V-Strom owners, past and present - tyres?

LeeR · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Karma :

Just wanted some recommendations for V-Strom tyres, I have Bridgestone Trailwings fitted at the moment (OEM). I think I've narrowed my choice down to either: Bridgestone BT020/BT021 (if I can get a 19" front 021) or Metzler Tourance II as fitted to the BMW GS range.

A few mates have the Metzler and rate it, but I have no off-road pretensions and ride 80% on motorways during my commute. The Trailwings square off nicely after 2000 miles and I can easily do that in a 5 week month.

So preferences please for a road biased tyre for a big traile?
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bigwill · Trackday Trickster Joined: 06 Aug 2006 Karma :

hi mate, i dont have a v strom but i do a lot of straight line commuting, i use the BT021's and they start to square off at about 7000 miles.

They handle brilliantly and have never let me down!
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Nb · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2005 Karma :

Fitted avon storms on my old vstrom after squaring the the original tyres off, found them to be superb especially in the wet. Infact they are so good im ordering a set for my blackbird today. Laughing

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neatbik · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Karma :

Lee, ive got a copy of BIKE magazine somewhere with a test of all the tyres suitable for your bike, i'll go dig it out and post back Thumbs Up

neatbik · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Karma :

Ok. just found it - Tyres tested were -
Metzeler Tourance -
Dunlop D607 Trailmax -
Bridgestone BT020 -
Avon Storm -
Bridgestone BW501/502 -
Michelin Pilot Road -
Pirelli Scorpion Sync -
Continental Road Attack -
Avon Distanzia -
The test rider tested the tyres blind on a 1250gs on road and track.
The continentals came top in both tests, closely followed by the dunlop d607's on track and road.
Hope that helps Thumbs Up

LeeR · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Karma :

Cheers chaps thanks for the advice I'll take it on board, I think I have that copy of bike somewhere Nick which is where I got the idea of Metzlers. However, all these tests are fine and well but what I really want is feedback from riders in the real world. Thumbs Up

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neatbik · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Karma :

I know what you mean mate, i always read tests in mags with a slightly small pinch of salt..
Although to be fair that test did seem quite well done, all apart from the longetivity of course...which is what you really want to know about Shifty

LeeR · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Karma :

Now ain't that the thing, they bolt a brand new set of boots on a bike and hurl it round a track for 20 minutes, then pop out on the road. I prefer the long term tests but they so rarely mention the tyres and if they do it's all about grip. Grip is all well and good but I'm not a track rider and I don't knee down, though I do like to feel a confidence inspiring amount a grip in a bend. So I guess I'm really looking for a neutral, soft but hard wearing, economical, and preferably dual-compound rear, set of tyres. Not too much to ask is it? Mr. Green

EDIT: Found that issue of BIKE, on page 149 they actually recommend Pirelli Scorpion Sync for the V-Strom. I had these on my XF650 and they were appalling for commuting as they got so hot they squelched, so I switched to BT045.
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Kris · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :

I doubt they'd do the BT-45s in V-strom sizes, although could be wrong. I can also vouch for the BT-021's long-lasting qualities, I really rate these as a commuter tyre. Long(ish) lasting, great in the wet and nice and grippy for when the sun has his hat on.

Thumbs Up

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LeeR · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Karma :

Well I checked both the Bridgestone and Continental websites, and although I can get BT020 in the correct size Bridgestone don't list it as a recommended tyre for the V-Strom. I can't get BT021 or BT045 in the necessary sizes, Continental meanwhile do list the Road Attack as a recommended tyre for the V-Strom and I've found a local stockist. I don't "need" them until June/July but it's good to know what's available, though I still might be tempted by the BT020 as they are dual-compound on the rear.
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