needing a better tire

[rdtm]

What is a a good tire for the Buell XB12? I have the Dunlops but they are junk. The only Buell dealer close said that's all they can get there has to be something better.

 

[bahamasair]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mich...001QQitemZ110089301531QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

They are very nice tyres. The Pilot sports are nice too. You have to take the spaces out of the link above. This forum software wont allow a word that long lol

 

[BuellPartsGuy]

Get anything but Avons, Dunlops, Conti's, and Maxxis tires and you will be doing just fine.

 

[05xb12r]

does anyone kno if a 200 would fit on the stock rim of an 05 xb12r.

 

[BuellPartsGuy]

It will fit on the rim, but not on the bike.

 

[Unekride]

If anyone is looking for a great set of tires for their Firebolt I've been using the Pirelli Diablos for over 19,000 miles and I love them. I ride year round and if I don't abuse them I get about 2,800 miles out of a rear and almost three to one on the front. I was looking at putting on the corsa or the supercorsa (which are nice tires) But riding almost 10,000 a year I can't afford buying tires every month. I've been using them on my '04 xb12r for over two years and it's nice to see Buell is finally decided to switch to a great tire. The Pirelli gives me a lot more confidence then the stock tires. I'm no racer, but I ride this bike pretty hard.

 

[B_Brad]

I have Michelin Pilots and like them very much. I also have a 190 on the rear which is more for looks. I don't think there is much of a difference between the 190 and 180 handling wise. The 200 will not fit as the 190 is tight but does fit with not a lot of clearance between the belt guard.

Brad

 

[mezap]

Has anyone tried the Metzler sportec m-3 on a buell? I used them on my interceptor and they worked great. That bike weighed 580 lbs, and I still managed to get 5000-6000 miles out of a rear. They're sport-touring, not straight sport, but I don't race, I just like to lean. I only have 1500 miles on my buell yet, but I was thinking about giving the sport-tecs a try, unless one of you more seasoned buell veterans have insight saying otherwise. Your opinions are valued. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

 

[BuellPartsGuy]

I have the M-1's on mine and I like them. They seem to be wearing pretty well, they grip very well even when cold and didnt hurt the pocket book too bad. I am going to the either the M-1's next or the Pilot's....

 

[lucas70374]

I second the Diablos, Might be why buell started putting them on all 2007 models

 

[Hard Corps]

Third for the Diablos, and that is what come stock on 07 buells, so your dealer is full of it if they say they can't get them.

 

[Firebolt]

i have Dunlop Qualifiers and i love them. they Warm up fast, and are pretty wide compared to a 208-which i did not care for looks wise (being too narrow). the handling on the 208 was quick, but they did not warm up fast, wich can scare the shit out of ya in a hurry if your not too careful

 

[07XB12RAUSTRALIA]

i have an 07 firebolt came std with diablo's seem to be great ,then after a day at the drags i changed to a conti attack 190 seems great cheers matt

 

[FrAuStY12r]

I'm on my second set of Michelin Pilot Powers, second set, because I liked them enough to cough up the money for em. I put about 12000 miles (most were highway, and yes 12 thousand) miles on my first set, and also 90-100 laps at JenningsGP in Florida. They were still great for the first three days after the TrackDay, and then they started to powder up, and break loose. My Second set has about 2000 miles on them, 50% highway, 50% aggressive/high lean angle riding, and have the same contour as the day I bought them.

The Michelins will cup a bit on the front tire after 6k miles , but thats due to the rake angle of the forks. Unfortunately, you'll never be able to escape lunched front tires after high mileage, unless you consistently lean the bike to 1/4-1/3" from the shoulder of the tire.

Also rider style greatly increases/descrease life of your tires, but I believe the dual compound makes a massive difference when it comes being a sportbike/cornering tire, or a highway squared off cruiser tire.

*puts away soapbox*

-EDIT-

Forgot to mention have gone from the 180/55-17 to the 190/50-17; for the sole purpose of greater tread contact in the corners. I've actually been able to use the last 1/4" of front tire tread on either shoulder!!

 

[CanadianBuell]

I put the Perelli Diablo strata's on my 03 XB9R and they are great. They are made for long life but with great traction. They are holding up great to hard use. I believe the newest ones have dual compounds with hard rubber in the middle and soft sticky rubber on the outer edges for cornering. Compared to the stock Dunlops, they are far better. They Dunlops chunk and rip.

 

[xb12Rider]

I run metzler sportec funny thing is the new tires the diablo has the same exact profile as dare I say the sportecs same case winding and compounds and wear profile last but not least they are the same company.if you get them for less buy them!

 

[Unekride]

xb12Rider---Did you get your GED because you English is terrible. Tire good, bike fast.