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Bikes, Hints'n'Tips => Fazer 1000/FZ1 corner => Topic started by: brooker81 on 02 May 2015, 07:58:36 am

Title: Not loving my tires.
Post by: brooker81 on 02 May 2015, 07:58:36 am
I'm running bt23's no feeling from the rear at all. Maybe it's just because I haven't been out for 6 month what should I change to ?
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: NorthWestern on 02 May 2015, 08:44:59 am
One man's meat is another man's poison etc but I rather like the pr3's.  Then again I do a lot of miles and got fed up of changing second hand ex race tires every few weeks.... Had a maxxis supermax touring. I found that awful,  bike felt funny, little wet weather grip,  lasted well though. Dunlop q2 were great but made the bike feel heavy to steer.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: Grandma on 02 May 2015, 09:03:41 am
I'm running bt23's no feeling from the rear at all. Maybe it's just because I haven't been out for 6 month what should I change to ?

Used to run Pirelli Angel ST on my Gen 1 Fazer 1000,longevity and good grip.http://www.visordown.com/reviews/kit/tyres/pirelli-angel-st/5213.html (http://www.visordown.com/reviews/kit/tyres/pirelli-angel-st/5213.html) also have them on my Fazer 8 as it came with Bridgestones which I hated as felt as if front was going to wash out.
Angel ST still available but not sure if they are phasing them out.
Nothing but good reports on Michelin Pilot Road 3,some say better than the Road 4!
Hope this helps,does rather depend what sort of riding you do, but I do allsorts so need a tyre that copes with everything I chuk at it. :b

Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: BOSSMANJAY on 02 May 2015, 09:18:14 am
I run Pilot road 3 and have always had great performance from them. Good in the wet as well. Not tried the 4's yet but off to Germany in July so will trade up for that.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: b1k3rdude on 02 May 2015, 11:08:14 am
+3 on the pilot road 2/3's.

But if you cant justfy the price and want similar handling at a lower perf level you might consider the Continental RA 1's as these are being phased out in favour of the RA 2's, a pair can be had for £140.

I have had RA's on every bike for the last 7 years, 4x FZS1000, 1x GSF600 7 1x GSF1200.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: PieEater on 02 May 2015, 12:39:48 pm
Pilot Roads are popular but I've only ever tried Bridgestone and Avon. I much prefer the Avon Storm 3D-XM which for me give more confidence and make the bike feel more responsive through the twisties, I get about 9% more mileage from a rear Avon than a rear 023. Next time it's time for a fresh pair I might give the Pilot Roads a go to see what all the fuss is about.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: NorthWestern on 02 May 2015, 05:02:29 pm
I get my pr3's from openeo for around £160 a pair.  You usually get them within three days (my last order came next day) 
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: maxzer1500 on 03 May 2015, 07:58:56 am
Anything different? Suspension settings, added luggage etc. I'm biased as have used Bridgestones almost exclusively for 25 years and favour them even though if lucky only get 2000 miles from them. Strangely i got double that when i had a Gen 2 FZ1S, i guess it's torque or lack of that makes the difference ( for me ). Not everyone can ride the same after a 6 month break or do you have a second bike, even if you do it's not the same bike. I think after 6 months i would treat the tyres almost like new and re-scrub them.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: stevierst on 03 May 2015, 08:51:35 am
I agree with maxzer, you've got to get back into the swing of things again Paul, 6 months is quite a time to be away from your bike, your skills are gonna be a bit rusty!

And yep, I'd scrub the tyres in again, a good rideout should do it.

As for tyre brands, well we've all got our favourites. I always loved bt020's, their replacement bt021's were awful once 1/2 worn, and the 023 are supposed to be good, but never used them. Pr3 are supposed to be good all round, but I found them a bit mediocre when pressing on. Awesome I'm the wet though :P
Got Dunlop roadsmarts on the gen 1 at the mo, wooden when cold, pretty grippy when warm. Average in the wet.

My bro-in-law has used Angel st for ages, they really are good all rounders. The gt version lasts a bit longer apparently.





