Let's talk tires again (2011 updates)

HorizonXP · May 29th, 2011, 11:40 PM

So I just finished a massive road trip from Toronto to Deal's Gap, packing on 4000+ km on my bike and tires. Got rid of the squareness of my tires in the twisties, only to get it back on the ride home.

My tires are pretty worn, they probably have another 2-3000 km on them left, if that. I was glad to have the BT-016s in the Gap, as I'm sure the extra grip was helpful.

I'm now thinking about what to replace these tires with. I've had great experience with these Bridgestones, and for the price, I should just stick with these.

Or should I? The Michelin Pilot Road 2s got rave reviews, and apparently, the 3s are even better. They're available in a 150 rear. But they're a sport touring tire, with harder compounds. They're also more expensive. However, they should last longer... but how long? 12,000 km (7,500 mi) is quite a bit for motorcycle tires as it is. Anyone think that the Michelins would be that much better and long lasting to justify the additional costs?

Or are there other tires I should or can be looking at? Suggestions, advice, and opinions are welcome!

bdavison · May 30th, 2011, 04:57 AM

GT501....in my opinion, best tire out there for the ninja250. Lasts a long time, and sticks like glue.

HorizonXP · May 30th, 2011, 07:22 AM

That may be true for bias-ply tires, but unfortunately, the best tires are radial. So I would prefer radial tires.

kamikaze · May 30th, 2011, 07:40 AM

my bt-016's are starting to square off and I've only got about 3000km on them

Don't get me wrong, I love how they make the bike feel in the corners, I was just expecting to get a little more out of them since they are supposed to be a dual compound tire. Am just looking at the PR3s now, and altho they have a 150 rear it's a 70 series not a 60, so it'll likely get pinched on the wheel. Even the PR2's don't come in the 150/60

Alex · May 30th, 2011, 07:48 AM

The ninjette is way too light to get any of those S/T tires up to their operating temp and load requirements. I wouldn't expect the Pilot Road 2 or 3 to work particularly well on this bike. They do work quite well on my R1200RT, but the mileage isn't great either. I just went through a rear PR3 in 2700 miles, though the fronts last 5000 - 6000 miles.

/thread moved to new-gen tech.

Bols · May 30th, 2011, 08:07 AM

Just be sure to get radialtires. It's worth going to 140-150 to get it, and lose some lean angle imo. I have always heard good things about Pirelli, so I went for Pirelli Diablo Rosso. I'm loving them, and now there is a new version of them out too!

Just to clarify, I haven't tried anything besides the IRC and Pirelli ones, but I am so happy with them I will definitely buy them again, just the II version. It's a tire I know works for me and I feel totally comfortable with. Since I live in Bergen aka city of rain, wet performance is of great importance to me, with the Rosso ones instead of Corsa, you get that supersport tire, just with improved wet performance and mileage

Here's a link about the release of the II version: http://blog.compacc.com/2011/05/new-...nd-overview-2/

oroboros · May 30th, 2011, 11:32 AM

Shoulda told me you would be in the neighborhood. We could have gone hunting for my lost turn signals near mud corner.

ratlab · May 31st, 2011, 12:53 AM

everybody goes wider at rear-why not 120 on front-tried search but no answer-just got a 250r -after riding big bikes i wouldn't mind slowing down steering a little-any handling problems from 120

CZroe · June 1st, 2011, 04:28 AM

Another vote for Dunlop Arrowmax GT501 tires here. I've ridden 22,500 miles on a few sets of them and my latest are still looking like new with plenty of sticky grip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bols

Just be sure to get radialtires. It's worth going to 140-150 to get it, and lose some lean angle imo. I have always heard good things about Pirelli, so I went for Pirelli Diablo Rosso. I'm loving them, and now there is a new version of them out too!

