Stock Gen II tires.....why not?

[E Zurcher]

So it seems just about everyone here changes out the stock tires for something else. What is wrong with the stockers? What is gained by switching to a different type and what is given up? So far the stockers have not done me wrong and after 4300 miles I am sure I can get another 2K out of them at least. Not a street or track racer but does the increased wear rate really balance off with the increase in performance?

 

[twotonevert]

Its personal preference and what you are comfortable with. So far I like the 15's that are on there. I may go back with them when she is due or opt for the new Storm 2. Depends on the price tag when I am ready to buy.

 

[BA BUSA]

For the same price or less than the stock tire you can get one that has more grip...but it won't last as long.

Also you can get one that has about the same grip and lasts twice as long.

It's a personal choice depending on what you use the bike for.
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[Sous]

I swapped due to my style of riding. I went with a Pilot Road 2 and will get Pilot Road 3 when it is time to swap again. They are very good in turns, and have great tread life during my commute.

 

[Rick Ekstrom]

I switched to the Pilot R2 as well. The bike handles so much better in the turns you wont believe the difference. As said before, you will double your mileage as well.

 

[sixpack577]

I hated the stock tires(and have never been a Bridgestone fan). I rode my friends 2011 yesterday, I had forgotten just how heavy and slow the steering and turning feels with them.

 

[kromdom]

plain and simple IMHO.....guys change tires if the stockers are NOT delivering what they need/want in performance or mileage. And the budget also plays a big part in tire choice.

 

[Tufbusa]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the BT015 stockers. They work exceptionally well. However, the BT016 is an upgrade of the BTO15 with added tripple compound rear and dual compound front. The 16 in my view is near the top of the performance street tires and they last a bit longer than the 15.

And if you have concerns of the lateral grip of the BT016, check out the photo of the 16 in action. Notice how close the elbow is to the deck.

 

[sixpack577]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the BT015 stockers. They work exceptionally well. However, the BT016 is an upgrade of the BTO15 with added tripple compound rear and dual compound front. The 16 in my view is near the top of the performance street tires and they last a bit longer than the 15.

And if you have concerns of the lateral grip of the BT016, check out the photo of the 16 in action. Notice how close the elbow is to the deck.

I never said there was anything wrong with them, aside from the fact that I just don't like them. I think it would be hard to deny that they are very slow and heavy "feeling" compared to similiar tires though.

 

[E Zurcher]

Wow, Now that's usefull information. In all of the threads I looked at it was hard to figure out what gains/losses there were for the different tire choices.

Pilot R2s or BT-16s sound like the way to go for my style of riding.

 

[BA BUSA]

Pilot Road 2 will last about twice as long as the BT 016...but will not handle as well.
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[04Duramax]

I'm not to big on my stockers.. they are always breaking loose for one reason or another.. They'll be dead in another 2K or so.. So I'll deal with tem for now.

 

[ruder]

The BT-15 stock tires are "special" OEM tire manufactured for Suzuki. The spec between the OE and store is different. I believe the OE spec is less than the store tire - almost substandard. The idea is that most riders will not even come close to using what the tire and bike is capable of - which is true. That means you get a "cost-saving" tire from Suzuki.

From personal experience the OEM tire is not up to scratch for my riding style. They do not have enough grip. I replaced mine after the mandatory 1000km (600 mile) service, with a better type street/track tire.

For the best performance/wear balance put a hard/medium compound on the rear, and a medium/soft on the front. Currently I have a Pilot Road 2 on the rear and a Pilot Power 2CT on the front. Previously I had Metzeler K0 and K2 combo, but it only lasted 1000 miles, therefore too soft. This is what the Metzeler looked like after 1000 miles of twisties at 86F average (blistered and starting to seperate). The Metzelers are outstanding tires, and sticks like glue, but they are for track use - not usable for lunatic road riding.