Replacement tires for Rockster

[sssnakehunter]

Hi,

Just bought a 2004 Rockster that came complete with worn out tires. The bike has 8,000 miles and the Bridgestone BattleAx tires need replacement. These are the same tires I had on my Ducati 900SS and would like to try something different.

Hopefully something that will last a bit longer than 6-7 K.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jay

[riceburner]

Any of the current "Sport-Touring" rubber should fit the bill: Pirelli Angel ST, Michelin Pilot Power, etc

[boxermania]

Unless you are an out and out canyon runner the Pilot Road 2 are the best compromise for performance and durability.

[Lion_Lady]

I really like the Metzler Z6s.

P

[Jpainter187]

I know someone who wont put anything but Metzlers on his R1100S, but I have the Michelin Pilot Road 2CT's and they have performed good so far. Nearing 1,000 miles and still no sign of wear.

[sssnakehunter]

I live in Pennsylvania, so canyon carving is out. But coming off a Ducati I do ride somewhat aggressive. I am really looking for something that will last longer than 5,000 miles, as I plan to ride this bike EVERYWHERE! It is so much more comfortable, and rider friendly than the Ducati. I love this bike.

Thanks again,

Jay

[boxermania]

I also rode a modded Duc 900 monster and went to a R1150R......I still say you'll get the best of performance and durability with the Pilot 2

[Goman]

Michelin Sport 3000.
Dunlop Road Smart 4000.
Road Pilot 2 on now ?

[The Meromorph]

I'm running Michelin Pilot Activ front and rear of my R1100R. I do some fairly aggressive riding and I've only found their limits on a couple of 100MPH adverse camber sweepers. They lose very little grip in the wet.
I've got 12,000 on them and they're both about half worn...

[sweatmark]

I live in Pennsylvania, so canyon carving is out. But coming off a Ducati I do ride somewhat aggressive. I am really looking for something that will last longer than 5,000 miles, as I plan to ride this bike EVERYWHERE!

Depending on your Pennsylvania address, you can ride 500 or so miles into the heart of the Great Smoky mountains... and an eastern seaboard equivalent of California canyon carving.

The great thing about the Rockster's 5.5" rear wheel/180 tire section is the wide range of available tire options. My personal preference is for softer/stickier tires, sacrificing longevity for corner stick. I pay the penalty for such choice during longer roads trips, when tires square off and shred the rear's center (see my avatar pic). This obviously does not fit your 5k+ miles scheme.

FWIW - I'm due for another pair of tires for the home tire rack, where I try to keep 2+ sets ready for tire change. Cycle Gear has the Dunlop Sportmax Q2 at $250/set, Pilot Power 2CTs at $230/set (albeit with 60 profile front). I ran original Pilot Powers for trackdays past couple years and loved 'em.

[hetkind]

I have been happy first with Avon Azario's, now discontinued, and now using the Conti Road Attacks-Street with the -B front tire.

Howard

[DatOrg7590]

I've been running the Dunlop D616 tires for a few years, and really like them alot. I got 10k out of my rear, and about 13 k on the front. They're not true sportbike tires, but they handle really well, and just ordered a new rear.

[Grey Thumper]

I'm quite a fan of the Metz Z6s as well.

[kneedown]

It's metz M-3 for me,good stick at lean angles,good in wet too.

[rantee]

I've had 2 sets of Continental Road Attack "C" tires on my Rockster in the last 11,000 miles. I live in Northern California and do alot of varied riding, from coastal and mountain twisties to the superslab. Both sets have worn almost exactly the same, the rear tire wears first and gets squared off (flat in the center of the tread), the front wears more on the edges and gets about 500 to 1000 miles more than the rear. They handle very well and have great traction in all conditions, although I don't ride in the rain too much. I now need another set of tires both front and rear and am looking for something that wears better on the hwy. Any suggestions on a dual compound tire? It sure would be nice to get more than 6000 miles on a set.

[riceburner]

I've had 2 sets of Continental Road Attack "C" tires on my Rockster in the last 11,000 miles. I live in Northern California and do alot of varied riding, from coastal and mountain twisties to the superslab. Both sets have worn almost exactly the same, the rear tire wears first and gets squared off (flat in the center of the tread), the front wears more on the edges and gets about 500 to 1000 miles more than the rear. They handle very well and have great traction in all conditions, although I don't ride in the rain too much. I now need another set of tires both front and rear and am looking for something that wears better on the hwy. Any suggestions on a dual compound tire? It sure would be nice to get more than 6000 miles on a set.

Pirelli Angel ST, Pirelli Diablo Strada, Metz Z6

All will give as good, if not better performance than the Conti''s, and (ime) last a lot longer.

[borderbiker]

i am another fan of the new continental road attack 2, great grip, good in the wet and wont let you down even when close tothe limit. PIlot 2 maybe a bit mre grippy but wont let you feel when your on the max, then they let go.

[riceburner]

Unless you are an out and out canyon runner the Pilot Road 2 are the best compromise for performance and durability.

Just ordered a pair of these for Friday. Will let you know what I think.

[leogrande586]

Another fan for Metzlers..........

[citrusbbee]

I also really like Metzeler Z6s. Second choice: Conti Road Attacks.