Tires

[quibble]

I've been doing some reading and online search for a new set of tires. I've found a few almost up-to-date sources (from around last December). A couple of those (Bike magazine and MCN of UK) both say that Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart and Michelin Pilot Road 2 are top notch in dry and wet handling, with MCN saying the Dunlops are slightly better. However, the tests don't say anything about how the tires compare regarding mileage, but I remember reading somewhere that the Michelin's lasted quite a bit.

I've ridden the BT-021s and the Roadsmarts on my Fazer. For me, the Roadsmarts are much better - they have a good amount of grip (and I've tested them quite hard in both the wet and the dry!!). 2000 miles and they're still looking good.

On the Fazer forums it's a fairly even split between the Roadsmarts and the PR2s. When you go for the stickier compounds, the Pirelli Diablo Corsa seem to be popular.

[smokeshow]

This thread has been very helpful.  My stock bridgestones are worn out and just stopped to order some Michelin Pilot Road 2's today.  They were even 25% off at the local shop.  Will still be a week or so before I can get them put on though, can't wait to ride on a decent/new tire.  Looks like rain later this week, joy of riding on a worn out tire in the rain, see if I can borrow the wife's Durango.

[Neo Rabid]

I've been doing some reading and online search for a new set of tires. I've found a few almost up-to-date sources (from around last December). A couple of those (Bike magazine and MCN of UK) both say that Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart and Michelin Pilot Road 2 are top notch in dry and wet handling, with MCN saying the Dunlops are slightly better. However, the tests don't say anything about how the tires compare regarding mileage, but I remember reading somewhere that the Michelin's lasted quite a bit. My money is definitely going to either the RoadSmart or the Pilot Road 2, and posts on the site show that users of both are seriously happy. I'm giving Bike magazine's ratings below. And here is the link from the Superbike magazine: http://www.superbike.co.uk/products/tyr ... 47538.html.

I also found some owner comments on the Michelin's at webbikeworld. See below the article: http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle- ... ot-road-2/.

Bike Magazine's Ratings (Dec 2007 issue)

Dry Handling:
1. Tie between Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart and Michelin Pilot Road 2
3. Bridgestone BT021

Wet Handling
1. Tie between Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart and Michelin Pilot Road 2
3. Bridgestone BT021

Steering Precision
1. Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart
2. Michelin Pilot Road 2
3. Bridgestone BT021

I run a power ct2 up front and a roadsmart out back.
This combo seems to work very well for wet or dry riding, the roadsmart is a much stiffer tire as well as has more starting center tread depth than the road 2. when I got my new rear tire 1k ago I sat in the motorcycle shop debating whether or not to go with the pilot which I knew was road tested and had rave reviews or to go with the new tire that just came out, was stiffer, and was much more appealing (to me) for a touring tire that is also dual compound.

The only flaw with the roadsmart that almost kept me from buying it was the drop from the center to the outsides because of the extra tread-depth in the center. almost reminds me of an egg or a cone head the way the tire looks.

[Syd]

I'm jealous of you guys in the US. I've spent the past month trying to order tires. First tried Michelin Pilot Road 2. Asked several different shops, but couldn't find a 180/55 rear. Next, I order Dunlop Roadsmarts, wait 2 weeks, then I'm told that the distributors ran out of rears on that one as well. I try eBay and other online stores within Canada... nothing. Then I decide to check US stores. eBay gives me 3 shops with one carrying 115 the other carrying 70 tires... Amazon.com gives me 2 more stores... So, I ordered from the US. Including $46 for shipping and about $30 for duties (approximated), I'll still end up with a price similar to the Canadian market... go figure

[fyrfytr]

I'm liking the Avon Storms so far.  The price was good, ride nice and I run out of nerve before they lose grip.  Haven't seen rain in them yet, but by all accounts they're excellent.  Likewise, I've read on some S/T forums that they last for quite some time.

Rob

[smilygo]

Has anyone tried Shinko tires?  My "new" 5400 mile Z750S has OEM Bridgstone and they have cracks.  I checked few places and Shinko tires are so much cheaper than major brand tires.  I use Hangook tires on my Scion and have had no issues, but motorcycles could be different.  ANy inputs are welcome! 

[trenttheuncatchable]

See http://www.motorcycle.com/forum/motorcycle-general-discussion/14006-shinko-tires.html

[blackrat]

I've got Avon storm 2 ultras. Never wobbled wet or dry (no chicken strips). Got nearly 7000 miles on them. Front is about due for change ( but I do run the front suspension firm) but plenty left on the rear . Will definately be replacing with the same.