Tire opinions(previously "Sportec M3 on the front")

[neverendingninja]

Ok, well, after doing more research, I've come across a few other options. A few things to consider; 2001 model, I only commute 2 miles to work, and maybe put a total of 200 miles on the bike in a week, unless I go for an extended ride. Therefore, if I only get 3000 to 6000 miles out of the tires, thats alright. Plus, I don't ride very hard, so I wouldn't wear them out as fast as someone who goes canyon carving every weekend.

The first combo I'm considering is a 110/70/17 Conti Road Attack up front with a 150/60/17 Sport Attack in the rear. This combo would run me $177.

The second combo would be the Road Attack in front with a ContiForce 150/60/17 in the rear. This is designed for supermoto bikes that ride primarily on the street, so I would think it would handle the weight and speed appropriately.

Third combo: Road Attack in the front with a Metzeler M3 150/60/17 in back. $181.

Which would you pick? The only other choice would be to stick a Sportec M3 on the front, but its a 120/60/17 and I've read conflicting information on whether it fits properly or not.

[GeeP]

I prefer BT-45's for touring / general street use.  They flat spot less than a stickier tire will as they're oriented towards sport-touring.

However, last time I bought tires I bought one of the last fronts available in the country.  Bridgestone had some kind of a supply problem, which they may have solved that by now.

Can't really say much about the combos you're talking about.  My tire experience is fairly limited.

[gsJack]

When you first posted I was going to ask why you wanted a 120/60 M-3 front rather than a 110/70.  I'd use the 110/70 front with the 150/60 rear if you really want the M-3 tires but your usage doesn't really require any supersport tires like the M-3.  Any of the good bias ply sport touring tires would meet your needs.

The combos you mention don't make a lot of sense to me.  It seems you want a 150/60 rear tire and are looking for a front to go with it.  The regular Contiforce tires are available in the 110/70 and 150/60 sizes so there's no need to go to a supermoto rear tire if you want lower priced radials in those sizes.

http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=33_108_110

It might be necessary to bend the brake torque rod for clearance for a 150 tire, some require it and some don't.

When I went from the oem Excedras to the BT45s on my first GS almost ten years ago the BT45 were a big improvement.  They are available now but some suppliers like AMT list them with oem tires and not with the regular replacement tires and they are nicely priced.

.http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=33_82_95_576

Avon Roadriders, Bridgestone BT45, Metzeler Lasertecs, Michelin Pilot Activs, and Pirelli Demons are all good sport touring  bias ply tires that come in the 110/70-17 and 130/70-17 oem sizes or with a 140/70  or 150/70 rear.  I liked the Lasertecs myself but they are kinda pricey now.

I think the best handling tires I've had on my GSs over the last 140k miles were the 150/70 RoadAttack rear with a 110/80 Lasertec front and I attribute that to the type of tire rather than the size/profile of them.  Your requirements may vary.

[Cozzy]

I prefer BT-45's for touring / general street use.  They flat spot less than a stickier tire will as they're oriented towards sport-touring.

However, last time I bought tires I bought one of the last fronts available in the country.  Bridgestone had some kind of a supply problem, which they may have solved that by now.

Can't really say much about the combos you're talking about.  My tire experience is fairly limited.

I really like the BT090, however tire selection highly depends no what you use you bike for, if you are running alot, the BT-45 make more sence!!

[neverendingninja]

The reason I picked those tires is because they are all on sale. I would save somewhere in the order of $100 if I were to purchase any of those combos. Thats the only reason I was thinking about the 120/60 M3 instead of the 110/70.

However, thanks to the suggestions, it looks like I'll be going with the 110/70 and 150/60 Contiforce.

Thanks guys

[Danny500]

I paid 170 bucks TOTAL for a set of Avon RoadRiders from AmericanMotoTire.com... 150/70 rear and 110/70 front.

Look them up.

Dan

[mach1]

I have a 110 sportec m-1 up front and a 150 sportec m-1 on the rear and I love them.

[ke7syv]

I'm thinking about getting Avon Azaros because I need the best tire for wet conditions, but do I need to be worried about how long they've been sitting on a shelf due to the fact they're a discontinued model? Any suggestions for other models. They need to be above average for water, I live in a puddle. 

[gsJack]

The Azaro ST line was replaced by the newer Storm ST tires but 6 sizes that are not made in Storms are still made from the Azaro line including the 110/80/17 and 140/80/17 sizes that fit the GS.

http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=tyres&method=showspecs&id=18

Check the date of manufacture on the tires you buy, the last four digits of the DOT numnber are the week of manufacture.  For example, 3206 would be a tire made the 32nd week of 2006.

All of the radials I used on my GSs were good in the rain including the Azaros.  When I went to Z4/Z2 radials from BT45s I quit slowing down in the rain.  Have used Z4/Z2, BT010/AV36, AV45/46, and RoadAttack rear radial with Lasertec front.  The BT45 have been updated in compounds and profiles since I used them and I thought the Lazertec pair were about as good as radials, just don't last as long as sport touring radials and getting a bit pricey.

I'm mostly satisfied with the Roadriders I'm using now, bargain priced and the rear is lasting 50% longer than the Lasertec did; but I'm really slowing down in the rain again.  Maybe because I'm getting old though.   

[vorBH]

the 150 sizes you guys are putting on....they fit on the stock rims???

[mach1]

depends on the tire and wall size

[vorBH]

what about that??

I have a 110 sportec m-1 up front and a 150 sportec m-1 on the rear and I love them.