Sportmax Q3 Test
47 posts · Started by MADDOG53 · 18 Jun 2013
Post 2 by Lowrance,
#2Well, you knew it'd have to be really good to surpass the Q2. looking forward to trying a set.
Post 3 by ozarkhomie,
#3Will be interesting to see "real world" experience reviews. Revzilla is billing these as a 50/50 street/track tyre and the new S20 Bridgestone as a 90/10....your mileage may vary!!
Post 4 by Crotchrockety,
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Post 5 by ozarkhomie,
#5Well CR...was referring to the highways, byways and A & B roadways provided and ridden daily by mere mortals like ourselves...not some flat, smooth, swept and prepped surface. Ever wonder if they spray on a surface prep like VHT for these tests??
When these S20's are toast, I will try the Q3's...sound like the next best thing to sliced bread!!
When these S20's are toast, I will try the Q3's...sound like the next best thing to sliced bread!!
Post 6 by Crotchrockety,
#6I hear what you are saying. I think they will live up to the hype considering the tests included a side by side comparison to the Q2's and we know how they perform. I tend to respect the opinions of the Motorcycle USA guys. If they say these tyres are better than the Q2's, so that's enough for me to give them a try - when and if I get another bike.
Post 7 by Lowrance,
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Post 8 by Crotchrockety,
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Post 9 by MADDOG53,
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Post 10 by kenscottphoto,
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Post 11 by Crotchrockety,
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Post 12 by Crotchrockety,
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Post 13 by Lowrance,
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Post 14 by Lowrance,
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Post 15 by Crotchrockety,
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Post 16 by Crotchrockety,
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Post 17 by Lowrance,
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Post 18 by ozarkhomie,
#18Looks like I will be ordering a Q3 for the rear....S20 is flush with the wear bars at 1250 miles!!!
Post 19 by SDNerd,
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Post 20 by Reb,
#20Q3 $140.99 rear 180/55 17 in stock this morning at Motorcycle-Superstore.com. 7/29/2013
My bike is up on the bench tireless. I have a new Pie Diablo but no rear to mate it.
Was thinking of selling the new Diablo and running the Q3 but they go away so fast anyway I will just wait till this set is toast.
I ordered the rear Diablo for $125 and it will be delivered to my house tomorrow. Ya Man!
ps. I tried my new Pro-Motion tyre Irons bead breakers and got the tyres off yesterday.
My bike is up on the bench tireless. I have a new Pie Diablo but no rear to mate it.
Was thinking of selling the new Diablo and running the Q3 but they go away so fast anyway I will just wait till this set is toast.
I ordered the rear Diablo for $125 and it will be delivered to my house tomorrow. Ya Man!
ps. I tried my new Pro-Motion tyre Irons bead breakers and got the tyres off yesterday.
Post 21 by Hotbrakes,
#21Pro-Motion tyre Irons- Back Yard tyre change.
Post 22 by Hotbrakes,
#22Some photos of the tyre balance tools I use. The stand uses skateboard wheel bearings. The separate balance tool can be use on the stand if the bearing plates are removed. That tool has flats machined into the bearing housing to sit on a flat surface, like saw horses or two chairs.
The 25 gal can is the tyre changing stand / sticker holder/ trash can. Slit a hose and safety wire it to the top for rim protection.
The bike stand is also home made. The legs fold under the top and sits 2 inches tall. You can park a bike on top when folded up. It has a little steel ramp to ease the ride on. That old office chair is the cats meow for sitting and wrenching on the bike. Will do an oil change while it's up on the bench.
The 25 gal can is the tyre changing stand / sticker holder/ trash can. Slit a hose and safety wire it to the top for rim protection.
The bike stand is also home made. The legs fold under the top and sits 2 inches tall. You can park a bike on top when folded up. It has a little steel ramp to ease the ride on. That old office chair is the cats meow for sitting and wrenching on the bike. Will do an oil change while it's up on the bench.
