Fazer Owners Club - Unofficial

Bikes, Hints'n'Tips => FZS600 Fazer => Topic started by: Jc72 on 11 January 2013, 01:02:04 pm

Title: Tyres
Post by: Jc72 on 11 January 2013, 01:02:04 pm
Hi guys going to do a tour over to Poland this year and its 2500 miles just there and back without any detours or ride outs , I would like a rear tyre to last until I get back home, so any recomendations? If its possible to get that out of a tyre, or will I have to get one over there?
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Lawrence on 11 January 2013, 01:25:13 pm
I'd cry if I only got 2500 out of a tyre  :eek   I've had 10k so far out of my rear PR2 and it's still got loads left, although it is squaring off.
 
I do ride it like a girl though so bear that in mind.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: stevierst on 11 January 2013, 02:12:08 pm
I've used MAXXIS Supermax for a while on my Fazers, and they're brilliant! Got 5500 out of a rear, and I'm not kind to tyres.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: His Dudeness on 11 January 2013, 02:52:29 pm
dunlop roadsmarts are lasting well for me.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Lumpy on 11 January 2013, 03:58:48 pm
Fit BT56s if you want longevity. Roadsmarts are great but I'm on second set of 023s and they last marvellously as well as excellent grip wet or dry.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Jc72 on 11 January 2013, 04:13:43 pm
What's a pr2 Lawrence ?maxxis supermax, good in the twistys and wet? Going to be doing a big chunk in Germany maybe the nurburgring, and might nip into Austria aswell  :)
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: stevierst on 11 January 2013, 04:27:34 pm
You can easily 'edge' the MAXXIS in the dry, and they're predictable in the wet. A Damn good tyre for the fazer.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: JZS 600 on 11 January 2013, 07:31:10 pm
I've got a BT 021 on the back with 13,000 on it currently.


Now it needs a change and I'm going for a 023, hopefully I'll get more out of it!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: NotAnotherHill on 11 January 2013, 08:27:48 pm
I'm onto my third  set of Pilot Road 2s and would thoroughly recommend. Excellent wet and dry grip. I get 7000 out of a rear but I do give them a bit of hammer.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: stevierst on 11 January 2013, 08:36:35 pm
Got pr3's on my fz1 and they're awesome in the wet, best tyres I've ever had. Not expecting them to last longer than 3-4k though.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: unfazed on 11 January 2013, 09:09:34 pm
The Pilot Road 3 is definitely the way to go with good grip wet and dry and the longest lasting tyre I have ever used.
From experience it is a better better tyre overall than the Pilot Road 2 and lasts much longer.
I think the Metezler M5 is a slightly better tyre for grip wet and dry but would not last as long
 
 
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: NotAnotherHill on 11 January 2013, 09:32:22 pm
The Pilot Road 3 is definitely the way to go with good grip wet and dry and the longest lasting tyre I have ever used.
From experience it is a better better tyre overall than the Pilot Road 2 and lasts much longer.
I think the Metezler M5 is a slightly better tyre for grip wet and dry but would not last as long


How does the mileage compare between PR2s ans PR3s? I considered the 3s but didn't think I 'd get much more mileage than the 2s.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: JZS 600 on 11 January 2013, 09:36:35 pm
I was told by my trusted supplier that the 2's were better.


Can't argue with him as he supplies most of the couriers in London
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: unfazed on 11 January 2013, 10:15:03 pm
I would think driving around London is a lot different to driving overland to Poland and back.
I have used many different brands over the last 10 years on Fazers and drive in all sorts of conditions one or two up. Toured Ireland, England, Wales, France and Spain with my wife and full luggage and the tyre that lasted the longest in all that time was the PR3. I have worn out Metzlers M1 in as little as 1500 miles.  :'( Mind you that included a track day  :lol  and a seriously fast trip back home from Kells International road races with 2 Gixer 1000s, an R1 and and a ZX10. (No they did not lose me)
The PR2 are cheaper to buy which is why couriers use them, but when the PR3 last longer they work out to be better value.
I was getting a maximum of 4000 miles out of the rear PR2 but over 6000 out of the PR3 in the above mixture of riding.
A big plus for the PR3 is that they have good grip from the off and heat up much faster than the PR2.
My two cents for what its worth
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: JZS 600 on 11 January 2013, 10:22:52 pm
Cool, I'm not ragging my Fazer and it's more for work than pleasure.


Having said which I need pin sharp handling and great stopping reserves from my rubber every day!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Jc72 on 11 January 2013, 10:35:38 pm
Bloody hell I'm doing something wrong, I've tried loads of tyres over the years and I've never got to2000 miles on any of them, I just thought it was cos I was getting soft sticky tyres, and thought there was a touring type of tyre which was hard but wasn't as grippy in the bends.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: unfazed on 11 January 2013, 10:36:18 pm
Cool, I'm not ragging my Fazer and it's more for work than pleasure.