Just to clarify, I haven't tried anything besides the IRC and Pirelli ones, but I am so happy with them I will definitely buy them again, just the II version. It's a tire I know works for me and I feel totally comfortable with. Since I live in Bergen aka city of rain, wet performance is of great importance to me, with the Rosso ones instead of Corsa, you get that supersport tire, just with improved wet performance and mileage

Here's a link about the release of the II version: http://blog.compacc.com/2011/05/new-...nd-overview-2/

What makes it worth it? There is a notable disadvantage to having larger tires and a no notable advantage to having radials on such a light bike.

kamikaze · June 1st, 2011, 06:51 AM

what sizes are you guys running these 501s in, I can't find anything that looks like it would fit

Alex · June 1st, 2011, 07:14 AM

110/70/17, 130/70/17

CZroe · June 1st, 2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamikaze

what sizes are you guys running these 501s in, I can't find anything that looks like it would fit

I had been running the OEM GT501 tires buying OEM take offs or buying used (130-70-17 for the rear, 110-70-17 for the front). The OEM size was only available in certain regions at first, like Australia, but it showed up in USA online inventories over a year ago. Should be possible to order the right size.

Bols · June 1st, 2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratlab

everybody goes wider at rear-why not 120 on front-tried search but no answer-just got a 250r -after riding big bikes i wouldn't mind slowing down steering a little-any handling problems from 120

I'm using 120/60 front, I don't have any problems with it atleast

bdavison · June 1st, 2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bols

I'm using 120/60 front, I don't have any problems with it atleast

Did you have to change out the front fender? Ive heard of issues with it fitting.

Liber · June 1st, 2011, 07:32 PM

This thread is relevant to my interests...

Bols · June 1st, 2011, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdavison

Did you have to change out the front fender? Ive heard of issues with it fitting.

No it fits perfectly^^

areifel · June 1st, 2011, 08:02 PM

So, are you guys preferring the 501's to the PR2/3? I am looking to replace my Stock IRC's, which have close to 6,000 miles on them. I don't really care how long they last as long as they offer good dry/wet road performance.

alex.s · June 1st, 2011, 08:05 PM

you gt501 guys, have you tried the sportdemons? i love the hell out of them but am only getting about 7-8k miles on them... need a new rear for the ninja so maybe i'll switch...

Alex · June 1st, 2011, 08:11 PM

I like them both, but prefer the sport demons. They have a softer feel to them, and it feels more compliant when leaned over.

kamikaze · June 2nd, 2011, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

110/70/17, 130/70/17

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZroe

I had been running the OEM GT501 tires buying OEM take offs or buying used (130-70-17 for the rear, 110-70-17 for the front). The OEM size was only available in certain regions at first, like Australia, but it showed up in USA online inventories over a year ago. Should be possible to order the right size.

They don't even list those sizes on Dunlop's Website

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire..._tire.asp?id=8

edit: nevermind, found them on Motorcycle Superstore & Dennis Kirk

BlackNinja · June 2nd, 2011, 11:38 AM

I'm concerned with grip, and less worried about tread life. I want to be able to safely drag knees on my 250. I loved Pilot powers on my old Honda Superhawk. How do they work on a light bike like the 250?

CZroe · June 2nd, 2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamikaze

They don't even list those sizes on Dunlop's Website

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire..._tire.asp?id=8

edit: nevermind, found them on Motorcycle Superstore & Dennis Kirk

They're also on www.dunloptyres.com.au and www.dunlopmotorcycle.eu

Alex · June 2nd, 2011, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackNinja

I want to be able to safely drag knees on my 250.

