Hayabusa rubber?

[Stylo]

Heading away soon on the road trip , gonna be two up and some gear on the G2 'Busa. Looking at carrying a Ventura Back-Pack so, we'll be a little heavy ,

I still have the original tyres eg Battlax Bt-015 both ends ..at 4,500 the back tyre looks ok ...but only just ..dunno if it will cope with the trip though, don't want to have to do a tire mid journey . We'll be doing around 2,000 kms , maybe a few more .

My last 'Busa had the Michelin Pilot Road 2's and they went Ok, problem is I have a voucher for a discount off a set of the Metzler Roadtec Z8's , but know nothing about them. That or, a set of Dunlop tires ( ? ) I'd like to put some new rubber on before we leave , at the expense of leaving some good rubber behind and, having a safe ( and rapid ) trip .

[crazyhorse]

Haven't had any experience with them, have you researched them on the net?

I've used the Battleaxe BT015 and 16, they were ok, but when worn out, they seemed to let go on me. I'm currently using Conti Attack 2's - and I've done over 3,500 km, and they seem to wear extremely well, still look like new, as I only got around 6,500 half out of the Pilot Road 2's.

Have a safe trip

[Kornholio]

Continental Road Attack 2 man.... These should do the trick.

[mouldy]

m8s aren't here yet so if your going this week try pirelli angels , grippy and go the distance

[marty]

I wouldn't head out with that much mileage already on them - it will burn the last of the useable rubber real fast - I know that from experience! From visible tread to visible cords in 200km.

[sinned]

I still have the original tyres eg Battlax Bt-015 both ends ..at 4,500 the back tyre looks ok ...but only just ..dunno if it will cope with the trip though, don't want to have to do a tire mid journey . We'll be doing around 2,000 kms , maybe a few more

I am not sure about your statement "looks okay" you need to measure how much rubber is left and then calculate how much life is left. They do seem to wear faster at the end of their life. Check the measurements on the BT016 I just replaced here and see how that compares with your tyre.

You don't want a Hitcher experience while on holiday.

[budda]

get your local shop to try for a set of the new BT023's from Bridgestone - a set were tested on a Busa down South, and achieved significantly good mileage ( well over 8,000+, and still not worn out ) on a variety of South island road conditions, in all weathers

I understand that the initial stock of 190's is all gone, but worth a visit to your Dealer

[Crazy Steve]

Heading away soon on the road trip , gonna be two up and some gear on the G2 'Busa. Looking at carrying a Ventura Back-Pack so, we'll be a little heavy ,

I still have the original tyres eg Battlax Bt-015 both ends ..at 4,500 the back tyre looks ok ...but only just ..dunno if it will cope with the trip though, don't want to have to do a tire mid journey . We'll be doing around 2,000 kms , maybe a few more .

My last 'Busa had the Michelin Pilot Road 2's and they went Ok, problem is I have a voucher for a discount off a set of the Metzler Roadtec Z8's , but know nothing about them. That or, a set of Dunlop tires ( ? ) I'd like to put some new rubber on before we leave , at the expense of leaving some good rubber behind and, having a safe ( and rapid ) trip .

I asume you will be travelling slowing if your two up with Luggage...

I would do another 2000kms on yours tyres it will be fine..

If not change them on the trip...Way to many people replace there tyre way to early and don't end up getting a Fair value for there rubber.

Crazy Steve.

[Stylo]

Haven't had any experience with them, have you researched them on the net?

I've used the Battleaxe BT015 and 16, they were ok, but when worn out, they seemed to let go on me. I'm currently using Conti Attack 2's - and I've done over 3,500 km, and they seem to wear extremely well, still look like new, as I only got around 6,500 half out of the Pilot Road 2's.

Have a safe trip

Thanks Crazyman ..... But, can't do the Conti's as you know, my Pilot Road 2's were excellent on my last bike ( Busa ) but; does'nt sound like anyone here's done the Michelin or the Dunlop thing thing yet ....might take the punt on the Michelilins and put a new set on before we take off ....just to be safe ...good call ?

[crazyhorse]

Thanks Crazyman ..... But, can't do the Conti's as you know, my Pilot Road 2's were excellent on my last bike ( Busa ) but; does'nt sound like anyone here's done the Michelin or the Dunlop thing thing yet ....might take the punt on the Michelilins and put a new set on before we take off ....just to be safe ...good call ?

Like the Conti's for me, someone has to be the first to try them, and in this case, it may as well be you. Don't think it will be too bad at all. You will be two up and with luggage too, so you are hardly gonna have it tapped out for the journey.

