I used up the last of my rear tyre on Sunday, time for new rubber. In the last 10 or so tyres I have not bought the same tyre twice. I've tried pretty much everything in the "sports / touring " category and for one reason or another never liked any of them enough to buy again, until my last set. There was nothing from the major brands I hadn't tried or dismissed by reviews and reputation. After much research I thought the Continental Road Attack 2's, even if they only delivered on half the claims, couldn't be too bad. To my delight, they transformed the bike by a margin that I thought would be beyond tyres alone, and delivered on all the claims. An added bonus was getting many more miles than I would have expected. The front tyre is about 2/3 worn and I'm very happy with the way it's wearing.
I contacted the importers for a list of retailers this week and the following is part of an email exchange with their national manager.
Glad to hear that you like the RA2's. They are pretty awesome, and we get nothing but rave reviews about them. Just hard to get the public to understand that they could be better than the 'more common brands'.
I reckon he's spot on.
BTW I believe it's the unusual profile of the front tyre that contributes most to the improved handling.
So, if your in the hunt for new tyres, do a bit of research and give these a shot.
Noel
Have heard nothing but good things about them, think :good2:nk i should start saving
So how many miles have you gotten on them??!!
Are they good in the rain/ wet?
How have have they worn?
Do you do more commuting on them or more twisty roads?
Do let us know?
I've got 4000 miles on the set I put on this spring. They are wearing well and I like everything about them. I too will be buying another set of these when the time comes for new tires.
Quote from: ribbert on August 10, 2012, 03:17:10 AM
I used up the last of my rear tyre on Sunday, time for new rubber. In the last 10 or so tyres I have not bought the same tyre twice. I've tried pretty much everything in the "sports / touring " category and for one reason or another never liked any of them enough to buy again, until my last set. There was nothing from the major brands I hadn't tried or dismissed by reviews and reputation. After much research I thought the Continental Road Attack 2's, even if they only delivered on half the claims, couldn't be too bad. To my delight, they transformed the bike by a margin that I thought would be beyond tyres alone, and delivered on all the claims. An added bonus was getting many more miles than I would have expected. The front tyre is about 2/3 worn and I'm very happy with the way it's wearing.
I contacted the importers for a list of retailers this week and the following is part of an email exchange with their national manager.
Glad to hear that you like the RA2's. They are pretty awesome, and we get nothing but rave reviews about them. Just hard to get the public to understand that they could be better than the 'more common brands'.
I reckon he's spot on.
BTW I believe it's the unusual profile of the front tyre that contributes most to the improved handling.
So, if your in the hunt for new tyres, do a bit of research and give these a shot.
Noel
Tyre technology is certainly advancing and I too have been impressed with RA2`s. Also had many communications with Dunlop National sales manager. So thought I`d try the latest technology - Dunlop Roadsmart ll. Mine are amongst the first shipment to OZ and were manufactured in their french factory.
I look forward to seeing you at our National FJ Rally at Bellingen in March 2013 for a personalised comparison report. Doug
I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the mileage I got out of the (original gen) Roadsmart tires that I tried. The fronts were down to the wear bars at about 3500 miles.
Hopefully you'll get better wear out of the RS2.
DavidR.
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on August 11, 2012, 08:57:39 AM
I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the mileage I got out of the (original gen) Roadsmart tires that I tried. The fronts were down to the wear bars at about 3500 miles.
Hopefully you'll get better wear out of the RS2.
DavidR.
These ( Road Attack 2's) are a completely different tyre.
I can't find where I recorded the mileage I fitted them at, but can account for 6000k's in trips alone.
Noel
Quote from: Dan Filetti on August 10, 2012, 08:01:18 AM
So how many miles have you gotten on them??!!
Are they good in the rain/ wet?
How have have they worn?
Do you do more commuting on them or more twisty roads?
Do let us know?
I can't find the mileage I fitted them at but I'm sure they've got more miles on them than the previous ones.
They are brilliant in the wet. I've NEVER cancelled a ride because of rain so they have seen a lot wet roads.
These have seen a bit more slab than usual but I'm happy with the worn profile.
I don't commute and avoid slab wherever possible.
My only complaint would be the absence of wear markers in the centre of the back tyre.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on August 11, 2012, 10:18:26 AM
My only complaint would be the absence of wear markers in the centre of the back tyre.
Noel
Quote
That's because you're supposed to wear off the sides and then get new ones. Only Harley tires need them in the center. :lol:
I ran Conties in the past on different bikes (not an FJ) and was very happy with them. They did nothing wrong and worked well in the rain.
