April 5th, 2012, 02:11 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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Help choosing new tires - TOO MANY BRANDS!
Hey guys, I've done a bunch of searching already but I'm still having problems picking out a new set of tires for my Ninja. My tires are still in decent shape, but I think they'll be finished after another 3000 kms. Instead of waiting until they need to be changed to order my tires I'd like to have them on hand in advance so I can change them when I need to without delay.
My riding habits aren't anything unusual, but I wouldn't say they're common. I use the ninja as my main mode of transportation and travel about 55-60 miles a day. 90% of the riding is done on the freeway going about 75mph in all weather conditions. I'd also like to increase the size of my tires, but I don't know what size would benefit me with the type of riding I do. What should I get? |
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April 5th, 2012, 03:07 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org dude
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April 5th, 2012, 04:14 PM | #4 |
Nerd
Name: Chris
Location: Tujunga
Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ducati Hyperstrada Posts: 672
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I'm currently rocking the Pirelli Sport Demons. They're loads better than the stock IRC tires. Also i would stick with the current size tire. There is really no reason not to, unless you want the "look" of a bigger tire. + Bigger tire means more weight to spin!
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April 5th, 2012, 05:16 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
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The only reason to size up is maybe a single size up to get the tyre you want if it's not offered in the 130 (i.e.: the Rosso IIs only come in 140, which works just fine.) If the tyre you want comes in 130, get it in 130 though
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April 5th, 2012, 05:59 PM | #6 |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
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Going bigger does nothing for you so u have a question to ask
Do you commute? Yes: bt45s Do you commute? No: Pirelli sport demons
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If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
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April 5th, 2012, 06:17 PM | #7 |
CBR250R Traitor
Name: Jon
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+1
BT45s are awesome. |
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April 5th, 2012, 06:25 PM | #8 |
1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass
Name: Jeremy
Location: Dayton, OH
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.
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The diablo Rosso II tires have worked perfectly for me in all conditions. 20F and lower, tons of standing water, some off roading, and with 2000 miles hardly any squaring of the middle.
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April 5th, 2012, 06:34 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rick
Location: Hawaii
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Kawasaki Ninja 250R(Sold), 11 Honda Ruckus, 12 Ducati Monster 696 ABS Posts: 145
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I have sport demons on my bike and I love them. They never gave me a problem, even in the rain.
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April 5th, 2012, 07:16 PM | #10 |
Internet Slut
Name: Jeff
Location: L.A.
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 04 FZ1, 07 FZ6 Posts: A lot.
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April 5th, 2012, 07:26 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Dan
Location: Perryopolis, PA
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09' Blue Ninja 250R and 07' Honda 919 Posts: 605
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shinko 006 podiums my next tires. $94 rear $68 front
read this review: http://www.sportbikes.ws/showthread.php?t=106588 |
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April 5th, 2012, 11:32 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Mike
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): RED 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 304
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Finally got mine mounted and installed on weds (my front fork stand is Sh**... gotta buy one that lifts from the triple... gahhhh). Fricken love these tires. Literally can't believe I didn't get to changing them faster! Not ridiculously expensive, and IMHO one of the/if not the best around. |
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April 5th, 2012, 11:34 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Eric
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^^^ Yup, amazing tyres; nuff said.
Great for commuting too, since the centre is hard for longevity and the sides are soft for grip. |
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April 5th, 2012, 11:42 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Mike
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
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There literally is nothing else to say
Pretty decent longevity for the amount of grip these maintain in both wet and dry conditions. BUY BUY BUY I haven't yet decided on a perfect tire pressure, but eventually I will find something I like |
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April 6th, 2012, 09:36 AM | #15 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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Thanks for all the feedback guys. I'll probably go with the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IIs. I just need to find a place that'll sell them for a reasonable price. Anybody know a place near the border that would sell these tires in the right size? The prices are crazy here in Canada, I was quoted $199 front and $215 for the rear for a set of Bridgestone BT45s. And that's all before tax and installation, which was another $100 before tax.
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April 6th, 2012, 09:49 AM | #16 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Mike
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): RED 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 304
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Quote:
I did the installation myself, soooo that didn't cost anything, but I would say that could run you 20-40 a tire depending on the shop you bring it to and if you just bring the tires vs the entire bike. |
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April 6th, 2012, 10:03 AM | #17 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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Are these sizes correct?
110/70R17 54H 140/70R17 66H What do the 54H and 66H mean? |
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April 6th, 2012, 04:12 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
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The H is the speed rating (up to 130 mph), and the numbers are a weight code for how much the tire can safely be loaded with. I don't know what the 54 or 66 actually correspond to in pounds, but there has to be a table somewhere.
EDIT: found it
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April 6th, 2012, 04:38 PM | #19 | |
So, where's the reverse?
Name: Anson
Location: Ontario, Canada
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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April 6th, 2012, 04:53 PM | #20 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Carl
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250 Green+Black Special Edition Posts: 19
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Quote:
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April 6th, 2012, 05:38 PM | #21 |
CBR250R Traitor
Name: Jon
Location: Greater Philadelphia Area
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924
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How long do these last for?
