I'm just coming back to a bike after a 10 year break, so well out of touch on tyres. Previously on SPorts bikes, I was in a big rush to wear out any Michelins as I found they had very little feel. Gripped and gripped (In the dry), then let go in an occasionally alarming way. I settled on Bridestone BT56's or Pirelli Dragons as type of choice for about 10 years over all, depending on whether it was summer or winter, track day or touring coming up. Reading the forums here, it seems the Michelins are currently the top gun tyres, especially when you are not talking about track day heroics and want to ride in all weathers and do some touring. Based on previous experience I'm a bit nervous to go down this route on my Speed Tripple R, but I know tyres have moved on a significant amount over that time. Does anyone else remember when Michelins were great at overall grip but a bit second rate on feel and wet weather performance and how they compare today? I am picking up the bike in about 2 weeks (Still has the original tyres which are reasonably worn) then heading off on a France/Spain jaunt in May after a few months practice, so will need to put on something with a bit of live in it to last through that.
I had Metezler Z8's on my 2011 Speed Triple great tyre in wet or dry and good grip. also had the M5 and they were brilliant but only lasted 2500 miles.
Unfortunately tyres are a personal choice and it can be an expensive trial and error process; I don't believe there is a bad tyre out there if you go to one of the main makers.I suppose the big question is do you want to destroy them in as few miles as possible or do you want something that is going to last well? Michelin Pilot Road 3 and more recently 4 will always be a popular choice and they get a good write up, never tried them myself. My choice is Bridgestone had a set of BT023 on on a VFR1200, the rear lasted upward of 9000 miles and survived a track day, I liked them and will get another set once the OE Metzelers are goosed. Good luck
The OE Racetech tyres on my Speed Triple felt good but the rear was knackered at just 2000 miles. Put Michelin Pilot Road 3 s next and they are still fitted to the bike at 8000 miles although the back is about had it. Never noticed the grip being any lower on the Michelin tyres and the wet weather performance is amazing. Also used them on my previous 1198 Multistrada and rate them highly. Unless you are a knee down racer type I think the advantages of the super sticky tyres are wasted, unless you have deep pockets and enjoy seeing the balls of rubber ripped at the edges of the tyre when you park up.
IMO The OE K3's are super sticky in the dry - shite in the wet! My original rear tyre was shot at 1200 miles and after a puckered up moment l went with the Michelin PR3's - they seem to be hanging on well even with the glorious weather we're having at the moment Your money - your choice -whatever you feel confident with :upyeah:
Bloody hell you two did alright my K3's only lasted me 900 miles, the M5's lasted 2500 miles, but the Z8's were the perfect tyre for the speed triple and lasted very well. The Pilot road 4's are out now as well aren't they?
The new gen Michelin PR3's are amazing if you want to do some distance but still have wet weather grip... Michelin Pilot Road 3 Motorcycle Tyre Review - Big Bike Mad
Hi Takson - I too remember when Michelins were apparently carved out of blocks of soap! It was, therefore, with a bit of trepidation that I set off back to sunny Wales after picking up a new SIII in Chesterfield with OE Michelin Powers on. Never looked back - the bikes now wear Pilot Road 3s for grip, longevity and more grip. Hope this helps. B
I recently took delivery of my speed triple R, i bought the bike after only viewing the once as was some distance away but knew it needed a new rear Tyre. As standard with streets and speed super corsa are fitted and like all love them. On taking delivery found that both tyres had been replaced but were maxxis supermaxx sport after expecting corsa as prior. I soon was on the internet searching for reviews and was some what stressed waiting for the results to appear. I was supersized to see that all was ok and their is good reviews but you just need to scrub them in a bit. After A full tank of petrol over a few sunny days I have some brill tyres, after scrubbing them in taking it easy at first they grip really well retain heat not bad at all and i would expect good results if attended a track day event. life of the tyre will be monitored but after yesterdays good day of hard riding i am well pleased, confidence building up. I guess like all new tyres you get a bit twitchy specially if changing brands but i find with these and prior advise I took my time, I need notice first 20- 30 mile not good in the wet, not as ride in the wet normally but with excitement of a new motor could not resist popping out for a quick one. So it is all down to doing the old research and don't be afraid of change thing to progress.
