Hey all,

I know that this subject has been beaten to death and I have read many posts about the subject however I figured I would throw it out there for fresh opinions. I have OEM tires on my 2008 Silver and will be switching them out before spring. Here is the situation, I have a cruiser for cruising (Triumph Rocket 3) and my 14 is for raising hell in the mountain canyons and high speed straightaways (no trips to the strip). I usually only put about 3-4k on per year on the 14. I want a tire that is not only good in the canyons but also will suffice on medium range trips (300-400 miles) and will function well at higher speeds. I don't want to skimp due to cost but I also don't need to spend the most just to spend the most...you know? After my research I am finding that the most popular are the Michelin PR2s and PR3s (although I haven't seen a lot of first hand reviews of the PR3s and I'm not sure about the new wet road pattern). There also seems to be many who like the grip of the Power Pures but I have seen that they don't last that long (maybe 4k) and that they don't do well unless you are only ripping the twisties. Of course there is a contingent that seems to favor the Pirelli line (Angels, etc). The Dunlop Q2s also have a decent following and my local shop always runs deals on them. Advice fellas? Thanks.

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my 14 is for raising hell in the mountain canyons and high speed straightaways (no trips to the strip). I usually only put about 3-4k on per year on the 14...
The Dunlop Q2s also have a decent following and my local shop always runs deals on them. Advice fellas?

Q2's... I went with 190/55 rear... love 'em!.

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Just to make sure...these are the ones you are running?

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dunlop-sportmax-q2-rear-tire

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Now that I have been running Michelin Pilot Powers I believe its the way to go. The front using 41 or so lbs pressure lasts longer than dual compound as surprising as that sounds and delivers better stopping in cool weather than dual compound. Also on the rear due to the 14s torque the softer compound, my first on the rear, the bike feels lighter due to the profile and is holding up well so far for the fall and winter I plan to use them if still made.

Just to make sure...these are the ones you are running?

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dunlop-sportmax-q2-rear-tire

Yes... and will be replacing with the same... like them that much.

Lotsa guys here run them as track day (roadcourse) tires too... they really are that good.

Cycle Gear regularly has them on sale for $200-$250 per set (w/free shipping) dependant on the size rear you order.

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@DogoZX...thanks man. Yeah...I think I am going to go with those. Just priced them out locally with the 190/55 for $273 but I will check CycleGear.

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@DogoZX...thanks man. Yeah...I think I am going to go with those. Just priced them out locally with the 190/55 for $273 but I will check CycleGear.

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Just priced them out locally with the 190/55 for $273.

That's a good price... excellent price if it includes mount and balance.

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It doesn't. $273 for the tires...I checked Cyclegear and they are $294 so I will stick with the shop. Grand Prix Motorsports in Denver has a 1/2 off deal on Dunlops. Of course their stated retail is $546 and is obviously inflated but hey...cheaper than the net.

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It doesn't. $273 for the tires...I checked Cyclegear and they are $294 so I will stick with the shop.

Bummer... I usually know who has the best prices, but have been outta town and just deleting all of my daily "Deals" emails. lol

* Last updated by: DogoZX on 1/10/2012 @ 3:57 PM *

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No worries...thanks for the info.

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sportbiketrackgear.com has them on sale right now. $239.95 delivered 120/70/17 front 190/55/17 rear lowest price that I've seen.

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And THAT'S what you gotta love about this place!

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BTW: sportbiketrackgear.com has great prices on Power Pures right now as well... lightest tire you can buy. Comparable to the Q2 in performance.

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Thanks guys...so the question is what is the better tire for the money..q2 or power pure?

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question is what is the better tire for the money..q2 or power pure?

Tough call... both great tires IMO... but haven't run Pures on my 14.

Have held both in my hand (at the same time) new, unmounted and the Pures are considerably lighter that Q2's in the same size.

When I swapped out bt016's for Power Pures on my 10r turn in became noticably quicker.

Pick your poison.

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I am running road pilot 3’s down here in FL and love them best rain tire EVER! This is my 1st winter with the RP3’s and have encountered my only problem with them any temp below the 40’s Fahrenheit you lose the traction on the hard part of the compound the outside (soft compound) is still very tacky so cornering is still fine but it will affect breaking and allow your rear to slip on hard acceleration still my favorite tire because of the performance in the wet/rain!