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April 6th, 2012, 05:41 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Carl
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250 Green+Black Special Edition Posts: 19
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I've got 3000 miles on the rear, looks to have at least that left in it. I'd guess 5-10k miles depending on usage. I'm about 75% highway commuting miles, the rest split between city and canyon riding
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April 6th, 2012, 07:43 PM | #23 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Scott
Location: Western, NB
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Posts: 51
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Quote:
I'm also looking for new tires as my rear decided to get a piercing via a nail. I'm just wondering why you say to get the Pirellis for commuting. Is it just that they wear quicker? I found a somewhat local shop selling them for a good price compared to what I can find online and was thinking of getting them. I use my bike mostly for commuting to and from work as well as pleasure riding, but I'm not what you'd call an aggressive rider. Also, should I change the front to match the rear tire? It currently has stock IRCs on. Thanks
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Air goes in, air goes out, blood goes round and round. Any deviation of this is bad. |
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April 6th, 2012, 08:01 PM | #24 | |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
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MOTM - Apr '13
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Quote:
The bt 45s are a dual compound, hard in the middle soft on the outside, good for commuting and for the twisties, you get more traction as you lean more. The pirellis are a superior tire but totally unnecessary for commuting
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If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
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April 6th, 2012, 08:02 PM | #25 |
CBR250R Traitor
Name: Jon
Location: Greater Philadelphia Area
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924
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@Jiggles is right.
Just get the BT45s for commuting if you do so. You will be more than pleased with their performance. I don't want to change my tires three times a year |
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April 6th, 2012, 08:29 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Scott
Location: Western, NB
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Posts: 51
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Thanks guys.
One quick question though. Are the BT45s as good in the rain as the sport demons? Oh, and what's the difference between BT45 and BT45 sport? I guess that was 2 quick questions.
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Air goes in, air goes out, blood goes round and round. Any deviation of this is bad. Last futzed with by Cringer; April 7th, 2012 at 04:17 AM. Reason: Had another question. |
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April 7th, 2012, 07:10 AM | #27 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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tires squared off?
So I did some shopping, and it turns out that I can get the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IIs and the Bridgestone BT045s for pretty much the same price. I heard that the Bridgestone BT045s are more of a commuter tire and would probably last a little longer, but compared to the Pirellis, most people say the Pirellis would be a much better choice...
The tires cost $300 a set (both sets $300 ea.) but I'm tight on cash. I'm pretty sure my tires are squaring off but I'm not exactly sure how squared off they should be before they actually create a hazardous riding condition for me. I'll take a few pictures to show you people so you can tell me if I have a good excuse to get them, or if I'm just being a compulsive shopper :P |
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April 7th, 2012, 10:20 AM | #28 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rei
Location: HK
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja250R Posts: 63
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No BT003RS love?
Just got these 140/70/17 few days ago.. well I suppose these probably aren't that great for commute. |
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April 7th, 2012, 03:00 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Bob
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.
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+1 for the Sport Demons.
The only tires I have personally used are the old OEMs (the better ones, can't recall name), and the Sport Demons. I do feel much more confident on the SD, and IIRC don't really see any fewer miles on their life. I commute too. They are often sold as sport touring tires. I have also not paid more than $115-120 after shipping for a rear (usually get free shipping). I think I have mostly used motorcyclesuperstore for my tires. I also mount/balance my own tires, so if you have it done you will pay more.
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Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned |
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April 7th, 2012, 03:08 PM | #30 |
CBR250R Traitor
Name: Jon
Location: Greater Philadelphia Area
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Red CBR250R 2009 Ninja 250r SE(With 2008 Fairings)(sold) Posts: 924
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I actually got my BT45s for < $100 a piece.
They are more than enough for most riding, least from what I've experienced. |
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April 7th, 2012, 04:33 PM | #31 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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pics of my tire:
photo.jpg photo1.jpg photo2.jpg photo3.jpg photo4.jpg photo5.jpg photo6.jpg photo7.jpg |
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April 7th, 2012, 04:47 PM | #32 |
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.
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Another for the Rosso II; they are imo the best all around tire that fits the 250 rear rim correctly. I've got 500 miles on them with a track day and some twisties rides and they do not disappoint. Every time I lean over it's like the tire is saying "oh its okay you can lean more and go faster, no prob"
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09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast |
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April 7th, 2012, 04:49 PM | #33 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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Quote:
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April 7th, 2012, 04:50 PM | #34 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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Quote:
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April 7th, 2012, 05:26 PM | #35 |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
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MOTM - Apr '13
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I don't know much about the rosso II's just the bt45s.
But really anything suggested will be so much better. It's like asking what the best caliber bullet to shoot somoene in the temple with, I mean really, anything will cut it
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If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
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April 7th, 2012, 05:37 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Andrei
Location: Austin, TX
Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 2008 Daytona 675 Posts: 212
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I have BT45s for commute and 003rs for track.
I actually did my very first track day in rain on BT45s too...ok, the tar patches are slippery when wet, but overall they held up very nicely. Of course the grip on 003s is awesome but I wouldnt use them for commute, it'd be a waste of $$. |
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April 7th, 2012, 05:38 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Bob
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.
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Your point is understood and valid. However, if we wanted to split hairs on the ballistics metaphor, you know we open a can of worms.
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April 7th, 2012, 05:48 PM | #38 |
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.
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From the looks of it, you aren't even near the wear bars. Took me a long time to wear out those IRC's, around 11,000 miles.
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09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast |
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April 7th, 2012, 06:42 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Dan
Location: Perryopolis, PA
Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09' Blue Ninja 250R and 07' Honda 919 Posts: 605
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+1 those things look like they got tons of wear left. I think alot of people on here as new riders read how quickly supersport bikes wear their tires and think ninjettes will wear quick too alot of their tirewear is from HP. The stock IIrcs arent bad
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April 7th, 2012, 08:09 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Solon
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), 2007 SV650s (deer wrecked), 2010 Suzuki SV650S Posts: 334
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How can you tell if the grips are down to the wear bars? I thought mine were down to them already, you can see the rubber walls that stick up in between the tread is broken and at the surface of my tread.
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