2024 tyres - recommendations
Discussion
Come springtime, I will be needing some new tyres, and since I've not quite found my go-to set of rubber, thought I would ask for recommendations for 2024.
The bike is a Speed Triple, so standard-ish sizes (120/70 17 and 190/55 17), and only ever gets ridden on the road on mostly dry days.
To date it has had Supercorsa's (that it came with when new), Bridgestone S21s's, and currently on a set of Metzeler K3's, none of which I have particularly disliked, but none of which I have gone "wow, they're the only tyres for me from now on".
Like I say, I'm willing to try something different, so wondering what people would recommend based on their own experience. The bike is quite stiffly sprung/damped so a tyre with a bit more give in it would probably be better (for me), providing it also has that magic mix of grip and longevity.
My current shortlist is:
The bike is a Speed Triple, so standard-ish sizes (120/70 17 and 190/55 17), and only ever gets ridden on the road on mostly dry days.
To date it has had Supercorsa's (that it came with when new), Bridgestone S21s's, and currently on a set of Metzeler K3's, none of which I have particularly disliked, but none of which I have gone "wow, they're the only tyres for me from now on".
Like I say, I'm willing to try something different, so wondering what people would recommend based on their own experience. The bike is quite stiffly sprung/damped so a tyre with a bit more give in it would probably be better (for me), providing it also has that magic mix of grip and longevity.
My current shortlist is:
- Michelin Power 5
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV
- Metzeler M9RR
- Or maybe even something a bit more sport-tourer, like Pirelli Angel GT
Edited by ccr32 on Sunday 4th February 15:01
Going to put Michelin Power 6's on my Busa. Swithered for ages between the Power 6 for grip vs Road 6 for mileage. Read a ton of opinions on tyres that just send you round and round in circles. Becomes a bit of a minefield. Don't think you'd go far wrong with any of the tyres on your list.
I'm on my 6th consecutive set of Michelin Road tyres, on my Tiger Sport 1050. Had three sets of Pilot Road 4, two sets of Road 5, and now got Road 6. I do like to chuck it around a little when I get the chance, and they are consistently excellent in all conditions from frosty January mornings to sticky hot July afternoons. I usually get 10k or more from them, though would be less if there wasn't a lot of commuting.
If you're doing a lot of track days then go for something even stickier, but I struggle to believe you would need anything stickier for road use unless you are riding suicidally fast.
If you're doing a lot of track days then go for something even stickier, but I struggle to believe you would need anything stickier for road use unless you are riding suicidally fast.
mikey_b said:
I'm on my 6th consecutive set of Michelin Road tyres, on my Tiger Sport 1050. Had three sets of Pilot Road 4, two sets of Road 5, and now got Road 6. I do like to chuck it around a little when I get the chance, and they are consistently excellent in all conditions from frosty January mornings to sticky hot July afternoons. I usually get 10k or more from them, though would be less if there wasn't a lot of commuting.
If you're doing a lot of track days then go for something even stickier, but I struggle to believe you would need anything stickier for road use unless you are riding suicidally fast.
If you're doing a lot of track days then go for something even stickier, but I struggle to believe you would need anything stickier for road use unless you are riding suicidally fast.
100% this. Modern sport touring tyres are more than anyone could use on the road, however quick a rider you think you are.trickywoo said:
black-k1 said:
Cross my palm with RoadTec 01SE and you're welcome. 
Are you tempted by the new 02? I’d be interested in a review if you go for them.I always put my hand up for M9RR, absolutely brilliant tyres. I've tried many tyres but the M9RR are firm enough to be really stable at 100mph in a long sweeping bend with luggage, yet feel supple and comfortable, they never squirm or feel too soft, their incredible wet grip have given me several memorable rides and they last a reasonable length of time, even on the KTM 1290. There are probably better value tyres that will last longer but I only ride for fun, maybe 6 or 7k miles a year max in europe, so paying a little bit more for the best tyres is a small price to pay compared to the cost of petrol, hotels, food etc.
If I couldn't get M9RR I'd look for a similar Pirelli, I'm not sure if the compound would be the same but Metzler is part of Pirelli so I'd guess they might have similar characteristics.
If I couldn't get M9RR I'd look for a similar Pirelli, I'm not sure if the compound would be the same but Metzler is part of Pirelli so I'd guess they might have similar characteristics.
Dog Star said:
Is it just me that looks at whatever is best value from the premium manufacturers and fits that? If I can notice grip issues on the road then I’m probably doing something illegal.
I do that but you also have the mileage to factor in which isn't that easy to work out if you haven't used a particular type before.I also find a lot of price variation where certain brands are cheaper at one supplier but they won't be universally good value for all brands.
black-k1 said:
Pilot Road 6 or RoadTec 01SE
More grip than you'll ever need on the road, wet or dry, decent feel and will last 7000+ miles.
So many variables to this poster and that reply might work for you but wouldnt work for me. Those road 6s move LOADS on summer/fast road ridingMore grip than you'll ever need on the road, wet or dry, decent feel and will last 7000+ miles.
You could counter that by saying 'shouldnt ride on the road like that' but thats where riders I guess have different opinions
I do completely agree the Road 6 are an excellent all round tyre, 10/10 for cold and wet riding and still capable of fairly fast dry summer but they aint an S22 and certainly not supercorsa/k3 type grip of which some people want
Birky_41 said:
So many variables to this poster and that reply might work for you but wouldnt work for me. Those road 6s move LOADS on summer/fast road riding
You could counter that by saying 'shouldnt ride on the road like that' but thats where riders I guess have different opinions
I do completely agree the Road 6 are an excellent all round tyre, 10/10 for cold and wet riding and still capable of fairly fast dry summer but they aint an S22 and certainly not supercorsa/k3 type grip of which some people want
Apologies for what might be a dumb follow-up question, Birky, but when you say "move around loads", do you just mean when you're really pushing on? Or as a result of temperature in the summer? You could counter that by saying 'shouldnt ride on the road like that' but thats where riders I guess have different opinions
I do completely agree the Road 6 are an excellent all round tyre, 10/10 for cold and wet riding and still capable of fairly fast dry summer but they aint an S22 and certainly not supercorsa/k3 type grip of which some people want
If just when pushing on, how would the aforementioned Supercorsas/K3s compare in that respect? I get the impression from your comments that the Road 6's would feel a bit squirmy under hard acceleration, braking or cornering, letting you know that you're annoying them, but does that by comparison mean that the SCs/K3s would just go grip > grip > grip > grip > death ?
Thanks again for everyone's input.
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