Author Topic: New Tire Poll... (Read 7102 times)

PaulVS · « **on:** September 08, 2005, 10:11:14 PM »

Decided to dump the still-useable-but-unacceptable Mac 100's for a new set o' stickies. I'm Looking for the grippiest tire that will last at least 6,000 miles of mostly normal riding.

Any educated opinions?

Sven · « **Reply #1 on:** September 08, 2005, 10:30:19 PM »

I voted for the Pilot Roads that I am running. The front has been on for about 3,000 miles, and the back for about 1,000. They just "feel right".

Check out Total Motorcycle's tire guide at http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/tire-tyre-guide/index.htm

They rated the Pilot Road as
Track use : 1/5
Highway : 5/5
Sport riding : 5/5
Commuting : 4/5

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 09, 2005, 12:12:44 AM »

Loving my Shinko's!

ribbitism · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2005, 12:59:54 AM »

Ok I own a 600 not 1200, but Bridgestone 014's for me

Nicest combination of mileage life , even wear, grip in all weathers/corners etc, that I've found on my 600 bandit.
As said already, these just 'feel right' for me.. I'd try them on a 1200 for sure

aussiebandit · « **Reply #4 on:** September 09, 2005, 06:35:56 AM »

I've got a stock 02B12, and found the Sporttec M1 on the rear excellent for grip, but I only managed to get 7000km's out of it and that was pushing my luck. I got close to 12,000km out of the M1 front.

I now run the old MEZ4 (I believe the oadtecZ6 replaced the MEZ4) on the rear and an M1 on the front. I haven't lost that much in grip on the rear but I've got close to 5000+K's on it and it looks as though I could get another 5000 out it.

My riding is a mix of commuting round town (ride to work most days), road sports riding (mountains/hills/corners and more corners), and a certain amount of Highway use, mainly to get to the corners.

While it's not a Suzuki, or an in-line four, my wifes Ducati M750 puts out around the same sort of power as a B6 and she swares by Pirrelli Dragons. She does bugger all town work and mainly road sports riding.

Hope I've helped.

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 09, 2005, 09:53:43 AM »

I had the BT014's and could only manage about 4500 out of the rear and about 6000 on the front.

B6mick · « **Reply #6 on:** September 09, 2005, 11:01:33 AM »

Quote from: "chevsuz12"

Loving my Shinko's!

Me too, 009 rear 005 front
Courier (so I guess that puts me in the crazy bracket. It's the only way you stay alive in my game. outcrazy the crazyies ) Last 009 rear lasted 16,000 miles, and never let go once.

PaulVS · « **Reply #7 on:** September 09, 2005, 11:49:35 AM »

I gotta admit... the Shinkos sound intriguing.

But for $202 shipped... I can get a set of Pirelli Diablo Stradas, which I would have to think are better constructed/designed. That's only about $20 more than a pair of Shinkos. Also, I'm a heavier rider (225lbs) on a heavy bike, and I'm sure my wear rate would be higher than a 180lb rider on a B6.

I've never been a fan of Bridgestones or Dunlops since they both made the crappiest OEM 'throwaway' tires back in the day. It may be just a personal bias, but I've never heard of Bridgestones or Dunlops that both grip well AND last.

The Avon's seem to be the 'tire of choice' among Bandit owners, but I just don't feel their 'grip technology' is as good... and they're $50 more, which would pay for my mounting costs.

I thought the new Michelin Pilot Powers were the "cat's meow" until I heard about someone about my size who only got 2000 miles of normal riding on a Bandit 1200 before they were trashed. The Pilot Roads are tried-and-true... but the design is gotten a little old... and they are $40 more than the Pirellis.

So... all other things appearing to be fairly equal... I'm leaning towards the Strada's since the price is right. Also, I think they are cutting edge in design & compound. (I think the Z6 Metzeler is almost the same tire as the Strada since Pirelli & Metzeler merged, but the Stradas are $24 less.)

Still... if anyone has a tire that grips like glue (wet & dry) and lasts forever... or has had a bad experience with the Strada's... I'd like to hear about it.

And there you have my mental musings on the new tire subject.

Price comparison for those interested. (pair, including shipping)

Pirelli Diablo Stradas - $202
Metzeler Roadtec Z6 - $226
Michelin Pilot Roads - $241
Avon Azaro 45/46 - $250
Bridgestone BT014 - $226
Shinko Raven 009 - $182

Daytona · « **Reply #8 on:** September 09, 2005, 01:50:03 PM »

One word SHINKO!! 005 or 009. Will give the ride you need! The 009's i have give more grip than the azario, 6000m on em the front looks like new 5/32 left / rear 3/32 left WOW!!!! the best i could get out of any others was just about 5k and that was pushing it! I just think these may make the other hi $$ mets, dunl folks sell em for a fair price rather than tax write off crap they use the spoils on!! , but check out the shinko's. The $$ is what make these the deal, tire is as good as any! The 009 190 rear i have, has over 6k on it and still has 3/32's to go. Avon azario was in the pile @ 5k. check em out, these folks have em cheap. http://store.azmusa.com/shink.html

land_shark · « **Reply #9 on:** September 09, 2005, 03:22:04 PM »

I just bought a set of Bridgestone BT020's, and I'm super happy with them. I had been running Dunlop D208's, and wasn't happy with the lack of grip. Just got back from a 1500mi trip, and they don't look very worn at all. They're definitely stickier, and are a good confidence booster for the twisties!

smooth operator · « **Reply #10 on:** September 16, 2005, 09:29:02 AM »

I've been running Conti road attacks,on my 3rd set. Dunlop 207s wore out real quick.208gps for the track didn't like the wet! Bridgestone 020s,front tire did'nt wear evenly(would have tried the 010 up front,but I bought a pair that someone ordered and didn't come back)Had a set of Piolot sports a few yrs ago,I thought about the same as the 207s. About 3000 miles and they were done. I hear great reviews for the Metzlers,but havn't tried them yet.Also havn't tried the Avons. Havn't done much touring,so I stick to more of a sport tire rather than long life tire.Next set I'll either try the Metzler maybe or just stick with the Conti's,good all around tire for the$.

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 16, 2005, 10:31:54 AM »

I must say I get better grip from my 009 shinko's than my BT-014's Bridgestones. I now have 500 miles on the 009's. I love em!

PaulVS · « **Reply #12 on:** September 16, 2005, 05:54:47 PM »

Okay, okay.... I'll try the Stinkos..er... Shinkos.

So what is the difference between the Advance 005 and the Raven 009? Is it like the difference between the Pilot Powers (sport) and Pilot Roads (sport-touring) ?

If the 005 is more sporty... does anyone know what kind of mileage it'll give?

Dexter · « **Reply #13 on:** September 18, 2005, 07:31:03 PM »

I am Running the Metzler Z6 s now and after about 150 or so miles I have to say they are the s#!+ I love them.. a bit pricey but worth it... the best ride I have had yet..

chevsuz12 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 19, 2005, 12:56:35 AM »

Yes supposedly the 005 is sportier, stickier. I have the 009's I have yet to lose traction on these tires. They will feel different when you first put them on, but you will soon love that 'different' feeling. They will literally pull you around a turn!