Post 23 by Lowrance,
#23Can you post a link to the thread for the fairing if such exists? I just saw your bike somewhere online, in an ad, maybe ADV? Couldn't figure out what the hell it was, it was just the front.
Post 24 by omky756,
#24The fiberglass race fairing was made by HotBodies in Cali. I have never seen another like it. I bought it off e-bay for $150USD. I spent a couple of days with bondo to get looking like it does now. I rebuilt my bike from a total, frame front wheel, rad ect. I starting pricing up the other body parts I needed to bring it back to stock and it was a bit much. When I saw this fairing it was a no brainer and bought it. It did have issues as the belly pan interfered with the exhaust. It was made for the track to catch it's guts if /when it gernades. This is my street bike so out came the jig saw and I have clearance galore. I talked to a guy who races a SD and he said that this fairing what he needs. You can contact HotBodies but I don't think they will build another, but that is only a guess.
Still would like to know if I have the only one so if anyone knows of another like it let me know.
Post 25 by ozarkhomie,
#25How do you change the oil? Looks as if you'd have to pull the fairing completely off the bike.
Post 26 by LEGENDofTROY,
#26Ok..now..
about those Q3's.???
about those Q3's.???
Post 27 by PBRnr,
#27Received a set yesterday from Jake Wilson.com.....$244 delivered. They look good, feel a bit heavier and stiffer than the S20s. Will be next week before I can get them installed and try them out. Will be using Counteract Beads for balancing and running Nitrogen @ 34psi to start...just as I did with the Bridgestones.
Post 28 by Lowrance,
#28Hi Jack !
"How do you change the oil? Looks as if you'd have to pull the fairing completely off the bike."
The belly pan comes off with the Dzuts fastners and two M6 under the belly. Comes off fast. I take one screw out of the tank and I can get to the oil fill port.
If I want to take the top fairing off it's two tank screws and the screws around the wind screen and its off. The complete fairing can be lifted by one little finger.
I still like the look of the stock SDR and might stock up on another set of bodywork in CF from Adam or others on the cheap.
But I will have to say I really like the way this works and looks.
Now about the Q3 ?
"How do you change the oil? Looks as if you'd have to pull the fairing completely off the bike."
The belly pan comes off with the Dzuts fastners and two M6 under the belly. Comes off fast. I take one screw out of the tank and I can get to the oil fill port.
If I want to take the top fairing off it's two tank screws and the screws around the wind screen and its off. The complete fairing can be lifted by one little finger.
I still like the look of the stock SDR and might stock up on another set of bodywork in CF from Adam or others on the cheap.
But I will have to say I really like the way this works and looks.
Now about the Q3 ?
Post 29 by LEGENDofTROY,
#29I have a set and even though I am not the track day riding, billy badass like many on this site, I will give you my thoughts.
Best damn tyre I have ever experienced. My previous sets include the Michelin Pilot Road 3s, two sets of Dunlop Roadsmarts, whatever the stock Dunlops were (might have been Q2s but I killed them on a road trip when I first got the bike so I didn't have a lot of experience with them) and a few different Pirellis on my old Monster.
I only have had the tyre a few weeks and have maybe put 300 miles on them but I can already say I will gladly buy another set when these wear out. My confidence is through the roof with these things! Grip is outstanding! I am getting harder on the gas in corners than I have ever done before and have yet to have them slip or step out on me.
Its like when I first started riding again. I take the long way to work. I leave at lunch just to go for a quick little ride. It's awesome.
So awesome they are that I am taking it to the track this weekend to do a little introductory session (if my leathers show up in time).
I would be very interested to hear what others coming from the Q2s have to say about them since I have only dealt with sport-touring tyres in the past (I used to live in Kansas, home of the longest most boring straight roads you will ever find).