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Ok all...how about a 190/55 vs a 180/55. Which one handles the best. I have seen differing opinions on both.

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Ok all...how about a 190/55 vs a 180/55. Which one handles the best.

Never run a 180... pretty sure Grn14 has.

You'd be sacraficing some contact patch, while upright, with the 180 vs the 190... but sure you already knew that.

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You'd be sacraficing some contact patch, while upright, with the 180 vs the 190... but sure you already knew that.

... which means less contact patch when accelerating, also contrary to popular belief the 180 tire doesn't give you more contact patch while leaned over! For hyper bike like the ZX-14 and Busa the 190/55 would definitely help you turn in quicker, make the bike more responsive. Leave the 180 for the smaller, lighter bike. Check sport rider "advice" column when you're at the grocery store. The topic is discussed.
Like a lot of other things, tires have a shelf life. After a while the compounds start breaking down and retailers try to get them out the door asap. That being said I have bought tires on sale and have no issues to report! The Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa are a little expensive and unless you do a track day or push the pace on your favorite twisty I doubt that you'll notice a difference but if you feel like splurging... I checked several magazines and retailers. They have the best ratings and reviews. They don't last that long but offer amazing grip. So if you tour more than you "sport ride" they may not be the best choice.

* Last updated by: dragking on 1/12/2012 @ 10:19 AM *

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Yeah...I get that. I'm really curious as to why I have seen so many posts where people have switched from 190/55 to 180/55 and state the handling is so much better. I guess these guys do a lot of "side to side" in the twisties and with the shorter tire they get better transitions. I personally would rather have the height for the lean. Decision made...now I just need to either hear back from Cory and wait for Kawabunga to send me some pics on his rims.

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BTW: sportbiketrackgear.com has great prices on Power Pures right now as well... lightest tire you can buy. Comparable to the Q2 in performance.

I don't think they are actually 'on sale' but that's a good price. Last year I was going to buy and they were ~$400 a set. Like to try those but looks aint one of the selling points. What a boaringass tread pattern. Be cool to see what the -2 lbs does for me though.

MICHELIN POWER ONE 2CT

^^Those are the tires I have been lusting after for the past couple years.^^ If they were any cheaper, I might get a set. Hate to buy and let them sit for 6 months cuz you never know how long they have been sitting before they get to you.

Like a lot of other things, tires have a shelf life. After a while the compounds start breaking down and retailers try to get them out the door asap. That being said I have bought tires on sale and have no issues to report!

* Last updated by: Rook on 1/12/2012 @ 11:06 AM *

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What a boaringass tread pattern.

Looks like it could move some water... No?

I don't think they are actually 'on sale' but that's a good price. Last year I was going to buy and they were ~$400 a set.

$400 is about waht I paid last year... $267.95 is best price I've seen.

Like a lot of other things, tires have a shelf life. After a while the compounds start breaking down and retailers try to get them out the door asap. That being said I have bought tires on sale and have no issues to report!

I always buy "popular" tires from high volume retailers and have never had an issue... It's them dusty things sittin' on the racks at the stealerships I'd be worried about.

The Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa are a little expensive and unless you do a track day or push the pace on your favorite twisty I doubt that you'll notice a difference but if you feel like splurging... I checked several magazines and retailers. They have the best ratings and reviews.

Wanted to try a set of them on the 10r last tire change... but went with the Pures instead, 'cuz of the weight... They'll get finished off, at the Ridge , this Spring... Then, like Rook, I'd like to try burning up a set of Power Ones... Rainy season should be about over by then.

Think I will be sticking with Q2's on my 14.

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Wanted to try a set of them on the 10r last tire change... but went with the Pures instead, 'cuz of the weight...

You Should! The grip is amazing. I hit a yellow center line while leaned the other day, it felt a little bit weird but not scary. I'll get 1 more set after I get my suspension work. After that I'll try the metzeler again and Q2's. Ah New Rubber makes me happy!

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What a boaringass tread pattern.

Looks like it could move some water... No?

I know it would move a lot more water than the Power 1s. ...and actually they look pretty good in your pics but hard to look boring on that bike.

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