Tyres

[sjwb]

Just a couple of observations:
I have just fitted (as yet unridden) a pair of D607 Dunlops to the 1150. Firstly, they look weedy, but I will forgive them that if they perform.
Secondly, the rolling circumference and tread depth is less than the Tourances, thus boding for less mileage. Roughly speaking the tread depth of the Tourances was 9.7mm rear and 7mm front with the 607 coming in at 7,5 rear and 6mm front. There will be of course the slight variation in gearing and speedo accuracy but there are more important things in life to worry about than those.
On contiguous note, I never liked the Tourance tyres for their feel and mismatched profile. The bike always felt as if it over steered from the rear as a result of the cross sectional radius being to be too small. The feel thing emanating from the rear tyre's, deep but fairly small tread blocks, continuously squiggling around. This did of course self-rectify as the wear increased.
Anyway, I am looking forward to some gentle running in over Easter – weather permitting of course.

 

[newman7096]

Those Dunlop's are fecking great! Do a search. Don't last long though!

 

[sjwb]

Well, after some 200 miles I can confidently report that Metzler Tourances are definitely NOT my cup of tea!
When I first bought the 1150, it had OE Trailwing tires and a flat around the center of the tread which could never be rectified. The sissy bands were 30 mm wide! So, after reading the relevant posts I bought some Metzlers. Right from the off I thought them odd, very peculiar feel around the center, heavy steering and a tendency to steer from the rear. As I have said previously the front and rear radii are totally mismatched. The grip was OK, but having been used to D364 and BT010 compounds I never felt at home with that aspect. Yes, they were ‘off the edge’ but I never felt that I knew where the edge was.
Now that I have run-in the 607 Dunlops I am astounded at their competence and revelation of the bike that was lurking within. Agility that I have never felt before and steering, despite the Telelever intrusion, that now has an element of feel. The rate of roll from the vertical is linear and can now be controlled with accuracy.
Of course I don’t wander off road, so I am in truth using an aspect of the bike with a perfect partnership of tires. No, it will never handle as well as a GSXR 1000, but it now feels like a competent road bike should.
Now, about those poxy brakes???????????????????????

 

[Steve]

Agility that I have never felt before and steering, despite the Telelever intrusion, that now has an element of feel.
.
.
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.Now, about those poxy brakes???????????????????????

Are you riding a different bike to the rest of us?

 

[sjwb]

A trade-off of the Telelever is a remoteness about the front end, in fact I think that faith in God is a good companion when cornering hard!
Brakes, well, try a couple of stops from 100 mph on a track of course

 

[CoolCarbon]

sjwb....

With the in depth analysis and your feel for things rubber.....

I'd have thought you' may've considered changing the Wheels to Alloys to which can fit what you like, if as you say, you're not intending to go off road.........

CC

 

[Garryc]

....for all its worth - I thought the dry grip was excellant and reasonable in the wet.

But as I use mine every day, I'll take mileage over a litte extra grip!!!

 

[sjwb]

CC,
You may well be psychic Iwas thinking along the very same lines. However, there is a sting in this one; I believe it may have to be a 1200 with said wheels from new. Have to wait until next year though.
GaryC,
Mmmmmmmm mileage over grip eh? Scotland? A national trait here methinks.

 

[Deleted Member G]

CC,
You may well be psychic Iwas thinking along the very same lines. However, there is a sting in this one; I believe it may have to be a 1200 with said wheels from new. Have to wait until next year though.

The 1200 Alloys are the same wheel & tyre size as 1100/1150's

 

[sjwb]

Ah, but they are lighter