I threw them away. Lethal in the wet.

[Bladeslapper109]

Standard answer mate, PP 2ct front and PR2 on the rear. :done: :rockon:

Agree. i had Pilot Power single compound front and rear on my 05 blade and handle mean. Got decent kms out of them for amount of shit i gave them. need PP2 now. Some shops selling the rear at $450 thou

[jafar]

:eek: That's a lot for 5k of mileage.

I'm looking for a replacement front tyre for my CB1300, I've had the OEM rim protector (Dunlop Sportmax) on for 7,500k:spanking:
Michelin Pilot Road for 20,000 k & Pilot Road 2 for 19,000k. Should get 20k out of it though, so no difference in mileage between the old & new compound tyres.:no:

Rear tyres are averaging 10-12k per tyre. So far Dunlop, Bridgestone (2), Michelin. There doesn't seem to be a lot of difference between the brands as far as performance goes.:doh:

Bike is used for a bit of everything except racing, a lot of the distance traveled so far is day trips, solo & 2 up touring.

[Hitcher]

I'm looking for a replacement front tyre for my CB1300

Avon Storms would be a perfect choice for the CB1300 and the riding style that you describe.

[jafar]

Avon Storms would be a perfect choice for the CB1300 and the riding style that you describe.

Cheers for that.

[Farab]

Just thought I'd give some feedback.

I ended up going for the Z6 Interacts. As described in my OP, I commute about 250km's per week, followed by spirited rides in the hills with the boys and also 2up riding most weekends. The rear gave me 14400km's and the front has about 30% life left.
So all in all I got good mileage out of them. Fairly good to excellent in the wet. Can't complain there. Only downside is that they aren't that confidence inspiring (more so the rear) when "pressing on" in the hills, 1up. Just for interest sake, chicken strips stayed between 5-10mm's. Saying that, they were run at fairly high pressures 36F/41-2R and as many may know, the Hornet hasn't got the best rear suspension. Maybe running them a bit softer (34/38) would have been better, more confidence inspiring for the weekend work?

I am willing to sacrifice a little mileage (will be happy with 10-11000 km's) for a little more stickiness for the weekends. So I will most likely be going for Metzeler M3's or Pilot Road 2's.

[Hitcher]

I wouldn't recommend running a Z6 rear on a Hornet at less than 40psi, particularly if you're humping a pillion hither and yon.

When you say that these tyres aren't confidence inspiring when pressing on one up, what exactly are they doing or not doing that makes you feel like this?

As you said, the standard rear suspension set up on a Hornet 900 is a bit sub-optimal, but have you even set it up for your weight? e.g. adjusted the preload after your svelte pillion lept off?

A decent sports touring tyre will more than hold its own against a "sportier" tyre, particularly when an underspecced UJM is being piloted by an average weekend jock.

[Farab]

I wouldn't recommend running a Z6 rear on a Hornet at less than 40psi, particularly if you're humping a pillion hither and yon.

When you say that these tyres aren't confidence inspiring when pressing on one up, what exactly are they doing or not doing that makes you feel like this?

As you said, the standard rear suspension set up on a Hornet 900 is a bit sub-optimal, but have you even set it up for your weight? e.g. adjusted the preload after your svelte pillion lept off?

A decent sports touring tyre will more than hold its own against a "sportier" tyre, particularly when an underspecced UJM is being piloted by an average weekend jock.
Care to comment a bit more on the tyre pressures? The people selling the tyres reckon I could have run the rear at 38 (especially one up for weekend work), which would apparently resulted in the tyre becoming more stickier due to running at a higher temperature.

Confidence inspiring: Don't know how to describe it, but cranked over felt as if the rear was going to break loose at times: slipping, etc, just felt that I couldn't push it more. At times I felt like I wanted to give it "more" around corners, but didn't feel like I should with the feedback I was getting from the rear. I'm totally happy to accept it could be my riding: I'm not arrogant or ignorant to think "its not me". I do know that I felt more confident on the old OEM BT56's.

[Blackbird]

Care to comment a bit more on the tyre pressures?

