Tire Recommedation

[rideserotta]

First, let me say I hate the search function on this board. I've been looking for the last 30 minutes for this topic because I KNOW there's a thread on it. But searching for 'tire recommendation' and 45 variations thereof has left me FRUSTRATED! I don't want a post on TIREd of my wife's cooking or I'm going to reTIRE in a couple of years, etc. etc...

So if you have a link to a thread where this has been discussed just let me know and I'll go from there.

If you've got some new info to share I'm looking for a higher mileage tire for commuting on my M620. I want decent stick but I don't track it.

[The Bearded Duc]

Here are some links to other posts...

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=2444.0
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=3690.0
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=703.0
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=4299.0
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=5163.msg81127#msg81127

A lot of people like a lot of different tires. It just sucks that there is no definitive answer and that you can spend a lot of money and time trying to find the tire that you like.

If you want something that gets you higher milage, may I recommend a sport touring tire. I'm running the Battlax BT-021 and am very happy. I have 5k on them and there is no sign of squaring, cupping, or even wear for that matter.

I don't track but I do ride some canyons, not too aggressive (maybe 1/2 inch left before the edge of the tire). And a lot of commuting. I have never noticed any slipping or stepping out either. And it doesn't rain too much down here so I can't help in that department.

Anyhow, hope this helps.

[rideserotta]

Very helpful... many thanks. I'll go look at the Battlax BT-021. Sounds like just what I'm looking for. I'll also read the other links.

[muskrat]

The Pirelli Angel ST's are getting good reviews with lots of wear in them.  I just put a set on the wife's bike and am very impressed.

[The Mad King Pepe']

Got Michelin Pilot Road 2 on mine. Had them since june and love them. Reviewed here www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-tires/michelin-pilot-road-2/

[sbrguy]

i use have used pilot powers and like how they stick,they seem to last me about 6k miles where they are very good. around 6k-7.5k is when they start to square off in teh back or cup in the front. the funny thing is that they are still great treadwise even then, its just the rear tire transition from straight to leaning that it gets a little unstable, not as planted but once you are leaned over and turning its fine.

for me those tires last aroune 7k miles and then i'm looking for new ones, i've ridden as far as 7.7k miles on them and still had good tread but didn't like how the whole transition zone felt.

riding pilot power 2ct right now, and they seem fine only have 3k miles on them.

[ggemelos]

If you are looking for a sport-touring tire, I have had a lot of success with the Metzeler Z6. 

[okpanic]

look into Bridgestone Battlax BT-023's as well. they are a multi compound tire that has a harder center strip and softer shoulders for canyons....

[The Bearded Duc]

look into Bridgestone Battlax BT-023's as well. they are a multi compound tire that has a harder center strip and softer shoulders for canyons....

+1 on this.

Like I said earlier, I've been really happy with the BT-021's but I have read a lot of good reviews on the BT-023's and Bridgestone has treated me well so far.

Plus the whole multi-compound thing might help cut down on the squaring off on the rear?

[Nomad]

In regards to searching, if you go to the topic category and search from there it will only search within that section.  For example, if you want to check out tires, go to Accessories and Mods, then from there search for anything tire related, that will narrow it down a little more for you. 

[rideserotta]

Thanks for the tip on searching. That will def help.

I think I've decided to go with the Pirelli Angel ST. Now I'm on a mission to find the best price and installation.

Thanks for all of the recommendations.

[The Bearded Duc]

Thanks for the tip on searching. That will def help.

I think I've decided to go with the Pirelli Angel ST. Now I'm on a mission to find the best price and installation.

Thanks for all of the recommendations.

Check these guys for pricing, they usually come in under everyone else by $20 or more. You can use that to pay for the install at your local mech.

motocycle-superstore.com

[bdub]

ST s are the bomb!!! I LOVE mine they've got about 3 grand are still almost new

[rideserotta]

motocycle-superstore.com has the tires for a very good price (thanks Duc750). But the local installer that they recommend charges $100 of a front and rear installation. That sounds high to me. I'm in Spartanburg, SC and I can't find too many MC tire installers around. I was think $50-$70 for an install. Am I being unreasonable?

[battlecry]

The price is not out of line with what some dealerships charge.  Non-affiliated repair shops may charge less.
Aerostitch will sell you tire irons, rim protectors, and a balancer shaft for a little more than the dealer will charge you for the installation/balance. 

I do mine.  It was a PITA the first time, but by now it is just another bike maintenance chore:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=299856

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=299597

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=41615.0