Tyre guide

**bane** · 12th February 2005, 22:54

I apologise if this has been posted previously (I did do a quick thread search first)

http://www.nesba.com/Tire_Guide.pdf

I need new tyres for the GSXF - basically narrowed down to BT020 vs Diablo's - really keen on the Diablos if they last reasonably well (ie 5K+)

hmmm... so can I transfer results from track riders on super sport bikes to humble me on a humble GSXF :spudwhat:

**Jantar** · 13th February 2005, 06:36

Originally Posted by bane

hmmm... so can I transfer results from track riders on super sport bikes to humble me on a humble GSXF :spudwhat:

Results from the track are revelent to how a tyre will perform on the road, but you must remember that the riding style on the track is different to that on the road, and on the track the tyres will run quite a bit hotter (usually more grip) than on the road.

I also considered Diablos for my GS1200SS, but then settled for MT24s. The Diablos will grip better if I'm thrashing the bike at over 200 kph, but is not a common occurance especially as I still have that factory governor setting at 180 kph. For general touring with the occassional piece of hard riding the MT24s are every bit as satisfactory as the Diablos.

I can't make a definite recommenedation as to what would be the right tyre for your GSXF as I dont know your riding style or road preference. What I would suggest is to have a good look at the tyres fitted to the bikes of other people you ride with, and see what they have fitted. That will give you a good idea of the type of tyre that may suit your riding style.

**James Deuce** · 13th February 2005, 08:42

I wouldn't use a track test as a guide to general use to be quite honest. Just MO.

**bane** · 13th February 2005, 11:16

Fair enough guys, any advice gratefully accepted

Anybody who's ridden with me will tell you im not going to win any GP (probably understatement of the millennium!), however I would like a tyre that gives me as much confidence as possible.

Im happy to trade off longevity (reasonable) for grip and feel (especially in dampish conditions). In terms of the current Dunlops only issue is the rear, which seems very happy to slide with the minimum of rear brake applied.

**James Deuce** · 13th February 2005, 12:48

Originally Posted by bane

Fair enough guys, any advice gratefully accepted

Anybody who's ridden with me will tell you im not going to win any GP (probably understatement of the millennium!), however I would like a tyre that gives me as much confidence as possible.

Im happy to trade off longevity (reasonable) for grip and feel (especially in dampish conditions). In terms of the current Dunlops only issue is the rear, which seems very happy to slide with the minimum of rear brake applied.

(Avon, Avon, Avon)

Seriously, they are absolutely superb, wet or dry.

Other option would be the Metzler Z6, which I would reccommend over the BT020s. Just my opinion though. You'll get all the grip and longevity from the ST45/46, Metzler Z6, or BT020s that you could possibly expect from the GSX.

**Biff** · 13th February 2005, 12:54

I'm a BT020 fan, but I've never had Metzlers so I can't really compare them.

I've a review in a mag here that ran a test comparing all the big brands (Pirelli, Bridgestone, Metzler and Avon). It covers track, road, wet and braking performance. The BT's came out as the best all rounders.

I've got BT's on my Bird and I'm currently up to 6.5K and they're still going strong.

**Jinx3d** · 13th February 2005, 14:57

I noticed that supernike mag did not ship for NZ with the tyre review pull out, but I wrote and bitched and so they sent me one.

As you have suggested, the track tyres were not good for road riding just dont seem to heat up or something.

**Grumpy** · 13th February 2005, 15:23

I had a GSX1400 that came with BT020's. I only used them for less than 3000km's then chucked them for some Diablos. The Bridgestones felt like shit and the Diablos were superb.

Then you can take a friend of mine who has got a GSR1000. Tried a set of Diablo Corsas and hated them. He prefers the BT020's

It can be an expensive lesson but sometimes you have to take the info you've gathered and take a bit of a punt. I'd say most reputable brands these days tend to be pretty user friendly, unless your someone who has the ability to regulary find a tyres limits.

When I bought the Z1000, I saw the Bridgestones and thought "here we go again". They were 012's and were excellent. I'm trying a 014 on the rear now and it gives the same grip but is wearing much better.

I guess the best advice is from someone using the same machinery.

**750Y** · 14th February 2005, 08:45

if You can still get the $399 deal on the M1s at wmcc i'd say definitely go for it. they are excellent(i've used diablos & bt020s). they last ok(3500k for a rear) & are very trustworthy, plus are the best value tyre deal in NZ full stop. get some You won't be disappointed i NEVER was and i'm picky about my tyres...

**MSTRS:Me** · 14th February 2005, 09:00

I opted for Michelin 100x front & Metzler Ze4 on the rear cos I tend to do midrange speed/touring. The wear is brilliant (9500 rear - still going strong). I did the recent Taupo track day, dropped the pressure a bit to create more heat & they never let go.

**vifferman** · 14th February 2005, 09:06

Originally Posted by bane

I need new tyres for the GSXF - basically narrowed down to BT020 vs Diablo's - really keen on the Diablos if they last reasonably well (ie 5K+)

I was going to stick Diablos on the VTR when I had it, but Kerry talked me into putting Azaros on instead - said they weren't as soft as the Diablos and would work better for the type of riding I do (mostly commuting, with the odd long ride). He was so confident I'd like them, that he offered me a 1000km trial, and if I didn't like them, he'd replace them with something else. I had the Azaro AV49-SP on the front, and AV46-ST on the rear, and this worked very well.

I found that the Bridgestones work really well on both the VFR750 and the 800, so they should work well for you too, I'd imagine. But if you do go with the Bridgestones, stick a BT-012 on the front and BT-020 on the rear, as this works better than the BT020F which scallops the tread blocks badly.

**bugjuice** · 14th February 2005, 09:50

that's an awesome front page pic..
I'd give me left testie to have the balls to do that..

**JohnBoy** · 14th February 2005, 12:08

some my mates run diablo's (CBR900 horn & R1) and they can get enough of them.
i am however going to give the Pilot powers a go, going to put them on in about 3 or 4 weeks (after a ride to wellington).
i haven't heard much on this site about em but heard good stories from others. will post my 2 cents after i put em on.

**awd** · 14th February 2005, 13:51

Totally agree with the Vifferman on the 020's. I had them on my VFR800 when I lived in Italy and generally got 11000 k's from a rear including long tours 2 up. Never did a track day but did plenty of riding in mountains in the north over there. They are a brilliant tyre.