Tyre guide

[bane]

I apologise if this has been posted previously (I did do a quick thread search first)

http://www.nesba.com/Tire_Guide.pdf

I need new tyres for the GSXF - basically narrowed down to BT020 vs Diablo's - really keen on the Diablos if they last reasonably well (ie 5K+)

hmmm... so can I transfer results from track riders on super sport bikes to humble me on a humble GSXF :spudwhat:

[Jantar]

hmmm... so can I transfer results from track riders on super sport bikes to humble me on a humble GSXF :spudwhat:

Results from the track are revelent to how a tyre will perform on the road, but you must remember that the riding style on the track is different to that on the road, and on the track the tyres will run quite a bit hotter (usually more grip) than on the road.

I also considered Diablos for my GS1200SS, but then settled for MT24s. The Diablos will grip better if I'm thrashing the bike at over 200 kph, but is not a common occurance especially as I still have that factory governor setting at 180 kph. For general touring with the occassional piece of hard riding the MT24s are every bit as satisfactory as the Diablos.

I can't make a definite recommenedation as to what would be the right tyre for your GSXF as I dont know your riding style or road preference. What I would suggest is to have a good look at the tyres fitted to the bikes of other people you ride with, and see what they have fitted. That will give you a good idea of the type of tyre that may suit your riding style. :yeah:

[James Deuce]

I wouldn't use a track test as a guide to general use to be quite honest. Just MO.

[bane]

Fair enough guys, any advice gratefully accepted :2thumbsup

Anybody who's ridden with me will tell you im not going to win any GP (probably understatement of the millennium!), however I would like a tyre that gives me as much confidence as possible.

Im happy to trade off longevity (reasonable) for grip and feel (especially in dampish conditions). In terms of the current Dunlops only issue is the rear, which seems very happy to slide with the minimum of rear brake applied.

[James Deuce]

Fair enough guys, any advice gratefully accepted :2thumbsup

Anybody who's ridden with me will tell you im not going to win any GP (probably understatement of the millennium!), however I would like a tyre that gives me as much confidence as possible.

Im happy to trade off longevity (reasonable) for grip and feel (especially in dampish conditions). In terms of the current Dunlops only issue is the rear, which seems very happy to slide with the minimum of rear brake applied.

(Avon, Avon, Avon)

Seriously, they are absolutely superb, wet or dry.

Other option would be the Metzler Z6, which I would reccommend over the BT020s. Just my opinion though. You'll get all the grip and longevity from the ST45/46, Metzler Z6, or BT020s that you could possibly expect from the GSX.

[Biff]

I'm a BT020 fan, but I've never had Metzlers so I can't really compare them.

I've a review in a mag here that ran a test comparing all the big brands (Pirelli, Bridgestone, Metzler and Avon). It covers track, road, wet and braking performance. The BT's came out as the best all rounders.

I've got BT's on my Bird and I'm currently up to 6.5K and they're still going strong.

[Jinx3d]

I noticed that supernike mag did not ship for NZ with the tyre review pull out, but I wrote and bitched and so they sent me one.

As you have suggested, the track tyres were not good for road riding just dont seem to heat up or something.

[Grumpy]

I had a GSX1400 that came with BT020's. I only used them for less than 3000km's then chucked them for some Diablos. The Bridgestones felt like shit and the Diablos were superb.

Then you can take a friend of mine who has got a GSR1000. Tried a set of Diablo Corsas and hated them. He prefers the BT020's

It can be an expensive lesson but sometimes you have to take the info you've gathered and take a bit of a punt. I'd say most reputable brands these days tend to be pretty user friendly, unless your someone who has the ability to regulary find a tyres limits.

When I bought the Z1000, I saw the Bridgestones and thought "here we go again". They were 012's and were excellent. I'm trying a 014 on the rear now and it gives the same grip but is wearing much better.

I guess the best advice is from someone using the same machinery.

[750Y]

if You can still get the $399 deal on the M1s at wmcc i'd say definitely go for it. they are excellent(i've used diablos & bt020s). they last ok(3500k for a rear) & are very trustworthy, plus are the best value tyre deal in NZ full stop. get some You won't be disappointed i NEVER was and i'm picky about my tyres...

[MSTRS]

I opted for Michelin 100x front & Metzler Ze4 on the rear cos I tend to do midrange speed/touring. The wear is brilliant (9500 rear - still going strong). I did the recent Taupo track day, dropped the pressure a bit to create more heat & they never let go.

