Check out Sportriders Feb issue (tire tests)

[OB_valklex]

I think that as usual with biased magazines, they throw a lot of info without any conclusions, and not even calculated thread wear tests (which is crucial to most of us). They mention that even changing tire brands with the same numbers (e.g. 190-55 zr17 rear) they have different circumferences and the bike has to be shimmed in front, preloaded on the back and a lot more crap. Do you have to do that if you switch, for example, to the michelin pilot sports?

 

[OB_gsx1300rguy]

Dont forget these are pro`s who can actually tell the difference on degrees of rake and trail..I dont think most of us fit into that class.It looks like the Avon`s faired the worst in wear and the Bstones ss did the best.The Pilots are the obvious winner minus the long scrub time.The Dragons look like a close second.I have the Avons on my bike now and what they said about them are right on .Looks like the Pilots or Dragons are my next sneakers.Kawabuser has the Pilots and he can tell you about them.

 

[OB_gsx1300rguy]

Look like a winner! They test both street and race compounds...it`s about time!

 

[OB_BullDog]

Too cheap to buy the mag, what about the dunlop D207ZR's??

 

[OB_valklex]

Hey guys: talking about tires, do you use the stated (whatever it is) pressure on the black label or a different one? I always ride by myself, all 165 lb. of me plus gear.

 

[OB_KawAbuser]

I love the Pilots here is another write up on the Pilots of rthose interested.
http://207.168.125.101/index/features/michelin/michelin.htm

Bill, funny enough is that I have a set of new Pirelli's on the Dymags and the suspension mods should be through in the next couple of weeks.

[This message has been edited by KawAbuser (edited 10 December 1999).]

 

[OB_gsx1300rguy]

Ok for you thrifty guys out there here goes.
#1 Mich Pilots 175.5 points ,(+)best traction,light to moderate wear,(-)worst warm up/scrub time ,center section gives stiff highway ride but great compliance when on the bumpys in the corners.
#2pirelli Dragon evo 173 points(+)excellent traction,better than average tread wear,quickest turn in.(-) Stiff ride.
#3Bridge stones ss 168.5 points (+)excellent traction,best tread wear,excellent bump absorbtion,(-) long scrub in time ,slight numbness under hard braking.
#4 Metz mez3 168 points(+) excellent traction,great tread wear,.(-) very stiff side wall ,gets unnerving in bumpy corners.
#5 167 dunlop 207 167 points (+) High traction,very good stability.(-)long warm up time,stiff ride,moderate tread wear.
#5 Avon Azero 165 points (+) Smoothest ride and best bump absorbtion on highway/corners,quickest scrub/warm up,.(-) worst tread wear,moderate turn in effort.I guess its all in the riding you do.They didn`t have a rain test because I guess it hasn`t rained there in months.I dont think you can go wrong with any of these tires.

[This message has been edited by gsx1300rguy (edited 10 December 1999).]

 

[OB_gsx1300rguy]

Hey Kawabuser how are those pilots in the rain and on these cold NewEngland roads?