Motard tyres. Suggestions?

**barryr1** · 16th January 2009, 20:51

Building up my WR450 Motard soon and was wondering on tyre choices.

I want 160 60 17 rears and 120 70 17 fronts.

On my R1's I always ran Michelin Pilot Powers, but as it's a totally different style of bike are there any recommendations?

I had a shot of a VFR400 years ago with Bridgestone Bt-010's and it was great.

Will be mainly street riding but going to try and attend some track days.

**Hitcher** · 16th January 2009, 21:23

Dunlop Qualifiers. They seem to do the business pretty well on my Shiver.

**Devil** · 17th January 2009, 07:59

I've got the new Bridgestone BT-016's on my KTM in the same size you're after. They're fantastic. Wearing very well, holding their shape well and stick like shit to a blanket.
I do understand the Qualifiers are good too, just haven't had any personal experience with them.

The KTM came with OEM BT090's, but while they're apparently a great tyre, I just didn't get used to them.

**barryr1** · 17th January 2009, 13:48

Originally Posted by Devil

I've got the new Bridgestone BT-016's on my KTM in the same size you're after. They're fantastic. Wearing very well, holding their shape well and stick like shit to a blanket.
I do understand the Qualifiers are good too, just haven't had any personal experience with them.

The KTM came with OEM BT090's, but while they're apparently a great tyre, I just didn't get used to them.

Think I might try the Bridgestones, as said above I loved the feel of the ones i tried before.

Will go and search out a deal........

**AlBundy** · 17th January 2009, 15:54

It has been noted on several forums, the OEM versions of a tyres aren't exactly the same as one gets over the counter. Usually aftermarket ones are better for some reason...

So, that said, the BT 090 is Bridgestones version of a lightweight tyre, similar to what Dunlops A-10 is... Well, that's my understanding anyway...

I don't have issues with the Bt 090 as such but haven't had anything else on to see otherwise...

A mate races a KTM 525 EXC on Pirelli Super Corsa and loves 'em...

I like Pirelli, had them on several road bikes...

**barryr1** · 17th January 2009, 20:56

Originally Posted by AlBundy

It has been noted on several forums, the OEM versions of a tyres aren't exactly the same as one gets over the counter. Usually aftermarket ones are better for some reason...

So, that said, the BT 090 is Bridgestones version of a lightweight tyre, similar to what Dunlops A-10 is... Well, that's my understanding anyway...

I don't have issues with the Bt 090 as such but haven't had anything else on to see otherwise...

A mate races a KTM 525 EXC on Pirelli Super Corsa and loves 'em...

I like Pirelli, had them on several road bikes...

A friend used to run Super Corsas on his 998 when I was in Scotland and he always raved about them, only had a shot once though so couldn't get a good judge.

Will get some prices on different stuff and work out what seems best value I think.

**Southmotian** · 18th January 2009, 15:27

I use a Continental Race Attack front and Sport Attack rear. That's been a great combination for me. You can normally pick conti's up for slightly less than the other big brands too.

Asking for advice on tyres can be a bit of a

since everyone has "their" brand and most people don't use tyres to their full potential anyway, wisely so on the street. I'll put my 2c in for these though (street and casual track).

**Quasievil** · 18th January 2009, 15:44

I race a Motard 525smr on track as well as street circuits, I have used the Pirrelli super corsas slicks and after a great deal of study and investigation as well as consultation with the relevant companies (and yes it was a process) I now race and LOVE the continental Race Attack Streets, I have absolutely no issues with them they are predicatable and very confidence inspiring they also wear very very well.
Go to these and I guarantee you will not have an issue.

**Tony.OK** · 18th January 2009, 16:36

I have some cheap hardly used fronts if you want to try without buying new..............they're Conti Race Attack Comps Mediums.
Look here

**AlBundy** · 18th January 2009, 20:03

Originally Posted by Quasievil

I race a Motard 525smr on track as well as street circuits, I have used the Pirrelli super corsas slicks and after a great deal of study and investigation as well as consultation with the relevant companies (and yes it was a process) I now race and LOVE the continental Race Attack Streets, I have absolutely no issues with them they are predicatable and very confidence inspiring they also wear very very well.
Go to these and I guarantee you will not have an issue.

Originally Posted by Tony.OK

I have some cheap hardly used fronts if you want to try without buying new..............they're Conti Race Attack Comps Mediums.
Look here

Mmmmm, may have to try a set of Contis when it gets time for new tyres...

**testastretta** · 25th January 2009, 09:09

I have the same size tyres on my XT660X and am currently using Michelin Pilot Road 2 which I have found very good,not as sticky as the Pirelli Dragons it came with but as good as the Pirelli Diablo's I used next and definately better mileage.
If you plan on getting on some loose stuff the Avon Distanzias are supposed to be very good.

**Mikkel** · 29th January 2009, 17:04

I've heard a lot of good things about the Pirelli Supermotard tyres. Haven't tried them myself yet, but planning on getting a set when my current Michelins wear out.

They have a much rougher thread as well, so they ought to be better in gravel too. So I suppose if it's for normal racetrack use they won't be the best you can get.

Image of there here.