Tire Choice - VFR Discussion

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Tire Choice Old Man Who Likes to Go Fast!

#1 Jfox855

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 04:57 PM

I'm new to the VFRs (but have had Crusers for awhile) and need to replace the Dunlop 208's on the bike. I've read most of the tires reviews but still can't make up my mind. Some factors are I still have a cruser for when I want to feel like I'm sitting in an easy chair, so I want tires that perform well and will go 3000-4000 miles. I don't need a 10000 mile tire , but I figure I'll ride the VFR about 2000 miles a year aggressively, so I'm looking for two year tires. I like to stay dry, so no rainy days for me. What you guys(and girls) think?

#2 soichiro

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 05:00 PM

Michelin pilot powers. The regualar pilot power. Best damn tire ever made.

Ck. out our tire poll.

RUBBER IS CHEAPER THAN PLASTER
RC46 #888

"BRAVERY IS THE CAPACITY TO PERFORM PROPERLY, EVEN WHEN SCARED HALF TO DEATH"
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#3 RollinAgain

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 05:09 PM

Some of the more popular sport touring tires I've seen being used with the VFR are:

(In no particular order)

Avon Storm ST
Continental Road Attack
Michelin Pilot Road 2

I've heard good things about all the tires above and it seems they will all achieve your desired mileage as long as you don't ride super aggresive the majority of the time.

I got a smoking hot deal from http://www.derbycycles.com/ on the Michelin's. Getting them mounted soon and can't wait!

Regards,
Rollin

This post has been edited by RollinAgain: 23 September 2008 - 05:10 PM

#4 ki-speed

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 05:10 PM

Michelin pilot powers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

03 Red. NWS Carbon Fiber Hugger, Staintune, Sylvania Silver Stars, Throttlemiester, Pazzo Racing clutch/brake levers, Chatter Box GMRX1 communications, XM Radio, Passport 8500 x50, Red EK Chain, Sargent seat, Garmin Quest 2 GPS, Carbon Fiber Bug Buster, Pilot Powers, Clear turn signals, LED's (brake & signals), Carbon Fiber right side clutch cover, radiators painted black, red strip on black gloss rims

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#5 turtlecreek

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 05:14 PM

go pilot power on the front, pilot road 2 on the rear.

I learned a long time ago, best way to realize the danger of your pace is when it goes from that speed to zero really abruptly.......mighta' been faster than I thought......Skuuter Posted Image

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#6 Beck

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 05:43 PM

Pilot Road 2 CTs!!
The perfect tires for a "sporting gentleman's" bike that sometimes like to be "spanked" hard!!
Had Dunlop 208s before I got the PR2CTs and the handling difference is like Looney Toons to Handel's Messiah!
Like the ole 95 is new again!

Beck
95 VFR

#7 SEBSPEED

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Excellent

Posted 23 September 2008 - 05:46 PM

turtlecreek, on Sep 23 2008, 06:14 PM, said:

go pilot power on the front, pilot road 2 on the rear.

My next set!

Sebastian - **Yankee Railer**

1983 VF750F 2,997 original miles, undergoing full hot-rod restoration- K&N, Accel coils & wires, Megacycle Stage 1 cams, jetted, Works shock, CBR F2 wheels, VF1000R forks, RaceTech Gold Valve Emulators, Sonic 1.0 springs, Chevy S-10 'clear' headlight, fender chop, Maier dark smoke screen, Vance and Hines full 2-2 system, 96 VFR clip ons, much more in the works!
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#8 joneill

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 05:49 PM

Jfox855, on Sep 23 2008, 05:57 PM, said:

I've had good luck with Michelin Pilot Powers and Pilot Powers 2CT
Jack

#9 maddog

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 06:13 PM

Without wishing to rain on the Michelin parade, and given the op comments on riding style and expected tire mileage, almost any current sport tire will meet his needs, imho.

As another fossil who enjoys what a sportbike can do, I've found Pirelli Diablos to be quite satisfactory in handling and mileage, and seem to be particularly VFR-friendly. They're plenty sticky for real world street riding, even at elevated pace, and can be found much cheaper and more easily than Michelin PR2s, for example.

