I have a set of Dunlop Roadsmarts on my bike and they are dual compound tires. Meaning that the sides are softer than the center. The idea behind that is for the commuter. But what about the ones that just ride their bikes on the weekends? The ones that have the bike leaned over through the corners more than straight up and down on the super slab?
When I 1st put these tires on, I was impressed with the handling. Much more "flickable" than the Power Pilot that was on the bike when I bought it. After reading reports of 8000 miles out of these tires, I bought them. Now, after just 3500 miles, the sides on the front are worn out.
Which leaves me to wonder what tire is next. I will not buy the dual compound again.
Any suggestions?
CraigO
I got about the same (lack of) mileage out of my last 2 Roadsmart front tires.
Nice grip and handling, but the low mileage is unacceptable. I'm going to give the Conti Motion a try.
DavidR.
I like to replace my tires as a set so I have been using a soft front tire with a hard rear tire. That way I get about 4-5k miles out of the set.
In the past, the Pilot Power front tire with the Road 2 rear has been a good combo.
I need to get a new set for upcoming WCR and the following Gunnison trip, so I'm open for suggestions.
I tried dual compound tires on my FZ1, BT 023s, and wasn't thrilled by the milage I got out of them. Right now I'm running Pirelli Angel STs on my FJ and I'm quite happy with them. I've also used them on my FZ1 and will fo back to them. While the milage was not dramatically higher compared to the Bridgestones they kept their profile much better, wore evenly, gave very good feedback and, of importance to me, they worked well in the rain. I'm assuming you're using a 17in. rear wheel.
Hein.
I'm with PAt on running a soft front/harder rear tire combo so i can replace both tires at the same time.
at this point i have a pilot road 3 set and they seem to be holding up pretty well.
KOokaloo!
FWIW, in OH you can't ride anywhere without passing over chip-and-seal roads highly "crowned". Cups front tires quickly. For quite a few years I have tried different tires every change. Bridgestones have performed the worst - BT021 comes to mind. By far the best front tire I've found is the Avon Storm Ultra 2 (AV55) currently on the bike. I will stick with this tire for my riding style/road conditions. I think someone on this forum led me to the Avon. Thanks, whoever you are.
GT
Quote from: racerman_27410 on January 13, 2012, 04:18:02 PM
I'm with PAt on running a soft front/harder rear tire combo so i can replace both tires at the same time.
I'm already running through 2 fronts for every rear.
If I were to put one of those fast-dissolving sport compound tires on front, it might be worn out before I finished balancing it. :-)
Might be a problem with my right wrist? It must not be rotating as far as it needs to, maybe some oil on it would help the rear wear as fast as the front.
DavidR.
I have been through a dozen or so tyres over the last three years and the only standout ones are the current Conti Attack 2's. They have many attributes but mostly the bike has never steered like this. I would not have believed that a tyre alone could make so much difference. I have previously tried all the major brands, dual compound and flavour of the month tyres with mixed results in grip, wear pattern, life, ride, steering etc. The Conti's are the bees knees. A bit of a cynic about manufacturers claims, I must say, with a few 1000 k's on them they do everything they claim and they are fantastic in the wet. However, with this level of performance I wouldn't expect high mileage, but if it sticks to the road and steers like a dream who cares.
Noel
David,
Obviously you would be a good candidate to run pilot powers on the front and the rear :biggrin:
(and to twist the throttle more often and further)
KOokaloo!
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on January 13, 2012, 06:01:12 PM
I'm already running through 2 fronts for every rear.
If I were to put one of those fast-dissolving sport compound tires on front, it might be worn out before I finished balancing it. :-)
Might be a problem with my right wrist? It must not be rotating as far as it needs to, maybe some oil on it would help the rear wear as fast as the front.
DavidR.
So all that responded here are just canyon riders like me? I do not ride on the superslab at all. The "Roads" are just 10 minutes from my driveway and there ain't much in the way of a straight anywhere. :yahoo:
I think I am going to give the Conti a try. Will let you all know how that turns out. I have a friend that has them on his VFR. He says he loves them. I rode the bike and it did just fine. Just not as much power and room as our FJs have.
Thanks,
CraigO
Let me know how you like them Craig.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on January 13, 2012, 11:55:29 AM
so I'm open for suggestions...
I put Dunlop Q2's on the Beemer for a track day last fall and they're impressive! Holding shape nicely, solid grip, stable handling,... I am only a few months and a couple thousand miles into them (but with a full day on Infineon), but I will have a set on the FJ at the WCR this year :drinks:
You might want to try them... :good2:
Frank
Ok thanks Frank, let me know if they fit.