Just about any of the recommended tires in this thread will have more than enough grip to lean the bike over to your knee on reasonably pavement. This risk has less to do with the tire's capabilities, and more to do with hitting hard parts on the deck. Leaning over on the left side, the first thing to hit the ground is often the kickstand mount, which is solidly mounted to the frame. It hits, it levers the rear tire off the ground, and the bike is suddenly in the weeds. Ramp up the lean angle gradually to understand where the limits are, but the tires aren't ultimately going to be the limiting factor.

reaperw · June 2nd, 2011, 07:08 PM

Has anyone on here try the michelin pilot activ

i was looking at these as i was thinking i am getting new tires soon.I have 15000km on my irc now.So maybe 5000km more km then new tires for me.I have not see any review on these tires

bdavison · June 2nd, 2011, 07:21 PM

I havent tried the sport demons yet...and honestly, I dont think I will. I like carving twisties mostly, and the gt501 is just the tire for it in my opinion. Surprisingly, they last a while too. Ive got around 4K on mine, and it hasnt even begun to square off or anything....unlike the stock IRC's that squared off after 3400 miles.

Im running a 130/70/17 GT501 on the rear...and I like it a lot. Even in the wet, it performs well. But it really excels once you get it warmed up.

When you first put them on, scrub em in nice and easy, they tend to be slick until you get the mold release off of them. Dunlop will tell you they dont use mold release, but they are full of it.

kamikaze · June 2nd, 2011, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Just about any of the recommended tires in this thread will have more than enough grip to lean the bike over to your knee on reasonably pavement. This risk has less to do with the tire's capabilities, and more to do with hitting hard parts on the deck. Leaning over on the left side, the first thing to hit the ground is often the kickstand mount, which is solidly mounted to the frame. It hits, it levers the rear tire off the ground, and the bike is suddenly in the weeds. Ramp up the lean angle gradually to understand where the limits are, but the tires aren't ultimately going to be the limiting factor.

a little off topic, but will the little rubber feelers on the pegs hit before the more solid parts? I haven't worn them off yet but I feel I gotta be close

kkim · June 2nd, 2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamikaze

a little off topic, but will the little rubber feelers on the pegs hit before the more solid parts? I haven't worn them off yet but I feel I gotta be close

yes, if they are in the stock location. if you have rearsets, the kickstand bracket hits first.

kamikaze · June 2nd, 2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

yes, if they are in the stock location. if you have rearsets, the kickstand bracket hits first.

still stock, good to know

CZroe · June 2nd, 2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdavison

I havent tried the sport demons yet...and honestly, I dont think I will. I like carving twisties mostly, and the gt501 is just the tire for it in my opinion. Surprisingly, they last a while too. Ive got around 4K on mine, and it hasnt even begun to square off or anything....unlike the stock IRC's that squared off after 3400 miles.

Im running a 130/70/17 GT501 on the rear...and I like it a lot. Even in the wet, it performs well. But it really excels once you get it warmed up.

When you first put them on, scrub em in nice and easy, they tend to be slick until you get the mold release off of them. Dunlop will tell you they dont use mold release, but they are full of it.

I find them pretty slick when wet, which is my only complaint. There's the story about when I got stuck on a wet cattle guard with no place to put my feet and a free-spinning tire and then there are numerous times when a wet manhole cover or gutter caused a scary slip for me mid-turn. For example, I'd turn off the street and into a parking lot and cross over a tiny bit of water running along the sidewalk that I just crossed (usually from sprinklers up the hill) and my tire would slide out from under me until it hits a dry spot and regains traction. Scary.

CZroe · June 2nd, 2011, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

yes, if they are in the stock location. if you have rearsets, the kickstand bracket hits first.

My boot almost always hits first.

almost40 · June 2nd, 2011, 09:24 PM

I have a used set of 501's in my garage. They have 2 weekends at the track and about 1000 miles of road use. Ill sell them if someone wants them. I have BT-16's on and never plan on going back to bias-ply.
Im taking offers via PM. BTW I will ship US only via UPS.

ratlab · June 2nd, 2011, 11:40 PM

anyone with bt-003rs experience-they make a 140 rear and they are a radial

tac12345 · June 3rd, 2011, 05:54 PM

thread relevant to my interest.

rockNroll · June 3rd, 2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratlab

anyone with bt-003rs experience-they make a 140 rear and they are a radial

Nice grippy tire, I like these

I run the 140 rear.

tac12345 · June 3rd, 2011, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockNroll

Nice grippy tire, I like these

I run the 140 rear.

how long do they last ? i am reading 3000-3500m on the net, but that's for r1&gsxr1000....etc...

