| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
Well, I've got a little over 4k on the D208s now and the rear is getting thin, and the front has a nice peak down the middle from scrubbing the sides. So, replacement time. I like the 208s in the dry. They're not the best in the wet. I'm thinking of trying a set of 1125r Corsa IIIs (I work at a dealer so I get good pricing on OEM stuff) this time around, mainly for the dual compound rear, but I'm not sure how they do in the rain nor am I sure about their mileage expectancy. I'm an agressive street rider and this bike won't see track days; it's a commuter, rain or shine. I'd love to hear opinions from folks (I'm sure there are plenty!). Oh, and the bike has stock Marchesinis and I currently run a 180 rear, will probably stick with it. Thanks in advance! | ||
| Kyrocket |
I don't have any miles on them yet, actually took the front one in today to get it changed but I'm going with the Metzler M3's. First ones since running the 208's for eight years now. Just wasn't very happy with them this time around. I heard lots of good things about the Metzler and got to handle one at Bristol, really liked the feel. I'm running a 190 rear on the cast wheels, feels more sure footed to me. Just my $.02. | ||
| Djkaplan |
I'm on my second set of M3's. For me, this has been an excellent tire after a long succession of Dunlops starting from the 205 to the 208. I've never had a problem with hydroplaning in wet condtions, but M3's don't have much siping in the tread. If rain riding is major concern, you may want to look at a tire geared more for those conditions than the sport oriented M3. I'm sticking with M3's, btw. Their response in dry conditions is perfect for me. | ||
| Firemanjim |
I have had probably one set of everyones tires on my S-2 at one time or another and have enjoyed them all. Rat, the stock Marchesini is a 5" rim and IIRC came with a 160 rear,they say a 170 can be used but after that you are changing the profile of the tire and may be affecting handling. The same for the PM's which were 5.5" wheels and could take a 180 in some brands,but a 190--I am sure you are squeezing the tire out of the intended shape. | ||
| Kyrocket |
After getting it on and adjusted it looks like the 190 Metzeler is not as wide as the 190 Dunlop. I agree it is probably squeezed out of shape but it just feels better to me on the road. Sometimes I feel a little squeezed out of shape myself. BTW, I lied, mine were 204's not 208's. My front one was cupping pretty bad. | ||
| Bebop |
I put Conti Road Attacks on my S2 and LOVE 'em. They Rock!! The handling is awesome, wet and dry. Plus, I've got 4K+ on them and they still look new. I'm running a 170 in the rear. PS.. I'm going to try a Sport Attack front/ Road Attack rear combo on my XB. I hear that it is a really good set up. (Message edited by bebop on February 07, 2008) | ||
| Djkaplan |
"--I am sure you are squeezing the tire out of the intended shape." I agree wholeheartedly, but performance isn't as important as the appearance of performance for some people. I tried a 180/55 207 on my 5" wheel once and found no benefit from it at all. I also think the compromised profile was a contributing factor (certainly not the only one, though) to the only highside I've had (on my current bike). I stick with what the tire engineers say. They did the research and have the data to back up their recommendations... they know more than any of us and they really do have your best interest in mind when they publish the results. | ||
| Ratbuell |
The bike had a 180 on it when I got it; not saying that makes it right, but there are no fitment issues that I can see and the curve of the tire looks just about the same as my S1W. Of course, I haven't made a cardboard template and compared... My S1W runs a 170/60 (stock size) on its castalloy rear. I notice absolutely no handling difference between the bikes other than the bar difference - Crossroads on the S1W, stock on the S2 - and softer setup on the S2 for daily comfort over WFO handling. I run the 180 for 2 reasons. Neither of which is appearance (ask anyone who knows me, image is nothing in my book). Besides, with the saddlebags you can barely see the damn thing and I can barely notice the difference with the bikes side by side. 1. Ease of replacement. Every XB and most other sportbikes run a 180/55-17 these days, and as much as I ride this bike (daily, everywhere) I want to be able to stop anywhere there's a sportbike shop and get a replacement tire if I need to. In an emergency, brand won't make a lick of difference to me - just stick one on that's the same size so I can get home, or to homecoming, or whatever. In my experience, a 170 is less frequently "sitting on the shelf". Maybe I've just been to the wrong shops. 2. Load. I routinely overload the saddlebags carrying stuff to and fro (I know...). I like having a marginally wider contact patch down there, and having a little more tire to wear out with all the miles. Looking at the records, I have closer to 5500 miles on the tires, and still 2/32" on-center in back. The way I ride, that's pretty stellar. | ||
| Onahog |
Rat.... Ive used the stock Dunlops...170s Short Life span Avon Azaro...180 Now a new Metzler 170... I got the best life outa the Avon so far! it handled well in the rain on the Hwy. I dont do burn outs, just alot of High speed hwy...Hb | ||
| Ratbuell |
I may look into the Avon. Seems to be a rainy year down here....what kinda miles is "good life"? (Or KMs...damn Canucks, LOL) | ||
| Onahog |
Rat... I got just under 5000 outa the stock dunlop and the bike had another 6000 on it when i sold it with the avon still on and 40% tread left. so i pressume the Avon would give me closer to 8000 or so before it was toasted completely.. I found the original dunlop very soft and thin...It actually died on me in Sturgis in 1998...I was near Newcastle Wyoming and the tire was close to done...I figured I could run home on it tho...650 miles, But while I was touring about I went thru some construction... Booging along about 80, my tire started to delate fast after I heard this clunk sound...Here i had picked something up on the road, stickin into the tire, cut my carbon fibre inner fender up and exited... I ended up with a hole ya could stick yer index finger in... Now whadda f... Im in Bum F...nowhere with a huge hole.. Just by chance, I had a babe in hand with her own sporty... She ran into Newcastle and got me some plugs/tools and 2 cans of instant spare... I plugged it, filled it..It gave me 20lbs air...ran it 7 miles into town, filled it to 35lbs, and road the prick anohter 800 miles home....I still have that bastard as a planter outside.... Anyhow, Thats my dunlop story for ya.... I will shutup now and head for Mexico. 4.20 am friday morn.. Lol.........HB |
