kz2zx
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posted June 12, 2004 09:48 AM
 Edited By: kz2zx on 12 Jun 2004 11:34
OK, why I now think the 218 was a Mediocre Tire
So I slap a D208ZR in 180/55 on the back (easy to mount this tire, too).
This tire is nicer. Turns much lighter, and scuffed in quickly, right to the edge, spins nicely when asked, lots of good things to say about it.
Not so many nice things to say about the front (stock 218, 4350 miles now).
My first reaction in the twisties - second turn, actually - was 'how can a taller rear tire make me want to put more weight on the front tire'? A little later in the morning, I realize I'm pushing the front - sliding it in some turns. Less grip (the 4300 miles, maybe) than the back, and I'm nearly outriding the tire, I think.
The front tire is wearing in twin bands, very noticeably. I will probably shag it further tomorrow, and have to buy a new tire next week. I'll put a 208ZR on to match the rear.
So... I am beginning to understand why some of you think the 218 is a POS. I thought it was a good tire until I really started riding harder; now I either need my head examined for riding so hard, or I need a new tire...
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Erich
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posted June 12, 2004 10:33 AM
POS is harsh, but I think it does not react well to many heat cycles.
I liked em when they were new (as much as you can like Dunlops anyway) but after almost 900 miles, they just aren't holding up and dont have the same traction for sure.
If you haven't tried the newer pirelli/metzlers, you really should. Their front tire is unbelievably good.
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kz2zx
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posted June 12, 2004 10:38 AM
Next set will be pirelli/metzeler, I think.
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Erich
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posted June 12, 2004 02:12 PM
Do you have training wheels on your ZX too??
By the way, I wouldn't get M1's, the front is as good as the others, but the rear is not up to the task of a big HP bikes unless you want it for practicing riding on wasted tires and smoking it out of corners. OK for up to a weak 750.
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kz2zx
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posted June 12, 2004 02:56 PM
No training wheels on my bike. My wife insists on keeping the kids bikes in the garage, she does go on about it so...
Thats something I hadn't heard about the M1 before; some of the guys I ride with have M1s on their ZX-9s, which is pretty similar in power output to a gixxer 750, but weighs a little more. I'll keep an eye on their tires; but the gixxer 1K riders (no Hondas or R1s around this group) use Bridgestones...
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pussycontrol
Parking Attendant
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posted June 12, 2004 03:05 PM
The 218 IS a mediocre tire. I have 2600 miles and my rear 218 is TACO. I even rode the bike pretty easy for the first 200 miles and then opened it up, but since I was still getting used to the 10R, I really didn't start to hammer it until 1000 miles. So if after 2600 miles out of with only 1600 is real riding (hard accel, decel, sharp turns, you know the drill), what does that say for it's durability as a "street tire". Also, I second some of the performance degradation comments. This is what qualifies me to call it mediocre, not only does it not wear well, it does not perform well for the amount/speed with which it wears.
I understand no tire will put up to harsh riding for too long, but 1600 miles is a bit low for a "street" tire under any circumstance (esp. a stock OEM tire!).
Threw a Pirelli Diablo on there, we'll see how it goes. Never used a Pirelli on the bikes, I have always been a Michelin Man (yes, I am puffy, used Pilot Sports/Powers). But I heard killer things about the Diabloes, so I'll give it a spin. If I get the same mileage but better performance out of this Diablo, I'll be happy.
My front will get a Diablo in about 1200 miles...for now, it's 218.
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Erich
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posted June 13, 2004 01:31 AM
Funny you mention the 9. One of my good friends who has a 9 turned me on to those cause he loved them on his bike (and he is a great rider) so I tried a set on my GSXR1000 after my Supercorsa's had gone away. The front was great, but the rear just couldnt deal with the torque of that bike. I got 1400 miles out of it and the last 200 to 300 where just for the sake of getting my moneys worth since and having a bit of fun sliding it out of corners. I gave the front to my buddy since it had a few hundred left in it and went back to the Supercorsas, and there was a pretty notable difference. I actually put a set of Diablo Corsas on their to try, but sold the bike after only 50 miles on them so cant say from experience how they are, but in my circle the rear is reported to be better than the M1 and close to a supercorsa.
The OEM bridgestone rear is pretty good, just wont last as long as these other tires. The fronts pretty much blow since they are super hard. I think the aftermarkets are more similar to OEM rear on both ends. I did like that tire except for the mileage. I might have tried a set, but I was using Supercorsas on my track bike, so I always had them laying around. After running those for a couple seasons, I just got hooked on em.
Too bad they are soooo spendy now.
YMMV
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kawiralph
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posted June 13, 2004 06:57 AM
I only got 1000 mls from my stock rear Dunlop 218. I changed to Michelin Pilot Power in stock dimensions and finally have the bike I had awaited. Top handling, and traction until you scrape your elbows. I have no idea how long the Michelins are going to last, but I'll keep you informed.
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k bryant
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posted June 13, 2004 09:07 AM
Hmm...... The 218's work really well for me. And I lay the led to um. They are a little more sensitive to air pressure than some I've tested. And they work better for me with lower air pressure. When playing in the mountains, I'm running 30/32. Cruising to the beach 34/36.
Thatz what makes it interesting, everyone has their favorites. Can't go wrong with at least one of the styles from Dunlop, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Michelin. Haven't really tried any other brands than those in "earnest".
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Deezy
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posted June 13, 2004 09:24 AM
Kawiralph,
Where did you get the Pilot Power's? I haven't seen them for sale anywhere? What did they cost?
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kz2zx
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posted June 13, 2004 09:58 AM
Edited By: kz2zx on 13 Jun 2004 10:59
I think I have too many heat cycles on the front tire. It felt worse today, then after riding curves for 30 minutes it got better.
It's got 4500 miles, I will order the new one tomorrow.
____________
ASMA 47
WERA 147
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kawiralph
Parking Attendant
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posted June 14, 2004 07:00 AM
@Deezy
here in europe (Switzerland) availability is no problem. I don't even know if they are on sale in the US. You'll be shocked to hear that I payed 500 USD for a set, and thats already with 25% off the regular price. You guys have no idea how cheap most thing are in the states
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D
Needs a job
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posted June 14, 2004 07:53 AM
quote:
I think I have too many heat cycles on the front tire. It felt worse today, then after riding curves for 30 minutes it got better.
It's got 4500 miles, I will order the new one tomorrow.
I'm comin up on the same mileage too and wondered if ya noticed a noticeable front tire noise when comint to hard stops?
The only other tire I ever experienced that with was the Sportec M1's (great tires BTW - just a noisy front on more than one set and on different bikes too).
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KZ2ZX
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posted June 14, 2004 10:06 AM
I haven't noticed, sorry.
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o
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posted June 17, 2004 12:17 PM
no probs with the 218's when warmed up. cold a different story(felt back end slide alittle)
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ZX10BURNER
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posted June 18, 2004 11:49 AM
Haven't had an issue with the 218s yet. Have pushed em pretty hard and zero issues so far. For an OE tyre they've worked pretty well, that being said don't know that I'll put them back on once worn out. Might have to try out some Avon 49/50s.
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