[jeffster]

Hello all. Been reading the posts re: tires on this section and in the tires sticky also. Will reduce my tire pressure from 35/41 to about 34/38 per your recommendations. Hopefully that should cure some of the handling ills. Have little tread left on the Michelin Pilot Roads that were on the bike when I bought it, will need tires soon. Not crazy about the Pilot Roads, this gives me a chance to change. I have heard (here and elsewhere) great things about the Z 6s and BT 014s. Here I can ride year round, and we are now in rainy season. I also ride on back roads, which often have poor surfaces. Now through March or April, there is a lot of sludge, muck, gunk, slop, ****, leaves, twigs, branches, trees, sand, gravel, mud, mudslides and general debris on the roads. So, due to 1.) poor roads, 2.) rainy season debris, in addition to the usual assortment of sport / sport touring tires, I was thinking about tires such as the fairly new Dunlop D 616 or the Pirelli Scorpion Sync, which are both marketed as dual-sport tires, with an emphasis on road performance, both of which seem like they could handle less than optimum road surfaces. Anyone have any experience with these two tires or similar or recommendations ? Or should I just be the guinea pig for the D 616 or Scorpion Syncs as my contribution to this forum?

I was really young when I was born.



[ This message was edited by: jeffster on 2006-12-20 01:06 ]

 

[DaveM]

jeffster,
hi buddy. I have no experience with these new dual sport type tyres, actually I havent even seen them.

If you have a lot of wet goopy conditions then I would also suggest the Avon Azaro 45 /46 ST tyres (sport tour) as they are excellent in the wet and dry and handle very well they also have very deep and plentiful grooves for draining away water.

I have had several sets on my GSX R600 and one set on my Sprint.
I have these pics in my album, see here a well worn rear Azaro;

A well worn front Azaro

cheers,
Davem

 

[Dusty]

Jeffster, I think we need to persuade DaveM to test the new Avon Storm ST which replaces the Azaro ST. I fancied the Azaros at change time next year, but need some pioneers' comments on the new one before I take the plunge! Chances are, the Azaros won't be available by then. The only problem with DaveM is that he'll wear them out in Sydney's summer so we won't know how they are in the wet! :razz:

 

[jeffster]

Dave M & Dusty,
Thanks guys for the comments. I'll look up the Avon Azaro/Storms. Dave M - how many miles or km do you get out of a set of the Avons ? The front looks good, but the rear looks like you've been shredding it either from burnouts or slides or both. (?) Shredding is fun !! I just got done checking prices on the web on the D 616s. Ron Ayers has them both for $193 USD + $20 shipping. For some reason they are cheaper than most of the other tires available for Sprints - I suspect that Dunlop is holding the price down in an effort to promote this relatively new tire. They were original equipment on the Buell "dual-sport" bike for a while, now Buell is using Pirelli Scorpion Syncs. The Dunlop is mostly marketed as a good rain tire, actually marketed as a "hybrid" tire, whatever that is, but how would they be in the dry ? I don't really know anything about them. The only independent comment on the web on this tire is in German - and another on topspeed.com. I'm gonna sleep on it, but am tempted to order them and let you all know what they're like.



[ This message was edited by: jeffster on 2006-12-18 03:31 ]

 

[Thefallenone]

I have used and love the Avon Azaro's but my local tyre dealer says there are better tyres in the wet. For my next set it will be either MEZ6's or Conti Road Attacks.

Kev

 

[Paul262]

I Picked up my RS almost two years ago now and it came with what I assumed to be the standard BT020's. The bike had done about 4500miles so I knew the tyres were to be changed in the following few months. I eventually decided on the Metz Z6's on recommendations from friends on similar weighted sports tourers. I can honestly say it was a good recommendation. The tyres have now got approx 10k miles on them and are still looking ok for another couple before getting changed. The feel in the wet and dry is on a par if not better than the 020's but being honest, they never get pushed anywhere near their limits and I'm a total wuss in the wet. Would rather get home in one piece than slide it down the road.
I do 50 miles each day to work and back and the only reason I'm having to change them soon is becuase the rear has started to square off. I'm happy to change with the mileage I've had out of them and I've been looking around to see what else is available.
Unsure of the continental road attacks as I've heard the feel is extremely wierd with a resistance to turn in at the front.
Wouldnt mind trying a set of Azaro ST's but havent heard much feedback on them.
Might stick with the Z6's as its now a tyre I know and the dealer round the corner from me offers supply and fit for £170. and if anyone is near, its Jim Allan in Falkirk.

