| Author | Message | ||
     Xb9er |
I'll keep that in mind! Thanks you your help. -chris | ||
| Silentdale |
Silly question, but would it be alright to put a Diablo on the rear and leave the stock Pirelli on the front? The front tire is fine, but the rear is worn out. Thanks for any input. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Yes! The only problem might be some instability on high speed/hard cornering given 2 different tread patterns and profiles. Thats might. Also might not make any difference whatsoever. That would be, imho, a good combination. | ||
| Sycho |
Just ordered a Diablo rear for $65.95 and a front MT75 for $48.95. for my summer riding. Was able to get over 5,000 miles on the previous rear and over 10,000 on the front. | ||
| Themagster |
I realize this issue has been beat to death but once again I'm gonna bring up the subject. Obviously, everyone has their own preference and opinion as to what tire is the best, depending on what you are looking for in a tire, performance vs. utility. Over the years I have settled with the Avon Road Rider, which gave me the best mileage. I don't carry a lot of weight, but do put a lot of non-cornering type of miles on, so long wear is most important to me. With my '09 I got just over 9,000 miles on the OEM Pirelli (MT75) that came with the bike. The replacement Avon however did not net me as many miles as I am used to. I tried an Avon Viper Stryke, huge mistake. Handled great but wear was very disappointing. I once again tried another MT75. This tire is about shot at just 4,000 miles. And it appears to be somewhat irregular wear. I always tend to square my rear tire off, but this time I've got some center spots with more wear than others. Lacking tire changing equipment in my garage I rely on the local shop. The shop that saw me through years of Blasting around shut down (RIP) and the new shop has this rule about not changing other brands of bikes. However, I've got friends there who override this rule. I'm thinking that maybe the guys in the shop just don't put the effort into proper balancing. It may be my imagination, but seems like since I've switched to this shop, not one tire has netted me the mileage I used to get. Nor, the mileage I got from the NEW bike. So, am I just crazy and in bad taste putting blame where it don't belong? Could it be my rim is just slightly out of round? The easy answer I guess would be to just get the equipment and let Thumper do it (God Bless him) but not much room in garage, or just switch shops. But unless I pay the big bucks and go to HD, I'm don't have a lot of options. My D&D exhaust sits pretty close to the standard tire size, so I'm not sure what other options I have. OK guys - let me have it, I'm tuff, don't go easy, just let your feelings flow.... | ||
| Buellistic |
Themagster: Have you tried Cycle Gear(www.CycleGear.com)... | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
9000 miles!!! From an MT75???? WOW! Perhaps they use a different compound for the factory bikes. The wear could be balance, inflation, wheel bearings, shock absorber or you just went past the TWI (indicators) and kept riding. 4000 miles out of a rear Pirelli MT75 would be average to good. Any tire you can use will be about the same distance from the exhaust as there isnt any room for a bigger tire! | ||
| Ezblast |
LOL - the oversized isn't that oversized! Just a better longer lasting tire. Funny thing is you'll never run out of rubber! EZ | ||
| Themagster |
OK so now even I am questioning my own information. I never leave the garage without checking tire pressure and have never left a tire on past safe wear. So I must go review my log again to see what I missed. If I have any sort of memory, the Avon's always gave me the best mileage, so I must have something mixed up. Gonna check my records. | ||
| Ezblast |
Yes - the old Avon had the best mileage, but now the Pirelli ST 66 has the highest with over 9000 to over 10,000. The oversized Diablo are producing 5000 to 8000 - the new popular commuter combo would be the ST66 rear and Diablo front in the oversized, and for performance just run the Diablo oversized - other tires are being tried, but so far none have stood out as being better - Michillin, Metzler, and a euro Dunlop included. EZ | ||
| Themagster |
Thanks EZ - are there any mods that have to be done to use the 140/70? That is the only size I find. I re-checked my log. This is where my calculation went wrong: First, you must know I am obsessive-compulsive when it comes to logging EVERYTHING done on my bikes. Just my nature. I also keep all my receipts for parts. What got me messed up is this: The last tire I put on the '05 had about 2,000'ish miles on it when the motor went south. Then I got the '09 with the Pirelli on it. That tire is the one I thought I had 9,000 miles on, but in reality it had typical wear. Thumper just took the tire from the '05, wheel and all, and switched it over to the '09 for me. No tire bought, so it just slipped through my log writing fingers  When I finally needed to buy a tire, I logged it, but put the actual odometer reading of the '09 at the time, rather than the mileage of the tire. Odometer reading correct, tire mileage incorrect Any other words of wisdom you can pass along about the ST 66? Just picking your brain. Michelin makes a Gold Standard Scooter tire in the same size, any thoughts? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
EZ has remarked the Michelin is also bad. FWIW: The 140/70 will give you a somewhat harsher ride. I think all the Pirelli 140/70's fit without mods. | ||
| Ezblast |
That Michelin has a long life but lousy handling. There is no swing arm modifications needed for any of the Pirelli, and the ST 66 has handling similar to the Avon - not bad at all, once warmed up. The oversized Diablo as a set have the best handling characteristics, and last a decent amount of miles. They are awesome in the back roads - you can really tip them over, and not worry about running out of rubber. The oversized ST 66 has outstanding life and will probably last as long as the Front Diablo - as has been shown to be the case a few times, and the average commuter guy is pretty happy with the handling. EZ | ||
| Themagster |
