Author Topic: tires (Read 3786 times)

Stevo · « **on:** August 19, 2006, 05:23:00 PM »

Hi everyone. First time on the site. I ride a 2002 1200S and I just turned 5000 miles and need tires. I'm asking for info on what works with this bike. The front is shot and the back has a little life left. Both are going because they don't seem to be that good a tire. I also ride a Honda ST 1300 and the stock tires lasted 7500 miles to be replaced with Metzler Z6's. Much better control.
So what I'm looking for in tires is something that holds better than the Michelins and maybe not as long, but not 2000 or so. I ride fairly aggressively.
Any experience is appreciated.
Stevo

banditII · « **Reply #1 on:** August 19, 2006, 06:38:36 PM »

So your ST1300 had Michelin's? Pilot Roads? It's hard for me to tell a dimes worth of difference between tires like Pilot Roads, Pirelli Diablo Strada's, and Metzler Z6's as far as grip goes. The Strada's will not last as long as the other two, or mine didn't on my 1200 Bandit. I get 6-8K on Pilot Road rear, 5K on Diablo Strada rear, still testing new Z6's on this bike but have used Z6's on other bikes and I like them fine. If you wear one brand out in the cold months it will seem like it grips less than the set you run in the warmer months, all temp related. The only tire brand I've tried that I absolutely don't like is Dunlop.

oremike · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2006, 09:16:46 PM »

I ride a B-12 fairly sporty and like either the Metzler Z-6 or the Pirelli Diablo Stratas. Pirelli owns Metzler and my Stratas say made in Germany so you do the math, I think they are virtualy the same tire so I don't have a problem mix and matching them. I get 5000 miles out of a rear and 10,000 miles out of a front.

Stevo · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2006, 12:38:36 AM »

Thanks for the reply. I know a guy at the Honda shop with a modified b1200 who used to run the Dunlop 208's and loved them. Only got 1800 on a rear and double for the front. He said Dunlop now calls that tire the Qualifier.
I'm thinking the Metzler Z6's this time. Thanks again.
Stevo

mattt · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2006, 11:20:55 AM »

I use continental road attacks on my B6

LowRyter · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2006, 05:07:33 PM »

after years of running Dunlop D205 (Sport touring), I've swtiched to Michelin Pilot Roads. I'm due a replacement set, at least my rear has some wear bars, front looking thin. This one has done OK for keeping the profile, center channel flat spot seems less than comparable Dunlops.

Swamp Rat · « **Reply #6 on:** August 20, 2006, 06:03:39 PM »

Don't overlook the Shenteks. I put them on my 03 1200s and couldn't be happier. They are way less expensive than the other brands and handle just as well. Do a little research on them as I did and maybe give them a shot.

Daytona · « **Reply #7 on:** August 20, 2006, 06:12:57 PM »

Quote

="Swamp Rat"]Don't overlook the Shenteks. .

The what's ????

interfuse · « **Reply #8 on:** August 20, 2006, 11:21:55 PM »

Google: Shenteks = Your search - Shenteks - did not match any documents.

Huh?

Do you mean shinko's?

Where did you get your bandit? 20003 1200s??? Whoa, it's from the distant future!

Don't hate me, I'm only teasing...

Swamp Rat · « **Reply #9 on:** August 21, 2006, 08:24:41 PM »

Oops, my bad. Yes I meant shinkos. Shentek is a japanese owned chemical plant in the area. Sorry for the typo.

Shentek tires my not be as good as the shinkos on my trusty adrenaline injector.

kevinfromrex · « **Reply #10 on:** August 23, 2006, 03:57:03 PM »

Im running Bridgestone Battalax Bt-014's which I like alot, decent wear so far and nice stick, but I keep hearing that the Michelin Pilot Roads just rule. They will only cost 30-40$ more per set.
I think they are my next tire.

Bandito Loco · « **Reply #11 on:** August 25, 2006, 05:39:05 PM »

I've run Bridgestone B56's(stock in 2000), 020's, 020rear/010front, Metzeler m1's(love the rounded profile really rolls into a corner not falls like the Bridgestones), m6's (2nd favorite great grip medium wear)and am currently running Dunlop208's(best grip least wear). The more time you spend leaned over in a corner the softer tire you need. I spend most of my time riding in North Georgia at a reasonable but fast pace and the Dunlop have been my favorite. But truthfully all of the tires in this discussion are modern tires and should perform reasonably well if use within their intended category. Above all else your suspension must be set up properly and in regards to the Bandit some small upgrades can go a long way in improving tire wear, grip and overall ride quality. I rode my 2000 b12 with astock suspension for 5yrs. and about 20,000 miles before I upgraded the suspension because I thought it was gonna cost a fortune.Little did I know how how easy it was to fix the Bandits suspension. The stock cartridges are actually quite good and just need a little tweaking. The rear shock goes in the TRASH! Buy a Quality aftermarket shock or buy a gsxr shock from one of the early 90's and have it revalved and resprung and you will think you are on a modern sportbike. That's $500-$1000 depending on your choice of rear shock. I gaurantee it'll pay for itself in tire longevity and the confidence and comfort is a bonus.

KX5000 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 26, 2006, 02:11:18 PM »

I'm running the conti road attacks, and so far I like them. Unfortunately I haven't put many miles on them this year because of circumstances beyond my control, but so far I love them. I have about 2,000 miles on them and they don't show any wear at all.
Oh yeah, I'm 6'2" 260 Lbs. and I ride a 97 B12 with Vance and Hines can and the 2 inch airbox mod.