The pregnant dog needs a new back tire, as my last commute to work took it down to the cords. Right now I'm running a Shinko Advance 005 170/60ZR17. I've been pretty happy with it, as I got 3500+ miles out of it and it's sticky enough for my (non-existant) abilities. I would like to try a sport-touring tire to get a little better mileage, as most of my riding is day trips w/ a bunch of harley guys. I don't want to sacrifice too much grip though, cause I'm starting to get better in the twisties and spend most of my time there when I'm not participating in a rolling roadblock. Any recommendations?
Does anyone make a dual compound ST tire, or are they all just med-soft?
Also, I get the impression from the local shops that 170's are not too common of a tire size. Seems that most are 160's or 180's. I don't think I can do 180's, as the 170 tire is already only 1/4" from the chain. Will I notice a huge difference in the way 160's feel versus the 170 I have now (difference in tire models nonwithstanding)?
Pilot Road 2 and the 160 should let you turn in a bit quicker.
Another vote for Road 2s.
Pirelli Angel STs are also supposed to be very nice.
What size is your rear wheel? Out of the box, 600s and 750s had 4.5 and ran a 160 tire. 900s came with a 5.5 and ran either 170 or 180. A 180 is too big for a 4.5, you would want a 160. A 5.5 will work better with a 180 than 170.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/0/0/Motorcycle-Tire-Finder/Tires.aspx?WT.ac=Street_Tires_-_Main6x6_1_03.11.11_TireFinder#&&Back=1-15-1-0-0-1-3-8 (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/0/0/Motorcycle-Tire-Finder/Tires.aspx?WT.ac=Street_Tires_-_Main6x6_1_03.11.11_TireFinder#&&Back=1-15-1-0-0-1-3-8)
There seem to be a lot of 170 tires available.
Angels are single compound if that matters to you, the pilot road 3's just came out, and i've heard good things about the roadsmarts and bt-023's.
Road 2s are good, Avon Storm II Ultras are great, and I've heard good things about the Pirelli Diablo Strada.
Bridgestone BT-021's, or 023's for wetter weather.
Over 7k on my 021's and still going, great for commuting and just enough grip for some knee-dragging fun!!