Best tyres for R12s

[stoney]

Okay the time has come to change the pair so I'm ater something different.

Any recommendations would be helpful.

Currently I have MZ M1s on. They have been fine, grip and handling wise. rear tyre mileage has varied from 1800-2200 miles and 5500 for a front - so I'd like something that is going to last longer without too much compromise on handling etc. I do intend to do maybe 3 trackdays this year but saying that the last time I did one I was on tourances and thought they were fine.

National tyres are recommending Michelin Pilot Powers - he says they will last longer than the 2CTs - is that right?

Anybody used the road 2cts on their S yet - any thoughts?

[paulR]

Mine came with Michelin Pilot Powers from new and they seem to be lasting quite well. I've done about 2100 miles and the rear looks about half worn.

Paul

[winger]

I've got 2000 miles on my Road 2's,or 02 2ct's which ever you want to call e'm,stick like shit to a blanket and now have done 2000 miles and not a mark on e'm,have just had the same fitted to my Tiger for the trip to Monza.

The trade are saying they've completey killed the market,not only other manafactures,but Michelins other tyres as well,their selling that well,even i've had to pay!!!!

[kitkat]

I am running Avon Viper Sports on mine and they are a great tyre, really sticky- but I suspect almost any sports tyre has more capability than me at present Got 2500 from the rear which I have just replaced and hope to get 5000 in total from the front.

Looking at the dead tyres outside the service shop and it was noticable that the Avon hadn't squared off at all compared to some other tyres.

Off to Superbike School at Silverstone next week so no doubt tyre "advice" will be in abundance.

Dave

[julian]

Michelin Road 2CT like Chris?? Back to back with the Powers the turn in feels much slower and the bump absorbtion is much greater therefore less feedback. After 500 miles though, I love them and don't notice the traits mentioned above. The mileage I was getting out of the Powers was taking the p*ss (less than 2500 before the squaring was an issue and I don't have any chicken strips ) especially as most of the action (commuting ) was in the centre of the tyre

For the summer though what about the Power 2CT - that's what I would get.

Personnal choice innit - I hated the Metzlers on the S and didn't care much for the Vipers in the wet on my KTM 660. I wonder if Avon's Road legal race wets would fit the S - the rear would last 200 miles but you could ride up a lamp post.

I still recon the best tyre is the biggest one that fits on the rim with the sexiest tread.

[Gromit]

I'm after trying some of the new Road 2's on the Blackbird but Michelin don't, as yet, have a recommended fitting. I'd give a pair of Powers a go but a. can't see the point using a sports tyre on the bike and b. the rear would last about 7 mins.

Using the new Avon Storm ST's at the moment and they're bloody superb. 3000 miles on the back tyre and it's less than half worn (that's impressive considering I haven't been taking it very easy). They also have a very nice tread pattern and the rear's large for its stated width.

I did like M3 Sportecs on the BCR and hated the M1's.

[herrman]

Had a pair of the new Pilot Road2s fitted on Fri, I must admit that the Pilot Powers fitted from new did rather well---5500 miles from the rear although most of those were winter miles and taking it fairly steady. Should have a valid opinion on the new Pilot Roads after the trip to Chateau Flash at the end of the month.

Peter.

[PBBoxer]

I had Pilot Power on the 12s first. Liked them, but then fitted Pilot Power 2ct and loved them. The Power 2cts should definitely last longer than the power, not shorter Stoney, that being one of the points of the dual compound setup.

On Winger's recommendation, I fitted the Pilot Road 2 2ct to the TDM and hammerred it for about 3k miles in the past 5 weeks, including playing in Wales. They certainly last really well even after pretty severe abuse. Bike sold with the tyres looking excellent.

On the 1200s tho, I have to say I really, really liked the Pilot Power 2CT.

[bluemanc100]

Sharples tyres in Bolton have Metzeler M3 on offer

£149 for front and rear loose, don't know if they do mail order

Steve H

[stoney]

Pilot Powers fitted today - love 'em! They tip in quicker and further than the M1s and thats just in the first 10miles back from the fitters! Let\s see how long they last![/list]

[Neil178]

Eh?
So much for carefully scrubbing in brand new tyres.

[stoney]

Eh?
So much for carefully scrubbing in brand new tyres.

Oh, I was being careful alright, smooth and steady and didn't go over 100mph...much

[overipe&keen]

Unlike me you hadn't got Mark or John behind you then !!!

[stoney]

Unlike me you hadn't got Mark or John behind you then !!!

Did you hear about the incident on the may ride-out to Hartside? It ended up with a written-off Blackbird. I reckon I'm moving IAM groups now

[Lambo]

On my 3rd set of tyres now. Pilot Powers first were pretty good but had a tendancy to drop in last minute when cranked over; 4500mls. Z6's next which were the best I found for my r1100s but did not suit the r1200s. Turned in much quicker than the Powers but needed lower pressures to get the same level of grip, (4000mls due to lower pressures). Have recently changed to Pilot Road 2. These suit the bike much better, very stable, fairly slow turn in, comfortable and should last a fair while. Go buy a set if you do the miles!