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Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » "Pilot Powers" or "M3" Metzlers? « Previous Next »

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Jetbuilder
Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 03:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Going to a track day with my daily driver and need tires that stick and get god milage.
Red
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Kdan
Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 04:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I tried the Pilot Powers. Good tires. Better mileage than the Dunlops. The Pilot Roads I have on now are getting way better mileage and I can't tell any difference in handling.
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Gentleman_jon
Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 06:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The two requirements, good adhesion and long life are mutually exclusive. In addition, good handling depends on tire construction as well as tread compound.

For track use, the Pilot Powers are excellent, and the recently released Dunlop Qualifiers are even better in many peoples' opinion. I have them on my XB12S and I love them.
I got twice as much mileage on my Pilot Powers than the stock Dunlop 207's. I haven't enough experience with the Qualifiers to comment on wear.

However, unless you are a very fast rider, you probably will not notice much, if any, difference between these tires and ones that will last twice as long, such as the Michelin Pilot Roads, and the Pirelli Diablo Stradas. These tires are a bit harder, and have more tread depth than the sport tires, so they last about twice as long.

As far as street riding goes, you will never notice the difference unless you are riding much, much too fast for the street, and you will cut your tire expenditures by more than half since you will save the expense of one tire installation.

PS. for best performance, always change out tires as pairs.

(Message edited by gentleman_jon on July 02, 2006)
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Tunes
Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 08:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I went from the stock Dunlops to the Michelin Pilot Road tires. Huge difference in handling and wear. My bike transformed into the slick handler I always thought it could be. I'm very happy with the enhanced performance.
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Jaimec
Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 08:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I don't know anything about the Michelins, I've been a Metzeler fan for more years than I can remember. I haven't yet tried the Sportec M3 tires, but I can tell you the Sportec M1 tires are the most awesome I've ever used. I can't tell you the mileage, as I swap them out (before they're worn) before my annual track sessions to ensure the rubber's always fresh. They stick like glue, and they are also the most confidence-inspiring tires I've ever ridden in the rain as well. When the M3s came out, Metzeler reduced the price of the M1s so (cheap bastard that I am) I just continued to use the M1s when I go to the track.
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Col_klink
Posted on Sunday, July 02, 2006 - 08:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Powers have been the hot tyre for about 18 months here in Sydney. The Metzeler M3 is supposed to be even better, but it's too soon to be sure. I need to replace my Dunlops (got less than 2,500 miles out of them!) and will go for the M3s. However, I won't be disappointed if I have to settle for Powers.

I've seen and heard the "can't tell the difference" story many times. I can. In particular, I remember getting off my Metzeler M1-shod Aprilia Tuono (this was a few years ago) and onto one of the then-new BMW GS1200s. The beemer was fine, but the tyres drifted under cornering loads, which was not dangerous but reduced my confidence. When I got back on the Tuono/Metzelers, it felt like I had Velcro on the wheels.

Klink
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Jetbuilder
Posted on Monday, July 03, 2006 - 01:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I went with the powers the M3 was not available in my size. It is like riding a toggle switch compared to the Qualifiers. It really changed the way the bike performs it is great. Thanks for all the input.
Red
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