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Street tyres that will not lose traction!

79 posts · Started by rocketchick · 26 Sep 2011

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Post 1 by rocketchick,

#1
I would like to have some opinions on tyre choices.

Well my current tyres, without any warning, just lose traction. WTF
Not very nice.
These tyres have to be replaced and I have no idea what to replace them with.

I just want my tyres to stick. No sudden surprises.

What are your opinions? What do you suggest?

Post 2 by TLS_Russ,

#2
So what are your current tyres

I think I know the answer already though

Post 3 by rocketchick,

#3
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Post 4 by TLS_Russ,

#4
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Post 5 by Lowrance,

#5
What?

Post 6 by MrZ32,

#6
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Post 7 by TLS_Russ,

#7
I got a new marketing slogan for them Bibendums,

`Slip Sliding Away`

Post 8 by Crotchrockety,

#8
I lernt something new today. Bibendum = Michelin man.

Rocketchick, what particular Michelins are you running?

Post 9 by MrZ32,

#9
something new learned here too...

i like dunlops... Q2's and now SportMax (the new replacement), they wear fairly well and have a lot of grip but most importantly, they let you know when you are running out of traction... as you can controllably slide the bike... great tyre

but due to it never getting colder that 17 deg i dont now how they are in cooler climates

Post 10 by ktmguy,

#10
Try a set of Pirelli Diablo rossa corsa's you won't regret it...

Yes thank me later...

Post 11 by TLS_Russ,

#11
Ok being serious......

My current top 3

1.Pirelli Diablo Rosso, Corsa front, Rosso II rear, Corsa rear if you are not worried about milage, but will tear up if ridden very hard on the road
2.Dunlop Sportmax Sportsmart, for less milage more grip, Sportmax GP racer D211.
3. Metzeler Sportec M3s, slower steering, stable, similar grip/wear to Pirelli Rosso corsa`s.

Bibendums are ok for wheel barrows

Post 12 by Jody,

#12
for the street

Mich pilot powers, can scrape the pegs (with rearsets) on sunny days, good on cold /damp days too

for the track

Metzler racetechs little bit more grip than the mich (not much though)

Post 13 by The Gin Reaper,

#13
michelin power pures .......... inspire confidence and stick like shit to a blanket. The best choice of tyre i have ever made........ and if you believe the marketing blurb - 2lbs lighter than standard tyres - They certainly made an appreciable difference to the bikes turning over the dunlops that were on there before....

Post 14 by loony888,

#14
i like the power one for the front and a regular power (pure?) for the rear, pirelli super corsas are supposed to be nice too

Post 15 by RED ZX,

#15
I am currently running Q2s, and when I chew up this next rear I will be going to either the Sportsmart or the new Continental Road Attack 2s. My mate has just put some on his Brutale and thinks that they are great.

Post 16 by KTM666,

#16
D211 Good enough for fast group trackdays without warmers ....and warm up fast on the road ...and no sudden loss of grip

Sportsmarts good and last a lot longer

Post 17 by 990 WFO,

#17
I run a pilot power 2CT out back. I still use the front tyre the previous owner had as it still has good tread but I can't remember what kind it is. My bike is a bit fidgety in the rain (130 horses though) but my bike refuses to let go. Tread life is great also.

Post 18 by MrZ32,

#18
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Post 19 by fatbob,

#19
Power ones first
and for more longevity pilot power 2 CT's ,

Post 20 by rocketchick,

#20
My Bibendums are power pure's 2ct... I always ran michelin tyres.. But this set let's loose without warning.
I appreciate all the feedback. It's my first twin. And I'm figuring things out as I go. But these tyres have baffled me.

Post 21 by TLS_Russ,

#21
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Post 22 by KTM666,

#22
2CT are great......right up till they let go...they were my tyre of choice.....not much feed back
For the street Sportsmarts are the next step on, huge grip and warm up quickly....and last much longer

Post 23 by SDNerd,

#23
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Post 24 by rocketchick,

#24
Ok here is my bio:
Riding for 15 years now mostly on R6's , 750 gsxr and a Honda Nighthawk. I have ridden so many different models Harleys, BMW, triumph, norton, kawi's ... So many trust me.
My SD has a new rear spring for my weight, the sag has been set and adjustments properly made.
My bike so has carbon wheels.

Any new thoughts ?

Post 25 by SDNerd,

#25
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Post 26 by rocketchick,

#26
Not a trackday yet.. Was going to this year until the tyres changed my mind.
Mainly street driving at the moment.

Post 27 by SDNerd,

#27
A lot of people swear by those Dunlop Q2s, and I already stated my preference for Power 2CTs.

I'm trying to imagine those Pures with Carbon wheels on an already quick turning bike. While superlight wheels and tyres have their merits, not sure either buys one anything on the street.

Did the carbon wheels go on before or after suspension setup?

The SD can be an abrupt beast (which you know), and you have enough experience to where I won't be telling you anything you don't already know about being smooth at all the controls ...

