Author Topic: Tire Poll (Read 12719 times)

Elmojo · « **on:** March 14, 2005, 01:07:03 AM »

Hi All,

My '02 B12S is gonna need new rubber soon.

I have the horrible Mac 90's now, and the headshake that seems to be part of the Macadam package.
I wanted to get everyone's opinion as to which tire company should get my money.
I mostly ride to work (25mi. each way) and do some backroad slaloming with my buddies. No track days, no burnouts, no wheelies. Okay, a few wheelies, but only when absolutely 'necessary'

Please weigh in on the poll and feel free to post any additional comments or suggestions, including where to buy!

Thanks in advance!

Mike P.
Silver '02 B12s

Red01 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2005, 01:22:31 AM »

I added a few more tires to your list to make it a better poll. The Z6 and Roadtec are the same, so I deleted one.

I voted for what's currently on my bike (Pilot Roads), but the only other one on the list I have any experience with is the Bridgestone BT020 rear (had a BT010 front). Performance between the BT020 rear and PR was similar, as was life expectancy. The BT010 did start to cup near the end of it's life and lasted as long as as the BT020 rear. The PR front easily outlasted the rear, but probably won't live thru two rears... maybe 1.5? Have to wait and see.

The only other one on the list that really interests me is the Avon Azaro.
For clarification, the ST45 is a front tire, the ST46 a rear.

mike · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2005, 09:22:05 AM »

BT020 front and rear here...

I likem' better than the stock macadam 90x's that came stock.
I chose BT020 because the shop had them in stock and mounted while I waited. They turned out good, so I stuck with BT020. Didn't really feel like spending money on testing others after the BT experience, though I've heard good stories about plenty of other brands.

PeteSC · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2005, 10:17:26 AM »

I've run the BT54, (good tire, but discontinued), Dunlop D205, and currently have the MEZ1's on. My favorite is the D205. Sticky enough for aggressive riding, and last pretty well.

Robbieukb12 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2005, 02:09:44 PM »

I just changed from the Avon Azaro's to the metz's z6 just to try something different. Can't fault the Avons in the dry they stuck like s**t to a blanket but i was a bit wary in the wet but that could just be me i hate the wet, can't say much about the z6 just yet cause the afternoon i got them fitted it started to rain

just typical for this country.

Glad to see the z6 in front on the poll hopefully i made a good choice

Robbie

dsartwell1 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2005, 07:42:08 PM »

got the 020 rear first to replace a bt56 I lost to a nail. Tire was half shot at 2500 miles anyway. Got 6000 out of the 020 and it wasn't shot when I replaced it. Front was wiped and I wanted a fresh set. Feel is good wet or dry and wear seems to be great so far. The harder compound in the center really seems to make a big difference vs the bt56 I had at the start.

aussiebandit · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2005, 05:14:15 AM »

As everyone wears out tyres differently - you know different weight, pillions, luggage and riding 'style', road conditions etc etc etc. What works for one may not work for another.

But, in my case, I've loved the MEZ4 (now roadtecZ6) on the rear and an M1 on the front - although I'm now looking for another front I'll probably stick with the M1 up front.

While the M1 on the rear was absolutely fantastic it wore out in under 8000km (5000miles). Whereas the MEZ4 has been on for around 2500km and shows little sign of wear. I haven't lost much, if anything, in the way of tyre performance either. The M1 on the front has around 11000km on it and has another couple of thou left in it.

Bear in mind that going by the 'chicken strips' I appear to be pretty harsh on rears and fairly gentle on fronts. I've got around 5-10mm (.197 - .394 inch) on the rear depending on how long it's been since I had a play and around 20-30mm (.787 - 1.18 inch) on the front.

B6mick · « **Reply #7 on:** March 15, 2005, 07:46:59 AM »

Having last week just replaced my well worn Shinko 009 160/60/17 rear on my G1 B6. I can honestly say I am rapped to the eye teeth

, with its grip (wet and dry) and wear. As a part time courier I can not afford to be changing tyres every 3 weeks, so it was pleasing to get 23,500 km or just over 14,800 miles. I am currently using a MEZ4 on the front, and its the front thats the weak link. The reason for using the MEZ4 is Shinko as yet do not make a 110/60 or70/17. but I am toying with the idea that next time I am due for a new front of fitting a 120/60/17 shinko 005. The coding on these tyres are 009 Hardest. 005 Medium 003 Soft and you guys state side can get a 001 super soft drag tyre.

aussiebandit · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2005, 07:38:21 AM »

Hey Mick, I'll have to have a look at that rear tyre of yours on the weekend.

Steve · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2005, 05:13:51 AM »

I'm running Me-Z4 front & rear in stock sizes. So far I have nothing bad to say about them.

Steve

naf02b12 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2005, 01:45:52 PM »

I'm really liking the Avons I have on my b12. They warm up quickly and have great grip. I had Dunlop 208s before and they just wore out too fast for me, although they were super sticky.

Bantana · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2005, 05:52:35 PM »

I like the Metz Sportec M1's. They are a little more tire than I need for roadwork, but they do nicely for track days and that's about all I do with the Bandit anymore. I bought a new set today 110 front, 160 rear for $243 mounted and balanced at Marietta Motorsports.

theroamr · « **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2005, 06:05:42 PM »

Im currently running a mich pilot sport front and a mic pilot road rear . Im wondering if I wanna spring for something stickier for the rally ? I do love the m1's , but they dont last long .

GaryB12VA · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2005, 06:50:10 PM »

I run BT010 front and rear. Currently have about 5K on the rear and 7K on the front. Rear still in good shape, front has maybe 1K left, starting to cup slightly.

FlyingTurtle1 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 27, 2005, 06:18:21 PM »

Metz MZ4's front and rear. replaced the rear @ 9k and the front will probably go most of the way until july. Great tires sticky wet or dry, but guess I'll have to go with the 6's next time.