My 900 RR needs new tires and I am just getting into the sport/superbike scene. I am wondering what some of you would recomend as a good all around tire, good traction not necessarily the best but good and a decent ware life I dont need the best here either, kind of a happy medium would be best . From what I have read I was going to go with the Michelin Pilots however I my 900 has a 16" front rim on it. I know that some people convert it over to the 17 but I want to leave it stock for the time being. Hense forth I need a good compound available in a 16. As always your input is appreciated.


Tbone

 

There alot of different tires out there...what type of riding are you going to do?? The Dunlop D208ZR, Michelin Pilot /Pilot Power,Metzler Sportec M1 are some of the more popular models and some (like the Metzler) offer great grip but not so great mileage..As far as size of tires...the 900RR has a 5.5" rear rim designed for a 180/55-17, you can probally get a 190/50 to fit but it will more than likely slow the steering characteristics down and the only benefit of a wider tire is at the track where you have a little more rubber available at full lean angle. On the street ( in winter) most people cant even use all of the 180's available tire.
Another thing to consider is the tire operating tempature, a RACE spec tire is designed to handle the more abrasive, high temps at the track, and may never get to operating tempature on the street ( offer less grip than a street compound in these conditions) ...
So I say to stick with the recommended size and pick a street compound, or even a sport touring ( grips well, but offers longer wear) compound
I have D208ZR 16" in stock if you want one, as well as other brands too..
(916) 797-APEX ( 2739) www.apexroseville.com

 

I've heard great things about the Dunlop D208's and Limpz is a good person to do business with. I just got the Metzler Sportec M1's installed on my bike. I actually have the back on now and I get the front installed saturday. I put a few hours of riding on the back so far and I like it alot. My local honda dealer had the pair of Metzlers on sale for $199 installed.

I had the 190 on my bike when I got it. I loved the looks of it, but the 180 turns so much easier. I went back with the 180 and i'm happy I did.

 

Thanks for ythe input on the tires. Right now nips has D 208s on his F2 and they seem to be working out awsome. Although they only have about 50 miles on them so I havent really tested the ware qualities of them but I think I will give them a shot.


Tbone

 

As mentioned by the other members, the D 208 & Michelin Pilot Sport/Pilot Power are very good tires. I've ridden D 208 for about 3 years now and they handle very well in inclimate weather or unimproved roads such as those found in smaller towns and foreign countries. I've totally trusted the D 208 and would suggest them to anyone looking for a tire with good security for inclimate weather and full lean grip. I recently switched over to the Michelin Pilot Power and I must say this tire is awesome. I'm riding a Michelin 190/50/17 for the rear of my '01 CBR929RR and a Michelin Pilot Sport 120/70/17 for the front. If you are a continuous "curve hugger" like I am, go with Michelin...if not, go with the D 208. Keep huggin'!

 

i would go with the pilots but I can not get them to fit my front rim 16"s. So i have decided to go with the D 208s.

 

HI
I live in Brazil, and found a Michelin Pilot Sport for my 16´rim. (130/70ZR16)
It´s made in Spain , I know that French manufacturing is the right way but I assume that Michelin is making a good tire in Spain also.
Maybe asking an importer you´ll find some like the one o got.
Take care.

 

Actually after some looking I did find the pilot sports. I am however looking for the pilot powers to put on my bike. That is the one they do not make that I have found in the 16" Rim. Thanks for the inpot though

 

I have three words for you if you have not purchased your tires............... AVON AVON AVON!!!.... I have never been more confident on my 93 900rr since I switched! I have run Bridgestone BT010's Sportech M1's, and Dunlop D208's and there is no comparison. the avon AV49/AV50 (I have used both the street and the street/trackday compounds) combo stick like glue! almost like a magnetic force is pulling you toward the earth the entire time you are riding. if you are looking for great wear, but still a TON of grip, try there AV45/ AV46 combo. I have ridden these on a different bike and believe me, they DON'T feel like sport touring tires!

hope this helps,
Craig

 

correction, now that I think about it, they were D207's, not the 208's