Which is the tyre with the best grip?...

Cosmin · Jun 10, 2009

Hello everyone,

Sorry if the subject was already discussed - I've searched in similar topics but haven't found a straight answer...

My question is: which tyre is most suitable for FJR for best grip? I'm currently using the OEM Metzeler Z6, I ride mostly on curves and the front tyre scared me a few times with lack of grip on dry (I'm always riding with wife and luggage -> more weight on rear and load decrease on front = lack of front grip?!...).

About Michelin Pilot Road 2 I've read that they have some "handling" issues and many riders complain about them. Bridgestone BT020 - it's a "cold and hard rubber" tyre - so, perhaps, grip is not quite excellent; BT 021 - some riders complain about it with noise and vibrations issues - what about grip?...

I was thinking to try Pilot Power or Pilot Power 2CT - is it too soft and sensitive for FJR?... On the previous bike (Honda CBR600 - almost 100kg less than FJR) I had, among others, a pair of Pilot Power - except the lifetime it was the best tyre tried be me. I'm just concerned that Pilot Power might be too sensitive on FJR due to the weight and it might peel, crack etc.

So let me know if anyone has tried Pilot Power standard or 2CT version and which are the impressions (grip, behaviour, lifetime etc).

Thanks a lot.

johnny80s · Jun 10, 2009

Cosmin said:
Hello everyone,
Sorry if the subject was already discussed - I've searched in similar topics but haven't found a straight answer...

My question is: which tyre is most suitable for FJR for best grip? I'm currently using the OEM Metzeler Z6, I ride mostly on curves and the front tyre scared me a few times with lack of grip on dry (I'm always riding with wife and luggage -> more weight on rear and load decrease on front = lack of front grip?!...).

About Michelin Pilot Road 2 I've read that they have some "handling" issues and many riders complain about them. Bridgestone BT020 - it's a "cold and hard rubber" tyre - so, perhaps, grip is not quite excellent; BT 021 - some riders complain about it with noise and vibrations issues - what about grip?...

I was thinking to try Pilot Power or Pilot Power 2CT - is it too soft and sensitive for FJR?... On the previous bike (Honda CBR600 - almost 100kg less than FJR) I had, among others, a pair of Pilot Power - except the lifetime it was the best tyre tried be me. I'm just concerned that Pilot Power might be too sensitive on FJR due to the weight and it might peel, crack etc.

So let me know if anyone has tried Pilot Power standard or 2CT version and which are the impressions (grip, behaviour, lifetime etc).

Thanks a lot.

I ran a set of Pilot Power 2CTs. They wear fast and grip well. I am running PR2s and love them. I do not have any handling issues and will be buying these again. I have seen Fairlaner ride like he was on fire with a set of these and they stick very nicely. If you haven't met him yet he is a crazy som'bitch and can ride. They will also last you longer then the 2CTs. I would start with the PR2s and see how you like them.

Fastfar · Jun 10, 2009

I have had great results with the Avon Storms and the Metz M3 Sportec's...I hated the Z6's front tire profile, and the rears didn't last fer doggy do, the tires feel stiff to me...YMMV but the best I can expect for my roads and riding style is 5K per set...so the stickier the better, but tire mileage counts too, I can't afford 4 sets of tires a year if they cost like the PR2's, and everyone I know who runs Pilot Powers on the street gets around 1200 to 2500 miles a set...can't afford that either.

Jagermeister · Jun 10, 2009

Pirelli Stradas offer outstanding grip; Dunlop RoadSmarts are nearly as good. The FJR is just too heavy for a front Bt-021.

To save a little money without sacrificing grip, Front Strada & Rear Bt-021 is my favorite combo.

mdisher · Jun 10, 2009

I prefer radials...

Is it Friday yet?

black cherry · Jun 12, 2009

I've got a Pilot Power on the front with about 4 1/2K on it. The tire is just about on the wear bar and will be replaced in the next few weeks. It is just starting to show a ridge on either side of the center patch, but then again, it's just about worn out too. I have felt very comfortable with this tire, the only wobble I've got out of it was on a wet paint line in the road.

I would buy this tire again if it were not for the PR2 on the back that has instilled the same confidence as the Power with the added benifet of being 7K miles old and still has a good 1 to 2K left in it. ( With no signs of uneven wear )

I think the FJR may be a tad heavy for the Power. I'll buy a pair of PR2's next.

colin · Jun 12, 2009

black cherry said:
I think the FJR may be a tad heavy for the Power. I'll buy a pair of PR2's next.

what do you mean by that?

A friend has given me a very lightly used set of PP, looking to throw them on the FJR because, well, they are free tires.....

black cherry · Jun 12, 2009

It's not anything I can prove with science or anything, it's just a softer tire than the PR2 and has worn quicker. Because it's soft, it grips better, which is good. I wouldn't hesitate to put more Power's on my bike, but the PR2 is in my opinion just as confidence inspiring and lasts longer. ( So more cost effective to me )

If you don't want those free Powers, let me know!

colin · Jun 12, 2009

ok, cool, yeah, i know its softer. was thinking you were getting into flex or something, in that it is too heavy to be used with the bike (which I didn't think was the case).

