Commuter tires
08-22-2007, 05:53 AM
#1
Senior Member
MotoGP
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NW North Carolina
Posts: 6,110
Commuter tires
What would you guys recommend for commuter tires? I currently have the Michelin Pilot Power's and they are wearing down relatively quick in the middle. I am doing mostly interstate but trying to mix it up a little with backroads to keep the wear off the middle.
I have had the bike for 2.5 weeks now and put 1200 miles on it. I figure that I am going to put 2-3K per month on it so tires will be my main expense. Although they will be my main expense, I do not want to risk good handling (hot days, rainy days, etc..) for price.
I am just really unfamiliar with street tires and would like some advice from other Shawk owners.
I have had the bike for 2.5 weeks now and put 1200 miles on it. I figure that I am going to put 2-3K per month on it so tires will be my main expense. Although they will be my main expense, I do not want to risk good handling (hot days, rainy days, etc..) for price.
I am just really unfamiliar with street tires and would like some advice from other Shawk owners.
08-22-2007, 06:03 AM
#2
The Hypno-Toad
Superstock
Superstock
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 467
Commuting wise I've had good luck with the Conti Sport Attacks, but tire questions are like oil questions. If your planning on going through a lot the price is right and they seem to last fairly long.
08-22-2007, 06:50 AM
#3
Moderator
MotoGP
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: South Texas
Posts: 2,553
Yeah, you need to focus on sport-touring tires like a pilot road, strada, avon st's, dunlop 220, etc. Not that I'd suggest one for the VTR but does anyone know of a true touring tire that comes in a 180/17 size?
BTW if you are going to maintain that mileage, I'd strongly suggest learning to change your own tires if you don't all ready as that will save you a TON of money.
BTW if you are going to maintain that mileage, I'd strongly suggest learning to change your own tires if you don't all ready as that will save you a TON of money.
08-22-2007, 07:42 AM
#5
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 1,572
I just ordered a set of the Pirelli Stradas this past weekend as I do more commuting than hard riding (sure wished the forums were working at that time as I had some threads marked with tire info,opinions,etc...) They are supposed to be good for sport touring but also decent for more agressive riding... anyone have these tires?
08-22-2007, 07:56 AM
#6
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Belgium, WI
Posts: 1,611
Continental road attacks would be the ones, the sports have about half the rubber. Look for a decrease in perormance, as the tires weigh ALOT. The grooves are almost 1/2" or better. Being nice should get you 8000 miles, being a dick will get you 5000. I am on my second set, and after dungflop 208's, i will never change. 28 degrees in january, the tires hooked up no problem for some roll on power wheelies in 2nd. Good luck with your choice,
Bill
Bill
08-22-2007, 07:58 AM
#7
Senior Member
MotoGP
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Montreal
Posts: 5,631
The new Pilot Road II's are said to work nicely, same with the Conti Road Attak (more touring oriented than the Sport Attaks). There is also the new Battlax BT-021. Avon too has a new sport-touring tire. IN other words, take your pick.....
08-22-2007, 08:16 AM
#8
Senior Member
Back Marker
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: PA
Posts: 127
I'm at 4K with a BT021 on the rear, mostly commuting on back PA roads. The tread is just above the wear indicators. I'll be lucky to get 5K. I ran a new BT014 on the front and it will probably last through another rear, but I'll probably go to a BT021 front next time, since I've had a little hands-off wobble at the front since I installed that 14.
Better than the old BT020 everywhere (which shouldn't be hard to do), same mileage as the other ST tires I've tried and the price is right at www.swmototires.com
I was going to try a pair of Stradas next, but I think I'll stick with the Stones.
Better than the old BT020 everywhere (which shouldn't be hard to do), same mileage as the other ST tires I've tried and the price is right at www.swmototires.com
I was going to try a pair of Stradas next, but I think I'll stick with the Stones.
08-22-2007, 09:05 AM
#9
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Belgium, WI
Posts: 1,611
Oh yeah,
I forgot to mention that on your own, you can get the conti's shipped for $240 for a set. Through a bike shop that doesn't pay shipping, $216. Put their mnt and balance fees on there and you would probably be out the door around $300. That is cheap.