Beware: We have had problems in the past with 180/55 Dunlop D208's not clearing the chain (scroll down to #8 in assembly): http://www.fjmods.btinternet.co.uk/MarcRittner.htm (http://www.fjmods.btinternet.co.uk/MarcRittner.htm)
However, if the Q2's fit your FJ (with the T-Ace swing arm conversion) they will fit mine....
Cheers!
Quote from: Flynt on January 13, 2012, 11:13:01 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on January 13, 2012, 11:55:29 AM
so I'm open for suggestions...
I put Dunlop Q2's on the Beemer for a track day last fall and they're impressive! Holding shape nicely, solid grip, stable handling,... I am only a few months and a couple thousand miles into them (but with a full day on Infineon), but I will have a set on the FJ at the WCR this year :drinks:
You might want to try them... :good2:
Frank
I put the Q2 on my 17" rear and have been machining off the edge with the chain (need to offset some more). The tire seems to wear well. I just keep rubbing off the sides of my 16" Avon's on the front. About 3 fronts to each rear. Good thing the fronts are a little less $$$.
Well I glad to hear that everyone else is having the same problem I have with the fronts. My riding style places a lot of weight over the front wheel and like to carry corner speed. But to see a tire go away this quickly. And it was pretty rude in the way it told me it was done.
Went into a hard right hand corner. Off camber at first to a full on camber. About almost to the apex, the front just plowed. If not for the on camber section, I would have maybe thrown her on the ground. I gently rode home and there she sits in the garage.
When I change out the tire, I got to powder coat the wheel black as to match the rear.
Pat, will let you know how the Conti goes. I want to get to the WCR this year. But life is always what seems to happen while making other plans.
Odd about this though. My old GS1100 ate 2 rears for every front. But then, I used to commute on it.
Cya,
CraigO
Quote from: Pat Conlon on January 13, 2012, 11:23:14 PM
We have had problems in the past with 180/55 Dunlop D208's not clearing the chain
Thanks for the caution... I have 180/55 Dunlop Roadsmarts on now (new at last WCR) and they clear fine. I was thinking they would be about same width, but will check it out. The Roadsmarts have begun to develop the "triangular" wear in the front, so I'm hoping the Q2s don't do the same. Otherwise I think the Roadsmart is a great option as well.
Frank
Quote from: Pat Conlon on January 13, 2012, 11:23:14 PM
Ok thanks Frank, let me know if they fit.
Beware: We have had problems in the past with 180/55 Dunlop D208's not clearing the chain (scroll down to #8 in assembly): http://www.fjmods.btinternet.co.uk/MarcRittner.htm (http://www.fjmods.btinternet.co.uk/MarcRittner.htm)
However, if the Q2's fit your FJ (with the T-Ace swing arm conversion) they will fit mine....
Cheers!
FYI Pat, I have a 180/55/17 Dunlop Sportmax D208 on my stock 1991 swing arm and it clears the chain easily. The tire is on a 5.5 inch FZR1000 wheel.
Unless you were referring to the T-Ace swing arm ONLY.
Leon
I do not know if the Michelin PR2 are made in the correct sizes. However, they beat the heck out of the Dunlop Roadsmart 2 in handling and turn in pressure, far better tire. I have run 2 Dunlop rears and one Dunlop front on my Warrior and thought they were great until I put the PR2's on. World of difference.
I didn´t like at all the PR2. Even more, now I have fitted the previous PRoads and are much better, but both of them are very bad near the BT45s that fit my CBX or the BT020 fitted before my actual PRoads
BT021s were worst than BT020 for me because the sides of the front tyre were near disintegrated after only 4.000 km due to the dual compound, I think, combined with the hot weather and abrasive Tenerife tarmac
I'm in the same boat as Pat. Sticky tire up front (Pilot Power), and dual compound on the back.
For my ride to S. Arizona and back I put a new PR3 on the rear. Still had enough life left in the Power for the trip.
I can say the PR3 is a fantastic tire. Even in the heaviest of rain I had ever ridden in (from S. Idaho all the way to Mexican Hat, UT) it always stuck to the road and never did anything to surprise me. On dry roads it stuck just as well.
After the trip it's starting to show signs of squaring off a bit. I know there's a ton of life left in it, but I may have a new one installed for the WC/CO rally combo this year.
When I was reading about the PR3, some articles said they are considering banning it from racing since it sticks so well in the wet. I can see why. Some of the rain I hit in S. Idaho was so bad I could hardly see the fog line in the dark.