Post 28 by rocketchick,

#28
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Post 29 by Reb,

#29
The best tyres I ever tried were Continental Sport Attack. Would still be with them except for the huge price increase, about $30 a tyre above the others.

Next best and on a par would be Metzler M5 Interact. Great tyres and never gave a millimetre. Very confidence inspiring. ATM I'm running M5 on the front, but got talked into trying a Power Pure 2ct on the rear. Bad decision. This tyre is a peice of shit. It squirms, it wriggles, it steps out any old time for no apparent reason. Seems to me like it can't adjust to road surface changes fast enough, but, never again. I'll be sticking with the Metzlers.

Post 30 by SDNerd,

#30
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Post 31 by rocketchick,

#31
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Post 32 by DeLuce,

#32
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Post 33 by DribbleDuke,

#33
I have not found a single tyre or tyre manufacture that does not lose traction. Nor have I been on a road that has an equall grip on every square foot of surface. I think that the bestest thing to do is rely on one tyre maker and learn what the tyre is telling you. 600 miles on the road should make the tyre very comfortable and in its prime happy spot. I have found that using up heat cycles will make a tyre act older than tread depth would indicate. That said this only occured when using them for track dayz and the using up the rest on the street. You are not buying track day take offs?
Get a touring tyre and learn to slide around a bit.
Bet it was a dirty road.

Post 34 by TLS_Russ,

#34
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Post 35 by DukeMonster,

#35
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Post 36 by indy84,

#36
I went from sportmax front and rear that i could wheel spin out of the corner to.....

..................................METZLER MR2 RACETEC ............................

haven't spun them yet...... except for when i mean too.

can lean the bike further and run less pressure as i feel more confident with them on

Post 37 by KTM666,

#37
I run Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa Pro's. Although I'm admittedly not the fastest rider they have never let go in the dry. Not so good in the wet. I love them. Got some Bridgstone wets to try through the winter so I'll see how I get on with those.

Post 38 by Crotchrockety,

#38
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Post 39 by rocketchick,

#39
I've not had a good experience with my Metzeler M5s. I've spun up the rear on a warm, clean, dry road, traveling in a straight line. They slide through most every corner. I cannot get comfortable leaning the bike to the edges of the tyre and I finally realised why when I closely examined the tyres on Sunday. I lean until I hit the siping on the edge of the tyre. I believe that the siping is what makes the tyre feel unstable (and promotes sliding/ feeling of sliding?) and keeps me from leaning farther.

They also require higher pressures than most tyres. I'm running 35psi front and 36-38 psi rear. Any less, and I can feel the belts transition when I lean the bike. Finally, although I ride mostly in the canyons, they've flat spotted in the middle after 1600 miles. They are about done. I'm leaving them on because they are the perfect tyre to test the Bazzaz TC because they spin up so easily. The only positive aspect of these tyre I can find is that they do have good wet grip. They actually feel better to me in the wet than in the dry.

I know some folks on here love the M5s. I'm not one of them. Perhaps its a matter of where they are made. Perhaps its the road conditions? But, I've not liked a tyre less since the crappy stock D220 Dunlops on my SV. YMMV

Post 40 by RED ZX,

#40
Thank you all for yr opinions.... I now have many ideas to make my decision... At this point I'm researching the tyres mentioned. Thanks again.

Post 41 by SDNerd,

#41
Just got a new Q2 rear put on this morning. 40km trip home and they are already scrubbed to within 5mm of the edges. They seem to suit this climate perfectly.

Post 42 by TLS_Russ,

#42
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Post 43 by Pig Benis,

#43
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Post 44 by SDNerd,

#44
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Post 45 by TLS_Russ,

#45
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Post 46 by omky756,

#46
The first heat cycle of a new tyre is the most critical,
The latest motorcycle tyres are built with highly sophisticated tread compounds. These compounds are capable of sustaining grip throughout a much wider temperature range, but are also extremely sensitive to the first heat cycle of its use. During this cycle, the tread compound stretches as it heats, breaking the weaker, shorter molecular bonds within the rubber. The benefit of this process is a tread compound that lasts longer and provides better grip. However, if the first cycle is not performed correctly, the tread may develop irregular compounding, leading to poor wear and inconsistent grip.
Rubber is all about grip, and grip related to elastic hysteresis. Have you heard about that

Post 47 by omky756,

#47
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Post 48 by SDNerd,

#48
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Post 49 by AndersH,

#49
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Post 50 by trackday junkie,

#50
Most tyre pressure gauges are junk!
Pro 6 is the Dunlap race tyre supplier to the Canadian superbike and supersport championships.
They bring the same pneumatic calibration gauge to their trackdays that they use on race weekends. Probably half of the gauges I've seen tested on it are 10 to 20% off. Worse, many would read correct, or 30LBS.,which is the output Pro6 sets their tester at one time; Then read 4 to 6lbs. higher or lower 2seconds later.
Shit's enough to make you tear your hair out.
Last summer I bought a motion pro that has tested out spot on 3 different weekends.
Will it be accurate the next time?
Damned if I know!