Kurt
slightly off topic, I just did a tyre and wheel swap on the 1200 , my wheels and near new tyres, as the ones on it have been on there 14 years that I know of, on close inspection they were cracking in the tread grooves, besides being on the wear marks the rear dunlop was still soft, but the battle axe b45 was hard , age is also bad on tyres
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on August 11, 2012, 08:57:39 AM
I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the mileage I got out of the (original gen) Roadsmart tires that I tried. The fronts were down to the wear bars at about 3500 miles.
Hopefully you'll get better wear out of the RS2.
DavidR.
The following is a bias view obviously, but I did get even more details earlier to this email. In the end I thought his diligence was worth giving the latest technology a go. (Will keep ya posted)
Doug
the RoadSmart had more than a couple of running changes in its 5 year life so I guess it is difficult to identify the differences.
Also the rear RS started life as a mono tread & then most of the range was changed over to Multi Tread in the first 18 months of its life
Also the RoadSmart are made in 2 different factories ......France & Japan ......whilst the specs are similar there are also some slight differences
We have imported from both factories as have the US
I think some of the earlier MultiTread RS may have had a peculiar wear pattern that was rectified in later production
regards
Ken Wieden
National Motorcycle & Motorsport Manager
Dunlop Tyres
Tel 03 84167225
Mob 0419 253976
Fax 03 84167400
email ken_wieden@goodyear.com
Quote from: ribbert on August 11, 2012, 09:15:02 AM
These ( Road Attack 2's) are a completely different tyre.
I can't find where I recorded the mileage I fitted them at, but can account for 6000k's in trips alone.
Noel
Noel, just wondering how the RA2's are goin? I'm just about to buy a pair of tyres and have narrowed my choice down to either a set of RA2's or Pilot Road3's. I've read good reviews about both tyres so I'd be happy to go with either brand. Regards, Pete.
Quote from: The General on August 12, 2012, 02:28:17 PM
Ken Wieden
National Motorcycle & Motorsport Manager
Dunlop Tyres
Tel 03
careful Doug he's a mexican :lol:
I am stuck in a time warp me and the FJ love PR2's
Speaking off tyres, my "local" has no stock of PR3's (currently run PR2's on FJ1) - so they mentioned/recommended Pirelli Speed Demons... have seen them mentioned on some posts from FJer's in the US, anyone ride them in here in AUS? They are going on FJ2 on Thursday.....
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on August 11, 2012, 08:57:39 AM
I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the mileage I got out of the (original gen) Roadsmart tires that I tried. The fronts were down to the wear bars at about 3500 miles.
Hopefully you'll get better wear out of the RS2.
DavidR.
Yeah, I have to agree with you on the 1st gen Roadsmarts. Both front and rears were some of the worst tires I ever had. I switched to Continental Motions (mostly for budget issues) and love them. I have around 3000 miles on the set and they are not even close to the wear bars. My riding is all done in the canyons and backroads of San Diego. I do not commute on the bike and my bike has never been in the rain as long as I have owned her. I will buy another set when these wear out.
CraigO
Quote from: Chromaxe on December 17, 2012, 05:39:41 AM
Speaking off tyres, my "local" has no stock of PR3's (currently run PR2's on FJ1) - so they mentioned/recommended Pirelli Speed Demons... have seen them mentioned on some posts from FJer's in the US, anyone ride them in here in AUS? They are going on FJ2 on Thursday.....
Yes, I have a bike with them F&R ( I take it you are talking about "
Sport Demons") and I have one with tyres I like.
I always thought Pirelli took a bit of licence with that name, it's like calling a tractor tyre "the Bathhust Qualifier" or "the Schumacher Special"
The name conjures up an expection of performance the tyre won't deliver.
A lot depends on how you ride and what you expect. While PR2's had their flaws you cannot compare the two, they are cross ply tyres with a sporty tread pattern and there are many good radials out there.
One of the reasons for 17'' wheels is to get away from tyres like that. I assume if your running PR2's you have 17's F&R.
Anyway, that's my opinion.
Noel
Quote from: oldktmdude on December 17, 2012, 04:51:39 AM
Quote from: ribbert on August 11, 2012, 09:15:02 AM
These ( Road Attack 2's) are a completely different tyre.
I can't find where I recorded the mileage I fitted them at, but can account for 6000k's in trips alone.
Noel
Noel, just wondering how the RA2's are goin? I'm just about to buy a pair of tyres and have narrowed my choice down to either a set of RA2's or Pilot Road3's. I've read good reviews about both tyres so I'd be happy to go with either brand. Regards, Pete.
