Luuk
Novice Class
Posts: 43
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posted September 20, 2010 03:13 PM
Tires?
So I have almost 3,000 miles on my 2008 ZX-14 (I know...I know...pathetic!).. and it's probably time for a rear tire and I have been debating on putting a front tire on at the same time.
Any recommendations on which brand/size/what to do?
I live in Florida, so most of my traveling is on the highway, but I like to be able to take the corners when necessary.
  
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted September 20, 2010 03:54 PM
Try using the search function. Tons of threads on this topic. It's a very debatable subject. There is no right answer. A Michelin is the best way to go if you want your first opinion.
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted September 20, 2010 03:59 PM
For your riding syle, look into sport-touring tires.
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Old Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 470
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posted September 20, 2010 04:00 PM
WHEEEEEEEE a tire thread!!!!
I strongly suggest buying both tires. Figure you are trying to get $25-50 worth of wear out of the front. For your thriftiness you will have;
rapidly deterioration of ride quality ride
Less traction
Mismatched tires all the time
And considerably lessened safety factor.
Worth it?
I run Dunlop RoadSmarts for mileage and wet traction as I ride all year in Western Wa. rains some..., ok alot!
And was surprised as too how hard I can push them.
I'm a track day junky who rides my mountain roads at stupid speeds.
Think the world of the Q2s but havent had them on the 14....,yet.
Thats my 2 cents..., like the fanbois of tiredom begin!!
PS read reviews of tires by magazines, better info from pros...,that is all.
.
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
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epd345
Pro
Posts: 1494
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posted September 20, 2010 04:22 PM
Used BT-021's after the BT014's wore out and they did not come close to the Pirelli Angels that i am running now. Awesome grip and handling. 4K on them so far and they still look great. Just my opinion!
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2012 ZX14, Ceramic Coated Brock's CT Meg, PCV, throttlemeister
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted September 20, 2010 05:38 PM
Pilot power 2cts. Awesome stick and they last a while too 
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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blackbullet76
Pro
Posts: 1134
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posted September 20, 2010 09:40 PM
I have less than 1000 miles on my Q2's and the back tire is wearing down. I'll probably get another one for the rear so I can finish out the front and maybe see if I can find a different set with higher mileage that sticks pretty good....not sure yet.
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2007 ZX-14 black
Brocks s-meg exhaust
PCIII w/track map
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Flies removed
16 tooth front sprocket
Speedohealer
APE cam chain tensioner
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Red1
Expert Class
Posts: 442
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posted September 21, 2010 02:20 AM
Metzler M5's !!!
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Red12/Blue14
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68gts2
Zone Head
hobbies ( Beating you !!! )
Posts: 927
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posted September 21, 2010 03:16 AM
I should receive my Michelin pilot powers today. I was going to go with the 2ct version,but the guys at STG told me I would never see the difference unless I was doing track days with them. $202.98 to the door is really nice since I gave $242.00 for the Sport Attack Contintials last year. Hope the Michelins are as good as advertised. Will update this weekend after a long ride.
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Chromed-out,in the dirt 08SE with all the good stuff!!!
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted September 21, 2010 09:11 AM
quote:
WHEEEEEEEE a tire thread!!!!
I strongly suggest buying both tires. Figure you are trying to get $25-50 worth of wear out of the front. For your thriftiness you will have;
rapidly deterioration of ride quality ride
Less traction
Mismatched tires all the time
And considerably lessened safety factor.
Worth it?
I run Dunlop RoadSmarts for mileage and wet traction as I ride all year in Western Wa. rains some..., ok alot!
And was surprised as too how hard I can push them.
I'm with this guy! I ALWAYS replace them as a set for the best in handling, and the least in question.........I've just fitted the RoadSmarts too, and they're wearing nice and evenly -- plus you can shove 'em into a turn pretty hard with no shimmy/wiggle/step-out..........and they're supposed to be the hot ticket in wet handling too, but I haven't had to experiment with that yet 
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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SteveWFL
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted September 21, 2010 09:47 AM
quote:
For your riding syle, look into sport-touring tires.
+1
Michelin Pilot Road 2's. I've found them to be so sticky on the sides I'm going to try them on my next track day. And my big pig C14 bike has been getting 8000 miles from a front/rear.
Avon ST's are popular as well, but they jst aren't Michelins.
