Quick recap on me.... I picked up the storm 2 weeks ago, lovely bike year 2000 done less than 7000 miles. I have only been riding a few years so not too hot on what to do. (Shamefully gets the garage to do service while lot!)
Currently on Dunlop max tyres. But I think the front needs changing. Back seems fine.
I have no intention of track just the roads but I am 17+ stone. So 2 questions???
What rear tyre is it ?, it'll be written on the sidewall, also check the date on the tyre usually four numbers stamped in an oval on the sidewall (example 2108 would be week 21 year 2008) it's a low mileage bike and tyres could be old, if it is old then get a pair, for you I'd recommend Michelin pilot road 2's (no need for the extra expense of 3's and leave the std pilot roads well alone, they're crap) if the rear tyre isn't too old and the tread is good then get a matching front. Dunlop have been making sportsmart and road smart tyres for the last 3 or 4 years if yours is not one of these then I'd guess yours are older.
http://www.bidefordmotorcycles.co.uk
2014 CRMC Post classic Superbike champion.
2014 CRMC Post classic senior production champion. On a Suzuki Katana 1100
My bikes, Firestorm, Suzuki GSX-s1000 Katana, VFR800Fi. Projects, 1986 popup Katana, 3 XJ600’s
I would say, everybody will recommend different tyres depending on they're own experiences, but you can't really go wrong with any of the new breed of road/sports tyres, even more touring focused tyres will perform very well on the road while giving you plenty of mileage. My tyres are Dunlop Qualifier 11's, I like them a lot. £220 a pair typically.
1- change both (my recommendation: Dunlop Qualifier 2's)
2- change front (provided the rear is good condition and not aged) to exactly the same model as rear.
Last edited by Jamoi on Sun Jul 28, 2013 11:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
popkat wrote: leave the std pilot roads well alone, they're crap
I can agree with that. Was hard up at last tyre change at got a set. Had the back slide out on me a number of times now. Got to do a trackday on them yet
I agee, if the tyres are old replace both, most people will have a different opinion on which tyres they prefer as already said. It also depends on your riding style as to type. I'm an old git now, so ST (sports touring) tyres are fine for me (I use Avon Storm's), plus they last longer than race rubber.
We just put a pair of conti-motion on for £143. I was happy with the price and the performance of the tyre on a recent track day. It got really hot and gave us lots of confidence. At the end of the day it's all about your ability and confidence. Me personally, I'll never be better than the tyres I currently use.
I too am on the heavy side weighing in at nearly 18 stone The wife is no where my weight and she rides the bike more than me and she also likes the tyres.
Conti motion, cheap and nasty tyre imo, at that low price you get what you pay for, they are a big step cheaper than anything else out there. Fine if you just plod about i guess and do lots of miles, I'd never fit them to my bikes..I've had nothing but complaints from customers who have had them on (not fitted by me), I've had a few come in with a long slit across the centre of the rear tyre too. The next level conti up is the road attack, they don't get too good a rating from the press either. If you've done a track day on conti motions then i'd hazard a guess your not pushing on too fast or driving hard off turns, this will quickly overwhelm a touring type tyre, not really the right rubber for track work. you can get away with it to an extent on a firestorm as the power comes in quite soft on the faster corners, but powering off slow turns you need the grip or you'll just go slower so they don't slip/slide...where's the fun in that.
There's another local dealer near me that stocks conti motions all the time, people buy them just because they leave it til the last minute and just have what he's got. I will supply and fit them but I don't recommend them and because the other dealer charges more than me I can usually persuade my customers to buy a much better tyre for only a little more, not the latest stuff but you can still get Bridgestone 021's and they are better than the conti's.
http://www.bidefordmotorcycles.co.uk
2014 CRMC Post classic Superbike champion.
2014 CRMC Post classic senior production champion. On a Suzuki Katana 1100
My bikes, Firestorm, Suzuki GSX-s1000 Katana, VFR800Fi. Projects, 1986 popup Katana, 3 XJ600’s
Just a little more advice please. You have mentioned the age of the tyre? Looking back through the receipts the back tyre was put on in 2006 but has only done 400 miles on it since then. Is this too old? should I change this too with the front?
The tyre is 7-8 years old then, you don't have to change it, it's your choice, ride it and if it feels ok then then you can still use it, be mindful it though. you could always practice your burnouts and doughnuts on it to wear it out quicker
You still haven't said exactly which tyre it is, there maybe a matching front still available ?. post it up and i'll check for you.
http://www.bidefordmotorcycles.co.uk
2014 CRMC Post classic Superbike champion.
2014 CRMC Post classic senior production champion. On a Suzuki Katana 1100
My bikes, Firestorm, Suzuki GSX-s1000 Katana, VFR800Fi. Projects, 1986 popup Katana, 3 XJ600’s
I bought my bike with Pirelli angels on it.. seem dead on and are lasting really well but. iv had the rear let go a few times. in a slow kinda way but still lets you know enoughs enough
The wife is no where my weight and she rides the bike more than me and she also likes the tyres. 
