Triumphrat

trypcil · 10-31-2009, 09:12 PM

I put a set of Bridgestone's BT016 on today - replacing a long run of Dunlop D208's & 207's. Big difference - as you'd expect and certainly will take some getting used to. The front profile is different, giving an almost rail-ish quality. You lean and stay, whereas with the Dunlops they felt always a willingness to change, a kind of flightiness and that was something I'd gotten used to and exploited. The difference is a change in character - almost as if I want to quicken her up by dropping the trees down the forks, raise the rear. The dunlop's front was classic, even though flighty it wasn't twictchey - and even worn to almost threads, it had a great willingness to turn - not suddenly but lightly, the profile suited my style. So I'm not sure I like these jobbies as of yetr, 'a bit slow and predictable' might best describe them . But I've barely got 60 miles on them and I've been cautious - we'll see tomorrow what they're really like.

Catenaccio · 10-31-2009, 09:30 PM

tryp,

Ironic thread. I was thinking today that I'd never tried a set of this or that brand - always staying with what I've liked - but it's time to play with the different brands out there.

Dittos3 · 10-31-2009, 10:08 PM

Hey Tryp,

I have them and like them. Your description of rail-ish is the right description. I rarely had problems with the rear stepping out, either. I should qualify these observations with the statement that I am not a bonafide road-racer, but I do push limits.

I am, however, giving the Pirelli Diablo Stradas a try this time around, as I am at minimum tread depth after 3500 miles and hope to find a tire that will last longer.

Hope you like them!

Ditto

JohnD · 10-31-2009, 10:58 PM

Dittos3,

I wouldl like to know what you think if the Stradas after you put them on, so put a thread up.

Troy 96 posted this tire test some months ago, and it really made me think seriously of this tire. I am definately going to put them on my Concours 14 (still has the original Bridgestone 021's) and then maybe on my D12.

http://jis-misc_photos_and_pdfs.goog...4MryfoMfixIMkw

trypcil · 11-01-2009, 01:55 AM

I think there's a different approach employed in their construction - there seems to be a rigidity to them, very communicative - less balloon like. Certainly different - the fall in, the turn in is much slower, yes positive and predictable - we'll see under duress!

faffi · 11-01-2009, 02:56 AM

I had Stradas on my Sprint 900; they were wonderful. Light, absolutely neutral steering, comfy and more grip than I normally needed.

I currently run a BT001 track tyre up front in its softest compound (because it was free) together with a BT106 rear. Grip is flat out amazing! Especially the stopping power offered by these tyres is mind blowing. And full throttle acceleration is possible without a hint of spinning while leaned over right to the edge of the rear.

However, steering isn't neutral and the rear profile doesn't match that of the front, causing the rear to feel unsettled. That it has worn a little flat in the centre doesn't help, obviously.

Tyre wear from the front is great so far; after 1000 miles it looks like new. The rear will probably be bald after something between 3 and 4000 miles. I'll replace it with a Strada, most likely.

Dittos3 · 11-02-2009, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnD

Dittos3,

I wouldl like to know what you think if the Stradas after you put them on, so put a thread up.

Troy 96 posted this tire test some months ago, and it really made me think seriously of this tire. I am definately going to put them on my Concours 14 (still has the original Bridgestone 021's) and then maybe on my D12.

http://jis-misc_photos_and_pdfs.goog...4MryfoMfixIMkw

Will do - though it could be a while. Our season is almost kaput.

trypcil · 11-03-2009, 01:08 AM

Well I didn't ride Sunday, work issues blahblah! But i got to ride them 40 miles today, a commute - so no raggedy ass hangin' stuff. They are solid - I'd say a thicker side wall than the Dunlops. But it turns out they are really quite special. http://www.sportrider.com/gear/146_0...ire/index.html
I've got about 100 miles on them so far and and trip in the morning should give me better insight... well at least to the centre compound. Down to Marina Del Rey from the city - a quick dash down the 10 and off to the 90 and bam, the ocean and another day shooting UBLM - out next spring!
So i expect next weekend will give me time to pluck the chicken strips off her - I'm expecting good things or my rear shocks a gonner, later.

faffi · 11-03-2009, 05:46 AM

It doesn't matter that they call the centre portion hard; the 016 seems to enjoy a much shorter life the the Pirelli Strada or Michelin Road. The 'stone gives tons of grip, but unless you are really tearing up the roads - or do track days - the extra grip is mostly wasted.

TspeED3 · 11-04-2009, 06:38 AM

I ran a couple of sets of Pirelli stradas and really liked them; really predictable and 'smooth' on the turn in and lots of feed back. Michelin PR2 were good but have never been quite as comfortable on them as the stradas - but they would be my second choice of late.

for what it is worth/to put it in perspective, I used to be die hard Dunlop fan, but haven't been impressed with some of the recent 'models'