My R6 hit more than 10000 miles awhile ago, and I think it's still on its original tires. This last weekend on a ride from Charleston, SC to Augusta, GA, the bike pretty much told me to get some new tires, as a little bit of brake in a wet section of road almost ended up with a lowside at 80.
I'm wondering:

-Anyone recommend any good tires from their commuting/everyday riding experiences? I looked them up, and I'm pretty sure I could do well with a good set of sport touring, like Pilot Roads.
-I've also heard good things about Pilot Powers, but how does their mileage compare to others?
-Anyone have experience with Pirelli?
-Also, what's the best way and best place to go about buying and installing new tires? (http://www.clarity.net/%7Eadam/tire-changing.html <--- gonna try to save some money if it's worth it)

Thanks guys

 

im using some metzeler M1s. i read some good stuff about them over at r6messegenet.com.

 

I'm also riding on metzeler.. M3s

I had pilot powers before... nice and grippy tire, but didnt have them long enough to say too much about the mileage

 

pilot power 2ct's... love them.... i've ridden on a lot of tires, and i love the pilot powers, the 2cts DO get better mileage wear though... im quite a hamfisted guy, and i'm over 4k miles on my 2cts and not quite to the wear bars yet.....

 

i'd go with Pilot Road if you're using the bike more as a commuter. my friend uses them on his Ducati Monster commuter bike and has nothing but good things to say about them.


<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Willybeen &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">pilot power 2ct's... love them.... i've ridden on a lot of tires, and i love the pilot powers, the 2cts DO get better mileage wear though... im quite a hamfisted guy, and i'm over 4k miles on my 2cts and not quite to the wear bars yet..... </TD></TR></TABLE>

2CT have the same compound in the middle as a regular Pilot Power, so i'm unsure if you're actually getting better miles. maybe you're just riding different?

 

pilot powers... , front and rear ......maybe dunlop qualifiers

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by redline201 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">im using some metzeler M1s. i read some good stuff about them over at r6messegenet.com.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I had a set of Metzler M1 on my previous F4i. Their grip was decent but the treadwear wasn't too durable. i think they improved this with the M3's but I haven't tried those.

 

the new pilot roads are supposed to be kickass.

i love pirellis. they have a nice aggressive profile (which some people dislike) good grip and nice progressive breakaway. i like them much better than i do michelins or dunlops.

the diablo corsa 3's would be my choice for a street tire (analogous to the PP2ct).

 

Best method of purchase? ie store, or online?

 

Also, what if the tire I need (a 180/55) is not in stock or whatever, what should I do? Go up or down a size, and how will that affect clearances of the tire and swingarm?

I'm looking at Continental Road Attacks now..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mydc2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">pilot powers... , front and rear </TD></TR></TABLE> I'm running those front and rear and just to roll over 6000 and thats daily and canyons on weekend.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ricepapertiger &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Best method of purchase? ie store, or online?</TD></TR></TABLE>

ends up being a wash if you don't have a mounting hook up.

i would be hesitant to change sizes on a daily ridden 600. different tire size will screw up the geometry and handling characteristics of the bike. you can certainly tune the suspension to make it work with a different tire, but for riding to and from work, is it worth it?

 

id go for the pilot powers or diabo corsa III's, and stick with the oem tire sizes.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bad-monkey &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

ends up being a wash if you don't have a mounting hook up.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

He's right... mounting and balancing is going to offset the savings you get from ordering online. Buy it from the shop if you dont have any hook ups for mounting... they are much more ready to help you out as far as the price goes when you buy something else from them