Dual compounds and getting your grip on?

**Disco Dan** · 20th December 2012, 20:10

Been getting ready for a new set of tyres and seems there is some new technology since I last got some. I used to run on Metzler dual compound tyres which where harder rubber in the middle with soft grippy stuff on the sides for corners. I heard that now you can get the same 'effect' with some new tyres that use different internal braiding on the middle to that on the sides - but while using the same compound of rubber for the whole tyre.

I obviously don't know a heck of a lot about them and have mostly kept to brands/types that have felt good. But I was just wondering if anyone could compare them - is the wear characteristics the same as dual compounds?

**FJRider** · 20th December 2012, 20:22

Put the same tyre on 4 different bikes ... with their 4 different riders.

What's the chances of similar "Wear characteristics" on each one ... ???

**Gremlin** · 21st December 2012, 01:19

As FJRider hints at, tyres are very subjective. I could recommend something I love, and another person won't like it.

I'd suggest trying sport touring tyres (PR2/PR3, Z8 etc). They're high quality, long lasting and perform well. You're unlikely to require more grip than they offer and will get into their operating temperature zone nice and easily.

**caspernz** · 21st December 2012, 04:05

Michelin Pilot Road 3 offers all the grip you'll ever need

**Madness** · 21st December 2012, 05:49

Throw a set of Metz Z8's on, Disco. They're the shiz on heavier bikes.

**Phantom Limb** · 21st December 2012, 07:53

Originally Posted by caspernz

Michelin Pilot Road 3 offers all the grip you'll ever need

Ay to this, those meats are fuckin amazing on my brick shithouse on wheels.
They are proper dual compound tires though.

**Hitcher** · 21st December 2012, 21:01

In terms of value for money, you'll struggle to beat a set of Conti Road Attack 2s.

I was never a fan of dual compound tyres. That's why I ran so many sets of Avon Storms on my FJR and one set on my Shiver. That said, people who ride light bikes with FAT (Fuck All Torque) seem to enjoy what dual compounders can do.

**Ocean1** · 21st December 2012, 21:08

Tyre fight! Tyre fight!

**Disco Dan** · 21st December 2012, 23:20

Originally Posted by Madness

Throw a set of Metz Z8's on, Disco. They're the shiz on heavier bikes.

Now that's advice, cheers dude

**ducatilover** · 21st December 2012, 23:46

Originally Posted by Hitcher

That said, people who ride light bikes with FAT (Fuck All Torque) seem to enjoy what dual compounders can do.

Agreed

I've muchly enjoyed the 3000km my Pilot Power has given so far on the bum of the ZX6. Due to be replaced soon though, the front should be good for another few thou though. I've heard many people like Pilot Powers, so they can't be too bad (I'm no tyre guru though, they're sticky and round and work in all weather)

**ellipsis** · 22nd December 2012, 00:48

...im going to rethink all the advice and guidance on tyres back to square one...start again so to say...the expensive things i have run for a few thou have been good but let me down on some days...the ones before that were good too, but they let me down on some occasions, the ones the bike is fitted with when it hits the road were ok...let me down at the same point as the rest did...there's a pattern here...got fuck all to do with tyres...