Dual compound tires are not for everyone.

[craigo]

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

[SlowOldGuy]

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.

[Pat Conlon]

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.

[hein]

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.

[racerman_27410]

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!

[cyclenutk75]

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

[SlowOldGuy]

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.

[ribbert]

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

[racerman_27410]

David,


Obviously you would be a good candidate to run pilot powers on the front and the rear 


(and to twist the throttle more often and further)



KOokaloo!

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.

[craigo]

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.  

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

[Pat Conlon]

Let me know how you like them Craig.

[Flynt]

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  

You might want to try them...  

Frank

[Pat Conlon]

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

However, if the Q2's fit your FJ (with the T-Ace swing arm conversion) they will fit mine....

Cheers!

[FJmonkey]

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  
You might want to try them...  
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 $$$.

[craigo]

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