But we all know what my favourites are 8):P
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: noggythenog on 03 May 2015, 08:55:58 am
.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: b1k3rdude on 03 May 2015, 10:06:29 am
@Nog, I assume your referring to the maxxis diamonds? a lot of people has said maxxis tyres are not that pleasant in the wet.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: noggythenog on 03 May 2015, 10:25:21 am
@Nog, I assume your referring to the maxxis diamonds? a lot of people has said maxxis tyres are not that pleasant in the wet.


Yeh i hear that...its a deal i got with stevie though....i had pilot 3's last time & they were good but variety is the spice of life & im hoping to not have to do any wet weather riding this year.


I ran rosso 2 on my 600 before....they were pretty scary in the wet.


All that being said i think most tyres are better than i am.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: chaparral02 on 03 May 2015, 10:46:43 am
Another Vote here for Pilot road 3
Love these Michelin's :kiss
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: stevierst on 03 May 2015, 01:11:02 pm
Oh Noggy, if only they were worth that much. :D:D
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: PaulSmith on 05 May 2015, 10:24:13 am
Might seem obvious, but have you checked your pressures? Were the tyres Ok before you laid the bike up? If so, they might just need a good hard ride to bring them back into condition but that said, I never saw the sense in keeping a pair of tyres you don't like. If you want a change, consider T30's. IMHO the best tyre I have ever put on a bike.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: brooker81 on 05 May 2015, 10:48:56 am
Checked pressures etc all seemed ok no changes to suspension or anyhing this winter i think its just me being rusty did 50 mile or so last night and i seemed a bit happier,its prob just me being a foccing tool.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: esetest on 07 May 2015, 11:03:54 am
I have just swapped my BT23's  for PR3's the PR3's  feel gripper in the dry , but don't seem to give as much grip in the wet IMO. , i will probably swap the worn rear  BT23   for a new BT23 , and then swap wheels in the autumn and ride with the PR3's in  spring/summer and the BT23's the autumn /winter .
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: JoeRock on 07 May 2015, 12:13:47 pm
I have just swapped my BT23's  for PR3's the PR3's  feel gripper in the dry , but don't seem to give as much grip in the wet IMO. , i will probably swap the worn rear  BT23   for a new BT23 , and then swap wheels in the autumn and ride with the PR3's in  spring/summer and the BT23's the autumn /winter .


Completely wrong way round to what most people say!


I've always found the Michelins very good in the wet and cold, but they do flex a bit (weird feeling!) under hard acceleration on a high opwered bike in the dry!
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: stevierst on 07 May 2015, 12:30:04 pm
It's certainly strange how everyone 'feels' tyres differently.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: Hedgetrimmer on 07 May 2015, 01:27:20 pm
TYRES! Not tires  :rolleyes

HTH  :thumbup
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: unfazed on 07 May 2015, 02:42:45 pm
Could be something as simple as badly adjusted suspension  :eek

Take a note of the suspension settings and return them to standard and  try it.

You would be amazed how many assume tyre issues when it is wrongly adjusted suspension.

 
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: bigralphie on 07 May 2015, 03:20:27 pm
[/color][/font][/size]Not tires
Quote
[/size][/color]TYRES! [/color][/font][/size]Not tires [/size]

[/size]
[/size]yea and brakes not breaks .....Sorry Nick started it :lol
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: unfazed on 07 May 2015, 05:35:09 pm
Yes but Nick was tired and tried to break it or was it Tyred and tried to Brake it :lol :lol :lol
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: Hedgetrimmer on 07 May 2015, 06:02:55 pm
Yes but Nick was tired and tried to break it or was it Tyred and tried to Brake it :lol :lol :lol

Nick is foccin confused  :\   :lol
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: Slaninar on 08 May 2015, 09:07:25 am
Stupid perhaps, but I'd start with checing the pressure. Makes loads of difference, has to be right.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: slimwilly on 08 May 2015, 03:59:22 pm
Why is there all the negative stuff for Bridgsteones?

