Triumphrat

RT · 09-20-2009, 08:52 PM

My Anakee on the front is starting to cup at 9000 miles. The rear still has some life in it but get close.

Since almost all my riding is done on the road thinking of changing to a street tire, maybe something like Pilot Road or similiar. Anyone else changed over to a street tire?

FifeTiger · 09-21-2009, 06:41 AM

Yep, switched from Avon Distanzias to Continental Road Attack, then back the the Distanzias, and am going Trail Attack next.

Road Attacks are a very round profile tyre (in comparison to something like a Bridgestone BT020) and the turn in and handling compared to the Distanzia (which has very high side walls) is dramatic in comparison.

So switching to the road tyres, it feels like the bike's unstable at first, switching back to the Distanzias it doesn't want to turn. Both feelings you get used to v quickly, and both tyres need a slightly different riding style.

In all honesty I've thrashed the Distanzias as much as I can in road riding and they've never given me any reason to doubt them. In the dry.

In the wet, when cold, they're a different proposition. There's a marked difference in performance between them and the road attack.

I got about 9k out of the Continental's which I thought was fine. They were a bit squared off at the end which made them squirm a bit but they were still predictable. When I got the new tyres I realised just how worn the old ones had been.

I'm going Trail Attack this time because it's the same compound as the Road Attack, just with a chunkier tread. The RoadAttacks looked a bit skinny on the Tiger.

Outrunner · 09-21-2009, 03:00 PM

Plus one on the Trail Attacks, on my second set now and I think they are the dogs bolx!

Andy.

blacktiger · 10-01-2009, 08:44 AM

I can recommend the Avon Azzaro front with an Avon Storm rear. Fantastic confidence in ALL conditions. Also runs very smoothly compared to the Trail type tyres.
British tyres on a British bike....nice.

FifeTiger · 10-01-2009, 12:32 PM

Why not a Strom on the front ??

Or an Azarro on the rear ?

I know I'm going to regret asking but......

Tigerbob · 10-01-2009, 02:05 PM

Tiger 955i 2004

I changed to street tyres in April 08. I fitted Michelin Pilots front and rear.

After about 6 weeks I noticed a 'Humming' from the rear of the bike between 35 and 50 mph.

Cut along story short.

Thinking it was arear wheek bearing, I changed the bearings. I then changed the chain and both sprockets.

I put the standard exhaust back on.

I removed my tall screen.

I removed the mirror extenders.

I removed the hugger.

I replace the front wheel bearings.

I replaced the pistons and seals in both the front and rear brakes.

I put a dial gauge on to the discs to check for run out.

I went back to the tyre supplier who road tested the bike and said there was nothing wrong with the tyres.

At the BMF show this year I spoke to a chap on the Michelin stand. He said and I quote " If the tyres that you are fitting were never intended for that bike from new you can expect all sort of problems, whether they are the right size or not, even if they are fitted to the next years model doesn't mean they are suitable for yours" He then went on to tell me how tyre noise from different tyres are a constant headache.

August this year I had a rear puncture and had to be ferried home 80 miles.

The rear tyre was scrap so I decided to rplace both tyre and went back to Toarances which were fitted originally, guess what................the bl..........y noise has gone.

These were my experience, ask others about theirs.

blacktiger · 10-01-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FifeTiger

Why not a Strom on the front ??

Or an Azarro on the rear ?

I know I'm going to regret asking but......

Two reasons :-
1/ They don't make those sizes that way round.
2/ Avon recommend this combination as an alternative to the Distanzias.
http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorbike/955i-tiger

Simples init?

Tone in't Fens · 10-04-2009, 06:21 AM

I'll second the Avon Storm/Azarro combo. My experience of psuedo trail tyres is limited to the originals but they always had a hint of vagueness and were definitely twitchier on greasy roundabouts.

I've now done about 13k miles on the Avons and intend to stick with them on the 955.

Tone in't Fens · 10-04-2009, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tone in't Fens

I've now done about 13k miles on the Avons and intend to stick with them on the 955.

But not the same set! - I'm halfway through the second rear.

blacktiger · 10-04-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tone in't Fens

But not the same set! - I'm halfway through the second rear.

Thank god for that! I got 6K out of my 1st rear and only 4.5K out of the second which has squared off badly because I had to cover too many motorway miles. The front is now due for a change as well so that's 10.5K on the front. That's quite a bit less than the Tourances which I consistantly got 8K rear, 12K front but IMO the Avons are worth it for the extra confidence they give.