Post 51 by rocketchick,

#51
It's tough to find accurate guages... I suggest one that is liquid filled.. I will be buying one.

Post 52 by easygee,

#52
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Post 53 by boney95,

#53
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Post 54 by indy84,

#54
i think tyre pressures change by a few pounds when they heat up. Make sure your checking when the tyres are cool.

Post 55 by blb,

#55
Anyone tried the Micheling Road Pilot 3?
I live in New York City where the weather is just as rough as the streets. I am never on track. I'm having trouble finding a good tyre, or rather choosing the right tyre. I read good things about this tyre but wonder if it's "to touring" for more aggressive street driving.
Any thought?
Thanks guys.

Post 56 by CEREC1,

#56
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Post 57 by easygee,

#57
just ran in my second rear Metzler Mr2 racetec.... can put a thumb print in it when its hot.... had them on every bike... love it

Post 58 by Stratkat,

#58
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Post 59 by AGRO!,

#59
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Post 60 by omky756,

#60
Thanks for the feedback, I just read about the new Bridgestone S20. Looks interesting, maybe worth the wait.

Post 61 by tripoddave,

#61
+1 for the pilot road 3s
I don't really ride the SD on track, but it's the best street tyre I've tried, and I bet it's good enough for most people in slow and inter groups on trackdays.
It warms up much quicker than the "sports" tyres, and I thought they faired better than I expected through summer as well. I think I'll get about 5k miles out the front, a little more on the rear (for some reason I wear the front out quicker, don't know why), and I'm pretty sure I'll replace them then for a new set of PR3s.

There's a a lot of tyre snobbery, and you'll get completely oposing opinions on most mainstream tyres, but whatever people thing works for them generally works

Post 62 by TLS_Russ,

#62
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Post 64 by tripoddave,

#64
Good info..!!! Thanks for that one bro.!!!!

Post 65 by Stratkat,

#65
I would like to add my two penny worth if I may?

For road use I would recommend either the Dunlop Roadsmart 2 or Michelin Pilot Road 3 with my personal preference being the Dunlop as I'm British.

For those people who think that they ride too fast for these tyres: you don't. This isn't to say that there aren't some very quick riders on this forum and its not to put down the 'best of the rest'. The point is sports touring tyres actually offer more grip most of the time than their stickier brethren simply because they reach their operating temperature very quickly and stay there. More sports orientated tyres offer more grip when within their operating temperature range but this is much narrower than your sports-touring tyre.

When you get people saying their tyres let go for no reason the most common 'fault' is the tyre is either outside its operating temperature or (especially if using trackday tyres on the road) because the compound has gone off. For example people running Michelin Power 1 often experience them letting go even after a fast run followed by a brief stop because they can drop out of operating temperature range very quickly especially when the tarmac itself is cool.

The other down side to running a sports/trackday tyre is the profile. Track orientated fronts have a more triangular profile allowing them to turn in more quickly and offering a larger contact patch at full lean. The downside to this is at anything less than full lean then they offer a smaller contact patch than their street orientated cousins.

One final thing. For those that don't know me: I am fast closing on 50, short and hugely overweight but I can get me knee down on my GTR1400 on the road using Roadsmarts whilst getting about 7,000 miles out of a set so I know they're good enough!

Post 66 by Ducati Pete,

#66
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Post 67 by CEREC1,

#67
Good post Dave.

Post 68 by KTM666,

#68
Thanks each.

Post 69 by Lowrance,

#69
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Post 70 by KTM666,

#70
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Post 71 by AGRO!,

#71
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Post 72 by Lowrance,

#72
My mate has a SV1000 and he only ever uses Pilot powers even for track days.

Post 73 by SDNerd,

#73
Pilot Powers ae cheaper than Q2s at $220 at set? Hmmm.

Post 74 by Lowrance,

#74
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Post 75 by SDNerd,

#75
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Post 76 by Lowrance,

#76
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Post 77 by Carleto,

#77
I've got a pair of Q2s sitting here. They are stamped USA with a date code of 2211 (22nd week of 2011).

Post 78 by Blaster,

#78
gonna be going with one of the Multi tread concept tyres for sure. Was almost convinced on dunlops, just after reading an article in motorcyclist or something similar, but now all fellow SD owners are saying to go for Mich.... will ultimately come down to price I guess. I dont go bonkers when I ride, just want tread life, reaching op temp quickly and good grip when I do head to the mtns a few times a summer. Try to avoid rain if possible, but it has sprang up on me before and the Pirelli's on the bike now were fine... so im sure a Roadsmart or similar would be even better.

Good info all though. Thanks.

Post 79 by SDNerd,

#79
Im running pirelli diablo rosso corsa 3, and have been very impressed with them, even managed to remove the chicken strips with my first attempt of geting my knee down for the first time ever
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