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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Old Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 470
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posted September 21, 2010 11:11 PM
Helmutt, the front worn out first on my first set. Kind of weird but have heard the same from other 14 owners.
I did a 20 minute track deal with them, stuck great but kind of 'nibble' feel when pushing the rear on exits.Was only going about 70%
Felt the same when canyon carving hard in Eastern Wa. on a 100 degree day.
Have fun Steve, but watch for slickness at the end of sessions. A bud reported his Road 2s let loose abruptly when he built lots of heat on a Zuk 1000. Crazy guy....,
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted September 22, 2010 03:31 AM
quote:
Helmutt, the front worn out first on my first set. Kind of weird but have heard the same from other 14 owners.
I did a 20 minute track deal with them, stuck great but kind of 'nibble' feel when pushing the rear on exits.Was only going about 70%
Felt the same when canyon carving hard in Eastern Wa. on a 100 degree day.
Wonder why that is? Where do you run your tire pressures at? I've got mine right at 40psi cold -- haven't seen any tell tale signs of the front going, they both seem to be wearing fairly equally..........at least for now.
One thing I did notice right after I got them on is that the front tread pattern is reversed from the rear.........??.........weird concept considering the front tire leads the rear, and in a wet condition it doesn't look like the front would disperse water AWAY from the bike?
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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gilberjj
Needs a job
Friend of Fast
Posts: 3196
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posted September 22, 2010 08:36 AM
My vote goes for Dunlop Roadsmarts. Great tires. I could do 2nd gear hairpins wide open and the back wouldn't step out at all. Plus, it wears like iron. I know of a couple zx14 owners who use and love their roadsmarts.
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted September 22, 2010 10:41 AM
Old Guy and myself dig 'em.........who else runs them?
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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gilberjj
Needs a job
Friend of Fast
Posts: 3196
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posted September 22, 2010 10:49 AM
quote:
Old Guy and myself dig 'em.........who else runs them?
dcjens and some local guys I know
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Old Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 470
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posted September 23, 2010 10:26 AM
36 psi.
Too stiff at 40 for Me and doesnt heat up enough. Although turn is better.
36 is what worked best to get the 15% psi change between cold psi and hot psi. Here in cool rainy Washington.
Ran 31 at a warm track day with good results.
And will give 38 and your 40 a try again now that the rain has returned.
Would probably give those ct2's a try if these didnt work so well for Me.
Riders of all kinds sure do rave about them.
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted September 23, 2010 11:28 AM
That's why I stick mine at 40, then once they heat up I'm a tad over recommended, but then again - so is my weight!! 
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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Old Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 470
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posted September 23, 2010 07:42 PM
quote:
That's why I stick mine at 40, then once they heat up I'm a tad over recommended, but then again - so is my weight!!
Ahh I see now. I'm a scrawny f*cker so need more flex to generate heat in our fall to spring time weather.
Also have the rear ride height jacked up 1.5" and run stiff fork settings along with stiffer springs. My dampening is much heavier than stock. That probably caused the front to wear quicker.
My riding style also loads the front when doing twisties. Which is a high percentage of my riding. I'm lucky to live in the hills.
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted September 25, 2010 08:03 PM
change as a set, trust me, and michelin pilot power 2ct's are hard to beat for the price i am on my third set of pilot powers after getiing rid of the crappy bridgestones
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2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted September 26, 2010 06:56 AM
quote:
quote:
That's why I stick mine at 40, then once they heat up I'm a tad over recommended, but then again - so is my weight!!
Ahh I see now. I'm a scrawny f*cker so need more flex to generate heat in our fall to spring time weather.
Also have the rear ride height jacked up 1.5" and run stiff fork settings along with stiffer springs. My dampening is much heavier than stock. That probably caused the front to wear quicker.
My riding style also loads the front when doing twisties. Which is a high percentage of my riding. I'm lucky to live in the hills.
