Guess i'll be in contact with the original dealer. Of course I have no contract with them, though they should owe a duty of care to ensure that they are selling UK spec bikes - Depends on how the bike was advertised ab initio i guess.
Anyway my thoughts have now turned to tyres.
There are loads and loads of threads about tyres, and as my new flaco will have 90s Michelin Hi sports, i'm now interested in the subject.
My favourite tyres so far on my bikes have been the Diablo Supercorsa despite the lack of silica, and the groves, i found that they offered better grip in wet weather than any regular ST or sports tyre and offered great grip in the dry (of course).
My last set lasted 3,000 miles before failing at 80MPH on the Autoroute.
I'd love to have a pair on the Falco, but I need more durability, yet I don't want to sacrifice the speed and ease at which the bike falls into the corners on the Supercorsa tyre.
Since then i've had BT021 and Qualifier IIs, both were very slow to lean in.
In my previous searches for tyres I've also noticed that Metzler Z6 and some Michelin tyres can be up to a 1.5kg heavier than some other models of tyre.
Since loosing weight at the wheels (unsprung mass) has a greater effect than anywhere else, it's a worth while consideration.
Edit: metzler used to do a pdf of the weight and tread depth of all their tyres. Can't find it now.
Got myself a new Italian bird...
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randomsquid
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mangocrazy
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I think you'll get as many preferences as there are responders with tyres... It does all depend on what you want from a tyre, but I'm of the opinion that modern 'middle of the road' tyres like Dunlop Roadsmarts and Michelin Pilot 3CTs are so incredibly capable that they will do everything you want, even the odd trackday. And last 6-7000 miles into the bargain.
I've had Roadsmarts on my Falco for the last 3 years and I have been profoundly impressed. So much so, that I'm intending to fit a set of Sportsmarts to my Oz wheels when they come back from the powder coaters. That should see me sorted for next summer and hopefully a track day or two.
I'm convinced that modern sports-touring tyres offer similar levels of grip to tyres I was doing trackdays on ten years ago, with the added bonus of extended tyre life and total stability. It's actually very difficult to find a poor tyre these days.
I've had Roadsmarts on my Falco for the last 3 years and I have been profoundly impressed. So much so, that I'm intending to fit a set of Sportsmarts to my Oz wheels when they come back from the powder coaters. That should see me sorted for next summer and hopefully a track day or two.
I'm convinced that modern sports-touring tyres offer similar levels of grip to tyres I was doing trackdays on ten years ago, with the added bonus of extended tyre life and total stability. It's actually very difficult to find a poor tyre these days.
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wayofthedarkhand
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mangocrazy
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wayofthedarkhand
Michelin tyres are traditionally heavy anyway, so that tyre saving 1KG probably just puts them below them below the competition in terms of weight. I'd like to try some Michelins, but they always to bloody expensive.mangocrazy wrote:Michelin Power Pure are marketed as the lightest road-going tyre carcass. Not sure what the front tyre profile is like though. However I do recall reading that with certain bikes (mainly heavier ones) the lightness of the tyre construction could give rise to some instability in certain situations.
Metzler ST tyres tend to be pretty heavy, but some have up to 8mm tread on the rear. Avon Storm 2 Ultras have about 6.8mm - i don't know their weight.
One of the problems with light construction carcases is that if (when) you get a puncture they cannot be repaired. I think the better solution is to invest in lightweight rims and go for tyres that are repairable and have the performance characteristics you are after.
“Scientists investigate that which already is. Engineers create that which has never been.”
-- Albert Einstein
-- Albert Einstein
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wayofthedarkhand
Re: Tyres
In my previous searches for tyres I've also noticed that Metzler Z6 and some Michelin tyres can be up to a 1.5kg heavier than some other models of tyre.
must admit .the weight of the tyre is a thing Ive never considered !!
i had Z6 now on ROSSO 11 very impressed
dave
must admit .the weight of the tyre is a thing Ive never considered !!
i had Z6 now on ROSSO 11 very impressed
dave
red and black v twin
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flatlander
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I have the roadsmarts and the best I can describe them is they are very neutral feel they do feel light to me nut that's just me 
YMMV
I am very impressed with them and a lot of anecdotal evidence suggests they hold the profile as they wear better than others
YMMV I am very impressed with them and a lot of anecdotal evidence suggests they hold the profile as they wear better than others
For the avoidance of doubt and for the benefit of my wife, not everything I may say here will be absolutely true I may on ocassion embellish a little for effect.
That said when it comes to motorbikes, I like to ride side saddle with a nice frock
That said when it comes to motorbikes, I like to ride side saddle with a nice frock
All the light tyres tend to be race orientated. What you want for road riding is, wet grip, comfort and longevity.
If weight's an issue, follow D-Rider's advice and look at lighter wheels.
If weight's an issue, follow D-Rider's advice and look at lighter wheels.
SHINY BIKE SYNDROME Motorcycle valeting and paint protection specialist.
Aladinsaneuk wrote:andy is having a VERY heavy period
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wayofthedarkhand