| Author | Message | ||
     Jaimec |
Just ordered a new set of Pirelli Diablo Corsa IIIs for my upcoming date with Keith Code at NJ Motorsports Park (and why doesn't my dealer STOCK them considering how quickly you can wear 'em out??). I think after I trash this set I MIGHT go for the new Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interact tires. They may not provide maximum grip on the track but under normal circumstances I just ride at a "Sport Touring" pace on the street, so the promise of longer tire life sounds enticing. Just a note that the tires are NOT on Metzeler's recommendation list for the 1125R (only the Sportec M3 is listed), but it IS on the list for the XB bikes (as is the Sportec M3) so I THINK I should be okay. Thoughts and opinions? | ||
| Carbonbigfoot |
Be careful. Exploring that whole "limits of adhesion" thing can be interesting... R | ||
| Chadhargis |
Corsa III's aren't too awfully bad. I buy them for $255 a set to the house. I get the same price on the Michelin Pilot Power 2CT, but I like Pirelli better. | ||
| Jaimec |
But that's just it... I don't explore the "limits of adhesion" on the street. Only the track and I only do that (at most) once a year. Otherwise, the bike is an "everyday commuter" for the most part. I just like having "fun" in my commute. I NEVER ride above 7/10ths on the street anyway. | ||
| Dirty_john |
I use Metzeler Sportec M3 on both my Firebolt and 1125R and would not change for any other make | ||
| Fresnobuell |
M3s are sweet. I personally like the Bridgestone BT-016s (less expensive that the Corsa IIIs.) Bottom line is you are going to give away grip for mileage. To me, it's not worth the tradeoff. I might not go 100% on the street, but I like the security knowing that IF i overcook a corner or have to take some evasive action I have the rubber to back me up. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Even sport touring tires like the Diablo Strada or Pilot Road 2CT will give you plenty of traction in reserve. Where they will let you down is when they overheat and get slick. I took a friends bike out for a track session once, and he neglected to inform me (and shame on me for not looking) that he was running ST tires. The first 4 or 5 laps were great knee dragging fun until suddenly I lost the front end. Luckily I had a knee down and held the bike up, but it scared the hold crud out of me. It's the closest I've ever come to crashing on the track. (Message edited by chadhargis on April 30, 2009) | ||
| Jaimec |
Right. Actually a sport touring tire will heat up and provide maximum traction FASTER than a pure sports or track tire that is designed for high speed work. They won't get to optimum temperature until you start pushing them hard. I thinking the majority of the time, they never reach their optimal temperature. That's why I believe that even for aggressive (but rational) STREET use, a GOOD sport touring tire will work for me. Hell, I've chased and passed plenty of sport bikes in my time on my K1200LT running bias-ply Metzeler ME880 Marathons!! And though I agree with Dirty John in regards to Metzeler, I'd also point out that Metzeler is OWNED by Pirelli, so there shouldn't be any problems with their tires in that regard. (Message edited by Jaimec on April 30, 2009) | ||
| Daggar |
I think it's the other way around. Pirelli owns Metzeler. http://www.pirelli.com/web/group/history/default.p age | ||
| Jaimec |
VERY interesting. Thanks for that pointer. That actually makes more sense! | ||
| Christiankid3 |
Chad, If you don't mind me asking, how and where do you get the Corsa IIIs for that price? | ||
| Spike |
If you're looking for deals on tires check with various track day organizations. When I was a member with Nesba I could buy Diablo Corsa IIIs mounted and balanced for ~$260 a pair. | ||
| Jdugger |
Yea, anything under $300 is a good deal on a set of Corsa III, so someone getting 250-260 a set... that's just stealing them! | ||
| Slojon |
Tyres aint pretty nor cheap! When I went back to Skool to gets me RR liseence; I rode a EX500 with new IRC brand street tires. AFTER a session I had quite a few inquiries to machine....tis de IRC's.... Personably I would recommend an extra set of wheels/tyres to go with the conversion to chain drive for sKoll and then since most riders feel Track Days are sufficient; just go with recently procured skins......ride | ||
| Jaimec |
I COULD get a set of Dunlop Qualifiers installed at Superbike School at dirt cheap prices, but I'm not 100% sure Keith Code's mechanics have any experience changing tires on belt-driven Buells... | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Along with my XB and 1125r, I have personally changed Busa, Gixxer 1000 & Kawi ZX-7R fronts and rears. There is nothing easier or more straightforward that the Buell. No spacers, cush drives or dual rotors to worry about. They should have no problem dealing with your Buell. | ||
| Dirty_john |
I actually bought a used pair of wheels for my firebolt/1125R and keep fitted new bearings, the front wheel has a spare Metz M3 but since the rear wheel is fitted the other way round for the 1125R from the firebolt the rear tyre is loose ready to be fitted to which ever bike needs them. The part worn front tyres are then fitted to my track bike. In this way the spare wheels are ready to go for either bearing failure or tyre wear. In the UK tyres seems to be expensive to what you lot pay for them in the USA. | ||
| Jdugger |
> They should have no problem dealing with your Buell. There's a trick to the Buell though. Once you know what you are doing it goes quick, but that takes a couple of trips through the process. Honestly, the service manual is worth it's weight in gold for a first timer. And, you will soon realize there are some steps in there you can skip (generally around what you need to do with the caliper and around getting the belt on and off) that makes the job a little easier to. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Spike hit the nail on the head. I buy my Diablos from the NESBA parts guy, who just happens to live 30 minutes from my house, so when he ships them to me (free), they arrive the next day. I mount and balance my own tires, but if you buy the tires at the track day, Derek will mount and balance them for you. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Honestly, the service manual is worth it's weight in gold for a first timer. And, you will soon realize there are some steps in there you can skip (generally around what you need to do with the caliper and around getting the belt on and off) that makes the job a little easier to. Service manual is good for torque specs, but sometimes it calls for stuff that is unnecessary to accomplish the task--you alluded to that. I believe the XBs service manual called for the idle pulley to be removed for rear tire removal. That's totally unnecessary. (Message edited by fresnobuell on May 01, 2009) | ||
| Jdugger |
Correct on the XB: In fact, don't remove the caliper using the swing arm bolts as directed, either. Instead, just remove the small caliper mounting bolt and rotate it up. Still, the service manual is worth it  | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Still, the service manual is worth it Yes, it is. Without a doubt. I just remember the first tire change on the XB (before we started to change the rubber ourselves.) Took it to a locally owned moto apparel shop that decided to start changing out tires. I thought I would help the kid out and left my service manual for him to reference. Well, he followed the manual to a T and realized that most of the stuff he took off really didn't have to be taken off. He wasn't too pleased as in addition to spending way more time than required, he made a couple late night trips to the Home Depot and bought some tools that were Buell-specific. Felt bad for him, but he did a good job! |