May 29th, 2011, 11:40 PM	#1
HorizonXP ninjette.org member Name: X Location: Toronto Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250 SE Lime Green/Diablo Black Posts: 126	Let's talk tires again (2011 updates) So I just finished a massive road trip from Toronto to Deal's Gap, packing on 4000+ km on my bike and tires. Got rid of the squareness of my tires in the twisties, only to get it back on the ride home. My tires are pretty worn, they probably have another 2-3000 km on them left, if that. I was glad to have the BT-016s in the Gap, as I'm sure the extra grip was helpful. I'm now thinking about what to replace these tires with. I've had great experience with these Bridgestones, and for the price, I should just stick with these. Or should I? The Michelin Pilot Road 2s got rave reviews, and apparently, the 3s are even better. They're available in a 150 rear. But they're a sport touring tire, with harder compounds. They're also more expensive. However, they should last longer... but how long? 12,000 km (7,500 mi) is quite a bit for motorcycle tires as it is. Anyone think that the Michelins would be that much better and long lasting to justify the additional costs? Or are there other tires I should or can be looking at? Suggestions, advice, and opinions are welcome!

May 30th, 2011, 07:48 AM	#5
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	The ninjette is way too light to get any of those S/T tires up to their operating temp and load requirements. I wouldn't expect the Pilot Road 2 or 3 to work particularly well on this bike. They do work quite well on my R1200RT, but the mileage isn't great either. I just went through a rear PR3 in 2700 miles, though the fronts last 5000 - 6000 miles. /thread moved to new-gen tech. __________________________________________________ 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)

May 30th, 2011, 11:32 AM	#7
oroboros GDTRFB Name: Drew Location: SE PA Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 - sold 2005 EX500R project Posts: 496	Shoulda told me you would be in the neighborhood. We could have gone hunting for my lost turn signals near mud corner. __________________________________________________ I don't want a pickle Just want to ride on my motorsickle -Arlo Guthrie

June 1st, 2011, 07:14 AM	#11
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	110/70/17, 130/70/17 __________________________________________________ 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)

June 1st, 2011, 08:05 PM	#18
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	you gt501 guys, have you tried the sportdemons? i love the hell out of them but am only getting about 7-8k miles on them... need a new rear for the ninja so maybe i'll switch... __________________________________________________

May 30th, 2011, 04:57 AM	#2
bdavison Wartown, USA Name: Bryan Location: Warner Robins, GA Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.	GT501....in my opinion, best tire out there for the ninja250. Lasts a long time, and sticks like glue.

May 30th, 2011, 07:22 AM	#3
HorizonXP ninjette.org member Name: X Location: Toronto Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250 SE Lime Green/Diablo Black Posts: 126	That may be true for bias-ply tires, but unfortunately, the best tires are radial. So I would prefer radial tires.

May 30th, 2011, 07:40 AM	#4
kamikaze ex-ninjette.org guru :o Name: Trevor Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2003 SV1000 S Posts: 475	my bt-016's are starting to square off and I've only got about 3000km on them Don't get me wrong, I love how they make the bike feel in the corners, I was just expecting to get a little more out of them since they are supposed to be a dual compound tire. Am just looking at the PR3s now, and altho they have a 150 rear it's a 70 series not a 60, so it'll likely get pinched on the wheel. Even the PR2's don't come in the 150/60