At 194 kg, the Hornet is lighter than the Blackbird (229kg). The recommended tyre pressure on the 'bird is 42 psi front/rear and one of the reasons it's this high is to stop the tyre carcass from flexing unreasonably during normal road riding. Excessive flex causes abnormal wear pattens and affects the handling. I don't know what the recommended pressure is for the Hornet but it's almost certainly not worth moving away from the recommendation unless you're doing trackdays where you generate higher temperatures (and hence pressures).

If you want sportiness and life, you could do worse than fitting an Avon Storm ST rear and the newly-released Avon VP2 Sport front. If you do a search, you'll find my full life evaluation of the Storms and the Vipers, (which the VP2's have just replaced.) I got 7000 km from my Storm/Viper combination so depending on how you and where you ride, you should get a bit more with a lighter bike.

[Farab]

Is anyone here running a Pilot 2ct front with a Road 2 Rear? I'm thinking of going this way. Thought a stickier 2ct front with a longer lasting Road 2 rear could be a good combo. It seems to be the same profile 2ctfront = 2Road front, so can't see any issues. Will the front still disperse water adequately for the rear?

[Biggles08]

Is anyone here running a Pilot 2ct front with a Road 2 Rear? I'm thinking of going this way. Thought a stickier 2ct front with a longer lasting Road 2 rear could be a good combo. It seems to be the same profile 2ctfront = 2Road front, so can't see any issues. Will the front still disperse water adequately for the rear?

...Or consider supporting a racer selling ex race tires such as METZELER racetecs that will be more than enough 'stickyness' for the 'spirited' weekend riding :yes:. Most racers sell their tires after max two race meetings and as such there is still plenty of tred on them (especially through the middle) and the only reason they sell them is due to the heat cycles. For Eg, I have a set now I'm selling for 'as is, where is' for $100 ono. Should get well over $100 worth of riding out of them. 190 rear tho...haven't read the rest of this thread son not sure what sizes you were after.

[NZsarge]

Is anyone here running a Pilot 2ct front with a Road 2 Rear? I'm thinking of going this way. Thought a stickier 2ct front with a longer lasting Road 2 rear could be a good combo. It seems to be the same profile 2ctfront = 2Road front, so can't see any issues. Will the front still disperse water adequately for the rear?

I'm running a Michelin Pilot Power 2ct front with a Pilot Road 2 on the rear of my ZX14, got nearly 10,000k out of the Road 2 I just took off the back which is about 3500k more than any other rear tyre i've used and it had more than enough stick for road riding, got a little slippery right near the end of the life of the tyre. Had a few slides out of it when I was putting it under duress but no ass puckering moments just gentle wee wiggles exiting corners under power.
The Pilot Power 2ct on the front lasted a jot over 7000k but I think it'll come down to your riding style and what kind of bike you put it on as to wether it would last as long as the rear (Road 2), I think if I had tryed this combo on my '06 FZ1 they would have been wearing out pretty close together as that bike was easy on front tyres compared to the 14.
Bottom line is I like this combo, bike turns pretty well, pretty smooth, i've got an idea if I were to run a Pilot Power 2ct on the rear too it would be even better to ride but I'm liking the milage i'm getting out of the Road 2's a little too much and as I said I think they stick more than well enough for road riding.

[Farab]

Thanks guys, very helpfull replies, much appreciated.

Biggles, I run the standard sizes for a H9, 120/70/17 & 180/55/17. What's this heat cycles you speak of and what are the implications?

NZSarge, thanks I thought it may be a good combo, heard of guys doing it, just wanted to get some feedback from someone like yourself. Any issues in the wet? Road2 front has quite a diffirent pattern to the 2ct front. Road 2 seems to be more geared for wet conditions.

[Kwaka14]

The front is'nt too bad on my bike, it's the rear tyres that i'm chewing through, that's why I think i'll have to come off PP's on the rear and go to PR2's.
That blue ZX14 on the toy run yesterday was running a PR2 on the back and it seemed to be holding up ok.

I had a set of PP2ct's on my ZX14 and got around 8k out of them including a trip to the south Island - replaced them with a second set not long after - beautiful tyres at the right pressure (40 psi suited 2 up riding or 38 solo). Oddly I had 3 punctures in the rear as it was getting low on tread though, never before had I had a puncture in slightly less than 2 decades of riding, never since either.

What about the Pirelli Angel ST - I've only heard good things about them as an allround tyre (pardon the pun)?

