Hello

I am new to this forum just purchasing today a 1000 CBR.
I need to replace the Dunlop Sport Max tires that came with the sled.
What have you all tried and liked?

I am definately looking for a tire that is going to last
and won't consider the sticky low mile units.

Oh
BTW are there any " known issues" for these bikes?
ie handling, voltage rectifiers etc?

Thanks

Oh well

 

Cam Chain
Cam Chain
and Alternator/Regulators

You will have notice I have said Cam Chain twice

 

I like the Metzeler Sportec's, but they don't last long. I heard the Metzeler Marathon ME88 lasts a long time. But it depends where you live and what kind of riding you do.

 

Dunlop 208's are so-so. I love the Pirelli Diablos I have on now! 190 out reaer and a 120 up front. 190 is kinda sluggish, will be going back to 180 on next set.[8D]

 

AV45/46 Azaro ST

The best I've used so far.

 

I run Dunlop religiously. It's hard to beat the price vs performance. Sure, there are more sticky tires at higher cost out there but for a 600+ lb bike that does not flick like a new 1000RR. The Dunlops are a good balance.

D205 180 rear
D205 120 front

The D207 is a nice tire and I've run them but the thread wear is short. I prefer the D205 to get a balance between performance and long life.

I have 31k on my 93 and I've gone through 4 sets of tires. One rear got every bit of 100 miles on it before picking up a nail.. Grrrrr

Note: I usually get twice the life from a front than a rear. So sometimes I only change out the rear. I use my local Harley shop just to **** them off by having them work on a Jap ricer bike.. LOL

-Del

 

I'm with Delmustator on this one.
I love the Dunlop 208's personally. I got just under 3k on my rear with the Dunlops, and it depends if I'm riding hard or just cruising around. Right now I have Sportec M1's on her, and they are great sticky tires. But be warned, if riding straight a lot the sides WILL get cold unlike my dunlops which tend to warm all the way across all the time. On cold tires, the M1 will slide around a turn for a few seconds before getting "sticky" but once they reach "Stickyness" there is none I have ridden that is better. Tread wear is bad though. I have had my M1's now for a little over a month and a half, and I can already see the wear on the sides of the tires. I have heard a LOT about the Michelin Pilot Powers, they are suppose to be really sticky and last a long time, but the last time I have had Michellin tires, I couldn't get on them at high speed turns, so I was miserable!!!!! But that's my 2cents worth.

 

Bridgestone BT020s. Bewdiful.

 

I rode a '90 for over 120,000 miles in every condition from long distance touring to extreme twisty riding (probably 75% of those miles) to a number of track days each year. My quick answer is Pirelli Diablo's for best all around service. Very good traction with reasonable mileage. For Highway or touring duty, Avon 45 rear and its 46 mating front OR the 50 stickier front. The 50 will last as long as the rear (if you're not into burnouts) so expect to replace as a set. Air pressure REALLY matters for tire life. Pre-ride check at least once a week when cold and use factory 36 front and 42 rear pressures.

On the Avons, if you're going to do the occasional hard twisty ride be aware that they're not as sticky and while they'll handle a peg scraping lean, you have to be a little more judicious with the throttle application at that lean. Dropping about 3-4PSI each end will help but put them back up as soon as the hard twisties are over.

Additional summary of tires I've used.

Diablo Corsa: My preferred tire and all I use for the track. Grips about the same as Diablo but handles the higher heat of track riding better. Slightly better turn in than Diablo but not dramatically different. Smallest available rear is 180 so is a nuisance on the street for optimum handling unless you're willing to move your *** over on much more than the most mild of turns. Not worth the added expense (about $50 per set) from a Diablo unless track riding.

Dunlop 207's from years past: With lowered air pressure, grip and feel was fine but mileage was terrible. It was what I used but spent a fortune on tires (seven sets one year). Very pleased when the Diablos came out. At least equal performance to the 207's but at full air pressure and almost twice the mileage.

Dunlop 208's: Ran one set when the 207's were discontinued. Grip was terrible, similar to the old 204 sport tour tire, but mileage not much better. I would expect about the same mileage out of Diablo's but WAY better performance.

Metzler M1's are supposed to be quite similar to the Diablo but that's just feedback from other riders who I know and trust their opinion, as well as info from a factory Pirelli guy I know.

This board should get a kick out of this. It's a pic of my CBR tankster a couple of years ago at a track day, running with the race bikes in advanced group... and not in the back of that group. It's at Beaverun with either Team Pro-Motion or Sportbike Track Time. Bone stock except shimmed needles for mid-range, front fork spacer to set sag properly, and dramatically raised fork oil level for brake dive and progressive spring action. Also the center stand and exhaust covers are removed for additional corner clearance. 90,000 miles on the original motor, shock, and fork seals, and shod with the Pirelli Diablo Corsa's. Talk about FUN!


Caption: Which one doesn't belong?
[IMG]local://upfiles/3449/25F923BB85864445843020744F890A4D.jpg[/IMG]


Caption: Yes, Margaret. You can hit that kink at redline in fifth!
[IMG]local://upfiles/3449/2F79F6CC56EB493FB70298F6514AE440.jpg[/IMG]

 

I am running the Michelin Pilot Powers and have no complaints. I have about 2500 miles on them so far and they still look new. They ride well and have saved my butt a few times when hitting a corner fast and then finding loose gravel in in it. They also work really well at the track.