Tyres - again....

[johnners987]

I know it's probably a familiar topic and a lot of it comes down to personal taste but I was just wondering what the general consensus was (if there is one) on road and occasional track day tyres? I've got the 750 front and rear mod and, having fired up the bike for the first time (sounds awesome) realized that I've finally finished the bike (photos attached) and all that's left to do is source some rubber and get the MoT! While I do have another set of wheels for dedicated track day use I'm not really at that stage yet and will be using the bike more on road as I get it fully sorted, set up etc. So fast(ish) road use and the odd track day are what I see for this year at least.
From personal past experience I've had some tyres that definitely did not suit the particular bike (the original Dunlop's on my 06 R1 spring to mind) so I'm keen to get the views of experienced TRX riders and track dayers. For info I'm currently running Michelin Power 3s on my R1 but to be honest I've barely scrubbed them in yet.
As always any thoughts/ comments greatly appreciated.

[Con Rod]

about to shell out for my third pair of Michelin Pilot Road 2s for the TRX

Excellent grip wet and dry and getting about 18000km per set. In fact in the wet I really like them and typically leave the group behind when it rains (which is nice because in the dry its a challenge as mine is far and away the oldest and lowest powered among my normal group, its mostly ltr bikes)

sure a stickier tyre might be nice but given i weigh 70kg, the bike is say 195kg and it is putting out at best 80hp spending up on sticky tyres seems unnecessary, given the bike and trashing i can do on the Michelin Pilot Road 2s

I highly recommend them for grip and tyre life

[johnners987]

Thanks for the info. Sounds a good choice given your parameters. Personally I'm not too worried about the wet grip aspect at this stage (all that cleaning!) so I was thinking of something more dry focused (should have mentioned that eh?). From some parallel research and another recommendation I was half thinking of some Metzeler Racetech K3s although I've no previous experience of Metzelers in any shaspoe or form. Anyone any experience or views on these?
Cheers

[Tarwetijger]

Wow your bike looks awesome! Are those Coerce rearsets?

[cobbadiggabuddyblooo]

Michelin are one of the lightest tyres too in amongst them all plus are noted for their grip, durability , overall feel and mileage.
I will easily get 7000km's out of pilot powers, they start to loose their edge after 3,000km's even though very marginally and after 5000km's when pushed you find a few light controlled slides and still are borderline legally acceptable at 7000 -8000km.

[johnners987]

Michelin are one of the lightest tyres too in amongst them all plus are noted for their grip, durability , overall feel and mileage.

I totally agree my friend. I've run 2CTs and now power 3s on my R1. While I've little mileage on the 3s yet they do feel a slight improvement on the 2CTs that did all that you say.
I've run Super Corsas (great when warmed up) on earlier Milles and Bridgestones (that I really liked) on previous Suzukis. Some reports suggest Bridgestone have gone off the boil a bit but I guess it's just personal choice. I dunno, I just fancy something different without making an incompatible choice (as per R1 Dunlops).
Perhaps the Metzeler Sportech would be a better tyre........ for me (given all my earlier waffle). Choices, choices.......

[johnners987]

Wow your bike looks awesome! Are those Coerce rearsets?

Thanks. Just putting in the finishing touches and yes, they are Coerce rearsets. Bloody tough on the knees!

[fung]

Got michelin power pure front road2 rear on red rex.
Dunlop Sportsmart front and Roadsmart II rear on miss blackie.
The dunlops seem to come to temp quickly and stay there. ..Nice control feel.
Used to be one eyed about micheys. ...Not so much now..i do prefer the dunlops.
Imho.

[Con Rod]

I ended up deciding to treat myself and got a pair of Michelin Pilot Power 3s instead of Pilot Road 2s.

god knows how long they will last but the grip is phenomenal

[cobbadiggabuddyblooo]

I know, following Rod with them fitted on his bike I keep getting showered in rocks as they dig in and spit them out the back.. time to put the perspex headlight guard on again

[Silver]

I think a lot depends on how much road riding you are going to do. On mine its very little so i went for track focused tyres, supercorsa's for me. Racetec's are great too but they don't make a 160 any more (not a problem i guess if you run wider rear ). I now have a set of avon wets that are road legal, but only H rated. I took them for a spin yesterday to remove the shine and they feel ok. All the best with whatever you decide.
By the way i always look out for good used supercorsa's, there are always loads about, but whatever you get check the date stamp make sure they are not more than 3 years old even new tyres can be old stock!

PS is that your own build, looks a lot like Honks old bike. Looks great anyway.

[johnners987]

Thanks for taking the time to respond guys. Plenty of sound info to work with - just need to make a decision.
As it is I've got front brake master cylinder issues at the moment so I've got time to think while I resolve that..... I appreciate it's completely off topic but 6 pot calipers and a 14mm master cylinder doesn't seem a good mix......
Cheers

[Con Rod]

....
As it is I've got front brake master cylinder issues at the moment so I've got time to think while I resolve that..... I appreciate it's completely off topic but 6 pot calipers and a 14mm master cylinder doesn't seem a good mix......
Cheers

No harm going off topic, I have a similar issue, started a thread here:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10216