Best come back and report on how you found it then

[Stylo]

Haven't had any experience with them, have you researched them on the net?

I've used the Battleaxe BT015 and 16, they were ok, but when worn out, they seemed to let go on me. I'm currently using Conti Attack 2's - and I've done over 3,500 km, and they seem to wear extremely well, still look like new, as I only got around 6,500 half out of the Pilot Road 2's.

Have a safe trip

Thanks Crazyman ..... But, can't do the Conti's as you know, my Pilot Road 2's were excellent on my last bike ( Busa ) but; does'nt sound like anyone here's done the Metzler or the Dunlop thing thing yet ....might take the punt on the Metzlers and put a new set on before we take off ....just to be safe ...good call ?

Cheers .......

[Mishy]

......, someone has to be the first to try them, and in this case, it may as well be you.

BRM ran a set on their 'Busa, and they performed extremely well.
I also know of one set on a ZX14 which are holding their contour extremely well considering the milage and bike.

Best advice for a big bike with a big load on is to make sure you have PLENTY of pressure in the rear tyre (front stays the same)
Most larger Jap bikes like about 42psi in the rear tyre as a stock setting, and the rule of thumb is that you add another two for a heavy load, and also another two for sustained high speed.
The idea is that the pressure helps overcome the seroius heat build up that can wreck tyres in a hurry when the bke is loaded.

There will be several brands that you could fit, and would perform well, but do take the pressure seriously - your wallet will love you for it !

[crazyhorse]

BRM ran a set on their 'Busa, and they performed extremely well.
I also know of one set on a ZX14 which are holding their contour extremely well considering the milage and bike.

Best advice for a big bike with a big load on is to make sure you have PLENTY of pressure in the rear tyre (front stays the same)
Most larger Jap bikes like about 42psi in the rear tyre as a stock setting, and the rule of thumb is that you add another two for a heavy load, and also another two for sustained high speed.
The idea is that the pressure helps overcome the seroius heat build up that can wreck tyres in a hurry when the bke is loaded.

There will be several brands that you could fit, and would perform well, but do take the pressure seriously - your wallet will love you for it !

Absolutely good advice

[Stylo]

BRM ran a set on their 'Busa, and they performed extremely well.
I also know of one set on a ZX14 which are holding their contour extremely well considering the milage and bike.

Best advice for a big bike with a big load on is to make sure you have PLENTY of pressure in the rear tyre (front stays the same)
Most larger Jap bikes like about 42psi in the rear tyre as a stock setting, and the rule of thumb is that you add another two for a heavy load, and also another two for sustained high speed.
The idea is that the pressure helps overcome the seroius heat build up that can wreck tyres in a hurry when the bke is loaded.


There will be several brands that you could fit, and would perform well, but do take the pressure seriously - your wallet will love you for it !

Sounds good , I'll do the numbers tommorrow and replace both ends before we leave . Thanks for the advice, I have a pressure gauge under the seat so I'll make sure its up there in the mid 40's.

Only 4500k's but that's the 'Busa thing I guess ....I'll do the tyre thing tommorrow ....easy

[Mishy]

Only 4500k's but that's the 'Busa thing I guess ....I'll do the tyre thing tommorrow ....easy

Yeah, the big torque monsters can be brutal on the rear rubber - that makes it SOOOOO important that pressures are kept at an ideal level.

The enemy's are heat and slippage, which severely increase wear. More load on the rear (as in with a pillion, or luggage) adds load, and increases heat, therefore wear as well.The higher pressure reduces heat, which keeps the wear in check.
Another strange thing about extra load on the rear is that you actually get less slippage (load overcomes slippage) - and bike tyres are ALWAYS in some state of slippage, no matter how small.
Slippage promotes wear, and more load on the rear tyre can actually reduce slippage. thereby reducing wear - as long as you have the correct extra pressure in the tyre to control the expected extra heat build up.
Sound fair ?

I have had fairly clear info from our tyre manufacturer regarding the effect of pressure on longevity, and it's more extreme than you would think.
I also had some info from a car tyre manufacturer, and they were just as clear - 5psi equals a 20% reduction in life ( according to the car guys), 7 psi was closer to 30% !
Our experience is VERY similar to these numbers.

Put that with dealership mechanics who estimate that the average bike tyre they change is under inflated by at least 8 psi ( often more) when they change them, and you can easily see how many miles a lot of people are cheating themselves out of.

I don't care what brand you are on, the best advice will always be the most basic, and give you the best life from your rubber - keep your pressures up !