Tire recommendations for commuters?

CThunder-blue · March 2nd, 2011, 10:05 AM

I travel 40 miles a day round trip and about 38 of those are freeway miles. I only have 1 bend which allows me to lean the bike. Otherwise, even the entrance and exit ramps are shallow turns. This has lead me to have a noticeable flat wear in the middle of the tire. Are there tires out there built for this type of riding that will fit our bikes? Grip in turns is always important, but I could give some of it up for a tire that won't wear out the middle too fast. I also don't ride in the rain, so wet traction can be minimal.

caps · March 2nd, 2011, 10:29 AM

darkside tires...

CThunder-blue · March 2nd, 2011, 10:37 AM

That helps me not at all.

I'm thinking of Michelin Pilot Activ Rear Tire. Anyone have experience with them? http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx

almost40 · March 2nd, 2011, 11:01 AM

GT 501's or BT-45's would be a good choice also.
None of the tires will last forever but the harder compounds will last longer.
these 2 are a little harder but still stick good in an emergency.

kkim · March 2nd, 2011, 11:08 AM

what tires do you have now?

00NissanNinja · March 2nd, 2011, 11:08 AM

I commute 70 miles a day so once the IRC's are gone I am picking up the BT-45's since they were recommended and offer better traction.

CThunder-blue · March 2nd, 2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

what tires do you have now?

I have BT 003's I believe.

KGar · March 2nd, 2011, 12:07 PM

I commute 75 round trip and will go through the stockers in no time. This is good info. Are the BT-45's dual compound?

want1sobad · March 2nd, 2011, 12:29 PM

bt-45's no question. better grip than 501's, similar treadlife. i put 300+ miles on the bike a week - my bt-45's have 10k on them - still look good.

KGar · March 2nd, 2011, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by want1sobad

bt-45's no question. better grip than 501's, similar treadlife. i put 300+ miles on the bike a week - my bt-45's have 10k on them - still look good.

Excellent, bt-45s it is.

kkim · March 2nd, 2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

I have BT 003's I believe.

these are not stock tires... were the tires changed previously? what size tires are presently on the bike?

CThunder-blue · March 2nd, 2011, 01:52 PM

The PO installed the new tires just before he sold the bike to me. I have about 4k on them.

want1sobad · March 2nd, 2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redrider

Excellent, bt-45s it is.

good choice - best source:

http://motorcycle.motorcycle-superst.../search#w=bt45

NJD022588 · March 2nd, 2011, 02:17 PM

Where's the best place to buy BT-45's? When the weather warms up a little more I'll be commuting (110 miles round trip) on the bike occasionally. Gonna go through tires pretty quickly...

Edit: Oops, didnt see the previous post.

kkim · March 2nd, 2011, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

The PO installed the new tires just before he sold the bike to me. I have about 4k on them.

those are very sticky, race compound tires which is surprising that you got 4k out of them. if you go with the OEM bt045 tires, which is a bias ply tire, I'd say you will be in for a significant change in bike handing as well as grip level that you've most likely have taken for granted by starting off with the 003s.

my recommendation for a good radial tire is the bt016 in 110/70 and 150/60 sizes. It remains sticky, wears well and improves the grip level over the OEM bias ply tires.

if you decide to stick with an OEM bias ply type tire in stock sizes, the 045s are a good choice as well as the Dunlop gt501s for a good mix of grip and longevity.

btw, you are planning to change both tires, correct? it is not advisable to use mixed tire construction types between front and rear. (ie. radial front and bias ply rear)

CThunder-blue · March 2nd, 2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

those are very sticky, race compound tires which is surprising that you got 4k out of them. if you go with the OEM bt045 tires, which is a bias ply tire, I'd say you will be in for a significant change in bike handing as well as grip level that you've most likely have taken for granted by starting off with the 003s.

my recommendation for a good radial tire is the bt016 in 110/70 and 150/60 sizes. It remains sticky, wears well and improves the grip level over the OEM bias ply tires.

if you decide to stick with an OEM bias ply type tire in stock sizes, the 045s are a good choice as well as the Dunlop gt501s for a good mix of grip and longevity.

btw, you are planning to change both tires, correct? it is not advisable to use mixed tire construction types between front and rear. (ie. radial front and bias ply rear)

Thanks for the advice Kelly. I will need to check out the front tire to see what I have and will match it up accordingly to the rear. I don't see a reason to throw away a good tire if it's not worn. So no opinion on the michelin's?

kkim · March 2nd, 2011, 03:06 PM

sorry, no info on the michelin, though I think I have seen them mentioned on ninjette. have you done a search to see if someone has provided feedback on these particular tires?

