Tires for Buell xb12s

[dans03firebolt]

From the pics of those tires you really are doing burnouts you just don't want to admit it to yourself. No tire wears like that without smoking the tire up. I am sorry but 3800 miles and it looks like that means you are smoking the tire off. Besides that the sides don't even have that much wear to them. Looks like rider error to me more than bad tires wearing wrong. You can tell you are doing burnouts because the tire is more flat in the middle and that is from doing burnouts.

If you aren't smoking them up which I clearly think you are from those pics than you have far too much tire pressure in there and the other part of the tire isn't contacting the road forcing the tire to wear evenly.

 

[dans03firebolt]

From the pics of those tires you really are doing burnouts you just don't want to admit it to yourself. No tire wears like that without smoking the tire up. I am sorry but 3800 miles and it looks like that means you are smoking the tire off. Besides that the sides don't even have that much wear to them. Looks like rider error to me more than bad tires wearing wrong. You can tell you are doing burnouts because the tire is more flat in the middle and that is from doing burnouts.

If you aren't smoking them up which I clearly think you are from those pics than you have far too much tire pressure in there and the other part of the tire isn't contacting the road forcing the tire to wear evenly.

 

[sinpieces]

Mine too. I ride the XB12SS and I think its due to the front end being so light, that and no front fairings. Has anyone noticed that especially on these bikes when you are on a straight and pin the throttle, the ass end drops alot. The weight transfer seems to pick the front end suspension up a bit, that combined with wind ( on our nakeds ) makes the front end "twitchy". I dont think that the best stabilizer in the world can fix this, it can help, but it won't go away. The Buell wasn't designed for high end speed, the light front end and piss poor aerodynamics make for lousy high speed stability. If it were made to go fast it would look like a Hyabusa.

Well, i had that shit to a point i got real fed up (twitchy front end).
I tried a trail kit which make the rake 23 degrees instead of 21. I also have a steering damper. This works way better for me. Front end twitch is a mere memory. Now i go a lot faster and notice the rear end is becoming more wobbly in high speeds.
That is my problem now. Honestly, i really have in mind going for a Uly/SS swingarm with a special made rearshock. It's very expensive (since loads of OEM stuff needs to be changed) and i am afraid that the bike will turn corner slow (worstcase scenarios). This "conversion" will add 50mm at the rear end. Wow, the bike is 1345 mm in wheelbase now (with the trail kit) and 12 mm lower in the front.
Regarding tires. I can't believe tires could change all that. I got Pilot Road II in front and the Dunlop original in the rear. I will change the rear wheel when the Dunlop wears out. Though i noticed better grip with the Michelin in the rear. The Pilot Road II won many tests in wet weather also. I think only Metzler won with 1 point over the Pilot Road II in dry weather.
When i worked with the preload settings, i noticed that the rear suspension made the bike, either stiff and it was ok if i did't ride to long too far. gains was better cornering and acceleration did not made the bike drop. The lower preload setting was more comfy and nice for the ass. But as you say, it made the bike tilt back in heavy acceleration. Hm, trade this for that or vice versa.. Hate that! I really think these bikes will have much better high speed traction and control if they were longer. I should perhaps sacrifice myself for this knowledge!
Imagine a great rear suspension (better than Showa) and a 50mm longer rear end. Hm, exiting thought!!!

 

[joedpr]

Diablo Corsa III

 

[ctrucky]

After I put my 2cents worth a while back. I started reading more about how the low end torque causes the center of the rear tire to get eaten away. I had to have a rear, so I found a smokin deal on a michelin Pilot. It is a dual compound tire. It has a harder center, while having a softer outer. I have put about 800 miles on it, and it rides great! Of course, time(miles) will tell.

 

[badbandit12]

the new M3's from metz. are also a dual compond tire they are very stiky on the sides and throws into the curve smoothly.

 

[BuellPastor]

I like the idea of the Pilot too. As much as I love the curves, the problem is I use my bike mostly as a commuter that takes me through some school zones. While there are a few nice curves, I'm mostly just commuting. Also, when I ride to curves - I have to ride much further before I actually get to the fun than I do "in" the fun. I guess when these 208s wear out I should try a dual compound. I'd like to get the best possible life, water grip, and corner grip. What say ye?

 

[LeFox]

What say ye?

just do it!

diablo corsa III is also an option, a tiny bit better in rainy conditions, but then the michelin gets slightly better milage.

 

[mezap]

badbandit12:
Just the man I need to talk to! I have been planning to switch to the Metzler sportec M3's, even have a set ready to go. It sounds like you have tried them on your buell. Did you get good performance/service from them? I have used them on a much heavier bike (honda interceptor) with good results, but I have been wondering how they would be on the 165 pound lighter lightning. I really like the Pirelli Diablos, but 3000 miles is ALL I seem to get from a rear. I think I have a good set up on the supension, don't want to screw with it. You really like the M3's?

 

[fishgutz]

@Conger. I believe you. Mine look exactly the same after about the same miles. My second rear tire in less than 8000 miles. Diablo.
Switching to Michelin Pilot Road 2CT.

I'm too old to do burn outs and I still have half inch chicken strips.

 

[BigRedonBlack]

whats a good tire make and size for daily driving but is good with turns? i dont want to start a thread on something that is only 1 question

 

[Buell_Cru]

For tires...Jake Wilson

 

[fishgutz]

I just ordered a set of Michelin Pilot Road 2CT.
$280 for the tires. Another $100 for mount/bal,taxes.

I might have saved $50 bucks ordering on line but I still have to get them mounted.
Besides, it is a good small local shop (not an HD dealer) And in those cases I don't mind supporting a local small business owner.

 

[Wolfxb12ss]

maannn why get performance tires if you ride straight up on that thing???[confused] if your doing some real riding rock bridgestone btoo3 rs you will thank me later

 

[Jerry C]

My XB9 came with Pirelli Scorpion Syncs, they are very good tires. I now run Pirelli Angel STs they stick great and should give better tire life.

 

[Jabaniz]

Another $100 for mount/bal,taxes.

i think thats pretty standard rate too, at the shop i go to they wanted 100 for mount and balance, so i asked how much if i just brought wheel in with new tire for balance, and it was like 35bucks a wheel, so I figured might as well let them do the whole thing, i dropped bike off and they let me test ride the new honda 1300 european sport touring type of bike time anyways

 

[ceo79]

I bought a set of the 2CT's last weekend and love em!! Awesome tire!!

 

[fishgutz]

@ Jab, That is what I figured too. I only save about $30 if I take the wheels off myself. No biggy in the grand scheme of things.
I do a lot of my own work on my Jeep because that saves me $K's.

Most of my miles are commuting because I ride every day with a rain forecast 30% or less and above 34 degrees. I extend my ride to work to add a few curves to the ride.
This has helped add time to the life of the mud tires I have on my Jeep. Soft compound great for off road but only good for about 30K miles on road.

 

[Jabaniz]

cool.. i have a jeep too! what jeep you have?

I have a 1988 Commanche lifted,locked, geared with 33's, also have Grand Cherokee for daily driving.

 

[fishgutz]

@ Jab. 1993 YJ. Lifted and modded up the wahzoo. Spent more in upgrades and repairs than I did for my Buell. $800 last month for a new locker. Broke the diff at URE. I'm up to about $17K over what I paid the Jeep. If you ain't breakin' it you ain't usin' it.
got videos of some adventures on YT. /user/fishgutzy