Having said which I need pin sharp handling and great stopping reserves from my rubber every day!
Same here, but I use mine for everything, bought it new in Nov 2003 and now has 73800 miles on the clock.
Well if you ever decide to do a bit of touring in rainy land way let me know.
 
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: unfazed on 11 January 2013, 11:02:57 pm
Bloody hell I'm doing something wrong, I've tried loads of tyres over the years and I've never got to2000 miles on any of them, I just thought it was cos I was getting soft sticky tyres, and thought there was a touring type of tyre which was hard but wasn't as grippy in the bends.
What tyres are you using?
Heres what I found over the years
Dunlop 205  2000 miles
Bridgestone 010 and 020  2000 miles (Brutal, stood the bike up if you had to brake mid bend, frightned the life out of me when going to Donington GP via the Llanberris Pass a few years ago)
Metzeler M1 2000 miles (great grip and feel went through 4 sets in a year)
Metzeler M3 3000 miles (not as good as the M1)
Metzler M5 3500 miles (on par with the M1 for grip and feel, but lasted longer and quick to heat up)
Dunlop roadsmart 3000 miles (Okish, moved around to much on the bends)
Michelin Pilot Road 2 4000 miles (Okish, but never did really trust them at the limit and braking)
Pirelli Diablo Took them off after 2000 miles even though they were not worn, probaly the worst tyre I ever put on the fazer
Michelin Pilot Road 3 up to 6000 miles (almost as good as the M5 but last longer) Only real faults I have is that the sides wear before the centre especialy the right side, but if you go touring in Europe it evens it out and left wears a bit quicker and not as quick on the steering as the M5.
Limited choice of sportbike tyres due to the 110 front
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: darrsi on 12 January 2013, 01:54:25 am
Been using Metzeler M1 on the front since i got the bike, it's been a brilliant tyre for me!
Cheers for the heads up on the M5, i was having trouble sourcing an M1, my last 2 i got really cheap as old stock from M&P.  :)


I've always had a front Metzeler M1 and a rear Bridgestone BT021 and found them to work together excellently in all conditions.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Jc72 on 12 January 2013, 11:59:03 am
I tend to like Bridgestone , continentals, and I quite liked the diablos, can't stand dunlops, wasn't a big fan of the metzelers, but can't remember which ones they were, it's on various bikes over the years not only a fazer
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: ChristoT on 12 January 2013, 03:11:17 pm
After reading rave reviews about the Maxxis, I fitted them front & rear to the bike. They're quite good, although I do have one quibble, I find they don't givfe brilliant grip when doing tight conrnering.

I sometimes go round roundabouts aat almost knee-down lean (textile trousers, no sliders. Sniff), and find that occasionally, the rear will slide just a tad. It's not much, but enough for me to sit the bike back up pronto!

For touring though, even with sharpish corners, you should be fine with the Maxxis.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: stevierst on 12 January 2013, 05:25:09 pm
I managed to edge MAXXIS with ease over several sets with no issues, only stepping the back out once when I provoked it just to find the limit. You must have one Hell of a heavy wrist! :lol!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: ChristoT on 12 January 2013, 06:54:48 pm
I managed to edge MAXXIS with ease over several sets with no issues, only stepping the back out once when I provoked it just to find the limit. You must have one Hell of a heavy wrist! :lol !

I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy leaving a roundabout like a bat out of hell!  :rollin
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: john 087 on 12 January 2013, 08:00:30 pm
using dunlop roadsmarts find them good lasting well, good grip in the wet and heat up quickly
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Grandma on 13 January 2013, 07:49:26 am
Bloody hell I'm doing something wrong, I've tried loads of tyres over the years and I've never got to2000 miles on any of them, I just thought it was cos I was getting soft sticky tyres, and thought there was a touring type of tyre which was hard but wasn't as grippy in the bends.
Blimey I wouldn't be happy with that, with my various bikes have consistently achieved 12,000 front and 6,000 rear with all types of riding including track days and touring with Bridgestones and Pirelli's. Currently have 021's on Fazer 8, had Angel ST on Gen 1 Fazer 1000 and Diablo's on R1, did try Corsa III but not happy with grip in cold weather.
[/size][/color]What pressures are you running them at?[/font]
[/size][/color]Because I am so light, ran the R1 at 36 front and back, to date it has done 55,000 miles with me and now my son has it., and has 42 in rear as he is about 17 stone to my 9.[/font]
[/size][/color]Never got on with Dunlops that came on both R1's I've had, took them off after 2,000 miles with plenty of wear left, but didn't feel safe with them[/font] :'(

Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: packie on 13 January 2013, 10:51:32 am
I was told by my trusted supplier that the 2's were better.


Can't argue with him as he supplies most of the couriers in London


Well no offence, to me that is a hollow argument. All your supplier proves (unless he uses them himself) from the viewpoint of being a supplier is that it is a better seller to a specific group of rider (courier) where cost would be a critical factor. Better sales doesn't mean it is a better tyre as you supplier state.