May 30th, 2011, 08:07 AM	#6
Bols Norwegian dude Name: Ole Location: Norway Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ducati 748 Posts: 120	Just be sure to get radialtires. It's worth going to 140-150 to get it, and lose some lean angle imo. I have always heard good things about Pirelli, so I went for Pirelli Diablo Rosso. I'm loving them, and now there is a new version of them out too! Just to clarify, I haven't tried anything besides the IRC and Pirelli ones, but I am so happy with them I will definitely buy them again, just the II version. It's a tire I know works for me and I feel totally comfortable with. Since I live in Bergen aka city of rain, wet performance is of great importance to me, with the Rosso ones instead of Corsa, you get that supersport tire, just with improved wet performance and mileage Here's a link about the release of the II version: http://blog.compacc.com/2011/05/new-...nd-overview-2/

May 31st, 2011, 12:53 AM	#8
ratlab ratlab Name: reese Location: tracy, ca Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): gsxr1000,R3x2,RC390,FZ07,XR100 Posts: 132	everybody goes wider at rear-why not 120 on front-tried search but no answer-just got a 250r -after riding big bikes i wouldn't mind slowing down steering a little-any handling problems from 120

June 1st, 2011, 06:51 AM	#10
kamikaze ex-ninjette.org guru :o Name: Trevor Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2003 SV1000 S Posts: 475	what sizes are you guys running these 501s in, I can't find anything that looks like it would fit

June 1st, 2011, 07:32 PM	#15
Liber ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Arkansas Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): EX250J Posts: 511	This thread is relevant to my interests...

June 1st, 2011, 08:02 PM	#17
areifel ninjette.org member Name: Drew Location: Florida Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 194	So, are you guys preferring the 501's to the PR2/3? I am looking to replace my Stock IRC's, which have close to 6,000 miles on them. I don't really care how long they last as long as they offer good dry/wet road performance.

June 1st, 2011, 08:11 PM	#19
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	I like them both, but prefer the sport demons. They have a softer feel to them, and it feels more compliant when leaned over. __________________________________________________ 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)

June 2nd, 2011, 11:38 AM	#21
BlackNinja ninjette.org member Name: J Location: J-ville, NC Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 2fiddy Posts: 93	I'm concerned with grip, and less worried about tread life. I want to be able to safely drag knees on my 250. I loved Pilot powers on my old Honda Superhawk. How do they work on a light bike like the 250?

June 2nd, 2011, 07:08 PM	#24
reaperw ninjette.org member Name: Ian Location: newmarket Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250 Posts: 191	Has anyone on here try the michelin pilot activ i was looking at these as i was thinking i am getting new tires soon.I have 15000km on my irc now.So maybe 5000km more km then new tires for me.I have not see any review on these tires

June 2nd, 2011, 07:21 PM	#25
bdavison Wartown, USA Name: Bryan Location: Warner Robins, GA Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.	I havent tried the sport demons yet...and honestly, I dont think I will. I like carving twisties mostly, and the gt501 is just the tire for it in my opinion. Surprisingly, they last a while too. Ive got around 4K on mine, and it hasnt even begun to square off or anything....unlike the stock IRC's that squared off after 3400 miles. Im running a 130/70/17 GT501 on the rear...and I like it a lot. Even in the wet, it performs well. But it really excels once you get it warmed up. When you first put them on, scrub em in nice and easy, they tend to be slick until you get the mold release off of them. Dunlop will tell you they dont use mold release, but they are full of it.

June 2nd, 2011, 09:24 PM	#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.	I have a used set of 501's in my garage. They have 2 weekends at the track and about 1000 miles of road use. Ill sell them if someone wants them. I have BT-16's on and never plan on going back to bias-ply. Im taking offers via PM. BTW I will ship US only via UPS. __________________________________________________ Black 250R Full Area P QC Dyno Jet Kit 100 main 41T Rear Sprocket

June 2nd, 2011, 11:40 PM	#32
ratlab ratlab Name: reese Location: tracy, ca Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): gsxr1000,R3x2,RC390,FZ07,XR100 Posts: 132	anyone with bt-003rs experience-they make a 140 rear and they are a radial

June 3rd, 2011, 05:54 PM	#33
tac12345 ninjette.org member Name: Alexandre Location: Montreal Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 09 SE Posts: 172	thread relevant to my interest.

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