What tyres work best, rf900?

[Mully]

I got a set of (run-out) Diablos from Cycletreads. They didn't have many 170 rears left, but had a whole lot of 180s if you wanted to go for that (dunno if they still have any but).

Haven't used a full set yet, so I can't comment on the wear, but the old set seemed to be wearing quite slowly (despite the fact that I am a husky gentleman). They were on the bike when I got it. I did about 4000 miles (~6000km) and they comfortably passed a WOF about 3 weeks before they were swapped.

I do, however, ride like a little pigtailed girl, so people who can actually ride may be able to tell you more about wear.

If you ride Frosty's (with the 180), you can have a go on mine too (with a 170) to compare which you prefer. I'm about 2km from Frosty's place.

[riffer]

I am a husky gentleman

Mate - with the notable exception of Frosty I don't think I've ever met a skinny RF owner.

[blossomsowner]

thanks guys for all the advice and offers of rides as well. i like the way my bike tips easily into corners with a 170 so it would be interesting to compare a 180 and feel the difference.

and i cannot claim to be a thin rf rider either.....................I prefer healthy....

[scroter]

thanks guys for all the advice and offers of rides as well. i like the way my bike tips easily into corners with a 170 so it would be interesting to compare a 180 and feel the difference.

and i cannot claim to be a thin rf rider either.....................I prefer healthy....

get the 180, its easier to get tyres in that size. i run the shinko 005 i think it is (not the dimple looking one), everything else gets eaten like its a cool icecream on a hot day. i have never had a slide on this bike, even in the wet, and my pegs are a bit lighter than most from scraping the ground. ive had it on pukekohe and taupo, scares the shit out of a few people (i dont think some people can comprehend a fat arsed RF900 going quite so quick) have fun stay rubber side down

[oldenuf]

Mr Oldenuf here, Slim RF 900 owner ha ha honest only 87kg .I have had the old beast for a few years so have had a few different tyres . The Pilots on an RF will give a little bit of carcass flex in the rear when pushed hard,this can be helped by using 42 psi, one thing with them they were great in the wet. Diablos the rear not so good in the wet and the front a little nervous at speed but if doing a lot of tight twisties the front turns in a lot easier than others i have tried.Currently back on Metzler roadtec z6s 180 on the rear a little slower to turn in ,very stable at higher speeds ,no flex when giving a big handfull out of a corner so far, and great on the Kaimais. 10,000 plus ks with half that use in the South Island .Other thing is setting up the rear shock ,im sure there are a lot who will be able to give you some input on this.

[PeterJ]

I've got Dunlop sportmax roadsmarts on mine (180 on rear). Bought it with these on so cant compare with any thing else but loving these, really stable at speed and nice through the twisties. Starting to get concerned about wear though done about 3000m and starting to get squared off in the middle.
Pissed off today went out to clean my bike and found the back tire flat with a bloody great nail through it, I have never had a puncture fixed before- how much does it usually cost?. was thinking around 30-40 mark?.
Thanks.

[MSTRS:Me]

Michelin Pilot Road 2CTs
awesome

these are better than the standard pilot road i have now aren't they?
what sort of k's from a set?

Much better than the std Pilot Road. Dual compound FTW!!
I know they are different bikes, but I am still going strong at 14,000ks and Gixxer4Ever has racked up about 12,000. Lots of riders put them on litre sport bikes and love them, plus they do real well on the 1200/1400 sport tourers.

I have never had a puncture fixed before- how much does it usually cost?. was thinking around 30-40 mark?.
Thanks.

That sounds about right.

[emaN]

Pilot Road on rear, in 170 size; Pilot Sport on front.
Good enough for knee down, peg scraping, black lines & putting gixxers in their place (You said you don't mind the rear moving around - the Road will give you that, safely & predictably).

Gonna try Contis next.

[pritch]

Starting to get concerned about wear though done about 3000m and starting to get squared off in the middle.

Pissed off today went out to clean my bike and found the back tire flat with a bloody great nail through it,

May I suggest it might be time for a new tyre?

[PeterJ]

May I suggest it might be time for a new tyre?

Nope, got it fixed today. $39 at Pitlane in Manchester st.

[Swima]

Metzeler Z6 ...Just right.Had pilot roads but found Z6 far better all round

[pritch]

I have a very nice Z6 here going cheap.

(180/55 17)

[mouldy]

the 170 rear is a bit cheaper than the usual 180's everybody else has, that was a year ago though

so what you're saying is most are running 180/60 on the rear?[/QUOTE]

The RF came out with a 170/60/17 on a 5.5" rim which is much better suited to a 180/55/17 which shapes up better . a lot of RF's are running 180s on them . Tyre choice is up to you but Pilot Road 2 s would be good option for it as a any off the reputable brand sport tourers which you have to push bloody hard to move , the Rf won't overwhelm any of them . Go and see Mike at DPC tyres in Drury and he'll look after you . Call him on 09 294 7955 and mention yuo're a KBer .

[fridayflash]

has anyone had any experience with pilot sports on an rf? ive just boughtone fitted with a near new set (180 on the rear) they feel pretty good so far...
also what tyre pressures ?

[MSTRS:Me]

has anyone had any experience with pilot sports on an rf? ive just boughtone fitted with a near new set (180 on the rear) they feel pretty good so far...
also what tyre pressures ?

I never liked them on the 750, but Steve did.
Run them at 36/42 at least until you get a feel for them.