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2003 750, UK model:
Was riding unhappily on Metzeler Sportec M1s the second half of last year and the bike was skittish, slippery on cold or damp roads (although good on really wet roads), very hard to get over on bends and tended to fall rather than lean on sharp corners - I always felt like the road was in charge, not me. Harsh and difficult to ride on all round, tyres never suited the bike or my riding style or the type of journey I usually make.
Went out today for the first time on new Conti RoadAttacks (stock sizes) and it's a different bike. Firstly the ride is smoother, it's much happier crossing lane boundaries and small grooves or cracks in the road, you almost don't notice they're there. Secondly, it sticks and sticks and sticks to the road surface. I did some fast miles to scrub in the tires before gradually adding in twistier roads bit by bit and the bike just flows through bends, the lean is incredibly smooth from one side to the other, you feel like you can keep hard on the gas through every bend. You just stay absolutely routed to the line you want to take.
And of course when your bike starts to behave so much better, you ride better too. Throttle, brake and gear changes get smoother. You spend less time controlling the bike and more time looking around, checking your mirrors, looking behind. I was also riding a lot faster than on my old tyres.
I'm trying slightly higher pressures too - 36/41 (I am 6' and about 190lbs). Feels like a more comfortable and secure pressure, might try to go up another lb or two on the front in a week or so.
All in all, that's the best money I've spent on this bike. Can't wait for the ride to work tomorrow!
Stay safe
Duncan
Was riding unhappily on Metzeler Sportec M1s the second half of last year and the bike was skittish, slippery on cold or damp roads (although good on really wet roads), very hard to get over on bends and tended to fall rather than lean on sharp corners - I always felt like the road was in charge, not me. Harsh and difficult to ride on all round, tyres never suited the bike or my riding style or the type of journey I usually make.
Went out today for the first time on new Conti RoadAttacks (stock sizes) and it's a different bike. Firstly the ride is smoother, it's much happier crossing lane boundaries and small grooves or cracks in the road, you almost don't notice they're there. Secondly, it sticks and sticks and sticks to the road surface. I did some fast miles to scrub in the tires before gradually adding in twistier roads bit by bit and the bike just flows through bends, the lean is incredibly smooth from one side to the other, you feel like you can keep hard on the gas through every bend. You just stay absolutely routed to the line you want to take.
And of course when your bike starts to behave so much better, you ride better too. Throttle, brake and gear changes get smoother. You spend less time controlling the bike and more time looking around, checking your mirrors, looking behind. I was also riding a lot faster than on my old tyres.
I'm trying slightly higher pressures too - 36/41 (I am 6' and about 190lbs). Feels like a more comfortable and secure pressure, might try to go up another lb or two on the front in a week or so.
All in all, that's the best money I've spent on this bike. Can't wait for the ride to work tomorrow!
Stay safe
Duncan
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