I have been happy with the Michelin tires I've been running since I did the wheel upgrades to my '87. First set was Pilot Powers front and rear, then the PR2 in the rear and swap out the front for another Power when necessary.
Well, I have no too much problems with the rain (last year it only rained 3 days by here), but the BT45 and BT020 are superb in the wet
Quote from: pdxfj on January 16, 2012, 05:42:57 PM
I'm in the same boat as Pat. Sticky tire up front (Pilot Power), and dual compound on the back.
For my ride to S. Arizona and back I put a new PR3 on the rear. Still had enough life left in the Power for the trip.
I can say the PR3 is a fantastic tire. Even in the heaviest of rain I had ever ridden in (from S. Idaho all the way to Mexican Hat, UT) it always stuck to the road and never did anything to surprise me. On dry roads it stuck just as well.
After the trip it's starting to show signs of squaring off a bit. I know there's a ton of life left in it, but I may have a new one installed for the WC/CO rally combo this year.
When I was reading about the PR3, some articles said they are considering banning it from racing since it sticks so well in the wet. I can see why. Some of the rain I hit in S. Idaho was so bad I could hardly see the fog line in the dark.
I have been happy with the Michelin tires I've been running since I did the wheel upgrades to my '87. First set was Pilot Powers front and rear, then the PR2 in the rear and swap out the front for another Power when necessary.
Great tires .+1
Quote from: craigo on January 14, 2012, 06:16:43 AM
Odd about this though. My old GS1100 ate 2 rears for every front. But then, I used to commute on it.
That applies to almost every motorcycle I've ever owned.
I think I should consider laying off the throttle a bit more.....
Naw! :yahoo:
Quote from: craigo on January 13, 2012, 10:54:41 AM
I have a set of Dunlop Roadsmarts on my bike and they are dual compound tires. ...........
Which leaves me to wonder what tire is next. I will not buy the dual compound again.
Any suggestions?
CraigO
Hey craigo, were they Roadsmart II or the model before. Trying to make up my mind between Dunlop, Pirelli (Angel ST) and Conti. (my priorities are grip, grip and more grip - 50/50 wet & dry - even though I`m on the "Sunshine Coast"
Quote from: motohorseman on January 18, 2012, 12:08:02 PM
Quote from: craigo on January 14, 2012, 06:16:43 AM
Odd about this though. My old GS1100 ate 2 rears for every front. But then, I used to commute on it.
That applies to almost every motorcycle I've ever owned.
I think I should consider laying off the throttle a bit more.....
Naw! :yahoo:
My situation is the opposite: I ate 2 fronts for every rear in both of my bikes. The roads and the tarmac eat my front tyres by their sides. In fact the center is always near new
I've had only dual compounds on the FJR. Got the bike with Avon Storms. Rear lasted about 10K miles. First front was done at 5K. Second front had some good life left at 5K, but I pulled it to replace the set. Next were PR2s. Wore like iron. Got about 16K miles with them, but I hated the way they felt and rode from day 1. Next came Angel STs. Liked these tires a lot. Rode them at Boone. But the rear was showing cord at 8K miles. I'm currently running Avon Storm II Ultras. Really like these tires, so far. Got a bit over 8K miles. Rear looks great, front is starting to square off, but has a lot of life left and still feels pretty good. Just got a set of PR3s delivered and they are on deck. Figured if I don't like the PR3s, I'll go back to the Storm IIs.
FWIW, the FJR crowd didn't have a lot of luck with the original Roadsmarts. Reports were the fronts felt awesome for about 3K miles, then went away fast and were horrible. Rears seem to do better. Lot of guys run the RS rears with some other front.
I loved the Dunlop 205s on the FJ.
Per Superbike mag ------
"The Dunlop RoadSmart II is new for 2011 and aims to be the do-it-all tyre for sporty road riders. Sound familiar?
An astonishing ride around Corsica. Started flat then into the mountains.The Dunlop Roadsmart II is, you've guessed, a replacement and development of the firm's orginal Roadsmart sports-touring tyre, launched back in 2008. Well, three years is a long time in tyre development and the chemical engineers have been busy with their test tubes, potions and beakers mixing up new polymers to improve the Roadsmart's wet weather performance without compromising its durability or 'sportier' abilities.
As was the case before, Dunlop let a group of Euro journos ride the tyre on the road on a variety of bikes – and if you ever get the chance to ride in Corsica, seize it – before spending time at the Mireval test facility to test the Roadsmart II in blind tests against the Michelin Pilot Road III and the Bridgestone BT-023. The tyres, mounted on Suzuki GSX-R750 and Honda CB1000R bikes, were ridden on the handling track, on the wet circuit and on the 'race' track.