I had them for years on my VFR,, a big company,,Moto gp tyre supplier
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: Nath on 08 May 2015, 04:24:04 pm
My current bike had BT23's and it was fine and I could chuck about and feel good about it. I changed to PR4's and it changed to not feeling 100% confident and only when they were fully warmed up and even then then felt pointed - if that makes sense? Not tried them in the wet. I'm running 36 front and 42 rear as I like to think the tyre manufacturer knows better than me  :)  Set up on the bike felt fine before. I might drop the pressures down and see what it's like then as at the moment I'm not sure if they are good tyres or it was good marketing that changed my mind to get them and move from Bridgestone.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: Hedgetrimmer on 08 May 2015, 04:54:45 pm
My current bike had BT23's and it was fine and I could chuck about and feel good about it. I changed to PR4's and it changed to not feeling 100% confident and only when they were fully warmed up and even then then felt pointed - if that makes sense? Not tried them in the wet. I'm running 36 front and 42 rear as I like to think the tyre manufacturer knows better than me  :)  Set up on the bike felt fine before. I might drop the pressures down and see what it's like then as at the moment I'm not sure if they are good tyres or it was good marketing that changed my mind to get them and move from Bridgestone.

Could try dropping back to 40 on the rear - that's what I run on PR2s and seems fine.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: slimwilly on 08 May 2015, 06:14:44 pm
Why is it on track riding they lower the pressures?

Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: NorthWestern on 08 May 2015, 06:59:18 pm
It's because the tires get so hot. You typically set the pressures when they are 80 degrees under warmers
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: Flak on 08 May 2015, 07:24:50 pm
Why is there all the negative stuff for Bridgsteones?

I had them for years on my VFR,, a big company,,Moto gp tyre supplier

I've never liked Bridgestones, they spin up too easily in the wet. There are much better choices out there.

(Moto GP teams don't use road tyres).
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: PieEater on 08 May 2015, 08:12:17 pm
Why is there all the negative stuff for Bridgsteones?
I don't think there's anything that negative just people saying that they prefer other tyres. I think Bridgestone concentrate on providing a good all round tyre aiming to suit all riders from learners to sports riders in all conditions ending up with something that's fairly good but a bit bland and not particularly excelling in any one area. I've found them stable and predictable especially when upright but also uninspiring and slow to react to sudden direction changes, in contrast the Avon's seem happy at any lean angle, change direction immediately and inspire confidence. Having said that I expect my revised suspension setup and steering geometry, riding style, weight and the roads I ride on all contribute to how my tyres behave and the feedback they give so I suspect that like most things there is no one-size-fits-all tyre and you just need to try the different options until you find one that you're happy with.
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: b1k3rdude on 09 May 2015, 11:36:45 am
On the tyre front, I just got a set of new Conti RA 1s fitted and balanced on my bandit 1200 over at Raceways in Stevenage for £170 all in!

http://www.racewaysmotorcycles.com/ (http://www.racewaysmotorcycles.com/)
Title: Re: Not loving my tires.
Post by: AyJay on 09 May 2015, 01:01:52 pm
Why is there all the negative stuff for Bridgsteones?

I had them for years on my VFR,, a big company,,Moto gp tyre supplier

I've never liked Bridgestones, they spin up too easily in the wet. There are much better choices out there.

(Moto GP teams don't use road tyres).


Interesting comments.


I've been using Bridgestones on my Fazer for the last 140,000 miles, starting with the BT016s, BT021s (not great) and latterly the 023s. I've tried single sets of Avon Storms, Pirellis and maybe even a Michelin in that time but none of these offer the stability and grip of the BT023s. And as for spinning up in the wet, really? When was the last time you used a set? I can take the Fazer to 11k full throttle in the wet and the rear doesn't budge an inch on 023s. This could be because of the Ohlins shock I run though.


I also use them on my ZZR1400 (50k miles) and they have way more grip than the Avon Storms it came on. Jeez, on Avons it couldn't even go over a white line on the tiniest of throttle openings in the wet without spinning up. BT023s no problem, although they will let go eventually in the wet because it's got immense torque, but you really have to provoke it. I've also used T30s and they seem to have a stiffer carcass than 023s and more stability still but they're an incremental improvement on the BT023s and given the price difference, I've gone back to 023s on both bikes. They're good though.


On both bikes, when used for commuting, they last around 9000 miles, when thrashing, around 5-6. On track they will eventually overheat and lose grip, but only on very hot days at the end of a session. That could just be me pushing too hard though.


Certain tyres suit certain people. Feel is everything. I am baffled as to why there are so many negative comments about them though. Having chewed through 29 sets of tyres in the last 10 years, I think BT023s are excellent. Just my opinion, but it's based on a lot of experience.