Tyres for a 750 sportsbike - July 2008

[crash harry]

My 2 cents worth:
I've had Pirellis, Bridgestones, and Dunlops. Just put a set of Pilot Road 2s on the R1 to see how I go on Michelins.

I like Diablos - they seem to be very predictable if not the absolute most stickiest. I don't ride hard enough on the road to know the difference.

I HATE bridgestones. Every bike I've had them on has felt shit and let go at random moments, especially under brakes.

Dunlops have always felt good but been too expensive or unavailable or just a bit behind the times when I've gone to buy more - hence why I'm now running Michelins - the dual compound pilot road 2 should hopefully last a while under commuting duty...

[Devil]

I HATE bridgestones. Every bike I've had them on has felt shit and let go at random moments, especially under brakes.

While I understand what you're talking about with the BT010'2, 14's, 15's. I urge you to try the BT002R Street. (not to be confused with a BT020). They're a new generation super sports tyre that perform excellently. Massive amout of grip, solid sidewall and hold their shape really well.

[Mikkel]

From what has been posted in this thread and what I have been told by other I'm pretty set on trying out the M3s.

Anyway, my bike has a 17"x6" rim and a standard tyre size of 190 mm. Now I understand perfectly that there is an amount of wank factor about fatter tyres (just like cars) - on the other hand I can't believe that the factory would put out a bike which is less than ideal just because of the wank factor.

So what are peoples take on this subject? What are the disadvantages of dropping down from 190 to 180 mm? What is the difference? I always get suspicious when people say "it'll handle better and it's cheaper too"... So what's the verdict on this matter?

[honda929]

Put a set of M3's on my blade, and they are very good,Id stick with the 190 size.

[Jerry74]

Just got a Pirelli Sport Demon today for the rear look like a goody.

Not a bad price either

[James Deuce]

Just tried a '97 'blade for an evening and it had M3s on it. They worked really well. They were even black and round.

[MaxCannon]

Totally unhelpful post.......

Had to get a new rear for the ZZR400.
Only tyre available in the size I needed and my price range was the Metzler
M1

It is way better than the Shinko 005 it replaced.

See - told you this wouldn't be any help to you.

[Mikkel]

Well, as I said - I have decided upon the M3s. However, I'm currently contemplating whether to go down from a 180 mm to a 190 mm tyre on the rear.

Surely there would have to be someone with an opinion on this matter!

[James Deuce]

I wouldn't.

But then I am struggling to understand how one would "go down" from a 180 to a 190.

If that's a 6 inch rim on the back, stay with the 180. Folding a 190 onto it may give the rear a markedly different profile from the manufacturers intention.

[imdying]

6" rim was designed for a 190, that's true.... 5.5" for a 180... but having said that, there's a whole heap of different tyres, each with different profiles. They all feel a little different, so you'll just have to experiment. Just buy soft tyres, you'll whip your way through them soon enough, and after a year of that you'll have a pretty good range of experience on your bike to go on. And just as you've decided on the perfect combination, your favourites will go out of production

[Mikkel]

I wouldn't.

But then I am struggling to understand how one would "go down" from a 180 to a 190.

If that's a 6 inch rim on the back, stay with the 180. Folding a 190 onto it may give the rear a markedly different profile from the manufacturers intention.

Ah, sorry. I meant go down from 190 to 180 of course... Silly me.

It comes with a 190 as factory standard. Then the question is, would it be better to go down to a 180 instead? I never contemplated going up from the 190

[James Deuce]

Nah, stick with the 190. You'll end up with a profile like a car tyre because the 180 will have to "spread" across the rim. It's an unknown but you can end up with everything from a bike that refuses to drop into corners predictably and weaves in a straight line to not noticing any difference between the sizes.

I tend to stick with the recommended sizes because I fear change, and secretly respect tyre engineers and tyre manufacturing companies. They know more than me you see.

[Mikkel]

I tend to stick with the recommended sizes because I fear change, and secretly respect tyre engineers and tyre manufacturing companies. They know more than me you see.

That is my thought as well - surely they would put on a tyre size that fits the rest of the design.
Although wide tyres are often more wank factor than anything - I have a hard time seeing why the factory specification should not be spot on.

I've just had some people suggest that the 180 would make it more nimble and be cheaper too. I think I shall retain the factory spec.

[Cajun]

well why don't you go 190/55, instead of the stock 190/50

best of both worlds

[imdying]

Nah, stick with the 190. You'll end up with a profile like a car tyre because the 180 will have to "spread" across the rim. It's an unknown but you can end up with everything from a bike that refuses to drop into corners predictably and weaves in a straight line to not noticing any difference between the sizes.

I'd have a play with tyres if you have the time and money Mike... I remember not reading that long ago about one of the PB staffers that went R1 racing. Was halfway through the season before someone told him that the 190 was always ditched for a 180...