Just my .02

#10 ElementalG20

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 06:33 PM

I was quite happy with my Conti Road Attacks, much much much better than the D208's I took off. With that said, yeah lots of tires would likely suit you well. Pilot power is a great tire for all the time aggressive riding but it'll likely be done in 3000 miles of aggressive riding, but you'll have 3000 miles worth of fun

2005 Subaru Legacy

1999 VFR800Fi Sargent/D&D/Heli's/DB's GSXR mirrors/ZG Tourings/929 shock mod/Conti RA's
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#11 soichiro

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 07:04 PM

I actually get the same mileage from a pilot power or bstone bto-20.

I like the powers for confidence. They just stick on the street. You can get 4k miles from a set.

I have actually had my knee down in the rain on pilot powers.

RUBBER IS CHEAPER THAN PLASTER
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"BRAVERY IS THE CAPACITY TO PERFORM PROPERLY, EVEN WHEN SCARED HALF TO DEATH"
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#12 Joshvfr

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 07:11 PM

If you aren't going to ride in the rain, and don't care about mileage try the Pilot Power 2ct, Not to be confused with the Pilot Road 2ct.(which is my perfect tire for the VFR, as a sport touring bike) Very sticky, I loved the grip but only got around 2000 twisty miles out of the rear. I would worry more about the tire getting flat spots after sitting so much.

03 VFR setup for long distance riding and rallys.
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#13 spud786

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 08:04 PM

SEBSPEED, on Sep 23 2008, 05:46 PM, said:

turtlecreek, on Sep 23 2008, 06:14 PM, said:

go pilot power on the front, pilot road 2 on the rear.

My next set!

I only run Power fronts

I just came off that set up though, proad 2's life is very good, Think of the most iron wearing tire you can think of and it still wont beat the life of the proad 2 , and that proad2 actually has performance too.

I've gone back to BT21 rear, which is quicker and stickier for final comparison, the road2 rear is a tire I would run again though.

Unfortunately by the time I got to rain test the Road2 it was in the last 20% of life , it was adequate but the Bt21 rear was a blast in the rain.

Anyway I look forward to riding My x wife again after fondling the proad2 for a couple months

This post has been edited by spud786: 23 September 2008 - 08:05 PM

#14 jeffy

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Post icon Posted 23 September 2008 - 08:29 PM

Jfox855, on Sep 23 2008, 05:57 PM, said:

Hi, I am running BT-021's both front and rear...I have 9075 miles (14700 kms) on the front and 3827 miles (6200 kms) on the rear...I'm Canadian so I see cold, wet and a little warmth (highs normally 70+ F) and the Bridgestones have kept up. I'm not an aggressive driver, so no knee dragging on the street....The front tire is nearing it's service limits, but still has servicable tread life and is still very stabil when pushed into corners, tracking is fine and straightline stability is still neutral...and no front tire cupping. The rear is still holding up very well and I would hope I have plenty of life left in it....last BT-021 rear I put 6000 miles (9200 kms) on it...In all I'm very impressed with this rubber, especially for the types of driving a routinely do...Be Safe, Ride Safe

Jeffy :biggrin:

#15 Poncho

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 08:30 PM

Michelin pilot powers 2CT's I get about 4000 to 5000 miles out of them and they stick good in the dry and wet. I run nothing else on the street. On the track..... I like something with more stick.

Michelin pilot powers 2CT's try them.

#16 rescue13

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 08:49 PM

Pilot Powers I get 2000-3000 out of them but my wife has close to 5000 on hers. Here is a good place to get tires great prices, fast, very friendly and free shipping.
http://sportbiketrac...tghomepage.html

#17 ROUSE

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 08:58 PM

the pilots seem to get most of the votes. you cant go wrong with them.
another tire to look at is the Continental SPORT Attack's. i have 4000+/- miles on mine, with a little life left in them.

#18 alwaysaware

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 09:12 PM

I can't tell you what works good, but stay away from Metzelers. The factory tires that came on my bike suck. I can't wait untill I get enough milage on them to change them out. From the sound of you guys I might be picking up some of the Pilots myself.

#19 jeremy556

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 09:21 PM

alwaysaware, on Sep 23 2008, 10:12 PM, said:

Metzler makes some fine tires, just the MEZ4 (or whatever it was) is a POS.

