Tires for new year.

BUDFORCE · 23 Dec 2017 at 12:01

Run an 03 sv650 had for many years.

Tried Dunlop qualifiers (good but v short life) pirelli diablo Rossi II's (as good grip, better life) but for the last few years I've been running Bridgestone BT-023's, which have pretty much as good grip and last a lot longer.

Although a smaller bike the v-twin puts a lot of torque through the back wheel so does get through rears (and chains lol but that's another subject), 2 sets of rear for one front on the current set.

My gripe with the bt-023's is how they wear, the rear squares off whilst the front almost does the opposite, my front has a ridge in the centre whilst worn down on the sides, making cornering a little weird as when you dip the bike it goes smoothly to a point, then drops down a few more degrees real fast before catching again, which is a little disconcerting.

I after suggestions as I fancy a change and trying something else. I ride in summer mostly commuting about 40 miles a day, I don't ride that hard, so sacrificing a little grip for touring style tires is fine, to get more life.

Really need a hard rear though, Bridgestone make a "gt" version rear but starts the next size up

I've even contemplated using a harder rear Vs a more sportier front as would be ideal to have a set that will wear evenly.

BUDFORCE · 23 Dec 2017 at 12:48

I might try those pirelli's - having a dual compound rear sounds appealing.

BUDFORCE · 23 Dec 2017 at 13:21

I might give those angel GT's a go, sort of overlooked pirelli when I've been looking around before, not really sure why, they seem ideal.

BUDFORCE · 3 Jan 2018 at 14:43

Just doing some more research into this, another one I overlooked is the Bridgestone T-30 evo which seems to be a direct upgrade on the BT-023 which appears now starting to get out dated but some of the newer tyres.

It's difficult trawling through the internet to get unbiased reviews, harder to get direct comparisons.

I did read one MCN review on the PR4's who said he had been using Angel GT's and whilst also thought those were superb tyres, was swayed by the PR4's.

There seems that be less on the T-30 EVO, but I did read some great things about those, with the only negative being they are a little pressure sensitive, something I can confirm is also true for the BT-023's I currently run.

Not that I am brand loyal, but I am tempted now to stick with Bridgestone and try out the T-30 EVO's.

BUDFORCE · 3 Jan 2018 at 14:54

I guess also another factor is price, according to Moto tyres for my tyre size as of today prices are (for a set):

T-30 EVO's £234.30
PR4's £209.60
Angel GT's £203.80

So the T-30 EVO'S are a bit of a jump over the other 2.

BUDFORCE · 6 Jan 2018 at 15:06

Seems Michelin have just realsed a new tyre for 2018 - Michelin Road 5 - still a bit pircey as they are brand new, £254 for a set to fit my bike, but I dont need them until about March so may be a bit cheaper then.

Pretty sure I will give these a go, Michelin claims after 3000 miles they perform the same as a brand new set of PR4's.

BUDFORCE · 11 Jan 2018 at 20:00

I'm gonna try those new Michelin road 5 tyres, I'll let you know what they are like but it'll be a few months yet.

BUDFORCE · 10 Mar 2018 at 15:35

Road 5's fitted - actually turned out not that much more expensive then the pilot road 4's.

I've ridden all of about 1 mile them so far, so not yet in a position to comment, will update this thread again when I get some more miles under my belt.

BUDFORCE · 23 Mar 2018 at 10:28

Noooooooooooo.

I've done about 50 miles on these road 5's so far, damn they are nice, bike feels so planted, especially on the slower stuff, bike just feels so much more balanced.

I used to like the BT-023's but would never go back after using these, be interesting to see how they wear.

BUDFORCE · 6 May 2018 at 14:52

These Michelin Roads 5's are great. As the weather is nice and the road temperatures are up I got a chance to really push them today.