Once again ya'll - thanks for all the info, invaluable to me as a Blast rider. I ordered the ST 66 Tuesday, it was here by Thursday and went on Friday. Great weekend of riding and so far, love the tire. My wallet will also thank you for 10,000 miles! Still have the MT 75 on front, when it's time for replacement, will give the Diablo consideration. | ||
| Truthnexile |
Final results on my Pirelli Diablo 130/80-16 over-oversized rear- a dismal 3500 miles or so before subtle failure. Etiology is clear, won't make the same mistake twice. It handled very well and I will probably go with another Pirelli. Are these available through HD dealers, or do they carry a good replacement non-Dunlop. I only ask because I still have enough$ on an HD gift card to cover it.  (Message edited by truthnexile on September 26, 2010) (Message edited by truthnexile on September 26, 2010) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Yes, they are available through Buell/HD dealers (not sure if a non Buell dealer will get it) and while some rogue dealers may get other brands for the Blast, most will only get the old stock Dunflop or the new stock Pirelli OE replacements. The price is about $30 higher at the dealer (if I remember correctly). There might be a sale though. The Dunlop isnt worth spending your gift card $$ on. Pirelli MT75's $93.75 at the dealer $67 elsewhere online (free shipping) Cycle gear has the MT75's listed as scooter tires for $31. It says in the description OE for Buell Blast. I dont really know if its a mistake or what, but its a hellova deal if its not!!! They have a good return policy, but check for details!!! Free shipping. | ||
| Rusty7983 |
i got my new diablo today. that picture is nothing. i was 35 miles from home going 70 and felt a vibration, drove 15 miles more and noticed 8 inch section of belts showing. i drove 50 miles home very carefully. one of the guys was busting my cahoneys about my tire. i went out and saw how bad it was. i can't wait to try the diablo monday. i could not find any 30 tires, i paid 80 for it. | ||
| Truthnexile |
Yeah, that picture shows a premature tire failure from running too big a tire, not meant to be shocking- and it went flat while parked stead of OTR. That is always a Plus. I am enjoying the ST66 I got to replace it, Pirelli is a good call indeed. | ||
| Rusty7983 |
i got a few hundred miles on it. it runs great. | ||
| Ezblast |
And you'll find the handling wildly improved! EZ | ||
| Ronbob43 |
I have some Pirelli Diablos coming. I thought the 130/80 rear would be fine since it is only one step wider, but folks here are saying the 140/70 is the only one that fits. Doing some math shows the 140 only 2% taller than stock and the 130 8% taller. Is this a clearance issue? Do I need to send the 130 back and get a 140? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Yes. Without reading back through the posts I believe one fellow tried and it rubbed the swingarm. I dont know if "Swampy's Arm & Hammer" method will give enough clearance for the 130 tire, but I doubt it. Most 130/80 tires will rub. 120 x 80=96mm 140 x 70=98mm 130 x 80=104mm There is a serious clearance issue. With a well worn stock tire fitted there is only about a 1/2" or 13mm clearance. It might fit without rubbing until you get it up to highway speeds. If you've got the money to spend to try it out though...... | ||
| Ronbob43 |
Boy do I love this site and the people who are there to help an idiot out. Even though I have enough money to spend more $ for a back tire[radial trials] for my dirt bike, than for a complete set for my wife's Blast, I would rather have the proper one for her at the start. This will be her fourth back tire in a little less than 12,000 miles. I don't need the practice with that job anymore. Thanks again Gear | ||
| Ronbob43 |
Got the Diablos on, and thanks for putting me on the correct size[140-70]for the rear. Big ride improvement. | ||
| Ezblast |
 | ||
| Austiego |
Hey guys! I have a question for you all. I have been digging through the forum looking for some tire information. So here is my deal. I have a 2003 Blast. I recently replaced my stock Dunflops with Pirelli MT75’s. The bike handles much better and I can tell the tires are much stickier. Problem is I only have about 600 miles on my new tires and I can already tell that they are wearing quite allot considering only having 600 miles on them. So Ive decided I want to go with some Pirelli ST66’s since I will be using my bike for commuting about 70 miles a day this summer. My question is should I run ST66’s on front and back? I want the best mileage I can get without sacrificing safety. Is there a combination that works best? I’ve never had my MT75’s slip on me and I’m not a speed demon. What size ST66’s should I buy without having to modify my bike? Most guys just use the term oversized but what size is oversized? Also, do any of you use online stores for tires? If so which are the best ones? Thanks in Advance | ||
| Ezblast |
The ST66 rear at 140/70 is the tire of choice for commuting, most also went with the Diablo 110/70 front, so the tires would both have similar life spans of 9000+, and the front is a superior design to the venerable MT75 as far as moving water and cornering, and a longer life. EZ | ||
| Austiego |
I forgot to mention.. I live in a rural community so most of my riding is on rural black top roads. So, lots of hills, and quite a few turns. When im not on the black tops im on the highway for extended periods of times (30 miles plus). Thought it was worth mentioning. Thanks Guys! | ||
| Austiego |
Thanks EZ! You responded before I could get the second post out! Your input is always appreciated! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
The MT75 is a far more stable front tire for commuting. If you want to flick your bike back and forth in the twisties and willing to sacrifice a little straight line stability, go with the Diablo front. They are both good tires, but the Diablo is a smaller diameter tire. Depends on your preference. Buying a front tire strictly for longevity is certainly a foolhearty endeavor. Front tires always last a minimum of double the mileage of the rear. Always go with sticky (which means the Diablo or MT75). Some may not notice the difference between the two tires or any difference between any front tires. |