I'm going to continue my search for reviews.........zzzzzzzzzzz

 

[DaveM]

Paul,
there is plenty of feed back about Azaro's if you read the tyre sticky at the top and also the revieew in the review section.

I can also testify that the azaro is an excellent wet tyre. I used it for two years in NZ and had several sets on my GSX R600.

Cheers,
Davem

 

[pushr0d]

Jeffster,

I bought a set of Azaro's from motoxoutlet.com. They had a great price.

Haven't mounted them; haven't burned out the mounted Battlax's yet.

 

[2ndSpace]

Jeffster

I have run the Scorpion Sync. I had good results on road. They handled well both wet and dry and lasted decent miles (6000). Offroad I am a not as impressed. They provided good feel and traction, but the center of the tire is thin and easily punctured twice.

I was going to go with the D616 but they were hard to find.

Unlike most here I am not a fan of the Azaro's. They were great until the raod got wet. I seem to be the only one who had this problem here, but one of my friends and the same problems I did and we had to let ouf group run ahead of us.

I have been very pleased with the Conti Road Attack on the ST. The Diablo Strada has worked well on the FZ and may go on the ST next.

 

[jeffster]

Thanks again, men, for all the feedback. I'm not sure about the Azaros. For me it is mostly between the D-616s, Z 6s, BT-014s. The BT 014s would probably handle great, but would likely have decreased mileage. The Z 6 sounds like one of the best all around tires + great mileage. The D 616s would be the wild card, capable in the rainy season, but dry handling and longevity would be the unknowns. I recently learned that Dunlop is an American outfit and that John Dunlop made what was likely the first working pnuematic tire in about 1888 !! For right now I am just sitting on it, can probably run another 1-2K on the Pilot Roads. RonAyers.com has great prices on the major brands with only $20 shipping/set if you are Stateside. 2ndSpace - Pirelli is now promoting the Strada as an extended mileage sport touring tire.

A weld in time saves nine.
Jeff




[ This message was edited by: jeffster on 2006-12-20 01:10 ]

 

[2ndSpace]

On 2006-12-19 19:42, jeffster wrote:
Thanks again, men, for all the feedback. I'm not sure about the Azaros. For me it is mostly between the D-616s, Z 6s, BT-014s. The BT 014s would probably handle great, but would likely have decreased mileage. The Z 6 sounds like one of the best all around tires + great mileage. The D 616s would be the wild card, capable of the rainy season, but dry handling and longevity would be the unknowns. I recently learned that Dunlop was an American outfit and that John Dunlop made what was likely the first workable pnuematic tire in about 1888 !! For right now I am just sitting on it, can probably run another 1-2K on the Pilot Roads. RonAyers.com has great prices on the major brands with only $20 shipping/set if you are Stateside. 2ndSpace - Pirelli is now promoting the Strada as an extended mileage sport touring tire.

A weld in time saves nine.
Jeff

The Z6 and the diablo Strada are basically the same tire. The Stradas are a few bucks less that is why I got em. I have ridden with a a friend who rides a Uly and he has nothing bad to say about the D616 they lasted about 6k. He rode them across the country and very hard in the Rockies.

try swmototires.com no shipping on sets. great service,

 

[jeffster]

Thanks 2ndspace,
First time I've heard any independent comment on the D 616s. I should check out a Buell forum for comments on them. It looks like I'm down to either the D 616 or the Z6/Strada. I forgot to mention that kgmotorcycletires.com has a special on a set of Bridgestone BT-014s for the Sprint for just $225 with no shipping ! Then there are always the Dunlop D 220s and the Pirelli Scorpion Syncs. I'll just flip a coin in a cupla days and settle it, but I just remembered that I don't gamble. 6K on the D 616s is acceptable and my credit card closing date was yesterday ... However, right now Dunlop workers are on strike, so I'll have to check availability. Yeah, the tread pattern of the Stradas & Z 6s are almost identical. If I rode Stradas on many different roads would I get a Multistrada ?
jeffster


[ This message was edited by: jeffster on 2006-12-19 23:39 ]

 

[Dusty]

Jeffster,
You may find the following link interesting.Please note Dunlop's nationality!John Boyd Dunlop
Good luck with the tyre quest.

