Tire recommendations

While my stock Michelin Pilot Sports were excellent on the twisty canyon roads this fall in the Black Hills the 1000 mile round trip there and back two-up with full bags trashed them pretty good. I got a strong recommendation for Metzlers (forgot which model) from a sharp young guy at the dealership and I read about the new Pirelli Diablo Strada sport touring tire in the new Motorcyclist this month.

This year's riding plans include a couple of 1000 mile round trips (1-up now - the wife is getting her own bike again) before the big one this late summer when we head out to the Canadian Rockies and the PacNW and CA (estimating 6k miles in 2.0 to 2.5 weeks). Lots of state highway slab getting to places but when we get there we are looking for fun places to ride (don't own and don't want to own a trailer).

So - let's hear from some of you folks that actually take your Duc's on some long rides. What holds up for 6K, works decent in the rain while giving you a warm feeling at a 9/10th's pace in the twisties?

As I never do long rides loaded down on my ST4 (that's what BMW-riding buddies are for, pack-muling!) I can't say realistically what kind of effect loaded bags have on tire wear but I can tell you that even with my aggressive riding (twisties included) I got just under 8K mi out of my Sports. That was pushing it. And I keep the pressure relatively soft.

I think it may be Metz M6's or something with a 6 in the name; my BMW buddy got a set earlier in the year based on high reccomndtns.

FWIW I have been hearing great things about Pilot Powers (which are actually the Sports' successors - Sports are no longer being produced from what I've learned) though they may not take you past 6K.

Avon St 45/46s have been good to us on tours out West. The Ducs are generally about 100 lbs lighter than the Beemers, but almost twice the RwHp. I get about 6k out of one rear on our ST4s. It has been about 2 rears to one front, but here's my stats; 250 lbs, run with both bags chock full, MagsBags U-bag on top of those with all camping gear, and a daypack/backpack set into the middle of the U-bag. The Avons are affordable and great at 9/10s on aggressive canyon runs.
We run either 94 or Hwy 2 out west to the edge of eastern Montana. Last year in a full on downpour we were running with an M3 on the freeway/94. Ran for about 20 minutes at 100-130mph, fully loaded, the Avons didn't squirm. Extremely stable. The wife's bike is fitted with the newer Mez6s.
She runs a '91 K100RS on X-country hauls. So far the 6s have been pretty damn impressive as well. They aren't quite as good for full on race mode but I think their longevity may put them on the ST4s next, if they have a tire to fit, which they should. Running a stable of 7 bikes between 2 people who run a combined mileage of around 40k a year, we change our own tires. More mileage per rear=less bloddy knuckles. Good luck in your shopping and try not to put too much weight on what the mags say. Keep throwing out ?s in the forums.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by turn1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Avon St 45/46s have been good to us </TD></TR></TABLE>

I run same on my GSXF 1100 and they're great tires indeed. I just, for some reason based not on facts or performance , haven't made the call to run them on my ST4. I am getting closer and closer but really want to try the Powers first. Anyways my point is the Avons are excellent tires too

I just put Pilot Powers on my K1200RS and wish I had them on my ST4S. They are alot softer than the sports and I got only 4500 on my sports on the duc.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by gesauce &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just put Pilot Powers on my K1200RS and wish I had them on my ST4S. They are alot softer than the sports and I got only 4500 on my sports on the duc.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Ditto that!.....I love'em. Damn good tires, so what if I have to change them in another 3 to 4 thousand. Good sticky fun, and they bite like the dickens on the twisties.

[couchflyer]

Where did everybody go?

[Novecento SS]

i put over 10k on my pilot road tires.. and two track days.. i was riding a monster 620... however i just bought Bridgestone 021's.. for my SS... i heard good things about them..

[socaltwin69]

Pilot roads are the way to go you won't even notice the difference in grip on the street.

[Ducati BOB]

I have been using the Pirelli Diablo Strada's. Wear, grip, heat-up time, over all handling, weight, durability and confidence all equal to an A+ in my book. I between 6-7K on my ST. Pirelli is to release the Angel ST later this year. This will be the next set of tires for me.

Angel ST motorcycle tyres | innovative tyres - PIRELLI TYRE

I also had the Metzler Road-Tech 6, which I also really liked. The Pirelli Strada's seem a little better. You really cant go wrong either way. Plus they are WAY!!! less $ when compaired to the Pilot Road II 2CT.

Give them a try, you wont be disappointed!!!

[BC999S]

I've been completely satisfied with a new pair of Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart. I've got 8k km on them and they look nearly new.

[jet057]

Originally Posted by Ducati BOB

I have been using the Pirelli Diablo Strada's. Wear, grip, heat-up time, over all handling, weight, durability and confidence all equal to an A+ in my book. I between 6-7K on my ST. Pirelli is to release the Angel ST later this year. This will be the next set of tires for me.

Angel ST motorcycle tyres | innovative tyres - PIRELLI TYRE

I also had the Metzler Road-Tech 6, which I also really liked. The Pirelli Strada's seem a little better. You really cant go wrong either way. Plus they are WAY!!! less $ when compaired to the Pilot Road II 2CT.

Give them a try, you wont be disappointed!!!

....I totaly agree Bob,by far the best tire i've ever had on my bike.