New Tire

[PhoenixS4R]

Enjoyed meeting everyone at today's ride (4-18-10).  Much appreciation for the kindness of everyone in the group.

As a few people noticed, I need a new rear tire.  And, I am new to riding, so bare with me through a few stupid questions.


Can I change just the rear? The front is showing wear but I'm kinda cheap and I think I can run a couple thou more before replacing it.  Also, which tire do you guys recommend? Again this is my first motorcycle so I haven't had a chance to try different tires.

As far as mods go for the board, the reason why I'm posting this locally vs another part of the board is due to my belief that I'd rather get tires that people in my local area recommend.


Oh, I don't ride in the rain, so that would factor into a new tire suggestion I'd imagine.


Thanks guys!

[desmoquattro]

Sometimes you can get away with just a new rear. I didn't see your tire today (we got up late and did our own ride), but any decent shop can tell you when you need one.

[mostrobelle]

How old is the front?  Sometimes it's not just about wear.  If the thing has been on the bike for five years, but looks fine, it still needs changing.  If you're unsure, just buy new shoes for both front and rear this time.  There's a lot of things you can skimp out on with bikes, but the tires are the only thing between you and the ground.  It's cheap insurance to get them both done and then you can go through a couple of rears without changing the front.  If you're in SF Subterranean is a good place to go.  Make sure your chain is clean and lubed before you go in.  Just trust me...

[enzo]

As for tire choice, everyone has their favorites, and there's always a flavor of the month.  Truth be told, all the major brands are good, and you'll eventually find your favorite.  I like Bridgestones and Michelins.  Lot's of folks like the Michelin Pilot Powers because they are nice and sticky sport-oriented tires.  However, do yourself and your wallet a favor and assess the type of riding you do and buy accordingly.  For example, Pilot Powers won't last as long as the touring tires and might not offer a newer rider much more performance anyway.  Good shops like Subterranean, Supertireguy (no longer w/ Subterranean) or even Desmoto will point you in the right direction.

Oh, and don't get a fat 190 rear tire.  Stick to the stock size and you'll have more fun in the twisties.

[BikerGoddess]

Since you're new to riding, check out my recent post: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37395.0

[desmoquattro]

Oh, and don't get a fat 190 rear tire.  Stick to the stock size and you'll have more fun in the twisties.

What if your stock size is a 190?

[sidm]

I was about to start a thread on an almost identical topic, but thought I'd tack on to this one. PhoenixS4R, hope you don't mind.

I did a quick search here and didn't find my answer...

I’ve been riding Pilot Powers on my S4R, and really like the way they feel but not a fan of how long the suckers last, especially the rear. I typically do 1 (slow) trackday per set and a majority of riding in the mountains. In addition, I've found myself doing at least one 600-800 mile trip a year, sometimes two.  Having said that, I’m now contemplating getting the Pilot Road 2 instead of the PP since I’ve heard only good things about how many miles people are getting on these things. My hesitation is how well they are in the twisties and for the trackday I have coming up. Anyone know if the sides of the PR 2 are the same, harder, or softer compounds than that of the PP? I've seen a matrix diagram on the Michelin site that compares the different tires next to each other but the compound colors are not consistent.

I may just stick to what I’m comfortable with and deal with the 3k miles I get out of the rear with the PP. For what it's worth, I'm keeping my PP front since it's still in good shape.

[ScottRNelson]

Most Monster riders would be better off with a Sport Touring tire than the more sticky sport tires.  You don't have to be as concerned about warming them up and they last longer.  And most people will not approach the traction limits of a Sport Touring tire in their riding.

I happen to like Pirelli right now, and their new Angel ST will be my next tire purchase.  Nearly all of the top brands are good, although I currently prefer Pirelli and Avon just because they feel a bit better to me on my ST2.  I've probably had three or four Bridgestones on there.

[desmoquattro]

I was considering putting Metzler M3s on my Monster for a while. But that's a bit of a moot point now

They have a slightly more aggressive profile than a sport tourer, and they last better than most dual-compound tires.

[somegirl]

There's a stickied thread on tires in the Tech forum: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=2444.0

Having said that, I’m now contemplating getting the Pilot Road 2 instead of the PP since I’ve heard only good things about how many miles people are getting on these things. My hesitation is how well they are in the twisties and for the trackday I have coming up. Anyone know if the sides of the PR 2 are the same, harder, or softer compounds than that of the PP? I've seen a matrix diagram on the Michelin site that compares the different tires next to each other but the compound colors are not consistent.

I was happy with the PR2 in the twisties, even in the rain. 

With my twisty commute I managed to wear out the sides of the front first.  I think I got about 11K miles on the set.

[sidm]

There's a stickied thread on tires in the Tech forum: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=2444.0

I was happy with the PR2 in the twisties, even in the rain. 

With my twisty commute I managed to wear out the sides of the front first.  I think I got about 11K miles on the set.

cool - thanks.

[PhoenixS4R]

There's a stickied thread on tires in the Tech forum: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=2444.0

Thanks, I wasn't paying attention ~ Drinking. 

Since you're new to riding, check out my recent post: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=37395.0

Thank you, the S4r doesn't enjoy slow speeds tho.   



Thanks for everyone else's responses as well!

[BikerGoddess]

Thank you, the S4r doesn't enjoy slow speeds tho.   

I saw a few doing slow maneuvers during MSF so it is possible. However, I know the S4R's penchant for high  -attracting speed.

[desmoquattro]

I saw a few doing slow maneuvers during MSF so it is possible. However, I know the S4R's penchant for high  -attracting speed.

It can wheelie past a cop without attracting a ticket!

[sidm]

i ended up getting the pilot power from motorcycle superstore on the cheap ($106 shipped for my 180)! swapped in the new tire at moto tire guy (mototireguy.com) and i'm hoping to be good for another 3K miles.