New Tires

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Pegasus

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 9, 2011
Messages
52
Hey guys, It's time I break down and get new tires for my 04' XB12R. I have about 5 inches of thread showing in my back tire and my front tire was "wearing unevenly." These tires were on the bike when I bought it about 8 months ago. I was thinking maybe the Pilot Road 2s or 3s? I was also wondering about sizes. I use this bike as a daily driver on flat roads with not a lot of curves (it's Florida after all) and so I don't need to worry about a lot of grip in the curves, and I don't run it on the track either. Right now I have a 170 in the rear and I think a 110, 120, or 130 in the front. I was looking to get a bigger rear tire, I saw old threads on here a while ago about people using 180-200 size tires in the rear. What would you recommend for front and rear sizes keeping in mind that it's mostly straight riding and no track?
 
120/70-17 and 180/55-17 those are stock sizes and will work great. the pilot road sounds like a great option for you. the 3 has some amazing siping which helps keep the tire cooler and will help if you ever get caught in one of those heavy rains you get down there.
 
I use Pilot Road 3's and love them. Im in Tampa, FL and I do alot of commuting as well. I would highly recommend the michelin Pilot Road 3s front and rear. Great commuting tire with a hard compound middle for high mileage, and a softer outside compound for a little corner carving. Where in FL are you? Maybe we can ride sometime. Oh, and $350 installed front and rear.
 
I have PR3s and have about 1500 miles on them so far. I use my 12R for a commuter daily, rain or shine. The PR3 is awesome on dry pavement, and unbelievable in the rain. Best tire I have found so far. If you don't do a lot of rain riding, the PR2 will work just as well for you.
 
Awesome. I'm in Gainesville. ATFIII where did you get the tires and installed for $350?
 
dunlop 616 are awesome for less than perfect roads, michelins are sweet if the roads are nice shape, here the roads i ride are full of grass gravel leaves dirt potholes etc. 616 rule here and wet is dry with them
 
Pegasus, any possibility you may use a wider tire on the rear wheel? Maybe 200/50/ZR17 by SHINKO R005?
 
I stick with 180, may upgrade to 190 next change. I figure it looks beefy enough for my likes.
 
i had Michelin Pilot Road CT2's on my bike this last round, the front was great!!! the rear was used up pretty fast however.

but then again i just moved to TN after putting those tires on, so the roads were pretty curvey!....
 
I run on shinko 009 ravens... Front 120/70-17 and Rear 200/50-17... i get good grip on mine... have about 3000 miles on them now and no problem none whatsoever... will buy them again for sure !!!
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I just replaced mine with Shinko Podiums 006 - $180 shipped. I love them, way better than the stock Dunlap tires that were on my bike. Feels like I'm more in control, and cornering comes natural now, do have to fight it into the corner, it just rolls on into the corner.

Keep in mind the factory Dunlap tires only had 3700 miles on them, they had tons of tread left, just were old, and starting to dry out (7+ year old tires).

-Matt
 
I'll second or third as the case may be on the shinko ravens.. I had one of the pilots (not sure which) prior to it and longevity kinda sucked in my opinion, it was a good tire otherwise. BikeBandit.com has the set for sale shipped at $180 but if you have a local place that will better anything online you can go that route. My local guy gave me them for $155 per set, but I ordered two sets..
 
I just put on a set of Pilot Road 2 on last week. Only 50 miles on them so far but I like them.
 
i have pilot roads 2's and love them i have a little over 5000 on them they do great for an all around tire. plus they have great wear.
 

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