Best damn tyre I have ever experienced. My previous sets include the Michelin Pilot Road 3s, two sets of Dunlop Roadsmarts, whatever the stock Dunlops were (might have been Q2s but I killed them on a road trip when I first got the bike so I didn't have a lot of experience with them) and a few different Pirellis on my old Monster.
I only have had the tyre a few weeks and have maybe put 300 miles on them but I can already say I will gladly buy another set when these wear out. My confidence is through the roof with these things! Grip is outstanding! I am getting harder on the gas in corners than I have ever done before and have yet to have them slip or step out on me.
Its like when I first started riding again. I take the long way to work. I leave at lunch just to go for a quick little ride. It's awesome.
So awesome they are that I am taking it to the track this weekend to do a little introductory session (if my leathers show up in time).
I would be very interested to hear what others coming from the Q2s have to say about them since I have only dealt with sport-touring tyres in the past (I used to live in Kansas, home of the longest most boring straight roads you will ever find).
Post 30 by Lowrance,
#30just ran a trackday on my Q2's where I had some great changes made to my suspension and felt great. Another trackday at the same place coming up and I'll be switching to the Q3's I bought during the dunlop rebate. Will let you all know how (hopefully) well it goes!
Post 31 by omky756,
#31I just got a set as well....will be spooning them on within the next couple of weeks.
Post 32 by ozarkhomie,
#32
my first ever experience on the track and the tyres did great
Post 33 by Lowrance,
#33What is the Trackday tyre pressure for the Q3's? Outside temp: high 80's.
Post 34 by Jermo,
#34Haven't tried them yet but wouold assume they will be similar to the Q2s.
Cold:
F - 30psi
R - 28psi
Cold:
F - 30psi
R - 28psi
Post 35 by PBRnr,
#35Soooo...how's the Q3's going at this point..???
Testing concensus still on.??? I'm still curious..
I have the Bridgestone 020's currently..
pretty sticky..but thinking they won't last..
Only had one good ride on them so far..
But I like 'em...
Testing concensus still on.??? I'm still curious..
I have the Bridgestone 020's currently..
pretty sticky..but thinking they won't last..
Only had one good ride on them so far..
But I like 'em...
Post 36 by ozarkhomie,
#36Well...I'm a step closer to evaluating these vs. the S20s.
Post 37 by LEGENDofTROY,
#37Just got back from first put on these tyres....initial impressions.....mixed bag.
The Q3s are a little stiffer than the Q2s which promotes better front end stability under hard braking (really good on track I would assume). Plenty of grip at quick street pace. Good steering charachteristics (stable and quick to transition). Problem comes from the stiffer construction as you feel every ripple and bump in the road (not a huge issue mind but there none the less). Q2s were much more compliant over this type of stuff that unfortunately litter our So Cal roads. Would doubt it'd be an issue on a smooth track. I'm sure these tyres would make excellent track day tyres.
Backing off HS compression might help a bit but I am inclined to try lowering the pressures a bit. Running 30F 31R at the moment so a pound or two less should help with a little more compliance. Will see.
Cheers
The Q3s are a little stiffer than the Q2s which promotes better front end stability under hard braking (really good on track I would assume). Plenty of grip at quick street pace. Good steering charachteristics (stable and quick to transition). Problem comes from the stiffer construction as you feel every ripple and bump in the road (not a huge issue mind but there none the less). Q2s were much more compliant over this type of stuff that unfortunately litter our So Cal roads. Would doubt it'd be an issue on a smooth track. I'm sure these tyres would make excellent track day tyres.
Backing off HS compression might help a bit but I am inclined to try lowering the pressures a bit. Running 30F 31R at the moment so a pound or two less should help with a little more compliance. Will see.
Cheers
Post 38 by PBRnr,
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Post 39 by ejakez,
#39Just had a good half-track day at Sonoma and the Q3s worked very well. I have generally limited track exp and no other tyres to compare these to except the Q2s but I thought they were a good change, dare I say upgrade.
