Tires...suggestions?

[Tiffany]

So the bike needs a new front tire, figure I may as well replace them both.

Have had folks toss some recommedations to me:

Pilot Powers
Dunlop Qualifiers
Metzler M1s

Not knowing much abut bike tires...needs some help in choosing.

Let me know your thoughts and advice.

Thanks :beer:

[Jeffro600]

I had pilot powers put on my 600 when i first bought it. In terms of a street legal, its about as close to a full blown race tire as you can get and it shows! They are STICKY tires and are second to very few for a good street\track tire. However, the traction comes at a price as they dont last long. My set lasted only about 2000 miles and they were pretty much shot...but that does include a couple track days in there too. I have the new qualifiers on there now and they have noticably less traction, especially when the roads are cold. They are fine for casual street riding or an occasional jaunt through the canyons but i dont think i will buy them again. On the plus side, ive got 5000 miles on the front and rear and their both holding up well. The rears probably got another 1500-2000 on it and the front will probably last for another rear.

Pilot powers if you can afford to replace them often...qualifiers if you cant!

[Tiffany]

In my riding world, 2000 miles would be a lot...at least right now.

[Jeffro600]

Check out ridersinc.com They have killer sales on pilot powers all the time and even offer free shipping on occasion!

[Tiffany]

I got a couple of local hook ups...need to see what they can do....but thanks for the link :)

[Mrfreeze5]

The PPs are a great tire. One of the best out there IMO for street tires. The qualifiers Ive never run, but havent heard many good things about them. The M1s are a good reliable tire as well but the traction is a little lacking. I had some Metzlers before and they were just plain scary when they were cold. Felt like riding on ice. I have been running Pirelli Diablos for a while and have been really happy with them. Great traction and so far good life. They also have several types of Diablos from touring to race, but I would recommend the plain Diablo(not Corsa or Strada) for street riding. My top two tires have always been Diablos and Pilots. I put a lot of miles on my bike and need something that will last but dont want to sacrifice traction to a touring tire. I should be able to get well over 5000miles on my diablos(the rear at least, fronts tend to last longer)

[JRSFITNESS]

I know this sounds old school, but I have always loved my Avon super venoms.

[jjeepcherokeer]

Race Take Off's
Pm

[Tiffany]

Tires that are slick when cold are pretty much out for me, I ride to work and most mornings its a tad bit chilly and isn't warming up much by the time I get in to work.

The PPs are leading the pack as far as suggested tires...so far.

[sport69]

I went from M1 sportecs to the new M3's. Great tire. Good cold grip and excellent warm traction.

[Mr Zed]

What are you riding now?

I put Conti Roads on the Triple & have been pretty happy with them thus far.

[Tiffany]

Right now I am riding on a blad as hell front Dunlop something or other and a full tread Dunlop Sportmax in the rear.

Decided to just get a new front for now, matching Dunlop. Will probably get Pilot Powers the next time I find a sale on them.

New front tire tomorrow!!!

[Mr Zed]

Sorry - meant what bike are you riding? I'm not a fan of Dunlops.

[Tiffany]

Sorry - meant what bike are you riding? I'm not a fan of Dunlops.

LOL...Kawi ZX-7R...just put it back together...again. Hopefully this time is the right time and it runs as it's supposed to.

I need to get the bike running tomorrow night and hope I can get over and get new tire(s) on Saturday.

I missed out on a deal for Pilot Powers so may run the "on sale discount through a friend" Dunlops until another PP sale comes along.

[Jeffro600]

What was he quoting you for the pilot powers?

[Tiffany]

Think my price was like $240 mounted on the PPs.

I picked up some Bridgestone Battlex BT 014s for $100...good tire, dirt cheap...couldn't pass that up.

[Mrfreeze5]

Think my price was like $240 mounted on the PPs.

I picked up some Bridgestone Battlex BT 014s for $100...good tire, dirt cheap...couldn't pass that up.


The BT014s arent bad at all and for that price you really cant complain, but youll still notice a huge difference once you step up to the PPs. But $240 mounted for PPs is damn good. My Pirrelis cost more than that for just the tires and I got them on sale. Its rediculous what mounting and balancing can cost now though. I just dropped $80 to get new tires mounted and balanced on a set of wheels with the old tires already dismounted and the wheels removed from the bike. If you dont buy the tires from the dealership, theyll stick it to you on the labor.

[Tiffany]

Yeah, I think I will probably ride the BT014s this season and put the PPs on over the winter/early spring next year.

I have winter plans that include complete new fairings and custom paint in addition to a few performance mods.

I have a friend who mounts tires for $20 so not too bad.

[shadetreezj]

Hey, You finally got a bike!! Cool deal.

Another good tire that I've had in the past is the Pirelli Diablo. Not bad at all.

I currently have the Pilot Power's(130/110), and have yet to feel it slip. I got my pair for $195 shipped, and had them installed for about $15 a pop.

Tiff, if you need carb styx, or any other help, give me a ring.

Mike

[Tiffany]

Yeah, this is bike No. 2...I heard good things about the Diablos too.

Where did you get them installed...that's damn cheap.

[shadetreezj]

TK motorsports on Wyandot st. downtown. Near I-25 and Speer. I had mine done when the snow was on the ground, so maybe they needed the work.

Super nice people to deal with. Small shop. Privatley owned.

M.

[Tiffany]

Will have to give them a call, that's right down the way from my office.

Several folks have suggested them to do the work on my bike if I can't figure it out.