Triumphrat

blast · 02-07-2006

I have had my 06 Sprint ABS for 4 mos and 3500 mi. and couldn't be happier with the bike, but with less than 3500 mi. the center of my rear tire is down to the replacement marks. No burn outs, no track days, just good hard riding from a 200 lb (can't convert to stones) average hot-rod rider. I have had good luck with Avons and Metzlers in the past so if anyone has experience with either or both the Metzler z6 or the Avon Azzors I would appreciate your comments on grip, wear, and performance in the rain. Thanks for your help, I need to change tires soon, because the BT20 seem pretty dicey when worn.

rodneybrown · 02-07-2006

I've run Z6 and Z4 on my 02 and can't brake 5K on them or the original 057. I've got a Pirellin Diablo Strada on there now and it's too early to determine wear (1K+) but it feels like my Z6 and there is much more rubber in the center. Basically it is a Z6 on ravioli.

BlueFalcon · 02-07-2006

Hey Blast,

I just passed 10,000 miles on my original BT020 that came with my 05 Sprint and pretty close to the wear bars. I am 6'3" and weigh in at 210-220 (depending on how much beer the night before). I have been very happy with the tires and I absolutely love the bike; the heat from the engine was nice in January

I haven't been to track nor do I do burn outs but I do like carving the curves through NH and commuting to MA. How is the road surface out there?

Anyway, I also noticed that the tires are a little dicey now that they are worn, but I guess that would happen with most. After talking to many other riders I am going to purchase the Z6's, they are the same as the Diablo Strada but have a deeper thread pattern (8mm vs. 6mm) which "should" translate to more road miles.

From what I've read and heard from other users; the Z6's warm up fast, have excellent dry grip and superb wet grip. It has been noted to use the front and rear as a set; the rear tire has no center groove because the front tires moves the water on wet surfaces.

Well, good luck with your purchase and ride on.

Peace.

86gn · 02-07-2006

I've been using the Avons on both bikes and am very happy with them. Nothing else seems to have much of an edge on them and I know how they react so I'll most likely stay with them.

Stlakid · 02-07-2006

Same experience here. I got 10k out of the original 020's but they steer like you are riding in sand compared to the Avon's. The Avon's steer MUCH better and the handling does not deteriorate when they get near the end of their life. I also got almost 10k out of the Avon's. I'm sure I was riding a bit harder with them because they inspired so much more confidence as compared to the 020's. My vote is for the Avon's, but I would pretty much buy anything over another set of 020's, the handling change was that dramatic with them and they cupped at probably 30% wear! That is just unacceptable. You are probably not going to see much more mileage with any brand as your idea of 'Spirited Riding' is obviously pretty hard on tires. And for all the negatives associated with the 020's the one thing they do have going for them is they do wear well so I wouldn't expect to get any more mileage from the Avon's and 'much' less with many other brands with your riding style. It's just the price you are going to pay.

Scottius · 02-07-2006

Another vote here for Avons - warm up quickly and have great dry and wet grip - much better than my old BT57s. Good stuff.

mhanson · 02-07-2006

Blast, I have over 8k on my BT20s and plenty of tread left. You may want to rig up a hidden cam to see who is taking that thing out while your not looking and an smoking that tire.

DaveM · 02-07-2006

blast,
check the reviews section there is an Azaro review.

My experience is I have had three sets of Azaro 45/46 ST's and one set of the sportier 49/?

Very good wear and grip in all weathers.

I have pics in my albumn with milage. I got 6400kms not miles which is very good for me, approx out of my rear Azaro.

I have no confidence with Bridgstones but have had good success with Avons and Michelin Pilot powers (shorter life span but superb turning speed and grip).

Metzler Z6 is the other very popular sport touring tyre here, dolson sewars by them.

do a search there are lots of tyre comments also check the sticky at the top of the page and the tyre reviews.

Davem

Sprint955T3 · 02-07-2006

Oh what he heck!!! Here is my experience on a 2003 Sprint ST. A little over 10,500 miles on my current set of Z6 Metzelers. I think they still have about another 1500 ~ 2000 miles left on them (may be more). Most of my time is commuting to work and back (36.7 miles one way minimum. Some days it is a 100 miles round trip. 20,000 this year with weekend riding). The front has lots of tread but quite a bit of cupping. Me thinks it is largely due to practicing emergency stops every day at least once from 70mph~ to a full stop. I will more than likely go back to either the Conti RoadAttacks (1st choice and last set on the bike) or the Michelin Pilot Road that came on the Ducati ST3.
The Z6 have good grip but not as much as the Conti especially when it is cold and/or wet but that is what I think based on my riding. May be different for you. Weekend trips are almost always 2 up. (150lbs + 130~lbs). The Conti are good for a 10K as well. The Michelin were good in terms of grip especially wet and wear. I never got to wear them out completely as I punctured the rear and replaced both with, guess what, BT 020s

Then sold the bike a few thousand miles later :???:
Sorry no experience with the Avons. Hope it helps some.

dolson · 02-07-2006

I have 5500 on my Z6's with on real wear measured with a depth mic.

Don