I'm sure your forks being stiffer affects the front tire since it's working harder to absorb the bikes weight entering/during a turn -- more G's ON the tire means more wear -- you ever play with the fork oil viscosity to help with dampening? You probably wouldn't need to being a lighter rider, but my suspension buddy installed progressive springs in mine and he set it up with a little heavier oil -- my forks stayed fairly light up top, but faster spring rate and heavier dampening to keep diving at a tolerable level for my weight..........maybe try softening up the forks a bit just to help you get the bike into a turn and then let the tire take over once you're in it? Not sure with your weight/style, it's really up to your comfort level in how it feels/responds...........I'm about 100 lbs over average, but I try not to let it slow me down -- I've been working on "unloading" techniques lately, really helps to give me better exit speeds without the fear of overcookin' the turn at exit..........just thru the apex, I'll start standing the bike up a good 15-20 degrees from full lean with my posture unchanged.........lets me put good throttle down without stepping out so much since the bikes more upright..........however, it may open you up for just a bit more wheel spin if you hit it too hard on the exit with your weight remaining on the inside, but MUCH easier to correct if you do step out..........not sure how it would affect rear tire life in a race atmosphere though, I'm only practicing on some clean backroads -- probably work the technique harder at the track this spring to help me learn on a more consistent surface/environment.
Sorry for the threadjack
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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Old Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 470
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posted September 26, 2010 09:30 PM
 Edited By: Old Guy on 27 Sep 2010 05:33
Still threadjackin lol
a dozen+ track days on the 14 here. Killed the stock suspension early. totally redone. See below.
I do heavy trail braking and like sliding both ends when in the groove.
Probably leads to front wear but not with other tires? Just the RoadSmarts.
If you aint slidin here, you aint ridin. (Lots of wet roads, most of the time.
Track days will be great for your street riding, period.
Get years of experience in just a couple of well instructed track sessions. Your description of exit technique sounds fine. Been reading eh? lol
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
|
Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted September 27, 2010 05:38 AM
quote:
Still threadjackin lol
a dozen+ track days on the 14 here. Killed the stock suspension early. totally redone. See below.
I do heavy trail braking and like sliding both ends when in the groove.
Probably leads to front wear but not with other tires? Just the RoadSmarts.
If you aint slidin here, you aint ridin. (Lots of wet roads, most of the time.
Track days will be great for your street riding, period.
Get years of experience in just a couple of well instructed track sessions. Your description of exit technique sounds fine. Been reading eh? lol
I've only got 1 track day with my 14, but got instructed on my YZF back in early 2001 and had lots of trackdays with it -- got lucky with a good deal from overseas with a sweet full Ohlins forks and rear shock from a retired racer from UK and got advised on setup by a few others.
Thanks for the props on "unloading on exit" technique, never read a page one on how to do it -- I actually picked up on it watching Superbike and MotoGP and then been working on applying it with my riding..........I'm sure I could learn ALOT more about other techniques though -- don't trailbrake much, but I've made good attempts at it..........can "back it in" a bit once I'm comfy with particular turns and trust in my tires enough -- I'm finding that confidence is key
Sorry again, Luuk........I'll pm Old guy from now on
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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68gts2
Zone Head
hobbies ( Beating you !!! )
Posts: 927
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posted September 28, 2010 04:54 AM
You guys are actually letting your bikes drift on the street,damn. I would be scared to push it that far with unknown things that appear out of know where on the street. Guess that's why I still have chicken strips. Just tried the Michelin 2ct's this weekend and they are confidence inspiring. Pluss I adjusted the rear spring with as much preload as it allowedand it helped the undersprung rear some till I can get it revalved and sprung correctly. What weight fork oil would help the front forks out till I can revalve and spring them this winter? We are headedto the Dragon in two weeks and I am trying to get the bike set up as well as possible. Thanks
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Chromed-out,in the dirt 08SE with all the good stuff!!!
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted September 28, 2010 05:11 AM
quote:
You guys are actually letting your bikes drift on the street,damn. I would be scared to push it that far with unknown things that appear out of know where on the street. Guess that's why I still have chicken strips. Just tried the Michelin 2ct's this weekend and they are confidence inspiring. Pluss I adjusted the rear spring with as much preload as it allowedand it helped the undersprung rear some till I can get it revalved and sprung correctly. What weight fork oil would help the front forks out till I can revalve and spring them this winter? We are headedto the Dragon in two weeks and I am trying to get the bike set up as well as possible. Thanks
Not sure what's stock on the 14 as far as fork oil, but I was never told what weight he ended up putting in mine.........and all I know about the springs is that he installed Progressives.
I'll try and get ahold of him to see if he remembers ( this was last year )
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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