 

[cyclebob]

On the end of my fourth set of Conti Road Attacks. The front wears faster than I was used to, but then I'm told I'm pushin' those corners faster than I used to. By the way, the fifth pair is just waiting to be mounted.

Didn't care for the Bridgestones, and the Michellan Pilot Roads made the bike handle sluggishly.

[ This message was edited by: cyclebob on 2006-12-20 14:39 ]

 

[2ndSpace]

Multistrada... :-D :hammer:


Cyclebob,

I am on my 4th or 5th set on Attacks and have noticed the sides of the front wear along with the rear. I have been told that they are dual compound. Twice I have been able to see the logo in the center of the front but the sides were gone. I am a fan of the Conti's. I agree on the Bridgestones, 020 suck.

Jeffster

If you get the dunlops let me know what you think of them on dirt roads and in the rain.

 

[dolson]

Rides:
'00 Sprint ST
'83 Honda VT 500 Ascot

Joined: Jul 24, 2006
Posted: 2006-12-18 02:29
Dave M & Dusty,
Thanks guys for the comments. I'll look up the Avon Azaro/Storms. Dave M - how many miles or km do you get out of a set of the Avons ? The front looks good, but the rear looks like you've been shredding it either from burnouts or slides or both. (?) Shredding is fun !! I just got done checking prices on the web on the D 616s. Ron Ayers has them both for $193 USD + $20 shipping. For some reason they are cheaper than most of the other tires available for Sprints - I suspect that Dunlop is holding the price down in an effort to promote this relatively new tire. They were original equipment on the Buell "dual-sport" bike for a while, now Buell is using Pirelli Scorpion Syncs. The Dunlop is mostly marketed as a good rain tire, actually marketed as a "hybrid" tire, whatever that is, but how would they be in the dry ? I don't really know anything about them. The only independent comment on the web on this tire is in German - and another on topspeed.com. I'm gonna sleep on it, but am tempted to order them and let you all know what they're like.

Don't ask DaveM he gets about 25km pet set. :razz:

Don

 

[DaveM]

Thank you "The Don" :hammer: :-D :-D


Sorry jeffster I missed your question.

Here'a the answer:

Avon Azaro 45/46 ST's I average around 6,500 kilometers a set. Great tyres all round.

Others;

Michelin Pilot Powers I average about 4,500 kilometers a set.
Very good grip and fastest turn in around, reasonable wear.

Dunlop Qualifiers lasted 3,000 kms.
Loads of fun but too soft. Would be ok on a track day.

Current Bridgestone Battlax BT 002 Race / sport have covered 2000kms and looking very worn on the edges and the middle is not too bad so far.
Also loads of fun and quite soft but time will tell.

There Donski that was more than 25 kms!
:-D :-D :-D

DaveM

 

[jeffster]

Dave M, You must be The Shredder !! Maybe you should open a wholesale acct with one of the tire mfgrs. and get them shipped direct.
2nd Space, if I get the Dunlops I will advise and post my experience and non-expert opinion here since no one here has (apparently) tried them yet.
Bottom line on tires is that most of the mfgrs make a decent sport touring tire, so it comes down to personal preference. I am now down to the D616s or the Z 6s. I have never heard a negative comment on the Z 6s. Z 6s and Stradas are almost identical. Pricewise, Z 6s run $229 incl shipping from RonAyers.com, the Stradas run $227 incl shipping from SWmototires. Pretty much a draw.
The D 616s got a comment on motorradonline.de. I ran it through the Alta Vista translator (that's High View for the Spanish-challenged.) The translators aren't smooth, but the gist of it was that a Motorrad test rider got a shot at them and basically liked the "tidy" handling enough for them to hope that it would only be a little time before they were exported to the Fatherland. Jah !! If the Germans like them, then they must be good, right ?
Followed Dusty's link to the history of John Dunlop. How he could prevail against the original pneumatic tire patent holder is beyond me, but it demonstrates two subtle human issues - 1. influence, 2. karma - dare I say that here ?
So D-616s or Z 6s. I just reread the early tires stickys. Dolson is the expert on the Z6s, with great reviews. Still running them, Dolson ? Or current alternative ?
Checked out the Avon catalog only to find out that Pete Wilson is the senior test rider for Avon. Pete Wilson !! Pete Wilson used to be the governor of California ! I'm glad he got a gig after his gubernatorial run. Probably more fun testing moto tires anyway, but I'd miss the rides in the jet copter.
Lowered the rear tire pressure today, did a test run, found a marked improvement. As the bike comes into shape & I learn to ride better, by about 2085, say 2095 at latest, I should be reasonably proficient.
Jeff

