Which tyres to last 3000miles ?

[Chrisl]

I think I have read most of the posts ref tyres,they mainly suggest the best tyre and mileage combination.

I am looking for some advice as I intend to cover 2000/3000 miles in the summer and rather than run Angels or similar which will last 9k plus miles,  I would like to run a tyres that are softer and hopefully safer.
I don't mind replacing the rear (or both) after the summer if needs be.
What tyres do you reckon I should buy?

[gsxbarmy]

Bridgestone BT018 are quite soft and the rear will probabaly only last 3,000 miles max, but great handling on a softer tyre.

Don't wtite-off the Pirelli's though or something like Michelin PR5's - these tyres both give great grip and have longetivity built in as well, the BT018 is a bit stickier, but unless you intend to really put it down on the tarmac, the Pirelli's or the Michelin will see you proud.

More I'd say, fit a set of either Michelin or Pirelli and then go get the bike set up at a suspension specialist - cost for that about £80, but they will fine tune it to you - transforms how the bike works and handles, one of the best £80's you'll ever spend

[Tony Nitrous]

I've ran S21's. Couldn't fault them but they are wasted on a 1400.

The 14 is a heavy, lazy geometry bike that lacks ground clearance and top end punch. Almost any modern sports touring tyre are well beyond the bikes ability and safety.  If you want safer sticky tyres you will have fixed those long travel bouncy forks and average at best 6 plop brakes etc already ?

Seriously. IMO, You don't need low mileage sportsbike tyres on 14 for safety.

[Kiwifruit]

Tend to agree with Tony and Barmy regarding both the tyres and getting the suspension setup. They can be made to handle quite respectably.
The stickiest tyres on the planet will not help if the nut holding the handlebars is not well adjusted. 

[grog]

Chris, think youre worrying about nothing mate. My 14 was set up yrs ago, big difference. Used pr3, pr2 and Angels, never a problem. I just find Angels better. Ducati in shed has Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres, supposedly one of the best. I dont feel any safer riding on them. Both bikes can be leaned over, nothing ever slips, scares me etc. wet &dry.

[Daytona]

Bridgestone bt 023s for me Chris,pick them up pretty cheap nowadays ,good enough for me last long enough and good enough for today's roads /riding,imo.

[Mick_J]

I run conti-motions, they don't last the longest but grip well and Ive never had a moment using them for the last six years, the rear is good for 4500 miles and the best bit is they are on sale at £115 for a pair.

[Chrisl]

Thanks for the replies chaps,  as my bike lives in a cold shed so I prefer to get fresh rubber every year rather than have tyres that have deteriorated during the winter.
That said I was thinking that a softer tyre makes sense , rather than a harder compound sports touring tyre.
I'm not worried at all but the quicker warm up and extra grip (albeit not really needed as some of you mention) was in my thinking ,better to have than not as the tyres will be changed annually.

I bow to you advice and will get a set of sports touring tyres when the warmer weather arrives and will get the suspension set up sorted.
FYI the previous owner of my bike has fitted Contimotion's which are nicely squared off and were made in 2012 - why do people keep tyres for so long......
Thanks to all.
Chris L

[seth]

Just for info if you thrash a 14 with Pirelli Angel gt's they don't last the big miles but are very good grippy tyres in all conditions.
I dare say the Michelin pilots are very simular in both performance and wear if ridden hard.

I once had some proper sports tyres on my xjr1200 and on my k2 14 Pirelli Dragon Evo Corsa tyres they lasted less than 1000 miles as the torque of these bikes destroy' s full on sports tyres designed for high bhp bikes not low down torque bike like the gsx .

Please ask and listen to your tyre supplier before fitting full on sticky tyres.

[Batkwaka]

I put on a set of Bridgestone RS10r Street/Race tyres for this track day a couple of years back. They have about 4500km on them and are getting close to the replacement stage. No complaints with grip, probably fair to say they overwhelmed the suspension.

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[Chrisl]

I'm just about to put a pair of bt023's on, local bike shop wants £236 fitted to loose wheels, is this a reasonable price ?

I can get them cheaper on the internet but then lbs will charge to fit them...

[seth]

Bt023 are an older model of tyre now they should be much cheaper than that .
I know that a pair of
Pirelli Angel st,s are around £100 to the trade so should be around £160ish fitted .
I only paid £245 for a pair of Pirelli Angel gt2's last month(and they are the latest thing) I think that Michelin still have a deal on for pilot4/5's till the end if April too.
You should be able to get a better deal than you've been offered shop around.

[Notty]

Bt023  are old technology -  go for angel gt or Michelin PR5/6- see the reviews on the forum 

[KiwiCol]

Is there a 6 out now as well?  The 5 has not long been born.

[Tony Nitrous]

My new Kwak has S21's on it.

On its first weekend scrubbing them in i was seeing 44 Left / 48 right lean angles.
Even on new tyres them felt planted, stable and safe, powering out of corners never bothered them.
I'd be happy to stick them on my King or even the 14 at the right price.
The 190/55 would be good on stock height suspension too.