afterburn
Modding Mechanic
For those interested in tires and like the Michelin Pilot Powers, I can tell you there is a new kid on the block that is taking over the neighbourhood.
Last weekend I wanted to get out for a ride, but as luck would have it I found out I had a flat rear when I pushed it off the stand. Nail; luckily it brought me home before deflating and it was more or less worn anyway. That left me scrambling for a new set of tires. I initially wanted to try a set of Metzeler Z6's as they'd wear a little slower on the FJR, but the FJR specific tires were not available. Shit. What now?
Well, I went with a little experiment. I mounted a set of the new Metzeler Sportec M3's. I have always loved the older M1's due to their excellent grip, handling and feel, so I was curious to the new version. They promise better dry and wet grip, quick warmup (not that that was ever an issue with the M1) and upto 40% better wear. These qualities put them right up there with the Michelins.
Well, having done a few hundred miles on these babies I can tell you they do not disappoint. These tires rock. In my opinion, they are better than the Michelins. Grip is great from the go. Turn-in is slightly slower than the MPP, but it holds lines better and more effortlessly. The don't straighten up the bike when braking in turns. Ride is more comfortable, and feedback is better. They are more stable at speed than the Michelins, though sportstires do make the FJR a bit sensative for wind and turbulance. Haven't done any wet riding yet, but the M1's were very confidence inspiring tires the wet. If they are even better, anyone is going to have a problem keeping up in the rain.
Obviously I have no idea on wear just yet. Having done only a few hundred miles on them, they are just barely scrubbed in from side to side. If they wear as promised and keep up about as long as the Michelins, Metzeler really has a winner here. I can wholeheartly recommend trying these tires when you are looking to replace yours.
PS: I know a lot of you just frown at running sports tires on the FJR due to mileage and such, but some of us like to ride a little more aggressive and use the bike more towards it's sportsbike potential.
Last weekend I wanted to get out for a ride, but as luck would have it I found out I had a flat rear when I pushed it off the stand. Nail; luckily it brought me home before deflating and it was more or less worn anyway. That left me scrambling for a new set of tires. I initially wanted to try a set of Metzeler Z6's as they'd wear a little slower on the FJR, but the FJR specific tires were not available. Shit. What now?
Well, I went with a little experiment. I mounted a set of the new Metzeler Sportec M3's. I have always loved the older M1's due to their excellent grip, handling and feel, so I was curious to the new version. They promise better dry and wet grip, quick warmup (not that that was ever an issue with the M1) and upto 40% better wear. These qualities put them right up there with the Michelins.
Well, having done a few hundred miles on these babies I can tell you they do not disappoint. These tires rock. In my opinion, they are better than the Michelins. Grip is great from the go. Turn-in is slightly slower than the MPP, but it holds lines better and more effortlessly. The don't straighten up the bike when braking in turns. Ride is more comfortable, and feedback is better. They are more stable at speed than the Michelins, though sportstires do make the FJR a bit sensative for wind and turbulance. Haven't done any wet riding yet, but the M1's were very confidence inspiring tires the wet. If they are even better, anyone is going to have a problem keeping up in the rain.
Obviously I have no idea on wear just yet. Having done only a few hundred miles on them, they are just barely scrubbed in from side to side. If they wear as promised and keep up about as long as the Michelins, Metzeler really has a winner here. I can wholeheartly recommend trying these tires when you are looking to replace yours.
PS: I know a lot of you just frown at running sports tires on the FJR due to mileage and such, but some of us like to ride a little more aggressive and use the bike more towards it's sportsbike potential.
