Slow Turning XB9S-Need Tire Suggestions

[motomanfan]

I have put about 1500 miles on my XB9S since I bought it a few months ago. I love it, but find it to be a very slow turning ride. I have to really push it down in the corners to get it to lean. I've let some AMA and AFM friends ride and they have the same thoughts. This is the opposite of what I thought the handling would be like with its aggressive rake angle. I have Metzeler M3's on it and am thinking that I should try a tire with a steeper profile in the hopes that it will speed up the steering and lighten up the front end. I've heard that the Dunlop Qualifiers could be a good choice. 2 questions:

1. Anyone else feel that they have to push hard to get their XB9S into the corners?
2. Any good suggestions on tires that might work well for what I'm trying to do? If so give me your feedback on how it helped in your situation, etc

Thanks guys/gals

 

[NookieMonster]

Sounds to me like you just need to check the pressure in the current tires unless they are just worn out. I have ran those tires and never had that issue.

If you're looking at new tires I'd refer you towards a Michelin Pilot Road 2 or 3 or a Pilot Power 2ct.

 

[motomanfan]

Nookie- Ive played with the pressures. 34 front and 36 rear is what I'm running now

 

[myronman3]

do you have a flat spot on your tires?

 

[motomanfan]

The front has a flat spot on the right side. Looking to get new f/r tires this week. Want to get a fast turning tire and the Dunlop Qualifier literature says it is designed to speed up the steering and lighten up the front. Hoping that will cure this problem or at least help

 

[anrkizm95]

Dunlop Qualifiers

great tire youll be very happy with it.

 

[Junkbone]

Just happened across this thread.. I ride an 07 xb12s and just changed to the M3's a few days ago. First thing I noticed was how smooth the tires rode compared to the Corsa 3's that I replaced. The second thing I noticed was just this. They seem to really slow down the turns. I found myself pushing really hard to get the same lean angle that the corsa's just "fell into". These are new tires just barely scrubbed in. Hoping things get better.

 

[vanson1200r]

Look at your suspension settings. Our bikes go the opposite of conventional set up wisdom. Start with your manual for settings for your weight and that set up is usually pretty spot on. I’m on my 3rd set or 2CT’s and I’m installing my 4th set soon because I like them so much for street riding.

 

[motomanfan]

I had a suspension tuner set it up and it is so much more compliant now. Still have to push hard to get it leaned over though. Vanson-have you tried the Qualifiers? If so, what do you like better about the 2cts?

 

[motomanfan]

Vanson- How does the suspension differ from conventional set ups?

 

[motomanfan]

anrkizm- For the Qualifiers- I dont see 180/55/17 listed as an option. You just running the 190?

Junkbone- Interesting news. Glad to hear that a tire swap could fix this. Would you recommend the Corsas then?

 

[Junkbone]

The Corsa 3's were awesome for grip and I would run them all the time if I could afford new tires every 3 months. The only thing I didn't like was that they are duel compound. They were great for 3000k but because the center of the tire is a harder compound, the sides wore out much faster giving them more of a diamond shape profile rather than rounded. Made the bike feel like I was riding on 10 speed tires (really jittery). It was a toss up for me between the M3's and the Pilot powers

 

[stretch4201]

anyone ride on the pirelli angels ?

 

[Lesley]

I've had dunslops,bridgestone,continental and Pirelli's, all sport touring though. Pirellis are my personal favorites. The Pirelli diablo stradas were replaced with the angels and I can't wait to try them out.

PIRELLI FTW
on my bike anyway [up]

 

[Guell]

I had angels on my old m2 and loved them, had all the grip i needed when up in the mountains, and lasted a long time too. They will be going on my 9s soon

 

[myronman3]

i am running angels now....i am quite happy with them so far.

 

[GAXB9R]

i am running angels now....i am quite happy with them so far.

How many miles on them? I have heard good things about the angels. I'm wanting to go with the Dunlop Q2 on my next tire change next month.[cool]

 

[myronman3]

i dont know.....probably around 1500. i am far from a tire expert, but i am happy with the handling of these.

 

[Morbid]

I have a new set of Dunlop Q2s on my 12r now. Rode a few times on them this winter can't wait to get some temp in them this summer!

 

[GAXB9R]

I am anxious to get my Dunlop Q2 now. Been reading a lot about them and haven't seen much negative just positive remarks. Everyone that rides them seems to love them. Big change from what riders said In the past[cool]