Pete. still very happy with the tyres. Post #194 has a bit more to say.
Update: they continue to amaze me in the wet and one of the things that age hasn't dulled is my love of corners. My previous tyres occasionally had moments for no obvious reason and I've not had a single one on these tyres and I get them right to the edge from time to time, even with the back raised that's mufflers, belly pan and rear mounting bolts, collector etc and my boots that previously had a chamfer on the outside of the sole are now through the uppers.
Well may you ( and many ) say but I don't need tyres that will do that. True, but you will need to brake in an emergency, ride in the wet and probably overcook a corner from time to time and it's very comforting having that margin up your sleeve.
The main reason I got these was because my previous dual compound tyres developed a ridge where the compounds met making for increasingly strange handling. This tyre achieves the same result with different amounts of heat applied across the tyre during manufacture, no join.
If I was tyre hunting tomorrow I would research the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact a bit more.
Tyre technology moves very quickly and the tyre of the moment today will be gazumped tomorrow, next week or next year and I would never buy the same tyre again without seeing what's come out in the meantime.
This is my current tyre at 5000 k's, looking good.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/8153625686_42d3003bda_c.jpg)
Quote from: ribbert on December 17, 2012, 06:26:27 AM
Quote from: Chromaxe on December 17, 2012, 05:39:41 AM
Speaking off tyres, my "local" has no stock of PR3's (currently run PR2's on FJ1) - so they mentioned/recommended Pirelli Speed Demons... have seen them mentioned on some posts from FJer's in the US, anyone ride them in here in AUS? They are going on FJ2 on Thursday.....
( I take it you are talking about "Sport Demons")
Noel
Yes Noel, "Sport" - I felt the same way when it was mentioned..... I hear Pirelli and I hear Martin Brundle waxing on about tyre degradation and marbles on Turn 1...
Thanks.....
i`ve just put a new set of Avon Roadriders on mine and I LOVE them . I paid £161 gbp for them . about $200 i think and fitted them myself. They are much much better than the metzlers that it did have on it and have improved the way the bike handles by a huge amount. It`s now lush in the corners and they have given me a huge confidence boost . Highly recommended IMO .
Noel. thanks for your reply and great photo. Looks like you're gonna get around 7 - 8,000 kms out of the RA2's. I've just wore out a set of Pilot Power 2CT's and got just under 6,000 kms out of them. They were great tyres but would like to gain a few more miles out of my next set of tyres. I ride mostly twisty mountain roads and curvy coastal back roads so the Conti's should fit the bill nicely. Thanks again for your input. Regards, Pete.
Quote from: oldktmdude on December 18, 2012, 04:59:35 AM
Noel. thanks for your reply and great photo. Looks like you're gonna get around 7 - 8,000 kms out of the RA2's. I've just wore out a set of Pilot Power 2CT's and got just under 6,000 kms out of them. They
And the rest! The last set were the only tyres I didn't record the mileage when fitted but I got way more than I was expecting. I reckon I got 10 - 12,000 hard k's out of them riding the back one down to the casing.
The current one at 5,000 should have at least that much again in it going by wear to date.
Like you I enjoy the twisties and the open road and give it plenty but I spare it ripping off from the lights and ringing it out in the lower gears around town, this probably adds some k"s to it's life.
Noel
I finished the season with 5000 miles on the Road Attack 2's, front and rear. The rear is worn to the plies at the center. The front still has tread left but has squared off and has some cupping. I'll replace them in the spring with another set.
I do wish the rear had some sort of wear bar, but it's not a deal breaker.
Quote from: craigo on December 17, 2012, 05:41:44 AM
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on August 11, 2012, 08:57:39 AM
I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the mileage I got out of the (original gen) Roadsmart tires that I tried. The fronts were down to the wear bars at about 3500 miles.
Hopefully you'll get better wear out of the RS2.
DavidR.
Yeah, I have to agree with you on the 1st gen Roadsmarts. Both front and rears were some of the worst tires I ever had.
CraigO
Curious...
I´ve always have a duration problems with my front tyre because here the tarmac is very abrasive, and in summer is very hot because even although the ambient temperature is around 25ºC, we are near the tropic and the sun is very hard, so I near destroy front tyre hedges in less than 5.000 kms... and I LOVE the Roadsmart because these last longer, and I like the feeling and the flickability of the bike with them. Much better than the PR by a mile. The Michelin crystallize with the hot instead of wear, remaining like bakelite... and been as effective in a bike like this material :nea:
My dunlops are made in France, if it helps
Gee Alf,
Is there ANYTHING we agree on?