[vifferman]

I need new tyres for the GSXF - basically narrowed down to BT020 vs Diablo's - really keen on the Diablos if they last reasonably well (ie 5K+)
I was going to stick Diablos on the VTR when I had it, but Kerry talked me into putting Azaros on instead - said they weren't as soft as the Diablos and would work better for the type of riding I do (mostly commuting, with the odd long ride). He was so confident I'd like them, that he offered me a 1000km trial, and if I didn't like them, he'd replace them with something else. I had the Azaro AV49-SP on the front, and AV46-ST on the rear, and this worked very well.

I found that the Bridgestones work really well on both the VFR750 and the 800, so they should work well for you too, I'd imagine. But if you do go with the Bridgestones, stick a BT-012 on the front and BT-020 on the rear, as this works better than the BT020F which scallops the tread blocks badly.

[bugjuice]

that's an awesome front page pic..
I'd give me left testie to have the balls to do that..

[JohnBoy]

some my mates run diablo's (CBR900 horn & R1) and they can get enough of them.
i am however going to give the Pilot powers a go, going to put them on in about 3 or 4 weeks (after a ride to wellington).
i haven't heard much on this site about em but heard good stories from others. will post my 2 cents after i put em on.

[awd]

Totally agree with the Vifferman on the 020's. I had them on my VFR800 when I lived in Italy and generally got 11000 k's from a rear including long tours 2 up. Never did a track day but did plenty of riding in mountains in the north over there. They are a brilliant tyre. :2thumbsup

[vifferman]

I'd give me left testie to have the balls to do that..
Hmmmm.....
So you'd probably have to have at least three balls to start with... :Pokey:

[bugjuice]

Hmmmm.....
So you'd probably have to have at least three balls to start with... :Pokey:
what, you don't..?? :unsure:

[Biff]

what, you don't..?? :unsure:

You're not Russian are you? Mr Hujaknickabollokoff?

[MSTRS]

Could it have been Mr Hakanakaoff

[bane]

yet another serious thread hijacked by people with senses of humour... whats this site coming to..

[Sensei]

Running a Z6 rear & a M-1 Metz on my GSRX 1000 . Have done 3000K on the back looks excellent no back egde gone or front egde like others I had on .
Mates have Diablos on there Mille R's & seam to be getting toasted by the looks for only medium K's . If grip is what you are after then the Diablos would be a good bet or the new " Power Pilot " even the new Brigdey 014s are great
SENSEI

[pritch]

Bike Mag did a semi(?) scientific tyre test (October 2004).

They tested Bridgestone BT 020, Metzeler M1, and Diablo Corsa on an FZ1 and a CBR600RR.

Basically the BT020s would let them ground the pegs on the FZ1, at that point the usable limit is attained and any extra grip can't be used.

The 020s gave the best result in a one-off crash stop. The others did better on subsequent stops. The M1s made the bike heavier to steer and in consequence the 020s did faster laps. Of the Diablo's they said, "More grip than you need."

Of the Diablo's on the 600 they said "You could race on these."

Before the test was finished it rained, both testers were happy at speed on the 600 fitted with the 020s. "The best of all worlds".

"If all the tyres were run in the same conditions there would be very little in it, possibly even favouring the touring tyre."

[bugjuice]

yet another serious thread hijacked by people with senses of humour... whats this site coming to..
least it's not about beer this time :apint:

I'm actually reading up on this, cos I need a new rear soon, so I want the best for me precious.. I've got a knee to get down here..

[v.ros`]

Hi

I got a CBR 600 2001 / 02 model
its got Michelin Tyres...and need replacement.

Now im not a racing guru and thus not yet expereinced to FEEL the difference between the different tyres...

However, after research from this site, it seems the Bridgestone tyres are the best ....is this true..?? and where can i get new ones for a GOOD price..?

and i found a set of Michelin for 230 NZ.... new. Good or not? Reason i wanna fit michelin is my bike is rossi replica and its got like michelin stickers , so thought be loyal to michelin, but taking my life and safety into consideration, id rather go for the safest and best in the market :D

Any help would really be appreciated

-me

[hondav2]

Ive had several sets of Metzler MEZ4 on the VTR . Great all round tyre . 10,000km on rear. My CBR1000RR had Diablo Corsers , There to soft for general riding, put a stone thru rear and the tyre didnt seen to have a lot of guts to it. Last weekend I had a new tyre to put on VTR so burnt out the MEZ4 and was very impresssed if the band of wire in it. Excellent protection against punctures. They have been replaced by the new Z6. Cheers Toddy