Wow, what a difference a good tire makes

ccampbell · November 10th, 2010, 07:50 AM

The stock tires on my new-to-me '05 were flat out dangerous. I was creeping around corners, afraid of sliding. Kind of defeats the purpose of a sport bike.

I looked around on here for tire recommendations and decided on the Pirelli Diablo Scooter tires. They're like night and day better. I feel locked down and stable now. It's amazing. They look great, too.

Great information here - thanks!

kkim · November 10th, 2010, 12:19 PM

lol... have fun!

darrell85 · November 10th, 2010, 12:32 PM

I also decided to go with diablos about a year ago. the stock tires are crap, you wont be dissapointed.

Snake · November 10th, 2010, 04:45 PM

I have the Diablo tires as well and love them. They are reasonably priced as well.

SV_Hadder · November 16th, 2010, 10:30 PM

I just ordered a set of those tires! Cost me $110 for the front and rear, shipping was $15.... can't beat that, considering that I couldn't have even bought a front tire for my SV650 for $110. My bike is currently running on the ORIGINAL front tire from 2001, and the rear is a Dunlop D404 130/90/16, so I'm hoping for a pretty drastic change in handling.

ccampbell · November 17th, 2010, 07:37 AM

It's like a completely new bike with these tires. It feels totally planted and stable. They also absorb the texture of the road better, so the bike feels smoother overall. I couldn't be happier.

red · November 17th, 2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccampbell

It's like a completely new bike with these tires. It feels totally planted and stable.

This is a lesson that I learned (again) recently on another brand-D, and another brand tires. I was wrestling with handling (which was downright scary) all the while knowing I had old, but with tread, tires. Changed them for some new stickies and the transformation was just staggering.

I am slowly coming to the point that street tires need to be changed about every 2 years if they're not worn out, regardless. And if you buy a used bike, same thing. Now it is only a wallet thing.

Alex · November 17th, 2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red

I am slowly coming to the point that street tires need to be changed about every 2 years if they're not worn out, regardless.

If your tires aren't worn out after 2 years, you're not riding enough.

red · November 17th, 2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

If your tires aren't worn out after 2 years, you're not riding enough.

If I had one bike, that might be true.

kkim · November 17th, 2010, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

If your tires aren't worn out after 2 years, you're not riding enough.

Hey!!! Leave me out of this!

Alex · November 17th, 2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red

If I had one bike, that might be true.

<---------------------------- I'm with you. It can be a challenge some years, but I'm up for it.

greg737 · November 17th, 2010, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccampbell

It's like a completely new bike with these tires. It feels totally planted and stable. They also absorb the texture of the road better, so the bike feels smoother overall. I couldn't be happier.

Now imagine that feeling happening twice.

I did the basic suspension upgrades first: serviced the uni-trak and swing arm as directed in the FAQs, put in .70 Sonic Springs, GVEs, and new oil up front, and a Hagon rear shock. This gave me the same amazing improvement you mentioned.

Not long afterward I did new tires, Sport Demon front and Diablo Scooter rear, and got a second round of "WOW, I can't believe how much better this is."

The EX-250 truly feels like a whole new bike after both the suspension upgrades and new tires.

20ninja03 · February 20th, 2011, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SV_Hadder

I just ordered a set of those tires! Cost me $110 for the front and rear, shipping was $15.... can't beat that, considering that I couldn't have even bought a front tire for my SV650 for $110. My bike is currently running on the ORIGINAL front tire from 2001, and the rear is a Dunlop D404 130/90/16, so I'm hoping for a pretty drastic change in handling.

Hey Zach I know old post but where did ya get the 110 deal for the Pirelli's? Looked like you got a great deal on them. Also what size did you end up with?
Thanks,
Matt

SV_Hadder · February 20th, 2011, 07:43 PM

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...chAutoComplete 130/80-16

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...oter-Tire.aspx 100/80-16

Total came to $114.98 You may be able to them even cheaper than that. Google search under the shopping section and see what you can find. Good luck!

20ninja03 · February 21st, 2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SV_Hadder

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...chAutoComplete 130/80-16

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...oter-Tire.aspx 100/80-16

Total came to $114.98 You may be able to them even cheaper than that. Google search under the shopping section and see what you can find. Good luck!

Thanks Zach I was actually gonna buy your two brothers exhaust about a month ago. I saw it on craigslist and thought I should get it but didn't have my cycle yet. Was it a good exhaust or too loud?

sherjay · February 21st, 2011, 05:24 PM

What's the difference between Sport Demons and Diablo?

SV_Hadder · February 21st, 2011, 06:04 PM

20ninja03 - The exhaust was good, but it was WAYYY too loud. It can be heard from 3 or 4 miles away, and it was just obnoxious. It DID sound good, but just too loud. For me the fun thing about this bike is zipping along at 10-13,000 rpm, and with the 2 Brother's you just couldn't do that because it pissed off everyone with how loud it was.

In all actuality my bike runs better with the stock pipes, even though I rejetted for the 2 brothers. After rejetting for the pipes the gas mileage took quite a hit. That was another reason I like this bike is the MPG, and the 2 brother's pipe defeated the purpose of that.

In my opinion the best thing you can do to your Ninja 250, is to upgrade the tires, get a new-gen EX250J rear shock, and some EX500 fork springs with 15wt oil, do the zip-tie throttle mod, and you will have one peppy little Ninja!

20ninja03 · February 21st, 2011, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SV_Hadder

20ninja03 - The exhaust was good, but it was WAYYY too loud. It can be heard from 3 or 4 miles away, and it was just obnoxious. It DID sound good, but just too loud. For me the fun thing about this bike is zipping along at 10-13,000 rpm, and with the 2 Brother's you just couldn't do that because it pissed off everyone with how loud it was.