I wouldn't mind passing them along....but shipping might be a bit of a showstopper...

Cosmin · Jun 12, 2009

black cherry said:
I've got a Pilot Power on the front with about 4 1/2K on it. The tire is just about on the wear bar and will be replaced in the next few weeks. It is just starting to show a ridge on either side of the center patch, but then again, it's just about worn out too. I have felt very comfortable with this tire, the only wobble I've got out of it was on a wet paint line in the road.I would buy this tire again if it were not for the PR2 on the back that has instilled the same confidence as the Power with the added benifet of being 7K miles old and still has a good 1 to 2K left in it. ( With no signs of uneven wear )

I think the FJR may be a tad heavy for the Power. I'll buy a pair of PR2's next.

Hello,

Actually you have the answer for my question because my biggest concern was the front tyre grip and I was wondering how PP is behaving... 4500 miles (7200km) is acceptable if the grip is excellent. In my case, perhaps due to the fact that I always ride with my wife and luggage the front is unloaded and this is diminishing the front grip so that's why I wanted to try the best grip tyre.

Pilot Power for rear tyre might be too "sensitive" for FJR's weight - I used it on the previous bike (CBR600 - 100kg slimmer) but it was full of small cuts and scratches from the dust or little stones on the road...

I suppose PP on the front "cooperates" fine with a rear PR2 or even PP 2CT - this will be my next combination :yahoo:

odot · Jun 12, 2009

I use vasoline on my tyres so they don't wear down. Instead of gripping they just glide along. Oh, wait, is it astro-glide I'm using?

git-r-dan · Jun 12, 2009

Avon storms for me. This will be my 3rd set going on in a couple of weeks. I'm getting around 10 - 11k on them because of a lot of highway miles. They developed them with soft rubber on the sides and harder rubber on top. I've heard some are only getting around 7 - 8k on them and that's probably from harder riding. They are very grippy in the rain cornering through turns. Love em'.

DCH · Jun 12, 2009

I ran a set of Pilot Power 2CTs. They wear fast and grip well. I am running PR2s and love them. I do not have any handling issues and will be buying these again. I have seen Fairlaner ride like he was on fire with a set of these and they stick very nicely. If you haven't met him yet he is a crazy som'bitch and can ride. They will also last you longer then the 2CTs. I would start with the PR2s and see how you like them.

I would like to try the PRII but no one has the 180/55/ZR 17 B that supposedly is required for the FJR rear. SWMoto Tire doesn't have them, Dennis Kirk doesn't have them,Motorcycle Superstore doesn't have them. Anyone have a source for the B or are you guys even running them.

Thanks,

DCH

Capt. Bob · Jun 12, 2009

odot said:
I use vasoline on my tyres so they don't wear down. Instead of gripping they just glide along. Oh, wait, is it astro-glide I'm using?

One's in paste form, the other oil..

So which is it? :dirol:

johnny80s · Jun 12, 2009

DCH said:
I would like to try the PRII but no one has the 180/55/ZR 17 B that supposedly is required for the FJR rear. SWMoto Tire doesn't have them, Dennis Kirk doesn't have them,Motorcycle Superstore doesn't have them. Anyone have a source for the B or are you guys even running them.Thanks,

DCH

I just run the regular model.

200cs · Jun 15, 2009

I just removed a rear Pirelli Diablo Strada at 3300 miles and it was completely worn out showing mucho cord. I replaced it with a Pilot Road 2, both of these were the heavy load range for our bikes. I have had the PR2 on long enough to see that it handles well and should give decent life, however it is nothing compared to the Strada in the handeling department. I may go back to Strada's after this one wears out because it was a great tire.........

Bustanut joker · Jun 15, 2009

odot said:
I use vasoline on my tyres so they don't wear down. Instead of gripping they just glide along. Oh, wait, is it ass-tro-glide I'm using?

The latter, jackass..

:jester:

GPRIDER · Jun 16, 2009

I would like to try the PRII but no one has the 180/55/ZR 17 B that supposedly is required for the FJR rear. SWMoto Tire doesn't have them, Dennis Kirk doesn't have them,Motorcycle Superstore doesn't have them. Anyone have a source for the B or are you guys even running them.

Thanks,

DCH

What B? I thought the PR2s were good to go for the FJR. I don't remember reading anything about people on the forum running a B version. Anybody have any clarification.

GP

C&C · Jun 17, 2009

Seems the 'B' version is just a tad bit more robust and is recommended for two up riding (or heavily ladden bikes). The standard PR2 does great all on it's lonesome though. Your choice more than anything.

Which is the tyre with the best grip?...

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