[NZsarge]

NZSarge, thanks I thought it may be a good combo, heard of guys doing it, just wanted to get some feedback from someone like yourself. Any issues in the wet? Road2 front has quite a diffirent pattern to the 2ct front. Road 2 seems to be more geared for wet conditions.

To be fair I don't do sweet FA wet weather riding but that said i've certainly ridden in the rain with them with no issues mind you I watch my P's and Q's in the wet too. I've done more wet k's on Pilot Power 2ct's and I think they're a great tyre in the wet but people have all sorts of opinions y'know, ya just gonna have to bit the bullet and give it a go, i'm not regretting going with this combo and I can't really see why you would either...

[NZsarge]

I had a set of PP2ct's on my ZX14 and got around 8k out of them including a trip to the south Island - replaced them with a second set not long after - beautiful tyres at the right pressure (40 psi suited 2 up riding or 38 solo). Oddly I had 3 punctures in the rear as it was getting low on tread though, never before had I had a puncture in slightly less than 2 decades of riding, never since either.


Did you find the Pilot Power flat spotted on the rear much?

[Kwaka14]

Did you find the Pilot Power flat spotted on the rear much?

Actually it surprised me quite a lot, It wasn't too bad, there was the inevitable flat spot towards the end of the tyres life, but nothing excessive - esp. considering lots of 2 up riding. Very happy - hated the stock tyres and loved the Avon Viper I tried afterwards (too expensive and short lived), really the PP was the best of the tyres I had on the 14. On the ZX12 I loved the Storms , but never tried them on 14, they would have been the next test if I'd stayed in NZ. Awesome bikes eh, I really miss mine!!!!

[NZsarge]

Actually it surprised me quite a lot, It wasn't too bad, there was the inevitable flat spot towards the end of the tyres life, but nothing excessive - esp. considering lots of 2 up riding. Very happy - hated the stock tyres and loved the Avon Viper I tried afterwards (too expensive and short lived), really the PP was the best of the tyres I had on the 14. On the ZX12 I loved the Storms , but never tried them on 14, they would have been the next test if I'd stayed in NZ. Awesome bikes eh, I really miss mine!!!!

Cheers for that, yeah I really like my Yamaha's but I think i've found pretty much the ideal bike for me, good all rounder for the road I reckon. Goes good, looks good, sounds good. You have to man handle them in the tight stuff but if the road opens up they're a freakin' rocketship if you so desire.

[Kwaka14]

Cheers for that, yeah I really like my Yamaha's but I think i've found pretty much the ideal bike for me, good all rounder for the road I reckon. Goes good, looks good, sounds good. You have to man handle them in the tight stuff but if the road opens up they're a freakin' rocketship if you so desire.

Theyre all of that, for sure, part of experimenting with tyres was to see if that made any significant change to the tight stuff, the PP's made a huge difference, but if your big (I'm 6'3" and was around 120kg) then man handling them in the tight stuff is no problems at all, after moving from a ZX12 (which really did need manhandling) theyre very well behaved. I will probably get another one around April when the snow and ice start to disappear from here.

Did you previously ride an FJ1200?

[NZsarge]

Theyre all of that, for sure, part of experimenting with tyres was to see if that made any significant change to the tight stuff, the PP's made a huge difference, but if your big (I'm 6'3" and was around 120kg) then man handling them in the tight stuff is no problems at all, after moving from a ZX12 (which really did need manhandling) theyre very well behaved. I will probably get another one around April when the snow and ice start to disappear from here.

Did you previously ride an FJ1200?

No I think you're thinking of Sarge, I had a '06 FZ1 Fazer previously and a '02 YZF 1000 Thunderace before that.

[SARGE]

Did you previously ride an FJ1200?

that was me ... still do plus the mighty T'ace

[chelseapar]

Dunlop GPR-Alpha tech 10
this good tire from consider

[Max Preload]

Is anyone here running a Pilot 2ct front with a Road 2 Rear? I'm thinking of going this way. Thought a stickier 2ct front with a longer lasting Road 2 rear could be a good combo. It seems to be the same profile 2ctfront = 2Road front, so can't see any issues. Will the front still disperse water adequately for the rear?

I did on my ZZR1100 and it is a good combo.