Newer ST Tyres

nasty · Traffic Copper Joined: 14 Aug 2008 Karma :

I need a new front tyre and the rear is squaring off rapidly now too, still loads of miles in the rear though.
I was thinking of just replacing the set rather than put a new front on only to have to change the rear in a couple of months.

I know the various leaders for Sport Touring tyres and have heard all the arguments before - Roadsmarts Vs Pilot Road 2 etc Smile

I'm limited to what I can go for due to my front tyre size of 120/60 17, I think this rules out PR2s, most have my size in rear 160/60 17.

Has anyone tried either of the following?

Avon Storm 2 Ultra
BT 023

I like the Conti Road Attack 2 but don't think I can get a front in my size.
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ZX6R F3

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Lots of people choose to go for a higher profile tyres to speed up steering, so I wouldn't worry too much about going up to a 65/70 profile.

The Tot · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Karma :

I can DEFINITELY vouch for roadsmarts on ZX6R-F's! They are the only tyre you need! The others are pretty new, so unless you want to be a guinea pig and try something new and give us the results, Roadsmarts are the way to go! I won't be surprised if you type roadsmart in the search bar, my name comes up on the majority of the posts! They suit the neutrality of the bike. Very stable and great in the wet (75% of the weather in the uk!)
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

c-m · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2006 Karma :

Angel ST get the most amazing reviews in press and on forums. Their the latest tyre technology, are good in the wet and long lasting.

I think any of the latest tyres will be fine though.

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

As above, pretty much all of them are good. I have used BT021's before, they are good but i found they dont quite give as much feedback as i would like, also the fronts wear very strangely.

I havent used Roadsmarts, but im currently running Qualifier 2's - they are very very good, if the roadsmarts offer a similar experience (which from what i have heard they do) then they would be the ones to go for. Thumbs Up

nasty · Traffic Copper Joined: 14 Aug 2008 Karma :

Thanks guys!

I think I'm leaning towards the Roadsmarts at the minute, current tyres are bt021s but don't fancy forking out for a new front when the rear is squaring off rapidly now, rather try a different set.

Asked the local bike garage to give me a price on the roadsmarts, storm 2 ultras and the bt023s. As long as they fit my budget of around £200 inc fitting Rolling Eyes

On the Angel ST, they seem to be quite expensive at almost £200 a set plus I've heard mixed reviews.
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ZX6R F3

Maruchino · Spanner Monkey Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Karma :

I do a lot of miles on my zx6r and I've just gone for an Avon Storm 2 Ultra rear and VP2 Sport front (coming from Bridgestone BT-021's all round).

This was on the recommendation of the tyre fitter who seemed pretty knowledgeable.

Maruchino · Spanner Monkey Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Karma :

c-m · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2006 Karma :

[quote="Maruchino"]

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

The case where it can slow steering is because it can raise the front end a bit. If you're going up '10', people will often drops the yolks down the forks a bit to compensate.

A higher number does give faster steering ignoring that however - a profile of 5 say would be basically flat with a slight curve. This would be very slow steering due the fact you've got an over inflated car tyre basically.
A profile of 100 would be sticking up a long way, so be very pointy and should be pretty quick steering.

It should be noted there are more factors than this - between different tyre models they will often have a different shape to the profile, so race tyres will have a more triangular design, while touring tyres tend to have more meat in the middle.

Maruchino · Spanner Monkey Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

In general I'd say an extra '5' on the profile will generally give a little quicker steering in my experience.

nasty · Traffic Copper Joined: 14 Aug 2008 Karma :

Ok, made a decision and having a set of Avon Storm 2 Ultra's fitted on Saturday morning - ride in, ride out for £211

Around £30 cheaper than the Roadsmarts so worth a shot IMO.

Not many, if any reviews on t'interweb as they have only just come out recently but I'm willing to be a Guinea Pig Laughing

I'll report back on how they perform, that's if they do at all Laughing

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ZX6R F3

nasty · Traffic Copper Joined: 14 Aug 2008 Karma :

Ok, just had the Avon Storm 2 Ultra's fitted Cool

Only rode back from the tyre fitters around 10 miles but so far the front feels very sure footed, steering is precise and effortless - may be the fact it's just a new tyre though.

Going out for a good run this afternoon so will get a chance to see initially what I've got for my money!

Incidently the tyre fitter said a couple of the guys at the supplier couldn't praise these tyres enough - trying to sell more or being honest I don't know but we'll soon see Very Happy

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ZX6R F3

bacon · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Karma :

nasty · Traffic Copper Joined: 14 Aug 2008 Karma :

I've done just over 100 dry miles on these now and I'm quite impressed.

Warm up really quickly and keep their heat well
Grip really well making the bike feel like it's on rails
Braking is so smooth and controlled
Quiet ride - not much road noise if any

The bike just feels so much better and planted in all manoeuvres.

Just gotta get out in the wet in them to see if they perform as well in the wet as they do in the dry Wink

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ZX6R F3