Basically, the Dunlop came out on top, overall, though the Michelin was still (for me) a better tyre in the wet. In the handling and on track, the Roadsmart II had the Mich whipped. And the Bridgestone? Burn it. Start a tyre mountain, it's rubbish in the rain in comparison to the other two. IMHO of course.
There will be more detail of the test in the December 2011 issue of SuperBike, but in the meantime, you can roll on down to your dealer from October 1 and start haggling."
Never understand why they test dual compound sport touring tires on a sportbike. I think a more accurate evaluation would be on a heavier ST machine that is harder on the tire.
Quote from: The General on March 11, 2012, 03:34:30 PM
Hey craigo, were they Roadsmart II or the model before. Trying to make up my mind between Dunlop, Pirelli (Angel ST) and Conti. (my priorities are grip, grip and more grip - 50/50 wet & dry - even though I`m on the "Sunshine Coast"
As far as I know, it was the 1st gen Roadsmarts. I replaced it with the Conti Motion and as of 500 miles, I love this tire. I still have the Roadsmart on the rear. Even thought the tread patterns are opposite, they seem to work well together.
Thing about the Conti though. The tread pattern looks like it would channel water to the center of the tire. I do not ever ride in the wet so this does not concern me. But to all you all weather pilots out there, better get an opinion from some real world usage.
Ride safe all,
CraigO
Quote from: FJ Flyer on March 11, 2012, 03:48:14 PM
FWIW, the FJR crowd didn't have a lot of luck with the original Roadsmarts. Reports were the fronts felt awesome for about 3K miles, then went away fast and were horrible. Rears seem to do better. Lot of guys run the RS rears with some other front.
I loved the Dunlop 205s on the FJ.
I had the same issues with the front Roadsmart. Was a good tire for about 3k, then it went to hell in a handbasket real fast. To the point it almost put me on my head. (See earlier post)
And I too loved the D205s. But I feel I like this Conti Motion better. Real supple feel and handles great. But I have not done any real hard cornering or high speed runs on it. Anything up to 90mph was fine. (Disclaimer: Your results may vary)
CraigO
I'll chime in for a third opinion. I've tried 2 Roadsmarts on the front of my '93 and the sides are shot at about 3500 miles. Love the handling, but for that kind of mileage, I can run a sport tire. I will not buy another Roadsmart.
I also loved the D205s, front and rear. I still have one rear left
DavidR.
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on March 11, 2012, 09:47:55 PM
I also loved the D205s, front and rear.
DavidR.
100% agree.....shame they don't make them any more....
Just fitted a pair of Conti Road Attack2's....... I like em.
Harvy
I loved the 205s too. My friend Mingo still has a couple fitted in OE sizes in his 1TX and the bike goes fantastic
I really liked the 205s, but then I tried the Avon Storms and Shinko Ravens and liked them even more.
Quote from: FJ Flyer on March 11, 2012, 03:48:14 PM
FWIW, the FJR crowd didn't have a lot of luck with the original Roadsmarts. Reports were the fronts felt awesome for about 3K miles, then went away fast and were horrible. Rears seem to do better. Lot of guys run the RS rears with some other front.
Mmmmmmmmm... the same happened to me with the D220: around 3-4000 kms fine and then horrible, sliding to side to side at the minimun effort.
I wanted to fit the Roadsmart, but now I´m thinking better another option
I have been through a dozen or so tyres over the last three years and the only standout ones are the current Conti Attack 2's. They have many attributes but mostly the bike has never steered like this. I would not have believed that a tyre alone could make so much difference. I have previously tried all the major brands, dual compound and flavour of the month tyres with mixed results in grip, wear pattern, life, ride, steering etc. The Conti's are the bees knees. A bit of a cynic about manufacturers claims, I must say, with a few 1000 k's on them they do everything they claim and they are fantastic in the wet. However, with this level of performance I wouldn't expect high mileage, but if it sticks to the road and steers like a dream who cares.
Noel
The above post is about 6 mths old and I'm still loving the Conti's. I have had most of the tyres mentioned here recently and these are the first ones I would happily buy again. Strangely enough I've found them to do everything the marketing blurb claims. They are also wearing much better than I had expected.
Noel
Just found another old post on Conti 2's....