In all actuality my bike runs better with the stock pipes, even though I rejetted for the 2 brothers. After rejetting for the pipes the gas mileage took quite a hit. That was another reason I like this bike is the MPG, and the 2 brother's pipe defeated the purpose of that.

In my opinion the best thing you can do to your Ninja 250, is to upgrade the tires, get a new-gen EX250J rear shock, and some EX500 fork springs with 15wt oil, do the zip-tie throttle mod, and you will have one peppy little Ninja!

Cool I figured it was too loud. If I want loud I'll whip out the camaro. That damn thing shakes the ground lol. I'm gonna try a few of those mods when I get the time. Far as the upgraded 08-11 rear shock is it a direct bolt in like the ex500 shock mod?

SV_Hadder · February 21st, 2011, 07:12 PM

Yup, the new-gen 250 shock is a direct drop in just like the ex500 shock. It took me about 30 minutes to swap the stock shock with the new-gen shock. The problem will be finding a good one at a good price. I got lucky and found a 2010 with about 300 miles, for only $50 shipped from a member on this board. Search ebay and the for sale section on this forum. Good luck!

November 10th, 2010, 07:50 AM	#1
ccampbell ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Kansas City Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Blue/Orange Ninja 250 Posts: 27	Wow, what a difference a good tire makes The stock tires on my new-to-me '05 were flat out dangerous. I was creeping around corners, afraid of sliding. Kind of defeats the purpose of a sport bike. I looked around on here for tire recommendations and decided on the Pirelli Diablo Scooter tires. They're like night and day better. I feel locked down and stable now. It's amazing. They look great, too. Great information here - thanks!

February 20th, 2011, 07:43 PM	#14
SV_Hadder ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Raleigh, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250 Posts: 94	http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...chAutoComplete 130/80-16 http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...oter-Tire.aspx 100/80-16 Total came to $114.98 You may be able to them even cheaper than that. Google search under the shopping section and see what you can find. Good luck! __________________________________________________ "Nicole" - Pirelli Diablo's front and rear, Two Brother's Exhaust, Apex Custom SS lines , 15 T, UNI Air filter, Fiamm El Grande horns, EX500 fork springs, EX250J rear shock, Fender eliminator.

February 21st, 2011, 06:04 PM	#17
SV_Hadder ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Raleigh, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250 Posts: 94	20ninja03 - The exhaust was good, but it was WAYYY too loud. It can be heard from 3 or 4 miles away, and it was just obnoxious. It DID sound good, but just too loud. For me the fun thing about this bike is zipping along at 10-13,000 rpm, and with the 2 Brother's you just couldn't do that because it pissed off everyone with how loud it was. In all actuality my bike runs better with the stock pipes, even though I rejetted for the 2 brothers. After rejetting for the pipes the gas mileage took quite a hit. That was another reason I like this bike is the MPG, and the 2 brother's pipe defeated the purpose of that. In my opinion the best thing you can do to your Ninja 250, is to upgrade the tires, get a new-gen EX250J rear shock, and some EX500 fork springs with 15wt oil, do the zip-tie throttle mod, and you will have one peppy little Ninja! __________________________________________________ "Nicole" - Pirelli Diablo's front and rear, Two Brother's Exhaust, Apex Custom SS lines , 15 T, UNI Air filter, Fiamm El Grande horns, EX500 fork springs, EX250J rear shock, Fender eliminator.

February 21st, 2011, 07:12 PM	#19
SV_Hadder ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Raleigh, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250 Posts: 94	Yup, the new-gen 250 shock is a direct drop in just like the ex500 shock. It took me about 30 minutes to swap the stock shock with the new-gen shock. The problem will be finding a good one at a good price. I got lucky and found a 2010 with about 300 miles, for only $50 shipped from a member on this board. Search ebay and the for sale section on this forum. Good luck! __________________________________________________ "Nicole" - Pirelli Diablo's front and rear, Two Brother's Exhaust, Apex Custom SS lines , 15 T, UNI Air filter, Fiamm El Grande horns, EX500 fork springs, EX250J rear shock, Fender eliminator.

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November 10th, 2010, 12:19 PM	#2
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	lol... have fun!

November 10th, 2010, 12:32 PM	#3
darrell85 darrell85 Name: darrell Location: vandalia Mo. Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2001 250 ninja Posts: 91	I also decided to go with diablos about a year ago. the stock tires are crap, you wont be dissapointed.

November 10th, 2010, 04:45 PM	#4
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	I have the Diablo tires as well and love them. They are reasonably priced as well.

November 16th, 2010, 10:30 PM	#5
SV_Hadder ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Raleigh, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2001 Ninja 250 Posts: 94	I just ordered a set of those tires! Cost me $110 for the front and rear, shipping was $15.... can't beat that, considering that I couldn't have even bought a front tire for my SV650 for $110. My bike is currently running on the ORIGINAL front tire from 2001, and the rear is a Dunlop D404 130/90/16, so I'm hoping for a pretty drastic change in handling.

November 17th, 2010, 07:37 AM	#6
ccampbell ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Kansas City Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Blue/Orange Ninja 250 Posts: 27	It's like a completely new bike with these tires. It feels totally planted and stable. They also absorb the texture of the road better, so the bike feels smoother overall. I couldn't be happier.

February 21st, 2011, 05:24 PM	#16
sherjay ninjette.org member Name: Xtian Location: Artesia, California Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r SE Posts: 98	What's the difference between Sport Demons and Diablo?