What rear tyre for DRSM?

**SVboy** · 16th September 2009, 12:28

The rear OEM Dunslop is almost dead, but the front is {sadly} fine. Input as to what to replace rear with-and what size too. Will be used on road, a little track perhaps, until front tyre is dead, so sports tyre best probably.

**denefoster** · 16th September 2009, 19:14

I went with a 160-60 (up from 150-60) Conti Road Attack on the Husky. Not so motardy, but boyo have I got large chicken strips now. Hopefully it'll last more than the OEM Dunlop did (2500kms). On a quick run out to Makara seemed to do alright. If the weather is good this weekend I'll give it a proper go

edit: correct original tire size

**Silage** · 19th September 2009, 21:48

I am in the same situation. My rear is down to under 1mm so have been looking at all the options. I also use it mainly on the road, but also a little on gravel roads. If it is any help this is where I'm at with the thinking.
Original Dunlop D208 140/70 17 - not available in NZ.
As it is a radial, my first preference is a radial. Choices are:
Metzler Tourance 150/70 or 140/80
Michelin Pilot Power 150/60, Pilot Road 150/70, Pilot Road 2 150/70, Anakee 140/80 or 150/70 or Anakee 2 150/70 (but Anakees are more adventure tyres)
Pirelli Angel 150/70, Diablo Strada 150/70, Scorpion Sync 150/70, Scorpion Trail 150/70 or 140/80 or MT60 RS Corsa 140/80 or 130/80 (the latter 2 also adventure tyres)
Continental Sport Attack 150/60, Road Attack 150/70, Conti Force 150/60 or 150/70 or Conti Trail Attack 140/80 or 150/70.

Overall I would prefer a slight gear up (taller tyre than OEM) just to drop the revs a little at 100kph. Thus a 150/70 is first choice (7% taller). A 150/60 is slightly smaller (8%) but is probably my second choice. A 130/80 may be OK but I don't want to go much narrower than the 140 and a 140/80 is 12% taller which might be a bit much.

A 160/60 may be an option if it will fit between the swingarms.

Will talk to Pitlane (Chch) next week to see what is available and the $$$. Am expecting up to $300 (ouch).

Cross plys would be cheaper eg have been quoted $229 (fitted) for Bridgestone BT45 or Pirelli Sport Demon.

PS What Ks have you got out of the original tyre. My SM is 12 months old with 6000km and while I am "light on tyres" (read nanana) this is the least distance I have ever done. However, I would replace it with another D208 if they were available - great tyres.

**SVboy** · 23rd September 2009, 14:12

I will be keen to see what Don recommends for you.

**Silage** · 28th September 2009, 20:18

Well I ended up with an Anakee 150/70. Picked it up Friday (in the damp). Didn't do many miles over the weekend. Rode today in town in the wet and am very happy. No misbehaviour at all (from me nor the tyre). The are quite chunky and whereas I could spin up the original on our gravel drive, this just grips and takes off.

They are probably not a first choice for a road+track combination but for road+gravel they look great at the mo (still need some testing).

One thing to be aware of is that the 140/70 didn't just slide out of the swingarms so I wondered how the 150 would work. But the bottom chain guide has two bolts that stick out 5mm or so inside the swingarms beyond the nuts - cut them off. The 150 went back in OK (bit of a squeeze) but a 160 would struggle, although by unbolting the chain guard it might be OK without playing with clamps etc. If you get a new tyre at Pitlane (Don's), they will be out with the hacksaw before you know it

(no they actually asked if I was sure a number of times).

Interested in what you end up with Chris.

**SVboy** · 23rd October 2009, 11:49

I think I will go Pilot powers both ends. Will report back. Wanna buy a good Dunslop front cheap?

**Buddha#81:Me** · 23rd October 2009, 12:09

Originally Posted by SVboy

I think I will go Pilot powers both ends. Will report back. Wanna buy a good Dunslop front cheap?

what is it and what size?

**Quasievil** · 23rd October 2009, 12:23

Originally Posted by SVboy

I think I will go Pilot powers both ends. Will report back. Wanna buy a good Dunslop front cheap?

My 690 Sm has power 2ct roads on at the moment, seems ok but I havent had the confidence to ride on the track hard core, as they are roads.
My absolute intention is to replace them with a Conti Street rear and a conti sport on the front, I raced on this combo for the last spectacular and Wangas as well as a bunch of trackdays........they NEVER let go once, as soon as I changed I crashed all over the place !!

Ive done a review with pics here but these are the berries on a light bike, and they wear brilliantly

thats my best AAA+++ advise from experience !

**FilthyLuka** · 27th October 2009, 18:48

Originally Posted by Silage

A 160/60 may be an option if it will fit between the swingarms.

Not on the 400sm, bad move. It will fit on the rim, but it will be pinched like a pinched thing and wear poorly. Stick to 150 on the rear. Conti sport-attacks are pretty decent, as are the pilot powers. I run conti road-attacks on my DRZ-SM, seeing as i ride the thing daily and need relatively long-life tires. They take a little while longer to warm up on such a small bike, but once they are nice and toasty they grip very well

**SVboy** · 28th October 2009, 09:10

Went for pilot powers both ends-what a relevation! this is what it should have been like all along! Oh yeah!

**SVboy** · 28th October 2009, 09:13

Buddha-std 120/70/17 Dunlop d208

**Morcs** · 28th October 2009, 09:40

I put a BT92 on my DRZ. cheap tyre, almost impossible to wear out - so great for doing lots of skids and stuff.

Never had problems with grip when I didnt want it to let go (suprisingly). has quite a flat profile, but never stopped me riding hard on twisties.

**george formby** · 28th October 2009, 11:30

I ain't got a motard, well, you could say a fat motard but I just wanted to stick a vote in for the 150/70/17 conti road attack. Zero chicken strips & hard to unhook with 70+hp. Seems to be wearing well too.

**Morcs** · 28th October 2009, 11:45

Originally Posted by george formby

I ain't got a motard, well, you could say a fat motard but I just wanted to stick a vote in for the 150/70/17 conti road attack. Zero chicken strips & hard to unhook with 70+hp. Seems to be wearing well too.

Yep id rather the contis on a tard than michelins. Contis slide very well, whearas michelins have a habit of accellerating highsides when they loose grip - which on a motard is rather often.