No, but I did pay full price because I needed them quickly. I even removed/replaced the wheels so it was just fitting and balancing. However I'd pay it again in a heartbeat tomorrow for the difference it makes to the bike. I've been through a dozen or so tyres over the last 3 years, all the dual compound (hate the way the fronts triangulate as they wear), the sporty end of the touring selection from most of the major manufacturers and I don't think I've bought the same tyre twice, not by choice anyway. While any new tyres always return a nice feel to the bike for a while, these tyres literally transform it into another bike. They are Conti Attack 2's. They seem to have many advantages over the competition but what appealed to me initially was the "dual compound" effect is achieved by applying different amounts of heat during the manufacturing process resulting in a progressive transition from hard to soft rather than two distinct compounds (and a join). No previous tyre combo has even remotely produced the steering and cornering I'm experiencing now. I think this particular trait has more to do with the unusual front profile, almost slick like, than any other technical feature. They also need no scrub in and warm quickly. If interested, find some reviews. Given the demands on our bike tyres and the consequences of them not being up to the job I've always considered good tyres cheap insurance. The $100 you might have saved going cheap is not much consolation when you bunged up in a ditch or hanging from bull bar when circumstances (even unintentional for those "but I don't ride fast types") demands a little more of your average tyres and there's nothing left. For those of who read this to the end, yes, this a bit of a pet subject. Tyres to me are like helmets, "the money you spend on a helmet is the price you put on your head"
Noel
And they do get ridden hard.
Thanks for the post Noel, I just had the Conti -Road Attack 2's mounted on my new wheels. Their advertisement sounded good on paper. I'm glad to hear you're liking them.
Mark
Thought I`d pose the Roadsmart questions direct to the top. I pointed out the negatives and perceptions per this and other forums on the original Roadsmarts and asked what are the improvements on the Roadsmart II. Apart from his Rim size query, I plan to inquire more about tyre construction technique in the next week. His answer is as follows-------
Hi Doug
The improvements of RS ll over the original RS will be considerable. We expect much improved mileage plus a more linear wear pattern as the tyre wears so it will retain smooth handling till tread end
I am however surprised the RS was ever fitted to FJ 1200s We have never released this tyre in a suitable rear size for FJ1200 or FJ1100 ...... ( 150/80 - 16" ?)
best regards
Ken Wieden
National Motorcycle & Motorsport Manager
Dunlop Tyres
Tel 03 84167225
Mob 0419 253976
Quote from: The General on March 12, 2012, 10:05:15 PM
I am however surprised the RS was ever fitted to FJ 1200s We have never released this tyre in a suitable rear size for FJ1200 or FJ1100 ...... ( 150/80 - 16" ?)
best regards
Ken Wieden
National Motorcycle & Motorsport Manager
Dunlop Tyres
Tel 03 84167225
Mob 0419 253976
Yeah, ya pricks! Just abandon us and the Concours group entirely.
I spoke to a Dunlop Rep at the Motorcycle Show a few years ago and he assured me that they would produce the Roadsmart in all the sizes that the D205 was available in. Guess what? No 150/80-16 ya numb nuts rep. I hate it when people don't even know their own product!
DavidR.
i have perillie deman sport and they handle pretty good
im not sure about the wear as they were on the bike when i got it :unknown:
I will be mounting a set of Bridgestone BT-023's in the next few weeks to get ready for the WCR. I love the BT45's on my vintage bikes and the 023's are a dual compound tire that has been receiving good reviews. Anyone try these on their FJ or any other bike? Hoping not to experience short life span like CraigO did with his dual compound tires but I am already acclimated to a 3500 mile rear and about a 4500 mile front wear out range. I hated the AVON Venom and Sport Demon and this was a big part of the motivation to do the R1 conversion stuff. This will be my first new tires on the FJ with the R1 wheels and I anticipate a noticeable improvement to the Kookaloo factor.
cheers-
tim
I am currently at 2,932 miles on my new Dunlop Q2 rear, the 180 with one side machined off by the chain. I am just getting to the wear bars on the sides where I spend more time. However, I have spent at least a third of the tire's miles on the slab. So wear is not the best. I am real happy with grip. I had a pucker moment down south in a Left-hander leaned over as far as I am comfortable with, when I got hit by a gust of wind from the Left. For a brief moment I was way past my comfort zone and leaned in deeper than I ever do. Then it was gone and I returned to the line I was holding. After we stopped I checked my chicken strips. The Left was half the width than the right. The Q2s have a profile more rounded than competitive brands, intended for deeper corning at the track. So unless you are real corner junkie, plan to have a set of strips on your Q2 rear.
I just put a Q2 on my FZR front to match the rear for my very soon to be upgrade, I think I will put a 170 on back since the 180 is quite wide.