Tires

[Jcates888]

I started with Z6 tires on my Kat and I replaced them with Z8s. I loved both tires and got roughly 10,000 miles from each. However, that's all I had ever rode. I had significant cupping on my Z8s when I retired them last week, but to be fair, I really did not keep up with maintaining tire pressure as I should have, especially throughout the winter months.
I tended to have more confidence in hard leans with my Z6 than the Z8, but that may partially be due to my accelerating and braking a little too hard while in a corner with the Z8, which lead to a few scary times recovering from my rear tire sliding away from me (I recovered each time though, just scared myself pretty bad). Also, the Z8s were a bit slick the first couple hundred miles.

I was happy with my Metzeler Roadtec tires, but I decided to try something different this time and replaced my Z8s with Michelin Pilot Road 3s about 550 miles ago based on the amazing reviews here and elsewhere. They have been AMAZING so far! Really no break-in time required like Z8s. I did take it a little easy at first, but I took a few fairly sharp turns within the first 50 miles and felt completely comfortable. I can't speak for longevity yet, but so far they (combined with my new chain and sprockets ) make riding 100x more fun than with my old cupped Z8s, and as I recall, a bit better than the Z6 and Z8 before they were old and worn.

The PR3s' much better feel in the corners make me wonder if I'll get any better mileage out of them (after all, you can't get the best of both worlds, can I?). I hope for at least 10,000 like I got with my Metzelers, but we'll see. I'll be paying very close attention to tire pressure this time around... I'd love for these tires to last

[92xjunker]

FYI Pr3's are more sport oriented, pr2's are more street oriented

[bbtheking]

That's great. I was thinking the PR3's looked excellent. Thanks for the responses!

[woobie]

I had Z6's and Strada's on my Kat and they were great. The BT021's on the VFR sucked near the end, loving the PR3's from start to finish though and I'm on my 2nd set.

[Stumpy]

I have to say I like the Conti-Motions.

Not super grippy, but on a Kat that is hardly a problem. They are inexpensive, fairly easy to find, look good in my opinion, and work well. They handle everyday riding with absolutely no hassles. I have them mounted, and I'd really recommend them.

[shpielers]

PR2 and PR3 - have yet to see a so gle negative thing written about either one. I also personally really like both. Great grip and very good life span. Also had Pirelli angles for a while, those were alright. Can't comment on the others

[92xjunker]

Michelin pr2 are to best at this point, coni-motions are good or avon road riders- though they are no longer made they do have a replacement for them, I don't like metzler at all. I can't speak of others I haven't tried.

[bbtheking]

I have researched the forum extensively and see that the overall consensus are the Metzler Z6's. What I wanted to know is has anyone tested the Z8's?

I'd love to know more about options on tires. My current set is good for a while but when time comes around, I want to be able to pick up the best option.


Also what about the Bridgestone Battlax line of tires or any other brands at that matter?

Thanks