CThunder-blue · March 2nd, 2011, 04:16 PM

I read the wiki on tires on here, but that's about it. There's a lot of good reviews on it from MC superstore. I may go with the BT45's. I've had michelins on my car before and was pretty unhappy with them. Not sure if their philosophy of car tires also applies to their bike tires.

bob706 · March 2nd, 2011, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

I'm thinking of Michelin Pilot Activ Rear Tire. Anyone have experience with them? http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx

I have pilots front and rear and love them. Only have a little over 2K on them. My original tires were 501's and they lasted about 14K but ended up with pretty good cupping.

CThunder-blue · March 2nd, 2011, 04:54 PM

Thanks Sean. You have the Pilot Activ or a different model?

littledog · March 2nd, 2011, 05:25 PM

kenda 671 is an inexpensive bias ply tire that comes in the right sizes.

bob706 · March 2nd, 2011, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

Thanks Sean. You have the Pilot Activ or a different model?

I have the Activs - 140 rear 110 front

CThunder-blue · March 2nd, 2011, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob706

I have the Activs - 140 rear 110 front

Cool. That looks to be the size of my rear. Does anyone know if the BT 003's are radial?

gfloyd2002 · March 3rd, 2011, 04:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

Cool. That looks to be the size of my rear. Does anyone know if the BT 003's are radial?

Yes. It is a multi-compound radial, with a different compound for center tread and shoulder, with a belt underneath. These should probably be thought of as track-day tires not designed primarily for street use and bad in the wet. They would make a bad every day tire, imho, even the 003RS. The BT-016 would be the better street tire and still offers excellent grip. KKim has the 016s and swears by them.

dubojr1 · March 3rd, 2011, 06:15 AM

I LOOOOOVE my 016's....

My commute is approx. 50 miles round trip.

CThunder-blue · March 3rd, 2011, 08:44 AM

Thanks Floyd. Looks like I'll need to do both front and rear at the same time then. Jason, how many miles on them do you have and what's the wear like?

dubojr1 · March 3rd, 2011, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

Thanks Floyd. Looks like I'll need to do both front and rear at the same time then. Jason, how many miles on them do you have and what's the wear like?

Well I will first say I'm a prolly a bit harder on my 250's tires than most. Being used to riding a 1000RR, I generally push my lil ninja to its limits often with hard acceleration and heavy braking. This is one of the reasons I went with the 016's. Grip is excellent BTW. As far as wear, I've got about 2,500 miles on them now and I'm pleased with the way they are wearing. Even with my commute, they seem to be keeping their circular shape. I haven't really noticed a "flat" spot on them yet. If I had to guess right now I'd say there is prolly about 30% worn but I'll try to snap a couple high quality pics of both front a rear and post them so you can judge for yourself. As far as I am concerned though, these are by far the best tires for my riding style.

Here is a baseline to start with. First couple is when I installed them. The 3rd picture was with about 500 miles.

CThunder-blue · March 3rd, 2011, 09:09 AM

Is your commute mostly straight?

dubojr1 · March 3rd, 2011, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

Is your commute mostly straight?

Mostly...

The "Florida 9A" and I-95 are highway speeds. Like I said though, I prolly corner faster than most too. Every chance I get I have mine leaned as far as I can. I'm thinking this along with the 016's different compounds allows the tire to wear more evenly.

CThunder-blue · March 3rd, 2011, 09:24 AM

Yeah, the leans that you get to have most likely help. It looks like you have 4 bends in your commute that allows you to get a lean. I get 1 and that's on my way to work. On my way home, I take a different route that doesn't even have 1 bend except for an exit.

almost40 · March 3rd, 2011, 11:07 AM

Kudos to KKim for asking what tires you are riding now. I assumed you were on the stockers. I agree with the above comments and would go with the BT-16's. Great tire for track and street.(thats whats on my 250 now)

CThunder-blue · March 3rd, 2011, 12:36 PM

are the bt 16's better than the 45's?

dubojr1 · March 3rd, 2011, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

are the bt 16's better than the 45's?

