What are the characteristics of a 'good'/'better' tyre?

**Chisanga** · 11th April 2007, 14:29

Excuse me if this is a stupid question but I am not particularly knowledgable in this area, I did a quick search but didn't find anything that really answered my question.

I have always had the stock/OEM tyres on my VTR250 for the last 5500km since new and they seem to be ok, although I have binned twice on my bike (not related to tyres). Since then I have been a lot more hesitant in my riding particularly in cornering.

I have been told by a number of people whos opinions I respect (e.g. M1cro & McJim) that my confidence will increase dramatically if I get some new rubber put on.

Now what I would like to know is how will these better tyres feel or what characteristics would better tyres have and what will I notice as being different (if anything).

The tyres I have had recommended from my LBS are Pirelli Sport Demons.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

**Devil** · 11th April 2007, 14:45

This is something that you'll figure out with experience and k's under your belt. Fresh rubber just "feels" better for a start. Of course if you dont really push the bike much you probably wont notice much difference.

**Motu** · 11th April 2007, 15:04

''Feedback''

**kiwifruit** · 11th April 2007, 15:16

Grip .

**cowboyz** · 11th April 2007, 15:29

The best way I would describe it is that with good rubber on you are going faster but it doesnt feel faster. Sport demons are great. I run them on the 600f that I had. When they are new the bike feels more stable and you find yourself cornering a heap better/smoother/faster. Then it could just be the mind thing.

**Phurrball** · 11th April 2007, 15:46

I'm loving the Avons on my 250 bandit. (Sadly crashed - nothing to do with the rubber)

I have an HKM on the rear, and a Roadrider on the front (replaced the HKM in Avon's range) I especially love the confidence of having a good front tyre inspires - I started scraping the pegs a bit on familiar roads once I got used to the new front - it's incredibly sticky!

Whatever you choose, you'll be well pleased with new rubber on your ride

**jade** · 11th April 2007, 16:47

when you get new tyres your bike will literally feel like a different bike, literally.. it will handle much better - turn in alot quicker because they will have a rounder profile, not squared off from too many motorway k's..
It really will completely change how your bike feels, inspiring confidence..
some of the things you can look forward to with new rubber is - quick warm up time - more grip in the rain and dry, and better handling/feedback
im a dunlop man myself, i dont know much about the demons, but careful you dont get a tyre too good for your bike.. eg - something made for a 6 hundy or thou... you would have to push it alot harder to get them up to temp
talk to the guys at cycletreads - tell them what you are looking for for your type of riding - theyll put you on the right track..
quick warm up time and grip in the wet are important to me

**MSTRS:Me** · 11th April 2007, 17:26

Sport Demons are the way to go on your VTR. They inspire confidence in all conditions and last well. hXc's Spada has them - just replaced the rear after 11000k and he didn't pussy with them.
Have just put one on the front of Yungatart's Eliminator to replace the aging Bridgestone BT35 - why did I wait so long??

**Big Dave** · 11th April 2007, 17:51

Go and introduce yourself as a KB participant to mr Kerry at motohaus tyres in Kingsland. He will give you good advice and then sort it too.

**yungatart** · 11th April 2007, 17:55

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Sport Demons are the way to go on your VTR. They inspire confidence in all conditions and last well. hXc's Spada has them - just replaced the rear after 11000k and he didn't pussy with them.
Have just put one on the front of Yungatart's Eliminator to replace the aging Bridgestone BT35 - why did I wait so long??

Indeed - I can't have nagged enough!! Either that or I am just too patient...
It has made a huuuuge difference, it now feels like the back wants to follow the front around the corner...instead of doing its own thing

**BarBender** · 11th April 2007, 18:42

Originally Posted by kiwifruit

Grip.

...for my style of riding.

**Street Gerbil** · 12th April 2007, 10:45

In New Zealand nothing beats wet traction, motorbike or not.

**Bnonn** · 12th April 2007, 12:34

Originally Posted by Street Gerbil

In New Zealand nothing beats wet traction, motorbike or not.

Agreed. I'm actually looking about for new tires for my FZ6, which has Dunlop D252s as stock, and they truly suck in the wet. Any recommendations? Something that will handle average commuting, wet weather riding, and long-distance country riding in the twisties is a must (:

**Kwaka14** · 12th April 2007, 12:38

Originally Posted by Bnonn

Agreed. I'm actually looking about for new tires for my FZ6, which has Dunlop D252s as stock, and they truly suck in the wet. Any recommendations? Something that will handle average commuting, wet weather riding, and long-distance country riding in the twisties is a must (:

Try the new Avon Storms. The Azaro's I've got on the ZX12 are awesome all rounders and the storms are supposed to be a level up in grip still giving great wear.... See Kerry at Motohaus....