Handling transformations (new tires)

[Cortez]

I'm a bit busy but I figured I'd just drop a quick one (post, you sickos!).

I've replaced my Kenda stock tires after about 11.000km on the clock, the
rear was showing some wear (somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 worn in the
middle), the front was wearing evenly.

I used them to the edges and had no issues up until about 7000-8000km on
the odo when the front began to slip, so I continued aired down a bit. That
helped.

I didn't want to risk it any longer so I figured I'd get what I thought would
be the best tire out there at the moment, the Michelin Power Pure 2CT
(dual compound).

Not only did I then realize how low the grip level on the Kenda was, but the
bike's handling was transformed. It feels like there's less frame flex, which
of course isn't possible, but the sensation of frame flexing was obviously
due to tires.

No squirming over painted white lines, and the ability to make a very agressive
stop even on slick city roads without relying on ABS is nice to have.

The grip levels are comparable to Dunlop Roadsmarts I had on my Kawasaki, maybe
even better on poor quality tarmac.

One of the reasons I went to Michelins is great experience I had going from stock
CST tires on my Agility 125 to Michelin City Grips - other then grip, the comfort
was vastly improved.

The same happened here.
More comfortable even at higher pressure!

I highly recommend the City Grips and Power Pure's for any bike that you own.

[Vivo]

No squirming over painted white lines



 

[frankiej1949]

Hi Cortez
The standard front tyre is 120/80 - 14 58 S but the Michelin Power Pure is 120/70 - 14 55 S or that is what is available in the UK. Is this what you have used and is it ok? I do like the thought of the handling improvements considering the amount of rain we are having in the Uk at the moment.
Frankiej

[axy]

I wish I had OEM Kendas again because ContiTwist I have now is second worst tire I ever experienced on a bike.
Imagine a tire that performs in dry as if it was wet.
Well, that's it, no exaggeration.

[Cortez]

I wish I had OEM Kendas again because ContiTwist I have now is second worst tire I ever experienced on a bike.
Imagine a tire that performs in dry as if it was wet.
Well, that's it, no exaggeration.

That's what happened to my CST tires on the Agility over time.
But that's easy (and cheap) enough to fix locally with some new Sava tires every 7-8kkm.

I've never had a bad experience with Michelin tires on my scoots/bikes, and on others peoples
bikes/test bikes so it seems like a safe bet.

[Cortez]

Hi Cortez
The standard front tyre is 120/80 - 14 58 S but the Michelin Power Pure is 120/70 - 14 55 S or that is what is available in the UK. Is this what you have used and is it ok? I do like the thought of the handling improvements considering the amount of rain we are having in the Uk at the moment.

I got the stock 120/80, you can't pass the yearly inspection/registration here with anything other then stock tire size
anyways, and even if it was possible, I'd get the /80 since I find the front end on the DT300 to be a bit too stiff so any
added comfort is welcome. It did get considerably softer with mileage, but still not as soft as I'd like.

The City Grips might be even better in the rain, hard to tell now, but I've done a lot of rain and even some snow riding
with them on my Agility 125 and had no issues. If the Power Pure wasn't available, that's what I'd get.

[frankiej1949]

Thanks for your reply Cortez

[duesouth]

Good to know, thanks for sharing. I was thinking about those. I have the Michelin Pilot Sport SC on back that are about worn, it was a great tire, but I think I'll go with the Pure power both front and back. I've read good things about their dual compound tires.

[kneeslider]

New tires ALWAYS feel better.

It's partly due to the transition from hardened, worn tires which have been squared off from use to fresh rubber with the correct profile.

[Cortez]

New tires ALWAYS feel better.

It's partly due to the transition from hardened, worn tires which have been squared off from use to fresh rubber with the correct profile.

These tires I replaced were just over a year old, I've replaced tires before and was aware of what you
posted, but this was a big change.

[kneeslider]

 

[mrmike]

I'm a bit busy but I figured I'd just drop a quick one (post, you sickos!).

I've replaced my Kenda stock tires after about 11.000km on the clock, the
rear was showing some wear (somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 worn in the
middle), the front was wearing evenly.

I used them to the edges and had no issues up until about 7000-8000km on
the odo when the front began to slip, so I continued aired down a bit. That
helped.

I didn't want to risk it any longer so I figured I'd get what I thought would
be the best tire out there at the moment, the Michelin Power Pure 2CT
(dual compound).

Not only did I then realize how low the grip level on the Kenda was, but the
bike's handling was transformed. It feels like there's less frame flex, which
of course isn't possible, but the sensation of frame flexing was obviously
due to tires.

No squirming over painted white lines, and the ability to make a very agressive
stop even on slick city roads without relying on ABS is nice to have.

The grip levels are comparable to Dunlop Roadsmarts I had on my Kawasaki, maybe
even better on poor quality tarmac.

One of the reasons I went to Michelins is great experience I had going from stock
CST tires on my Agility 125 to Michelin City Grips - other then grip, the comfort
was vastly improved.

The same happened here.
More comfortable even at higher pressure!

I highly recommend the City Grips and Power Pure's for any bike that you own.

   Great to hear Cortez. I'm putting a set of City Grips on my GTI300 when I put it back on the road in the spring.