Tire Recommendations Welcomed

[Cohiba54]

I'm used the ME880 but thats what i ran on the LT, that tire gave me real good service on the front 20-24k and the rear could last 10-14k under normal conditions, throw in the twisted factor and I'd lose a rear in 7-9k. That wasn't my fault the bike made me do it....

Sooo getting back the the subject line.....
Just gathering info on tires for the R1150R, I searched through the site but just did not get a good picture. (Must be the data analyst in me)

Takes a few seconds to answer these and I'll compile a quasi report, if we keep it concise.
1. Which tire do you ride for the front and rear?
2. What mileage are you getting front and rear?
3. What type of riding you do (1 through 5)?

Riding ratings 1-5:
1. Sunday driver (just out for a ride on the weekend)
2. Rat race (commuting)
3. Shaking out the cobwebs (1 and 2 plus a bit of spirit)
4. I think my hair is on fire (Spirited enough not to worry about 1,2 or 3)
5. Twisted (No! I had no idea my rear tire was sliding into those curves)

Thanks
Now where did that cigar go?

[RGuy]

I won't make recommendations but will gladly share my experiences....

I run Pilot Roads and like them a lot. They handle good on the twisties and are solid in the rain. I weigh about 185 and usually have a fairly relaxed riding style. Cruise perhaps 72 mph on Interstates. Ride twisties on the weekends about 7/10ths pace. I have nearly 12,000 on mine and will probably get another 1-2K out of them. (~ 7K touring (loaded bags), 3K commuting, 2K weekend twisties, psi 38/41).

Fellow data geek,
Neal

[Biff's R]

I have been running Pilot Roads for the last 3 sets of tires, and have gone anywhere between 7500 and 9000 miles until they are bald.

I am looking into the Bridgestone 021 and the ContiRoad Attacks next since I can get either for $60+ less than the PR2.

[MikeCam]

http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=11850

Note this is a preference poll not a recommendation poll.

[wncbmw]

Mike provided you some good info with the link. I will only add that if any tire could give me 8 or 9,000 miles and handle confidently in the curves, I would be overjoyed!

I am lucky to get 6,500 miles out of a rear, only slightly more out of a front. No one lecture me on air pressure. Mileage depends on your riding style, type of roads (i.e. curvy or note) and type of asphalt used by the DOT in your area.

Any of the type ones in Mike's poll should do you well.

[mad1150]

I use the ME 880's as well, and put nearly 13K on them last year. My wife has them on her V-Star 1100 too, 9K plus and they look bran new

But I would add that it depends also on what type of riding you do. I live in IL where we have a lot of straight roads and I commute 40 miles a day, so I chose the 880s for that reason.

[towerworker]

I ran 3 sets of Dunlop D220's on my 03 r prior to totaling the bike last year. The originals were Michelin Macadams with which I was not impressed. I got good tread life, handling and feel with the 220's. They are not considered to be Dunlop's premium tire but I was very happy with them. I have a new set sitting here to be installed on my 04 when the time comes.

Wayne

[R4R&R]

I've had a few brands and recorded the mileage I put on each tire. Some were replaced early to do nails/punctures, and they are marked. The tires I didn't care for were the Avons and Pirellis. They both handled rather odd towards the end of their short life. I'm currently on a pair of the new Dunlop Roadsmart dual compound tire. So far I really like the ride they give, and haven't lost any confidence in them (even in some hard rain).

I weight just over 200lbs and classify my riding as 3.5 - I do daily commuting but try to eliminate my chicken strips.

Like Mike stated in the post that's linked, SWMoto is hard to beat on their prices, and the last time I ordered from them I had the tires within three days (from Arizona to the east coast - not bad for free shipping).

Front tire changes
model miles
D208 12925
Z6 11101
Z6 10787
AV45 8619
Pirelli Strada 7677
Pirelli Strada 5037
Dunlop Roadsmart current

Rear tire changes
model miles
D208 (flat) 846
D220 7385
Z4 9920
Z6 (flat) 7699
Z6 9602
AV46 7981
Pirelli Strada 6195
Pirelli Strada 6332
Dunlop Roadsmart current

I don't understand why my mileage has been steadily decreasing, since I don't think my riding habits have changed. It does seem that different members of this board get drastically different mileage out of the same tires, so we're guessing road surface may play into the equation (different states, different asphalt finishing?)