Define better...

Better for commuting?

almost40 · March 3rd, 2011, 12:54 PM

YES BT-16's are dual compound tires. Wont last as long, but much better grip. On top of that they are radials.

CThunder-blue · March 3rd, 2011, 12:54 PM

Yes. I'm not interested in track use.

dubojr1 · March 3rd, 2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

Yes. I'm not interested in track use.

You need 016's then. Bottom line IMHO.

Alex · March 3rd, 2011, 01:00 PM

Really? The thread is started with a request for tires that are good for commuting, have long wear, and consistent handling, and the answer is the BT-016's? Color me skeptical.

kkim · March 3rd, 2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

Yes. I'm not interested in track use.

again, define "better". what's good to you? what are you looking for in a tire? it's all about priorities between grip, mileage and price. rank those and I can possibly recommend a tire based on your priorities.

dubojr1 · March 3rd, 2011, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Really? The thread is started with a request for tires that are good for commuting, have long wear, and consistent handling, and the answer is the BT-016's? Color me skeptical.

almost40 · March 3rd, 2011, 01:06 PM

If your running the 003's the BT-16's are a little step down in traction and a big step up in tire life.
The BT-45's are a much bigger step down in traction (and safety IMO) but you will get longer tire life than the 16's
The 16's are a dual compound radial
The 45's are a single compound bias-ply.
I dont know the mileage difference between the 16's and the 45's but I would assume that its not huge. Im sure the 003's wear mega fast because they are more of a track tire than a street tire. The 16's are the best of both worlds. Im sure someone here has a mileage total for the 16's, Im not that guy. I can say that I did 2 weekends on the track (in I-group, and I wasnt taking it easy out there )on my 16's and 2000 miles on the street and they still have tons of tread left.
Best bang for the buck = BT16

March 2nd, 2011, 10:05 AM	#1
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Tire recommendations for commuters? I travel 40 miles a day round trip and about 38 of those are freeway miles. I only have 1 bend which allows me to lean the bike. Otherwise, even the entrance and exit ramps are shallow turns. This has lead me to have a noticeable flat wear in the middle of the tire. Are there tires out there built for this type of riding that will fit our bikes? Grip in turns is always important, but I could give some of it up for a tire that won't wear out the middle too fast. I also don't ride in the rain, so wet traction can be minimal. __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

March 2nd, 2011, 10:37 AM	#3
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	That helps me not at all. I'm thinking of Michelin Pilot Activ Rear Tire. Anyone have experience with them? http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

March 2nd, 2011, 11:01 AM	#4
almost40 ninjette.org Monkey Spank Name: Kevin Location: Illinois Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.	GT 501's or BT-45's would be a good choice also. None of the tires will last forever but the harder compounds will last longer. these 2 are a little harder but still stick good in an emergency. __________________________________________________ Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket

March 2nd, 2011, 11:08 AM	#6
00NissanNinja I hate driving... Name: S Location: SW Ohio Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.	I commute 70 miles a day so once the IRC's are gone I am picking up the BT-45's since they were recommended and offer better traction. __________________________________________________ 09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast

March 2nd, 2011, 01:52 PM	#12
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	The PO installed the new tires just before he sold the bike to me. I have about 4k on them. __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

March 2nd, 2011, 10:29 AM	#2
caps Sexy Beast Name: Mat Location: Tampa Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R, 2006 ZX-14, 2012 Ducati Monster Posts: A lot.	darkside tires...

March 2nd, 2011, 11:08 AM	#5
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	what tires do you have now?

March 2nd, 2011, 12:07 PM	#8
KGar Mid Life Crisis Name: Ken Location: Phoenix, Arizona Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (Passion Red); 1999 BMW K1200RS (Marrakesh Red) Posts: 81	I commute 75 round trip and will go through the stockers in no time. This is good info. Are the BT-45's dual compound?

March 2nd, 2011, 12:29 PM	#9
want1sobad Ninjette CPT Name: Vince Location: jacksonville, fl Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Black 08 250r Posts: A lot.	bt-45's no question. better grip than 501's, similar treadlife. i put 300+ miles on the bike a week - my bt-45's have 10k on them - still look good.

