| Author | Message | ||
     2k4xb12 |
Okay, I know there's another thread regarding the need for new tires, but it doesn't seem to answer the question I have -- Pirelli Diablo, or Metzeler Sportec M1? I'm in the same camp as many of you -- I'm not too fond of the OEM Dunlops, and I want to change. I'm specifically looking at one of the tires mentioned above. What's the general consensus? Also, is it best to stay with the stock size, or is a different size preferable? Lastly, what are my stock tires worth (currently 500 miles on them)? Thanks for your help... Steve. | ||
| Darthane |
You'll find people who love the Metzelers and those who love the Diablos here. Pick one - then the next time you change tires, get the other, and decide for yourself. Stick with the stock sizes. Tires and rims are matched pairs, putting a different size tire on the rim will change the profile. You may or may not notice it, but I suggest unless you have a very good reason for changing you go with the stock sizes. Used tires? Does anyone actually buy used motorcycle tires? You might have a hard time finding someone who wants to buy the Buell stock tires anyways, as they are special made by Dunlop. Put them in your garage against a flat tire. I still have my original Dunlop rear with 7500 miles on it for just that reason. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Don't get rid of them, in a pinch, you can use it as a replacement for a few days or a week if you have a tragic failure like a switchblade through the sidewall...Til a new one can be picked up that is. Or call one of the local stuntrider clubs and ask them if they want to buy em... I have currently the Diablo's on my XB with 1150 miles on them, they look nicely scuffed in, but not torn to hell, they look like they are wearing very nicely. | ||
| Andys |
I've run Metzelers for years, but have the Diablos on my CBR right now and they ain't bad. They warm up quickly (as do Metzelers), they work well in the rain (ditto Metzelers) and they are slightly triangulated for quick steering (maybe not for the Metzeler). I do feel however, that the Diablos will outlast the M1s. M1s are softer than the street Diablo and are closer to the Corsa version--I think. Pirellis are usually cheaper, but if I had the money, I might consider the M1s only because they might help slow the steering a bit (due to their rounder contour--usually that how Metzeler does it). Something that might help an XB. But I can't see you going wrong with either tire. | ||
| Buckinfubba |
heres something interesting....what's the difference between pirelli and metzler ...besides the name and tread patterns...which those do make a difference. | ||
| 2k4xb12 |
Very good points. Thanks for the info -- I agree on generally sticking with the original size, but wondered if it was actually optimum for our bikes. I knew that if I asked here, I would find out. I think I might go with the M1 this time around - largely due to the contour of the front. With the rake of our forks, I don't think we need any additional steering help  | ||
| Bigj |
The Sportec and the Diablo are the same except for cosmetics.  | ||
| Bigj |
Check the actual size of the tire you're putting on against the tire you're taking off. If you want to see what I mean, go over on Bridgestone's site. There are SEVEN Bridgestone 020's in 180/55-17 size. They range in diameter from 24.7 to 25.1 inches in diameter. From 7.0 to 7.4 inches in tread width. The lone 190/50-17 020 is TALLER than the shortest 180 and the same tread width as the widest 180(actually the same 180).  | ||
| Andys |
Bigj, Hey Bud! Agreed, that's the problem with all bikes. Remember Cycle World's article about Bridgestones vs. Pirelli on the CBR1000RR. This is crazy stuff. With the radical numbers on the XB I too would want to be very careful as to what the rotating diameter (and profile if you could find out) of the tire is. I wish I could get those numbers on the original 204s that came on my WL, for I think the tuber bike are also sensitive to tire choice. The number differences within a manufacturer's line makes thing really hard for us to get the right tire (even if your local parts guy is on the ball!). Then Buell throws a shorter shock at us and that changes all the geometries again! Plus, on tubers, you can't drop the fork tubes if need be to get back the original numbers. Bike tires are such a guessing game. At least it is for me. I try to get a tire that will work in the rain (especially for the 650lb CBR), stick and then get me some mileage. Those are my priorities in that order. Difficult choices. Isn't it great to live in America? | ||
| Xb9er |
The Sportec and the Diablo are the same except for cosmetics. What Bigj said. Pirelli owns Metzeler, both Diablo's and Sportec M-1's are made in Germany (possibly at the same factory?). I have a set of each tire. They look to me (an untrained tire inspection eye) to be the same except, obviously, for the tread design. Not sure if both use the same rubber compound. I can't decide which one to put on first!. The Diablo's are a newer design touted as having excellent wet grip. Since the Diablo is a newer design it may have benefited from data gathered from the use of the Sportec's and may have some improvements. In the end, a rider like me probably would not be able to tell the difference. Mike. | ||
| Jerseyguy |
Are you guys buying the Pirellis online or maybe from a Badweb sponsor? If so where? Steve | ||
| 2k4xb12 |
So, considering the different tire profiles within a given size, what size Sportec have you guys who are running them found to be the same size as stock? | ||
| Budo |
Bridgestone BT010 | ||
| Bigj |
I can say one tire I will never buy again. The Bridgestone TW152 150/70-17 OEM that came on the rear of my GS. That thing is incredibly dangerous in the wet.  | ||
| Xb9er |
Bought my tires from www.discountmotorcycletire.com I hear that the Pirelli free front tire offer is no more because demand was so hight they ran out of tires! The offer was supposed to go until March 31. Mike |