When I was young I asked my father what centimeters were and he told me that they were inches for little people.


[ This message was edited by: jeffster on 2006-12-21 17:51 ]

 

[jeffster]

Hi again, I know I'm a bit long-winded, but I enjoy writing. Now we're deep into the rainy season here, with alternate days of rain & sun. I just ran one of the routes I ride a lot and observed that most of the roads, in the sections that receive little or no sun, are glazed over. They won't dry out until spring. They're neither wet nor dry but worse to ride on than wet - if you would rate a dry, concrete road a 10 and a muddy road a 1, glazed roads must be a 3 or 4, rainy roads a 4 - 6. In other words you can ride on them, but the usual antics aren't possible, at least not the Pilot Roads. Would the Scorpion Syncs or D-616s or any moto tire do the job ? I don't know. I do know that motorcycles function only within a very limited set of operational parameters - violate those parameters and you will get an asphalt or concrete or worse thrashing.
Found more info on the D-616s. One post at www.partsmag.com was a kind of hyped up post for the aftermarket moto industry. Good posts were located on www.advrider.com, for "adventure" riders, mostly on Buells, which were the 1st bikes outfitted with them. There the usual - some like the D-616s, some not. But there was some general consensus that due to the nature of the tread pattern, there was a bit of instability, especially over the ton. Something like when a big plane lands, there is some lateral movement, but it is in the nature of the design and/or runway pavement, not a design flaw. So in most circumstances it won't affect your riding.
I also checked out some Shinkos. They're quite cheap, supposed to be favored by the drag racers. Here we're more into curve surfing. Apparently after an earthquake in Kobe Japan, a Yokohama plant closed and a Korean outfit or the displaced Japanese sales reps bought the equipment and started making tires. Apparently they are passable to some, not to others, definitely not cutting-edge or quite state-of-the-art, as is a lot of Korean tech, electronics excepted. But they are substantially cheaper than anything else except the retreads, at about $165 the set.
For me the best overall choice of tire would likely be the Z-6s. I don't feel the Sprint is the right bike for even gravel or fire roads, what to speak of trails or off-road, but because I ride on these glazey, substandard roads, I'm still considering the D-616s. I think they look knarly, totally rad, bitchin' & kewl, but that alone is certainly not enough reason to buy them. Anyone else seen any additional posts ? I could be the guinea pig for the D-616s, but then I'm not a guinea pig, I'm a human, at least most of the time.
jeffster


[ This message was edited by: jeffster on 2006-12-23 21:20 ]

 

[jeffster]

Happy Holidays, all. Today being Christmas, took the wife out on some of the back roads around here, my usual haunts. I usually ride solo and it is definitely more difficult riding two up, especially on those tight roads, w/worn tires. She is getting into leaning somewhat, but I still ride slower when I carry precious cargo (read "princess") and I don't want to scare her or she might not ride with me. Had a couple of small slides up there, but if you're gonna ride, you're gonna slide ! Again ran into some of the glazed-over sections. Coined a new name for them - "shizzle" - looks like they got drizzled on, but they're slick as sh.. .
Sent an email to Metzeler asking if they have plans to make larger sizes in the Tourance, ditto to Avon re: the Distanzia. We'll see if I get any replies.
Breaking news: on the Metzeler English-language website, they report that both Motorrad, the large German bike zine and a French bike zine have both rated the Metzeler Z6 as the top all around sport touring tire. But I'm wondering if what I'm trying to accomplish doesn't require a softer compound, per Dave M's theory.

"Wheelies and burnouts and slides, oh my !!" - What Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz might have said had she an interest in motorcycles.