What a difference a tyre makes!

[dabigginger]

In the year and a half I've been riding, I've owned 2 bikes - both of which I still have. I've always been able to get decent lean angles from my Hornet with a 16" front wheel and I've been happy with it.

Earlier this year, I bought a CB500 for work and it's always bothered me about how it felt like it didn't want to corner. When I got a new rear tyre (not sure what was on there before, but now on a Bridgestone BT45), my thoughts were backed up by the huge chicken strips on the rear tyre. It just didn't want to lean into corners at all! I just put it down to the fact that I'd been riding a bike for a while with a 16" front wheel and got used to riding something that turns in more easily.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, I had to replace the front tyre (again, I can't remember what was originally there), so I opted for a BT45 as well! Once the front was scrubbed in and I could start riding it normally, it felt like a different bike! It would quite happily drop into corners and ask for more. This was confirmed by the lack of chicken strip on the rear tyre.

A couple of weeks ago, when reading an article in Ride magazine, they explain how a tyre can make or break a bike and it really does make a huge difference!

So, the moral of the story is, if your bike feels like it doesn't want to corner or doesn't inspire confidence, try some different rubber! It could completely transform your bike!

[dunc4230]

I had the same problem on my SP1 it came with Michellin crap but then i stuck on corsa 3`s and what a transformation it was like a different bike i was riding
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[D O G]

Everytime you change a tyre it goes from a relatively square tyre to a smoothly profiled new one.

If you change from a used to a new tyre even if it is the same type of tyre it will feel amazing.

I personally believe that pretty much all the top brands are good as each other in the majority of circumstances, and sport touring tyres are still more than enough for 99% of riders.

Then it becomes about brand and looks, which I am really not interested in.

[damz]

iv'e just put on new tyres on my rvf and it feels so much lighter on corners. trying to get as much out of the bike before i sell it now and its a lot more fun with the new tyres on it.
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Current Bikes RVF400 - 94
Cars: RX7 FD, Eunos Roadster
Former Bikes: FZR 250R 89, ZX7R 98

[vt6]

i'll agree with that, went from dunlop 208s to pirelli diablo's feels so much better now definately

[sayad]

yes , try to change thee rubber , and then try to apply some lubrication on the steering , thus making the turn outs easier.
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[Carl Howell]

My tyres were in a really bad state and I used to get a wobble (quite fun lol) above 70 even going straight. They were BT45's and I put Pirelli Sport Demons on. A massive transformation, the bike is just 100 times better. Also, spending a bit of time freeing off your calipers (especially the front) will make a big difference.

[ajb]

my CB500 has BT45s
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CBR125R '05 > CB500 '00 > CBR600F '99

[cestrian]

[Whosthedaddy]

[D O G]

Had Road Attacks on the SRAD before I sold it - I genuinely noticed no reduction in available grip vs the Pilot Powers I had on there, and mileage was a lot better.

I can only imagine that the Sport Attacks will be as good, just more expensive

[kawakid]

I'm a massive fan of the BT45 awesome tyre.

I have ridden in all conditions including snow on these and they have never let me down.

My new bike comes with Dunlops and i'm a bit worried.
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I've a twin and a 4.

[Whosthedaddy]

[Barry_M2]