Metzeler Sportec Klassik

[2BRacing]

My front BT45 looks like bobtail's, and my tyre's direction arrow is also correct:



However, my rear BT45 has different tread pattern to front:

[Gorminrider]

aah! thanks,2BR and Bobtail- sorry for the distraction . I couldn't see the cross-hatch in the picture. (and I'm kind of sensitive to bad comments on tires I am thinking of buying!)

Speaking of bad comments, I would be careful of Avon Roadriders on those rims. Mine started leaking at the bead after a year...they went on too easily compared to other tires and didn't make a satisfying POP! when they seated. after trying to reseat them a few times, I ended up putting inner tubes in. Plus, I see some cracking and the tires are not 5 years old. Mind you, when they go slowly flat as I rode on a longish run, that did not help- they cracked around the rim... Might have been a bad batch, might be an idiosyncrasy of these particular suzuki rims... but I am not pleased and won't risk it again.

[2BRacing]

I used to use Metzeler ME77 and Lasertecs, and was happy with their handling. However, the front tyres always wore down with "cupping" (high/low spots).

Last tyre change I fitted my first set of BT45's, and am also happy with their handling. The front has worn much more evenly than the Metzeler's.

Gorminrider, over the years, I have seen quite a few reports here on GSR of Avon Roadriders cracking. Supposedly the rubber compound was changed by the factory to correct the problem, but I do not know exactly when that was done, and if that has completely solved the problem of cracking.

[fbody_mike]

I replaced an Avon Roadrider last month on the Seca Turbo that was manufactured Sept 2017 and it had cracked in the middle just like all the ones before it. I never had a problem from it, and it usually cracked near the end of its lifespan. I don't think they have it fixed, that bike now wears at BT45V. Those Avons did handle really nice though.

[Downs]

I've been running Shinko 712s on my GS1k for a few years. I like them quite a bit and the price is right.

I'm a big Shinko fan though been running them for q long time on many different bikes.

[Gorminrider]

I replaced an Avon Roadrider last month on the Seca Turbo that was manufactured Sept 2017 and it had cracked in the middle just like all the ones before it. I never had a problem from it, and it usually cracked near the end of its lifespan. I don't think they have it fixed, that bike now wears at BT45V. Those Avons did handle really nice though.

Well! that's not good! my datecode is earlier and can't remember what it is without checking but I think they're the same as a member here that got on to their case(Avon's) and got replacements.
There's a thread just near this that mirrors my experience with the tires that are on the bikes I've bought though I never get near ...I don't see often see cracking and if they are in decent shape, and I can indent em with my fingernail, I don't worry about riding on them for awhile (the way I ride anyways!) until I like the bike enough to get some new rubber. It's why I've put Shinkos, Duros (and next Bridgestones?)back on because they apparently did well on the bike before. Metzlers too by the way-Ive had them on old bikes but so far, they've been worn right down so they come right off. That might be a "recommend come to think on it..
The Ugly Gets A New Tire or They Don't Make Em Like They Used To

Yes the Avons are nice enough to ride on. It's too bad, but I think they should have been recalled.

[Chuck78]

On a GS twin, such as my GS425 big bore Formula 500 racer/corner carver project, I would run Shinko's front and back, or Pirelli sport demon, but on a four cylinder bike that gets ridden a lot on straight highways and city riding, with aspirations of getting down to the twisty roads as much as possible, I exclusively ride a battlax rear now because of the SACT dual compound and the way they wear much better and stay more rounded to the end. However, I am still running a Shinko 230 Tour Master on the front! Mostly due to the budget bargain pricepoint and proven track record of the Shinko 230 & SR741 (similar rear but for 3.50 rim), but I have read now two reports of someone saying the front battlax scared them once. Most people rave about the Battlax grip, and many people use them as track day tires, so I think that was just an anomaly with road surface conditions, sand or dust, dampness, etc.
The Battlax BT45 fronts are also going to be lighter and steer quicker than almost anything else in tbe same size, because they have engineered them to be the shortest diameter tire for the advertised size amongst all of their competition, which reduces the trail and makes the bike feel more sporty. With my shorter forks, taller rear shocks, and an 18 inch front rim, I did not need any more trail reduction, as my bike already steers incredibly fast and easy, so it only makes perfect sense for me to run the Shinko front since I love Shinko tires so much. On the dirt, they also make some incredibly impressive off-road tires that show up on the majority of my hardcore trail rider friends' bikes anymore!

[Downs]

On the dirt, they also make some incredibly impressive off-road tires that show up on the majority of my hardcore trail rider friends' bikes anymore!

I ran their 705s for a long time then when the 804/805 knobbies came out switched to those. Love them.



I've also ran tons of their 009 Ravens and 011 Verges.

[Chuck78]

Shinko sport bike radials are the only area which I have heard a lot of negative feedback on Shinko tires at all. I'm not quite sure what that is all about, but my friend said they were the most garbage tire he had used on his ZRX, and he has put 100,000 miles on it and gone Coast to Coast to Coast...

I don't run their dual sport tires, but the 546 and 216 fronts for enduro/trail/singletrack are as good as any top tire you will ever find, if not better! The 520 rear, and both of the cheater hybrid gummy tires they make, the R505 cheater hybrid, and the new one, I believe it is called the 525 X cheater hybrid? They are both amazing.
There is only 1 or maybe 2 other tires I'd consider on the rear of a 2 stroke trail bike, the king of the hill $$$ MotoZ Arena Hybrid Gummy ($100), & the budget Sedona MX907HP.


For street tires,
Shinko 230 Tour Master
Shinko SR741 rear (for wider rims)
Bridgestone Battlax BT45V
Pirelli Sport Demon
Avon Road Rider AM26 (Only for cross country long long road trips for better mileage with decent handling)
And I am very curious about the Continental Classic Attack radials to fit stock GS 18/19 skinny rim sizes

Also the ultimate if you have a 4.50 rear rim and 2.50 front, the Bridgestone BT016 radials... hypersport/track day tire designed for early GSXR's, comes in 18".
Lastly, Avon race tires ONLY FOR TRACK DAY BIKES OR RACING, NO STREET USE!

[bobtail84]

I have ment to update this thread for a while so here goes, I have fitted the pirelli sport demon's on my GS1000 and am very pleased with them. Even when 1st fitted and I was taking it a little easier in the 1st 50 ish miles they felt very stable and planted which leads to spirited riding with a smile.

The pictures were taken after the tyres were mounted on the rims and I refitted the rims to the bike, I will update in the near future with how they are wearing but to be honest I'm not looking for uber mileage from them just good grip.

[Chuck78]

I'm not sure if they are discontinuing those, I have never used them based on the feedback on other high performance bias-ply vintage sized tires being so incredibly positive, but Metzler did just now start introducing the DOT-approved Racetec RR ultra high performance / track day tires in multiple rubber compounds for classic 18-inch super bike sizes. By classic 18-inch superbike, I mean 1980's bikes primarily, 2.5 front rim, 3.50, 4.00, 4.50 rear rim! High performance radial rubber! The BT-016 Pro Bridgestone Battlax radial now has some serious competition!