| Author | Message | ||
     Chasespeed |
I have NEVER mixed tires before, BUT, down here in Corpus, the roads area all straight, and hot... I am tearing through my favorite tires like they are going outta style...the the edges are still almost new... I am running Dunlop 208 Qualifiers, and really have no need down here...non, notta zip... I was thinking about going to a semi sport touring tire, something a bit longer lasting anyway... It will be the rear AGAIN today...I will match the front when its time(still new). But, I cant afford to be replacing these tires every couple thousand miles anymore, especially since they are only worn in the middle... I know it will at least handle QUITE a bit differently...with mismatched rubber, but is that the only draw back... I am looking for so thoughts from people with more riding experience than I have, I only have 10 years...and this thought never occurred to me..until now... Money is the main culprit in this line of thinking... Thanks to any and all help... Also, a tire recommendation wouldnt hurt either...I have always run either the Dunlops, or Pirellies.... remember, I need to do this as inexspensively as possible... Thank you all.... Chase | ||
| Jaimec |
Metzeler Roadtec Z6 tires sound like what you're after. | ||
| Edstevens |
Chasespeed, I second Jaimec's recommendation for Metzler Roadtec Z6's. I ride mountain roads 90% and superslab 10%. They handle very precisely, the grip is excellent, but the mileage is their best point. I got 6,000 miles on 208's with cords peeking out. I now have 5,000 miles on the Z6's with no visible wear. | ||
| Chasespeed |
I got 6,000 miles on 208's with cords peeking out. I now have 5,000 miles on the Z6's with no visible wear. Now we're talking.... Hope they arent too much more than the 208s.. as thats all I can really afford, and I know they arent the cheapest tire.. Funny, I used to use metzlers for the over wieght bike... but never considered them for a fun bike... then again, I will never use the Dunlops on a cruiser again either...so..who knows.. Thanx... Oh well, off to try to get a new tire spooned on.... Chase} | ||
| Josh_ |
I really liked the Metzeler Z6 on my FJR especially the wear (2 track days and 9000miles on a back tire). I've switched to the Pirelli Diablo Strada, as its apparently almost the same tire (same compound, same factory), yet slightly cheaper and they say it rides better. I do think the front has less of a "V" profile than the Z6, making it it more stable but slightly slower to turn in. Really feels great when leaned over, but requires more effort when rapidly changing direction. | ||
| Cowboy |
Chase I have just given up trying to get any dicent milage out of ny rear tires, I have tried all kinds. I have settled on the shinko at $93.93 and 2500 to 3000 a tire I have found them to be the most econimal. They are real soft and work real good. I dont think any kind will handle the rear of a Buell for very long | ||
| Skyguy |
Continental Road Attacks. I still have lots of center left after nearly 4,500 miles. A couple of long freeway trips and they stick very well. BTW I have tried nearly everything over the years and these are the best tires I have found that return high mileage and sticky performance. I am running conti's sport attack on the front because when pushing it really hard in the canyons (85+ entrance speeds) the Road attack felt a little vauge up front. | ||
| Fullpower |
Metzeler Z6 sounds like just what you need. will outlast 2 dunlop 208's | ||
| Chasespeed |
Well, much to my own boneheadedness... I am on leave, so...had no clue what day it is... The only thing dealing with 2 wheels, open today, is HD.... So, I have a bit more time to worry about this(i.e. tomorrow morning)..... So, the Z6 seems to be the popular choice, now, I will look up the retail vices the 208..... Thanks guys... Chase | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
You might want to try a D205 in the rear. Mine lasted a SICK long time. (like 10K) Disadvantages: wet traction is less, cold traction is less. It didn't seem to need to warm up like my D208 did. It seemed more consistant too. So less traction but more predictable and lasts a longer time. | ||
| Diablobrian |
Pirelli Diablo strada's are another good sport/touring tire. I do not recommend mixing tire profiles. I did it once, with near catastrophic results. Handling can become very scary when the tires fight each other. Especially on a bike as tire sensitive as the Buell XB. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I agree with Diablo, as usual. My Ducati ridding buddy has the Pirelli Diablo Stradas, and he doesn't have any trouble going as fast as anyone on the street. Tires look like new with 4000 on them. I finally realized that tires MUST be changed as PAIRS for best results, even the same brand and model. The profiles change as the tire is used, and a used front and a new rear is a lot different than a new pair . Don't ask how I know:-) | ||
| Pwnzor |
Another vote for Metzeler Roadtec Z6 all the way! | ||
| Chasespeed |
Well, havent been to get the tire yet... First, due to money, and as fast as I seem to go through tires, its almost impossible to change the front and rear, I usually go through 2 rears to a front. Second, I have a tuber...and there is nowhere to even get to hang off the side here, let alone drag a peg/knee. I will put a little more thought into this when I go to get the tire today, looking at the tires, seeing the cost of each, etc.. But, from the sound of things, It looks like another Qualifier...until I can change BOTH tires at once... Thanks all... Chase | ||
| Dfbutler |
I put on a set of the new Metzler M3 Sportecs nearly 5K miles ago. They look like they will be good for at least that much more. I had the M1s before and got about 7500 on a rear. The tires also have killer performance. | ||
| U4euh |
Chase, you really ought to consider the Continental's mentioned above. I got almost 9000 miles out of the set. And trust me i am not easy on tires. It would have been more, but I made a 2700 miles super slab trip the month I get them put on. Try heading up to San Antonio and on up into the Bandera and beyond country one weekend. Plenty of good riding up that way. |