I agree the tyres feel stiffer than the Q2s. I liked the feedback they gave mid turn and the solid feel they gave on exit. End result was that I felt more comfortable and could predictably start to tweak other factors of my riding. Will be going up in group next time I'm out.
I did wind up running cold-tire temp lower on the Q3s than I did with my Q2s. F28 and R26. I did run the Q2s at 31/30
The switch didn't rock my world like some of my buddies have said switching from Q2s to Pirelli SCs, but I think the Q3 is a good tyre for my purposes and skill level
I agree the tyres feel stiffer than the Q2s. I liked the feedback they gave mid turn and the solid feel they gave on exit. End result was that I felt more comfortable and could predictably start to tweak other factors of my riding. Will be going up in group next time I'm out.
I did wind up running cold-tire temp lower on the Q3s than I did with my Q2s. F28 and R26. I did run the Q2s at 31/30
The switch didn't rock my world like some of my buddies have said switching from Q2s to Pirelli SCs, but I think the Q3 is a good tyre for my purposes and skill level
Post 40 by Lowrance,
#40Rode 400 miles yesterday on the twisty roads of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains...Ran Nitrogen at 32psi with CounterAct beads for balancing. tyres feel stiffer than Bridgestone S20s, meaning rougher ride, even with running 34psi in the Stones. Excellent turn in, good feedback and no slips. Believe 32psi is to much and will be dropping to 30psi next trip out.
Post 41 by PBRnr,
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Post 42 by oafboy182,
#42I've been using the Q3's for about 1000 miles now and I seem to be the odd ball here. I like the Q2's much better. The Q3's just don't feel like they have the same grip. I ride the same road every time and I just don't have the same confidence on the Q3's. They don't feel like they are going to stick. I even had the back end slide on me once in a corner where that's never happened. I wasn't even getting on the gas. I've ran them at KTM recommended pressures and down between 30-32 and didn't notice a difference. The wear doesn't seem very good either. They definitely wont last as long as the Q2's. Maybe I just got a bad set but I will be looking for a good deal on Q2's here pretty soon.
Post 43 by SDNerd,
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Post 44 by omky756,
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Post 45 by SDNerd,
#45I'm not sure wtf you were going
on about bro...really .??
on about bro...really .??
Post 46 by Lowrance,
#46Super Crapper Wrote:
"Good luck with that
I'm happy to take a lose wheel and the new tyre to a place I know and wait whilst it's done for £5 "
Har M8 T.
5 # ? ? Going rate 'round here is at least $15USD + each wheel.
It is so easy only _______take there tyres in to change out.
I ride multi bikes and need to be able to fix my flats and bikes on the spot and do.
I run thru a buch of tyres in a year.
The more I change out the faster I am.
Last week I change out my KTM 950 ADV front tide and balanced it faster than my gal made the morning meal for us. EZ PZ.
Plus I am not a Towney, I live in the sticks, and like it that way.
My tyres are shipped to me.
Cheers!
"Good luck with that
I'm happy to take a lose wheel and the new tyre to a place I know and wait whilst it's done for £5 "
Har M8 T.
5 # ? ? Going rate 'round here is at least $15USD + each wheel.
It is so easy only _______take there tyres in to change out.
I ride multi bikes and need to be able to fix my flats and bikes on the spot and do.
I run thru a buch of tyres in a year.
The more I change out the faster I am.
Last week I change out my KTM 950 ADV front tide and balanced it faster than my gal made the morning meal for us. EZ PZ.
Plus I am not a Towney, I live in the sticks, and like it that way.
My tyres are shipped to me.
Cheers!
Post 47 by SDNerd,
#47Got any intel to share on the Q3?
Seriously - who cares how any of you do your tyre changes? Some prefer to DIY, and others to pay someone - what damn difference does it make, and why do you guys have your panties in a bunch over it?
Seriously - who cares how any of you do your tyre changes? Some prefer to DIY, and others to pay someone - what damn difference does it make, and why do you guys have your panties in a bunch over it?
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