Tyred... It's Been Too Long!

The Great Tyre Debate! (Not that great if I'm honest)

It's been way too long between posts, yes I know. Things got in the way, I now have a workshop (primarily cars, but I will fix bikes too) and I've been riding more than I've been restoring. Shameless plug but, if you do need a service or repair, Redline Service Centre in Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast is here to help.

But this morning, after the cyclone just ripped through the Gold Coast, I thought I'd write some spiel from an amateurs perspective on tyres. I've mentioned them a few times over the years, especially when fitting new ones, and hope some insight has been gained. I also see this question asked on Facebook groups a lot: 

"Which tyres are best for my riding style?"

Hmm, that's a hard one. (Oo'er missus)

GSXR 1000 K5/K6 Tyres - What do you use?

Can you outperform your tyres?


Having used Pilot Sports, Pilot Powers, then Power Pures, I was more than happy with the performance of Michelin tyres. Now I wanted to try another of their brand - the Pilot Road 3.


Why?


Two reasons: more mileage, and the need to see if a touring style tyre could do the same as the sports tyres in the real world. I see so many bikes parked up on the weekend with the latest soft rubber on, and the edges all balled up, only to wonder. 


"Are these geezers actually fast, or do the tyres just inflate their ego?" Inflate - get it? Pfft.


I loved the Power Pures, but they don't last forever and the front was starting to move around when leant right over, and the rear would occasionally light up if a little too enthusiastic out of a bend.

They wore well, actually taking the sides out before the centres. Not a bad looking tyre either, still prefer the old Pilot Sport tread pattern though. 


But then to choose these? On a Gixer? Have I gone nuts?

Time will tell. There are already some signs of uneven wear on them, but this is probably due to the worn shock and undamped forks. I'm hoping the revalved suspension components will soon start to clean up the tread to give me a clean, round (not stepped) profile.


Revalved suspension? 


What's this I hear you say? Let's just say I had a great chat with Mr Peter Clements of ProMechA. I have a feeling he's going to cure the Gixer's handling woes.