I forgot to mention that on your own, you can get the conti's shipped for $240 for a set. Through a bike shop that doesn't pay shipping, $216. Put their mnt and balance fees on there and you would probably be out the door around $300. That is cheap.
08-24-2007, 06:09 PM
#10
Senior Member
Back Marker
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Jacksonville, NC
Posts: 240
I'm at 4K with a BT021 on the rear, mostly commuting on back PA roads. The tread is just above the wear indicators. I'll be lucky to get 5K. I ran a new BT014 on the front and it will probably last through another rear, but I'll probably go to a BT021 front next time, since I've had a little hands-off wobble at the front since I installed that 14.
Better than the old BT020 everywhere (which shouldn't be hard to do), same mileage as the other ST tires I've tried and the price is right at www.swmototires.com
I was going to try a pair of Stradas next, but I think I'll stick with the Stones.
Better than the old BT020 everywhere (which shouldn't be hard to do), same mileage as the other ST tires I've tried and the price is right at www.swmototires.com
I was going to try a pair of Stradas next, but I think I'll stick with the Stones.
The battlax's are nice tires if you aren't too aggressive on the street. I definitely wouldn't take them near a track.
I like to ride hard enough that I have to move my fat *** off the seat, or else I hit the pegs. I can't wait to test out this new pilot power front tomorrow!!!
08-31-2007, 09:30 AM
#12
Senior Member
SuperSport
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Thornwood, NY
Posts: 817
I have the Pilot Roads.... about 500-600 miles on them and they still look almost unused... either they are really good mileage wise, or I'm a whimp on the throttle!!!! (Might actually be a bit of both in all reality)
I've felt they have held well... only time I've had a slip was last winter when the ground was real cold... the rear got a bit squirrly... in the summer they've been nice.
J.
I've felt they have held well... only time I've had a slip was last winter when the ground was real cold... the rear got a bit squirrly... in the summer they've been nice.
J.
08-31-2007, 09:52 PM
#13
Senior Member
Back Marker
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 113
Funny, I have Pilot Powers and commute daily (SO Cal in San Diego). My commute is about 60 miles a day and varies from lane splitting at 20 MPH to open highway at 90 MPH. I also canyon carve on weekends. With about 2K on them, the Michelins still look fine. Have you checked the tire pressure/alignment of the back tire? Doing burnouts?
09-01-2007, 06:00 AM
#14
Senior Member
MotoGP
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NW North Carolina
Posts: 6,110
Funny, I have Pilot Powers and commute daily (SO Cal in San Diego). My commute is about 60 miles a day and varies from lane splitting at 20 MPH to open highway at 90 MPH. I also canyon carve on weekends. With about 2K on them, the Michelins still look fine. Have you checked the tire pressure/alignment of the back tire? Doing burnouts?
01-14-2008, 11:01 PM
#15
KindredGhost
Back Marker
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: San Fernando Valley, CA
Posts: 140
Hey fellas,
I was wondering if some of you can give an update on your sport touring tires. How many miles did your *average* sport touring front and rear get? I understand that it'll vary a great deal, but I'm more coming from a commuter/weekend warrior point of view.
Thanks in advance,
KG
I was wondering if some of you can give an update on your sport touring tires. How many miles did your *average* sport touring front and rear get? I understand that it'll vary a great deal, but I'm more coming from a commuter/weekend warrior point of view.
Thanks in advance,
KG
01-15-2008, 05:24 AM
#16
Senior Member
MotoGP
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NW North Carolina
Posts: 6,110
I ended up getting 5K on my rear Pilot Power. I went with the new Pilot Road 2 on the rear and still running the Pilot power up front. I have put 1K on the rear so far and it is not wearing bad at all.
01-15-2008, 12:43 PM
#17
Junior Member
Squid
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 16
I was planning on trying the Michelin Pilot Power 2CT on my next tire change. Softer on the edges and harder rubber in the middle. I use mine for commuting as well as having fun on the weekends. Looks like a good combination at least.. Anyone else tried those?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
thefauxnarchist
Rider's Gear
0
09-23-2009 12:06 PM
