Need a new rear tire. Not going to be used on the track at all commuting and in town riding only. Suggestions...?

 

Michelin Pilot Road2 http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/fr...105938&lang=EN

 

I am happy with the Pirelli Diablo Strada's I have on my SH for, they are more of a commuter tire but also do well under harder riding. I have 2600 miles on them and not much wear showing.

 

I have been running Mich. Pilots then Pilot Powers since the dawn of time. I had them figured out, and with predictability being 9/10'ths of survivability equation I wasn't about to mess with a good thing. Then, 2 weeks ago on a whim I swapped in some BT-016's, and it was like somebody turned the light on for me. These tires are a treat, I've never known such compliance from a set of skins! I can't say enough good things about the BT-016's.

 

+1 probably going to be my next set of tires

 

I've been running Avon Venoms front and rear since I got the hawk. Solid all around sport-touring tire, reasonable balance between agility and stability. You can get sportier tires but for your riding I think you'll get a lot of use out of the Venoms.

 

My dad has the Bridgestone BT-016 on his 94 VFR. They were confidence inspiring for me. First time on the bike for me, we went up the canyon, I went slowly. When we came down the next canyon over, different story. I loved this tire. THEY WILL BE MY NEXT SET OF TIRES.

Plus, you can find a set (front and rear, to avoid confustion) for $244 online right now. You'll pay that much for a Pilot Power 2CT Rear.

BTW, in case some didn't know, these are the factory stock tires on the new CBR1000RR, that should say something.

 

If you want a high performance tire at a good price the BT-016 is the way to go. I have a set on currently and I think I'm going to stick with them for quite some time.

I would also like to add this: I read that the battleaxes that come OEM on some new bikes are not the same as the aftermarket version most of us are buying. Someone posted an article on my local forum about the tires getting a bad rep because of the ones they put on stock. Apparently they are not the same. See below.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/545/37...ypersport.aspx

 

That will be my next rear once I wear out the Pilot Power 2CT I have on there now. (keeping the 2CT in front though, it wears slower)

 

Bridgestone BT-016 are the only street/agressive tire I will use anymore. Two sets of tires ago, they didn't have any in stock and I needed a set right away, so I tried a set of ****-ko (Shinko) tires. Night and day difference. I swear by the BT-016's and places like JC Motors in Irvine, CA and MotoMummy online have great sale prices online. Check ebay too...I just picked up a set of BT-016's for $215 delivered. For really agressive (track) tires, I just bought a set of BT-003's (the new ones), but I haven't mounted them yet. If they're anything like the BT-016's, they'll be awesome on the track.

 

READ the post guys... "all commuting and in town riding only".

Love the BT016 (I use it on the front), but the BT021 (my rear) will last longer (especially if you keep the air pressure at Honda spec.) and they have performed well during fairly aggressive mountain rides, too.

Also, for commuting in wet weather I wouldn't recommend the BT016. Very little siping and not a lot of tread depth. My front BT016 seemed to stick pretty well in the wet a couple weeks ago, but I'd trust the much more open tread of BT021 in such conditions. For strictly commuting I'd go for a full set of BT021s.

Not saying other tires won't be fine. Those Diablo Stradas and Avon Venoms would probably work well too for your intended use, but they will definitely cost a lot more.

 

Got to admit, L8RGYZ has made a good point. +1 to his post after all.

 

Just ordered a set of BT-021.... About $220.00 for the set shipped. (try coupon code C409CTLG20)
Wanted a good commuting tire that will also work on a weekend spirited ride....
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...res-Tires.aspx