Being new to the blackbird I obviously need to find a few things out.

Anyone got any suggestions for what tyres suit best. I'm after something that will wear well without comprimising the ability to hold the road when cranked over a bit.

At the moment the previous owner had fitted Dunlop Sportsmax which are not going to be suitable for long distance durability. I had these fitted on my CBR 600 years ago so know what they will do.

Cheers guys.

Originally Posted by Chris120968

Being new to the blackbird I obviously need to find a few things out. Anyone got any suggestions for what tyres suit best. I'm after something that will wear well without comprimising the ability to hold the road when cranked over a bit. At the moment the previous owner had fitted Dunlop Sportsmax which are not going to be suitable for long distance durability. I had these fitted on my CBR 600 years ago so know what they will do.Cheers guys.

Longest wearing tires with good grip will be the Michelin Pilot Road 2's , I have not gotten much feedback on the PR 3's for wear yet. I personally give up some mileage for the Dunlop Road Smarts which I prefer. I just fitted a set of the ROad Smart 2's and will give my opinion on those after I get to log some miles on them.

I agree with Kevin about the Road Smarts. They will be able to handle anything you can throw at them. I have 7,000 miles on them now and there is still a lot of wear left. My previous favorites were the Pirelli Diablo Strada with which I got 12,000 miles out of.

Originally Posted by Chris120968

Being new to the blackbird I obviously need to find a few things out.

Anyone got any suggestions for what tyres suit best. I'm after something that will wear well without comprimising the ability to hold the road when cranked over a bit.

At the moment the previous owner had fitted Dunlop Sportsmax which are not going to be suitable for long distance durability. I had these fitted on my CBR 600 years ago so know what they will do.

Cheers guys.

Wear well + not compromise cranked road holding = dual compound tyres

I'm not sure why but there's regularly as difference of opinion based on the country people are in. From the US the Avon Storm Ultra 2's don't seem to get many votes. In the UK they are right up there.

I've just put a new rear on after 9.5k miles which was a lot of high speed commuting and when not commuting, playing on the twisties and using the grunt.

After enjoying Michelin 2CT tyres (Pilot Road 2, Pilot Power) on my CBR600 I though they'd be the natual choice on the 'bird but it's quite a different bike from both a weight and power point of view.

I was really gonna go for the Pilot Road 3's and if you search on this forum you'll find I spoke with Michelin about Blackbird fitment. They said it's was not recommended. Many people have and seem happy with them but they're only about a year old so I'm not sure how they are for life and due to all the front sipes, resistance to cupping.

I've no qualms about saying the Avon's suit the UK roads very well. The only negative I can throw at them is that in the cold they definately need about 1.5 miles before you've got much grip.

Pr2 and Metzler give out lots of Ks,cheers.

I was really gonna go for the Pilot Road 3's and if you search on this forum you'll find I spoke with Michelin about Blackbird fitment. They said it's was not recommended. Many people have and seem happy with them but they're only about a year old so I'm not sure how they are for life and due to all the front sipes, resistance to cupping.

I agree w/Michelin and wouldn't recommend them for the Bird. I put on the PR 3's last season, and I'm not really liking them. Wear seems good and the stick well enough, but they aren't inspiring to me. Something about the fitment doesn't seem quite right; can't put my finger on it. Somehow, the tires even slip sometimes if I take off too quick. I'm sorry I got them.

Keep in mind that roads in GB are far different than in America, Europe etc. Including weather. I'm finishing off a pair of PR3's which replaced PR2's. I've ridden Avons, Pirelli, Bridgestone, and Mich's. I've never had an issue with any tire other than flatting a couple of times. I only tour, no commuting and most rides are 300+ kms. The Brits might choose a tire I don't b/c of weather and roads. I recommend PR3's but may go Dunlop Road Smarts next.

Do you really like the PR3's CB??

Storm2 Ultra, B'stone 023 & Roadsmarts all work on UK roads. Then it is personal choice. I've gone back to the Avons having been impressed with the 023's (stopped using B'stones during 020 times but had a puncture in France so the 023s went on) simply for the replacement guarantee - I've had to use it a couple of times so know its value.

Originally Posted by ArmyStrong

Do you really like the PR3's CB??

Yes, but keep in mind I'm a retired "coot" so I don't ride that fast, except in my own imagination. I've had no problems with them on day to day mnt rides and on a ride to N.Cali on 101 all the way last Sept. I haven't ridden in much rain the last few years and I've been lucky on tours. The last miserable rain storm I rode in was down a mnt with my wife as pillon. No issues. We have the same discourse on rainy rides. I say, "You do the praying, and I'll do the riding." So far, so good.

Just ordered my 3rd set of PR3's. Works for me

I was sincerely hoping I could say the same!!

Dunlop Qualifier Q2's

[h=2]Copied from another thread

Re: Which brand of tire is your favorite?[/h]

Worth a read

Dunlop RoadSmart II Launched | the online tyre guide

I had bt 021 on my old sv650s, and my current BB has come with bt020 which still have a fair few miles on them. The 021 were good in the dry but not in the wet, and the 020 don't give me confidence in either. Dunlops for me next time around.

I'm running a Roadsmart on the rear and a Sportsmart on the front. I'm happy with this combo so far (only have about 1000k on it so far). It is the second Roadsmart I had used and am starting to give this one hell. I have started sliding the rear out of some corners, but more often than not there is enough grip to lift the front wheel instead. All of my slides are quite confidence inspiring, not uncontrolled sphincter puckering moments.