:-)
DavidR.
:rofl2: :rofl2: :rofl2: :rofl2: :rofl2:
I´m gonna give you a chance: you´re right with the problems with the 16"... but only if the tyre is not in excellent condition. Last weekend I rode with my friend Mingo´s 86 FJ. Their tyres are worn now and the bike run wide on brakes, don´t give confidence at high speed and feel harsh... Only 3 months ago the bike was a perfect sweet handling bike
Its clear that the OE 16"· are more tyre sensitive than with 17" rims
Are you happy? :i_am_so_happy:
Wow, trashed the tires in 3 months.
My 17" radials certainly don't do that.
Sorry Alf, maybe next time. :-)
All my (bad) Dunlop Roadsmart experience has been with their 17 inch front tires.
And, I'll repeat, I was happy with the performance of the tire, just disappointed that they only lasted 3500 miles.
DavidR.
Quote from: Alf on December 18, 2012, 03:23:27 PM
Quote from: craigo on December 17, 2012, 05:41:44 AM
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on August 11, 2012, 08:57:39 AM
I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the mileage I got out of the (original gen) Roadsmart tires that I tried. The fronts were down to the wear bars at about 3500 miles.
Hopefully you'll get better wear out of the RS2.
DavidR.
Yeah, I have to agree with you on the 1st gen Roadsmarts. Both front and rears were some of the worst tires I ever had.
CraigO
Curious...
I´ve always have a duration problems with my front tyre because here the tarmac is very abrasive, and in summer is very hot because even although the ambient temperature is around 25ºC, we are near the tropic and the sun is very hard, so I near destroy front tyre hedges in less than 5.000 kms... and I LOVE the Roadsmart because these last longer, and I like the feeling and the flickability of the bike with them. Much better than the PR by a mile. The Michelin crystallize with the hot instead of wear, remaining like bakelite... and been as effective in a bike like this material :nea:
My dunlops are made in France, if it helps
Hi Alf,
Remember this conversation about the Roadsmarts?:
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=5699.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=5699.0)
Seems we all agreed that initially the Roadsmarts were good tires, they didn't last long and when they gave it up, the results were immediate, as in no warnings...
Merry Christmas,
CraigO
Its true. I´ve read it again
Reviewing my maintenance chart (I write all the things that I do to my FJ) I see than my RS have covered 6.000 kms and its possible another 1.000 more
The excellent news for me is that the front is not worn at 3.000 kms, like I usually do with BT 20, BT21, BT23, BT45 (in my CBX)...
I have a couple of friends who owns a tyre workshop in Madrid, both of them FJ owners too and excellent guys (being FJ owners is not necessary to say it)
Last summer we had a long talk about tyres. They were amazed with my front tyre destruction prone. (I always buy my tyres from them)
We take in conclusion that like the Tenerife tarmac is so hot, a sport touring tyre is degraded so fast because of its working temperature is out the range that the tyre is made to operate. So they recommended me the RoadSmart like a more sport tyre, and that the next time fit a Race Smart
A race tyre in a normal use suffer because don´t work at its properly temperature, but in my case the race tyre IS going to work correctly
And my guys seem right, because a front tyre has never lasted me 5.000 kms or a little more like the RS
The problem is that the rear is worn at 4.000 kms. Also no rear tyre has lasted so few kms to me :dash2:
Wait a minute!
I think I actually agree with Alf.
I feel funny, I think I'll go lay down and take a nap now. I should be back to normal after that....
:-)
DavidR.
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
I am currently using Metzler Roadtec Z6 front and back. I have no complaints what so ever on wear. I am wondering if anyone has used Continental Conti-Motions, and what are the opinions? The price looks amazing. I can get a set for the price of the rear Metzler.
Fred
Quote from: aviationfred on December 27, 2012, 07:52:47 PM
I am currently using Metzler Roadtec Z6 front and back. I have no complaints what so ever on wear. I am wondering if anyone has used Continental Conti-Motions, and what are the opinions? The price looks amazing. I can get a set for the price of the rear Metzler.
Fred
Fred,
I have around 3k on a set and they are lasting well. I have no complaints about them and love the price. I will buy another set after these wear out.
I posted about these earlier in this thread.
Cheers,
CraigO
Just put a set of Conti-Motions on my FZ. We'll see how they hold up to commuting.
DavidR.