Sportbike Tires?

K Williams

K Williams

Joined
Nov 17, 1998
Messages
3,293
I recently got two screws in my rear tire(plus there's 3000 miles on the tires), so It's time for new tires. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'm looking at Dunlop D208ZRs, Metzeler Sportec M-1s, Bridgestone BT014s, and Pirelli Diablo Corsas. Keep in mind that I have 168 rwhp on my bike! :D
 
Alll of those are good choices, it depends on what you like. I've found that different tires handle differently depending on construction etc. Tires with a more triangular profile tend to fall into turns but provide better grip while leaned over. I prefer rounder profile because it's easier for me to maintain my lean angle. Did you like what you had on there before? If you did, you may want to stick with that. You didn't mention them but the Michelin Pilot Sports are a nice tire too. My buddy has them on his bike and really likes them. I'm more of a sport-touring guy, I'm running Pilot Roads to get a little more mileage (the grip is still pretty decent too). BTW, I love the Pilot Roads, this is my first set of them and I'll probably stick with them for a while (although I'm not sure how many miles I can get out of them yet). Previously, I've run mostly Metzlers (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4).

Rob
 
Good Morning All-

KWilliams, interesting post. My mint Honda CBR 600F2 has been shod with each of the tires you've mentioned, with the exception of the Pirelli model.

In terms of usable grip, predictability, wet performance, durability, and suppleness, the Metzelers are simply fantastic. I changed to Dunlops about 2000 miles ago when my rear Metzeler was damaged by a large screw when riding at about 70 m.p.h. Because I was limited to what was in stock at the closest local shop at the time, I decided upon Dunlops due to their excellent reputation in racing circles.

You know what? The Dunlop D208 ZRs are probably unbelievably great at the edge of the performance envelope, but I believe the Metzelers are superior in every other category. The Dunlops feel skittish and somewhat vague...not the "locked-down" feeling one gets with the Metzelers. Another concern of street riders who might get caught in the occasional rainstorm is wet performance. The Metzelers seem to have the silica balance all figured-out because they're fine in damp conditions.

For some completely unscientific commentary, my car has some sticky Michelin Pilots and they are wonderful. If I was to encounter difficulties obtaining the latest and greatest Metzelers for my bike the next time around, I would probably look at Michelin Pilots second. The only theory I can offer is that Metzeler makes tires ONLY for motorcycles, so they have to smack the ball out of the park each time at bat.

Hope that helps,

~ Blue Jays ~
 
I've used the Metzeler M1s, Michelin Pilot Sports and the Dunlops - I loved the Pilots, didn't care for the Dunlops and my absolute favorites were the Metzelers. I do a lot of sport riding and if it helps, I ride a Buell X1 and a Suzuki SV 650.

Have fun!

Dan
 
Thanks for all the replies. From the sound of it, the Sportec M-1s are the way to go. Oh, since everyoone is listing their bikes, I have a '01 ZX-12R. :D
 
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