[markg]

Pirelli diablo stradas. 5k front and rear, another 1000 on the rear left approx, maybe 2500 on the front. These tires are GREAT for all five types of riding. Very neutral steering, solid traction when riding the canyons very enthusiastically. A definite do again.

Previously used D220s and BT 020's. The stradas are a major improvement in steering, handling and longevity over both. I have Ohlins front and rear, ride the mountain roads alot, and very few sportbikes are ridden faster in the corners.

[TicTac50]

I am also looking to replace my Avon Storm tires, sadly did not perform up to my expectations.
Not sure, but I think, I got 8k out of the rear tire and the front one is still OK. I was lurking at the Michelin web site and it looks like the Pilot Road 2 has a good rating, or at least better than the Regular Pilot Road. Also, I noticed that some of you guys switched the size of the rear tire from 170/60/17 to 180/55/17. Besides loosing 3mm in height of the tire and gain of 10mm in the width, what are the other benefits of switching the size? I don't care paying 30 bucks more for (I think, better tire) the Pilot Road 2 Vs Pilot Road, but, I got interested in 180/55/17. SwMotoTires offers both sizes at almost the same price. Any advice or comments will be greatly appreciated.

[gregor]

Just coming out of winter hibernation.
Going for Bridgestone BT020 again but 6000miles or so is all that I got from the old pair.
I only change in pairs, the front is not illegal yet but the tread blocks are chamfered enough to worry me.
The rear tyre has no legal tread up the middle 1/3.
Expensive though ~£250 ,fitted, the pair at my trusty main dealer. Yes I know that is OTT.

[dnat928]

I just put on another Continental Road Attack on the rear. I put on the Conti RA's front & rear a year ago. I'm opting to keep a matched set front & rear. I like the tread pattern - looks cool (hey, this counts plenty). I got 10k miles on the rear, and I can see that I will get 20K on the front. This will make the replacement sequence just right. They handle nice and consistent through the curves. Riding style is: 2 + 1 + 3.

I bought the recent replacement tire from: Americal Motorcycle Tire, http://www.americanmototire.com/

[exc-bob]

Stock Metzlers Z-4's were good but they quit making the rear size I needed.
I did not like the looks of the Z-6's. The rear had no tread in the center and I ride a lot in the rain. My parts guy suggested Pilot roads. I'm on my second back and about to change the front again. I like the way they handle and milage is great. 11,929miles on first rear and I have 13,762miles on the front with a little bit to go.
I'm a #2 type rider mostly Rat race commuting. I'm watching with interest the reports on the Dunlop Roadsmart dual compound.
BV

[OU812]

I use the ME 880's as well, and put nearly 13K on them last year. My wife has them on her V-Star 1100 too, 9K plus and they look bran new

But I would add that it depends also on what type of riding you do. I live in IL where we have a lot of straight roads and I commute 40 miles a day, so I chose the 880s for that reason.

If performance in the high speed cornering aspect is what you must have, the 880 may not be what you want. For the money it can't be beat for long life.

[brem]

I have Pilot Powers on at the moment and they're extremely impressive, grip-wise. Wet-weather performance is 5/10 and they take a while to warm up, it seems. I've got about 3K on them so far and the rear is starting to square off a bit, so I would expect I'll probably get 4-5 on it and 7 on the front. In retrospect I'm nowhere near awesome enough to bother with the Powers,the next set will be Pilot Roads.

[Cohiba54]

Here's what I have so far. Thanks guys and keep posting tire info.

Question to moderators. Is there a place on the site where I can store an 'excel' file for everyone to view?

[gregor]

My style is '3' I guess. Never kicked in the ABS so must try harder!
Will look out my receipts, can't believe I'm that bad on tyre wear.

[gregor]

Yup, 5500miles since Bridgestones BT020 fitted. The Metzeler MEZ4 only lasted 4000miles but did feel a bit more planted.

[Arbee]

One must analyse where they live, and how they ride, before any tire recommendation can be observed.

If you are touring in deserts why do you need a tyre suitable for a MotoGP.

If you live in the mountains and only wear the sides you possibly dont need a 2CT.

Commuters need long life.

Weekend riders need softer compounds because of large variation in riding areas.

My 2 cents.........

Cheers arbee

[bluelight]

Cohiba
try Photobucket, its free.