Triumphrat

Max_NYC · 06-03-2007

I got a little more than 3K miles on it and I almost don't have any tread left on the center. I do, however, have plenty of tread left on the sides (darn, I do throw my Bonnie in the corners though). Can I wait for another 1K miles or should I change the tire?

CAPTDON · 06-03-2007

I am in the same boat as you. Got scratches you can call tread left in the center & tread on the sides. I also corner pretty much (twisties) . I am bummed also! I am gonnago another 1k mi then a new one. Been askin about size/ make etc.. Was hopingto go a little larger as to maybe keep some tread on the middle w/o losing the handling? Getting mixed opinions. Will keep on listening till the time comes, then go w whatever? Let me know what you have heard on size & make of tire. I was thinkin 140 ? Confused @ this point. Make is kinda what you can spend? Keep in touch on this one please . :???:

Max_NYC · 06-03-2007

I got a 140/80 Sport Demon at the rear, coming from a 150/70 Dunlop GT501. I think 140/80 is the best size for handling/cornering performance. Also wanted to increase seat height and 140/80 is taller.
I recently slid out twice on Rt 17 in Vermont (two hairpins, not slow riding...). Wonder whether it was the pavement (not that great), the tires, or the limits of the bike. Probably all of that! + the speed!
So anyway to sum it up for me it's either Dunlop GT501 150/70 or Sport Demons 140/80 at the rear.

badrufus · 06-04-2007

Of course you should get a new tire. When the tread is worn, you either take you chances like the squids or you get a new tire. What do you want us to say--yeah, sure, ride without tread in the center, go kill yourselves? These aren't high mileage bikes as far as tires go, and while 3K is on the low side, it's what it is, time to replace. I live in the middle of the twisties and I ride minimally on the highway, but it's still the middle that determines when the tire is replaced, usually because it eventually cups, even though I ride twisties just to get to the twisties! Get a new tire. Besides, what are you going to gain with another 1K? A thousand miles of wondering if you're going to lose it.

Max_NYC · 06-05-2007

Quote:

On 2007-06-04 18:46, badrufus wrote:
Of course you should get a new tire. When the tread is worn, you either take you chances like the squids or you get a new tire. What do you want us to say--yeah, sure, ride without tread in the center, go kill yourselves? These aren't high mileage bikes as far as tires go, and while 3K is on the low side, it's what it is, time to replace. I live in the middle of the twisties and I ride minimally on the highway, but it's still the middle that determines when the tire is replaced, usually because it eventually cups, even though I ride twisties just to get to the twisties! Get a new tire. Besides, what are you going to gain with another 1K? A thousand miles of wondering if you're going to lose it.

That makes so much sense. I'm just very disappointed by the mileage I got from the Pirelli Sport Demon at the rear. 3K miles is definitely on the low side.

[ This message was edited by: Max_NYC on 2007-06-04 22:53 ]

monkey-butt · 06-05-2007

I have been riding on Metzler Z6 sport touring tires. got over 20,000Km on them still look and "feel" pretty good.

This is on an '03 GSXR600 I had dunlops on originally only got 8,000Km outta them and the last 2,000km they were very slimey. Then tried the Pirellis Sport demons. Got about 12,000Km from those before the went SHAT. then tried the Metz z4 got about 20,000Km from those. Then went to the newer Metzler Z6. awsome tires.. and in the rain fan-friggin- tastic.

Highly recommentd the Z6 if you can find them in the Triumph size buy em I'm sure you won't be disapointed.

badrufus · 06-05-2007

Max-since you live in NYC, I'm assuming that airing up the tires is a little more complicated than just walking out the garage door, flipping on the compressor and voila. If you haven't been really on top of the air pressure, the rear can easily loose 3 pounds a week, and go down to 20 psi. Even if it's just down a few pounds it can accelerate wear. If you have been on top of it, then that's pretty interesting info on the Pirelli Sport Demons and takes them off the top of my replacement tire list. I was lucky and got a set of Metzlers on my 05 T100, rather than Bridgestones. I got the MEZ2 rear and ME33 Laser front, but now the fitment has switched (I think) to Lasertec. If I could stick with the MEZ2/ME33, I would for sure. What you get as a replacement rear depends on what you have at the front--its not recommended to mix brands. If you've got a Pirelli SD at the front, you may just need to replace the rear with the same, then replace them both next time and try something else. But get a new rear tire. I don't know if your logic about the tire profile is correct, simply because I don't know. Post that specific question though and find out what other people think. what kind of mileage did you get on the Dunlop GT501? What did you think of them? As far as the Metzler Z6, I'd call Metzler first, even if they have the size, simply because they will probably give you honest info on whether the Bonnie wheels are suited to those tires (I kinda doubt it). I've thought about contacting Metzler to ask if there was anything for the Bonnie other than the Lasertecs, ie something to really replace the MEZ2/ME33 pairing.

Max_NYC · 06-05-2007

Quote:

On 2007-06-04 23:25, badrufus wrote:
Max-since you live in NYC, I'm assuming that airing up the tires is a little more complicated than just walking out the garage door, flipping on the compressor and voila. If you haven't been really on top of the air pressure, the rear can easily loose 3 pounds a week, and go down to 20 psi. Even if it's just down a few pounds it can accelerate wear. If you have been on top of it, then that's pretty interesting info on the Pirelli Sport Demons and takes them off the top of my replacement tire list. I was lucky and got a set of Metzlers on my 05 T100, rather than Bridgestones. I got the MEZ2 rear and ME33 Laser front, but now the fitment has switched (I think) to Lasertec. If I could stick with the MEZ2/ME33, I would for sure. What you get as a replacement rear depends on what you have at the front--its not recommended to mix brands. If you've got a Pirelli SD at the front, you may just need to replace the rear with the same, then replace them both next time and try something else. But get a new rear tire. I don't know if your logic about the tire profile is correct, simply because I don't know. Post that specific question though and find out what other people think. what kind of mileage did you get on the Dunlop GT501? What did you think of them? As far as the Metzler Z6, I'd call Metzler first, even if they have the size, simply because they will probably give you honest info on whether the Bonnie wheels are suited to those tires (I kinda doubt it). I've thought about contacting Metzler to ask if there was anything for the Bonnie other than the Lasertecs, ie something to really replace the MEZ2/ME33 pairing.

Also run a SD at the front.
I've always been on top of air pressure.
I don't remember precisely, but I got much more mileage from the Dunlop GT501. And to me, they stick the same to the asphalt than the Sport Demon's. I just didn't like the way the GT501 squared off.

badrufus · 06-05-2007

What kind of mileage did you have when the GT started to square off. My rear Metzler was cupping at about 6k miles.

KingStreetRat · 06-05-2007

jeeesshhh!!!! 3k and you need a new tire???!

I have 6K on mine and they look brand new.

and yeh, I ride it hard.

you''re local roads made of sandpaper????