#20 meddle1999

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 09:41 PM

jeremy556, on Sep 23 2008, 10:21 PM, said:

alwaysaware, on Sep 23 2008, 10:12 PM, said:

Metzler makes some fine tires, just the MEZ4 (or whatever it was) is a POS.

i just removed a set of Z6 roadtech that IMO were shite...... my arse slid around like drunken fugure skater ever since i put them on... and the front always felt sketchy... could never put my finger on it. Played with the suspenders front and rear to try and get some better feel out of them.... Could never get it to feel "right"... running the pilot road CT2's now.... so far im VERY impressed.... i rode home from vancouver to Ontario on them and loved every minuite!!!

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#21 vfrrider17

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 09:58 PM

Don't listen to all of this shenanigans

PIRELLI CORSA III

BUY THEM HERE

Motorcyclesuperstore

Best tire out there, I've had several sets, never a problem and stick like Glue

#22 Pete McCrary

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 10:15 PM

vfrrider17, on Sep 23 2008, 10:58 PM, said:

Don't listen to all of this shenanigans

PIRELLI CORSA III

BUY THEM HERE

Motorcyclesuperstore

Best tire out there, I've had several sets, never a problem and stick like Glue

Amen, amen, amen.

#23 TommyHoffman

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Posted 23 September 2008 - 10:56 PM

Pilot Road 2's First year that I made it all season with out havin to change tires. I installed tehm in Fall of 07 and they will last all the way to Summer. I am sure. I have at least 5K on the set and they are BARELY starting to show some age. And they handle very well.

#24 Logicus

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Posted 24 September 2008 - 03:31 AM

I ran Pirelli Diablos on my Hawk GT and continued with the VFR (as did the previous owner), and I can't make myself change. You can get the rears for $125 and the fronts for under $100. I figure I will be replacing them once a year riding about 3500 miles a year on them. Mostly aggressive riding with maybe 30% - 40% slab commuting to work when I can. Otherwise all curves. I can only imagine what the Corsa III's are like... I just haven't been convinced to fork over the $$$!

"The Cafe Racer is a different breed, and we have our own situations. Pure speed in sixth gear on a
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#25 Old School

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Posted 24 September 2008 - 03:51 AM

Most ever one I know is on Michelin pilot powers and pilot roads, :pissed:

I wish they made my size :pissed:

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#26 leanit

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Posted 24 September 2008 - 07:54 PM

jeremy556, on Sep 23 2008, 10:21 PM, said:

alwaysaware, on Sep 23 2008, 10:12 PM, said:

Metzler makes some fine tires, just the MEZ4 (or whatever it was) is a POS.

+1 - I have the Z6 tires on my 919 and thought about going with these. They grip pretty good but did start to square off at 3,500 miles. Thanks, JD

lean it or park it

#27 ss_burns

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Posted 24 September 2008 - 08:07 PM

Michelin Pilot Road 2 ... Love Them!!!

'84 VF700F
'94 VFR750F
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#28 floppy

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Posted 25 September 2008 - 06:27 AM

vfrrider17, on Sep 24 2008, 10:58 AM, said:

Don't listen to all of this shenanigans

PIRELLI CORSA III

but the mileage sucks :biggrin:

#29 VFRbeliever

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Posted 25 September 2008 - 08:12 AM

Another vote for the Pilot Powers here. I've got about 3000 on mine and they are starting to show some wear. I expect another 1500 miles out of them tops. They transformed the feel of my bike. Stick like glue. I'm sure there are other good tires that give similar or equal performance but having ridden with these this past season, I will very likely buy another set when the time comes.

'02 VFR Red, staintunes, helibars, corbin seat, PCIII/O2 elims, custom soft saddlebag racks

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#30 jstanwood

Hey, nice NACAs

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Posted 25 September 2008 - 08:24 AM

maddog, on Sep 23 2008, 07:13 PM, said:

On any modern tire being just fine. If you want something sticky, just look in the "sport" model range.

I'm not sure where the twisties that warrant really sporty rubber are in Chicagoland, though. :unsure:

"I only generalize because everyone else does."

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