I used all of the Pilots over a 10 year period and speak from a viewpoint of experience. The PR3 has better grip and a small bit more longitivity over the PR2, so it is a better tyre IMO as performance goes. The PR2 is selling like hot cakes to couriers because they are still a damn good tyre and have dropped in price due the introduction of the PR3. But as I said, sales (especially to a group of people were cost is paramount) doesn't equate that it is a better tyre.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: JZS 600 on 13 January 2013, 11:15:41 am
It wasn't an argument, merely an recommendation from someone who fits tryes all day as his profession.
 
I use Bridgestone myself
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Jc72 on 13 January 2013, 03:40:44 pm
I use the recommended pressure and buy those caps that go red if you go under pressure


Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: packie on 14 January 2013, 12:50:47 am
merely an recommendation from someone who fits tryes all day as his profession.

 
I use Bridgestone myself


...yep...that's what I was questioning....that someone who fits them all day but who have no experience in riding with those tyres as to have a credible opinion about them. His profession or skill is fitting them, not riding with them.


Ok, he might get a feedback from customers, but in this case I seriously doubt it very much if he had many couriers in for PR3s who then reverted back to PR2s the next time because the PR2s were a better performing tyre. That was the statement your tyre guy made and the only way he could have made it. Better priced tyre maybe...but thats about it. Just a quick glance on this thread from guys who used both will tell you how wrong your tyre guy is.....even if he does do it for a living. Just another example for me to take care that I shouldn't swallow everything that "professionals" tell me without questioning it.


Cheers,
Packie
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Fazer Jake on 14 January 2013, 06:48:15 pm
go for the pilots, dual compound best for touring.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Dead Eye on 16 January 2013, 10:59:18 am
I had a set of BT023's on mine and they were pretty damn good in my opinion. BUT my opinion shouldn't be weighted as high as others since it was the only set of tyres I ever had on the bike. The previous set were horrifically worn out BT016's :P
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: stevierst on 16 January 2013, 11:33:40 am
Just looked at my rear pr3 yesterday. Its Erm, a bit worn out :eek and I've only had it on for just over 2k miles! It'll cost me £150 to replace it, so ill try am angel st on the back next.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: spoonlamp on 16 January 2013, 01:49:24 pm
Just had a peek at my tyres and found a new front is required. Its currently a BT023 on the front but I have a metzeler on the rear, so I'll replace it with one of those. Loads left on the rear. Pity, means I'm all out of synch for getting all PR3s without wasting a lot of tread  :( 
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: dazza on 16 January 2013, 02:03:13 pm
I use the recommended pressure and buy those caps that go red if you go under pressure
  Be careful using those, I had one pull my valve out at speed due to the extra weight and centrifugal force. Tyre went down very quickly as you can imagine. Probably down to old valves as well and repetative screwing on and off but doesn't install much confidence.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: stevierst on 16 January 2013, 02:15:26 pm
Personally you can't beat a tyre pressure guage, I don't think I could trust those screw in ones that turn red.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: His Dudeness on 16 January 2013, 04:14:23 pm
everyone should definitely have a pressure gauge and don't rely on petrol station gauges. they're often way off in my experience
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: JZS 600 on 16 January 2013, 08:27:52 pm
Well I just "retired" (ha ha) the BT021 that's been on the back of my bike for the last 13,000 miles, it was on there when I bought the bike a year ago and it wasn't brand new then.


I've now got a slick, shiny BT023 on the back now. The bloke at the tyre shop told me to take it easy for the first 100 miles, I told him that the ice and snow on the roads at the moment slows me down a bit so no problems there!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: stevierst on 16 January 2013, 08:43:25 pm
13000!!!!! I bet it was proper knackered! I hated the 021's, when they went 'off', they let you know about it big time!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: JZS 600 on 16 January 2013, 08:49:14 pm
It was "just" on the wear bars 
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: stevierst on 16 January 2013, 09:07:42 pm
Good effort! My rear was lucky to last 6-8,000 on the Fazer, a lot less on the R1!!
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Jc72 on 17 January 2013, 03:31:40 pm
13000 miles! You pushing it instead of riding it :rollin that's amazing mileage , well done
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: JZS 600 on 17 January 2013, 07:29:28 pm
Funny enough the front wore out 4000 miles before the back. It also wore out in a funny shape.


Bear in mind that pressures were checked every weekend on it's weekly wash and check over.
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: Jc72 on 17 January 2013, 07:44:33 pm
Wonder if you will get the same from the new one? Or was it a prototype that slipped through the net an ended on your bike :thumbup


Or maybe I'm letting my imagination run away again :lol
Title: Re: Tyres
Post by: JZS 600 on 17 January 2013, 08:01:33 pm
I'll tell you in six months time,,,,,   ;)