Tyre suggestions for a 125 Supermoto

[B5234FT]

Hi, I have a Husqvarna SM125 on an 04 plate and it needs new tyres as the front is starting to show signs of cracking and theyre dated 07 and 08 :O

Its on a michelin pilot rear in 15/60ZR17 and a Pirelli Dragon Evo MTR21 front in 120/70 ZR 17 at the moment, but tbh I've not ridden it enough (lack the skill thus far) to know if theyre actually any good.

I had a browse for supermoto tyres and there seem to be some specific option from Maxxis and others, I also looked at what people were suggesting for the Aprilia RS125 which is a similar weight and same sizes, I see Bridgestone 090s getting a good rep?

The bike is a toy, I never NEED to use it, but I'd like to be able to safely ride home in the rain, or use it to commute the odd day so Ive looked at a few of the less racey options too.

Anyone got any suggestions or testimony of what they use?

Cheers

[G]

090 should be fine in the rain.

I like modern Pirellis and 'dragon' with 'evo' sounds like a good combination for sportyness .

I had a Maxxis road legal block pattern intermediate on the front of my CCM.
It was absolutely terrible in the cold - slow to warm up and severely lacking in grip.
Avon levels of bad.

[B5234FT]

I assume the smaller sizes of popular sportsbike brands are ok and the problem with sportbike tyres on supermotos rears its ugly head when folk want 160 and 180 width rears on a 120kg bike?

[G]

If your rear is fine, then there's not a problem from that aspect.

The problem comes when people try and put even a 150 on a bike designed for maybe a 130 dirt tyre, maybe 140 but dirt tyres often 'work' a bit differently.

Add in a bit old chain and it can start eating the tyres.

[B5234FT]

Oh i know there are width issues, but this bike came from the factory on a 150. I just want to order a front knowing the matching rear will work and isn't going to be so stiff that it'll never get warm and grip; I've heard some brands of sportsbike tyre are bad for this when fitted to lightweight, low powered bikes.

[G]

Ah; I see.

All the ones mentioned should be fine as they're designed for lighter bikes.

I was always happy with supercorsas etc on my various supermotos - still better wet weather performance from cold than the Maxxis block pattern!

[B5234FT]

fair enough! The block pattern is ugly as sin, but if it had been effective id have considered it. By the sounds of things its not....

Cheers

[nathan k]

If it's a bike for fun, I'd stick with the best dry weather tyre. No one enjoys driving in the rain.