Tire recommendations.

[pickle.of.doom]

I'm still using just the regular Pilot Powers. I may consider slapping a pr2 on the rear next time 'round. Just popped a new front PP on the hawk today, and I typically go through two rears to every 1 front. Mix of twisty and straight riding, and yes, the wear is usually gone in the center before the sides, although you can't just judge whether the sides are still good or not based on just tread depth alone. Typically, if the center is worn down, the sides have gone through so many heat cycles that they are just as wasted too, just not visibly.


I like the Conti's on the SM.

[101lifts2]

Originally Posted by was92v

I can't explain the technology, but I can tell you that the 021's stick very well. I wouldn't use the the 021 as a track only tire, but for street use I highly recommend them. While riding with a group of fast friends, I ran in the 3rd slot behind a 1k Yamaha & an MV1000. When we stopped their PP had stress ripples and gummy balls hanging off the edges. My 021's still had the remains of the casting tits still showing and I was right with them. No slides and just as fast. I was impressed, and they just shook their heads, like WTF? Now, I am on a 600 so the bike doesn't work the rear tire as hard as a 1000, but I think they work pretty damn good for a supposed Sport Tour tire. I have also noticed that the dual compound is easy to see and feel when they are scrubbed, which is mildly entertaining.

I have a front BT021 120/70 on my EX500 that came with it when I bought the thing (used) and it feels hard. I'm not saying they aren't going to stick, but when your really pushing it in the canyons and your on the gas coming out of a corner, the race tires will stick when the front end gets light. Street tires that are harder send to slip. But...if your front is planted the 021s probably won't go anywhere on the street. The rear is another story.

Tires seemingly have come along way since the D207 era in the early 2000s.

Originally Posted by TIGGER

To be honest, because of my style of riding and my heavy wrist, it doesn't matter what tires I get, I'm gonna kill the rear within a few thousand.

Quit doing burnouts!

[was92v]

Originally Posted by 101lifts2

I have a front BT021 120/70 on my EX500 that came with it when I bought the thing (used) and it feels hard. I'm not saying they aren't going to stick, but when your really pushing it in the canyons and your on the gas coming out of a corner, the race tires will stick when the front end gets light. Street tires that are harder send to slip. But...if your front is planted the 021s probably won't go anywhere on the street. The rear is another story.

Yeah, we don't have any canyons around here, so that might be the difference.

[SteveP]

I'm running Diable Stradas, which are the sport touring compound, and really like them. I've pushed my 650 to my limit with no adverse affects.

[t-homo]

I'm looking at stradas next.

[racedoll]

I have BT014's and like them pretty well. I would try the 016, but they don't make the front in a 65.

I like the Bridgestone brand as they work well for my riding style and are fairly easy on my purse.

[Antwanny]

Originally Posted by SteveP

I'm running Diable Stradas, which are the sport touring compound, and really like them. I've pushed my 650 to my limit with no adverse affects.

buddy has them on his 600rr only complaint is too expensive lol

[Cutty72]

I know I do a lot of commuting, little to no twisty riding... but 1300 miles later, I can see the beginning of a squared off rear tire with the PP's. Road 2's are a definate in my future.