March 2nd, 2011, 02:17 PM	#14
NJD022588 ============ Name: Nick Location: Occoquan, VA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 518	Where's the best place to buy BT-45's? When the weather warms up a little more I'll be commuting (110 miles round trip) on the bike occasionally. Gonna go through tires pretty quickly... Edit: Oops, didnt see the previous post. Last futzed with by NJD022588; March 3rd, 2011 at 06:49 AM.

March 2nd, 2011, 03:06 PM	#17
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	sorry, no info on the michelin, though I think I have seen them mentioned on ninjette. have you done a search to see if someone has provided feedback on these particular tires?

March 2nd, 2011, 04:16 PM	#18
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	I read the wiki on tires on here, but that's about it. There's a lot of good reviews on it from MC superstore. I may go with the BT45's. I've had michelins on my car before and was pretty unhappy with them. Not sure if their philosophy of car tires also applies to their bike tires. __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

March 2nd, 2011, 04:54 PM	#20
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Thanks Sean. You have the Pilot Activ or a different model? __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

March 2nd, 2011, 05:25 PM	#21
littledog ninjette.org member Name: Peter Location: Deep South, USA Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Special Edition Ninja 250 a good memory, 2011 Suzuki DL 650 the new ride Posts: 131	kenda 671 is an inexpensive bias ply tire that comes in the right sizes.

March 3rd, 2011, 06:15 AM	#25
dubojr1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Jacksonville, Florida Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.	I LOOOOOVE my 016's.... My commute is approx. 50 miles round trip. __________________________________________________ 09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map Last futzed with by dubojr1; March 3rd, 2011 at 06:16 AM. Reason: add additional info

March 3rd, 2011, 08:44 AM	#26
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Thanks Floyd. Looks like I'll need to do both front and rear at the same time then. Jason, how many miles on them do you have and what's the wear like? __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

March 3rd, 2011, 09:09 AM	#28
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Is your commute mostly straight? __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

March 3rd, 2011, 09:24 AM	#30
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Yeah, the leans that you get to have most likely help. It looks like you have 4 bends in your commute that allows you to get a lean. I get 1 and that's on my way to work. On my way home, I take a different route that doesn't even have 1 bend except for an exit. __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

March 3rd, 2011, 11:07 AM	#31
almost40 ninjette.org Monkey Spank Name: Kevin Location: Illinois Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.	Kudos to KKim for asking what tires you are riding now. I assumed you were on the stockers. I agree with the above comments and would go with the BT-16's. Great tire for track and street.(thats whats on my 250 now) __________________________________________________ Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket

March 3rd, 2011, 12:36 PM	#32
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	are the bt 16's better than the 45's? __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

March 3rd, 2011, 12:54 PM	#34
almost40 ninjette.org Monkey Spank Name: Kevin Location: Illinois Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.	YES BT-16's are dual compound tires. Wont last as long, but much better grip. On top of that they are radials. __________________________________________________ Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket

March 3rd, 2011, 12:54 PM	#35
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Yes. I'm not interested in track use. __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

March 3rd, 2011, 01:00 PM	#37
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Really? The thread is started with a request for tires that are good for commuting, have long wear, and consistent handling, and the answer is the BT-016's? Color me skeptical. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

March 3rd, 2011, 01:06 PM	#40
almost40 ninjette.org Monkey Spank Name: Kevin Location: Illinois Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R Track-Bike Woodcraft clip-ons and rearsets FZ-6 track bike Posts: A lot.	If your running the 003's the BT-16's are a little step down in traction and a big step up in tire life. The BT-45's are a much bigger step down in traction (and safety IMO) but you will get longer tire life than the 16's The 16's are a dual compound radial The 45's are a single compound bias-ply. I dont know the mileage difference between the 16's and the 45's but I would assume that its not huge. Im sure the 003's wear mega fast because they are more of a track tire than a street tire. The 16's are the best of both worlds. Im sure someone here has a mileage total for the 16's, Im not that guy. I can say that I did 2 weekends on the track (in I-group, and I wasnt taking it easy out there )on my 16's and 2000 miles on the street and they still have tons of tread left. Best bang for the buck = BT16 __________________________________________________ Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket

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