Tire options and reviews.

[kneeslider]

Hi all,

I am not sure about UK or USA about the availability of tires for the DownTown but here in Malaysia, the tire size gives it a very small range in terms of tire options.

From what I see online:

1) Metzeler Feel Free
2) Michelin Pure SC
3) Bridgestone Hoop B02 PRO
4) Pirelli Diablo Scooter
5) Dunlop Scoot Smart

I think those are the market leaders, unless I missed out some others.

What are you guys using?

[BettinANDlosing]

Michelin Pilot pure is my personal favorite tire. Great life and the most confident handling tire. I'm a Michelin man though, so a little biased.

[kneeslider]

I have on the scoot 7000kms on the Michelin Pure SC and I cannot say i like it very much. Of course the handing characteristics of a scooter is limited (except the T-Max and maybe the C600) but I could not find the Pure SC confident inspiring. Maybe because it is a cross ply?

I too like have tried the Michelin Pilot Power 3 on my Ducati and it was definately better then the Bridgestone BT016 Pro which they replaced. This Pure SC didn't give me the feedback that I would have liked. Also when it's wet, the breakway/slip is all too sudden, zero progressive release. 

But the mileage is better than the Maxxis Pro that came with the bike. I think there is another 2000km from my rear.

[BettinANDlosing]

I have on the scoot 7000kms on the Michelin Pure SC and I cannot say i like it very much. Of course the handing characteristics of a scooter is limited (except the T-Max and maybe the C600) but I could not find the Pure SC confident inspiring. Maybe because it is a cross ply?

I too like have tried the Michelin Pilot Power 3 on my Ducati and it was definately better then the Bridgestone BT016 Pro which they replaced. This Pure SC didn't give me the feedback that I would have liked. Also when it's wet, the breakway/slip is all too sudden, zero progressive release. 

But the mileage is better than the Maxxis Pro that came with the bike. I think there is another 2000km from my rear.

Interesting, I found exactly the opposite in the rain with the dual tread compound, i know EXACTLY when it will lose traction and it takes a lot. The edges are soft and sticky so if you need to power through a corner it'll hang on. I've beaten many motorcycles on my favorite twisties around here.

[de dee]

300i downtown   I have a power pure on the front , and a city grip on the back, seems to work well!!

[nushipwright]

I can only say good things about the michelin powerpure. I have it on the front. Like it. Very nice behaviour. Won't let you down't in wet weather either.
The rear is an avon viper stryke, which I don't like at all. The slightest moisture on the ground and it looses grip. I can't wait to wear it down enough not to be sorry for dumping it. I'll probably get a powerpure or citygrip as a replacement. Dunlop Scootsmart are also good as I heard.

[bluesin]

I've seen a lot of 5 Star reviews for the Metzler Tires .

[kneeslider]

300i downtown   I have a power pure on the front , and a city grip on the back, seems to work well!!

I didn't realize City Grip came in a size for the rear.

[nushipwright]

I've seen a lot of 5 Star reviews for the Metzler Tires .

I nearly bought the Metzeller, but it was much more expensive than the Michelin at the time I was looking for new tires.

[BettinANDlosing]

Just put a new 140\70-12 Pilot Pure on late last night, LOVE IT!!!!!! You literally can't beat them for the price, i ride hard and still get 5000mi on a rear tire.

[de dee]

  yes you can get 150/70 13 for the back but 120/80 14 is not available in city grip, that is why I have power pure in front,. 

[RubenC]

Hi,

I have been using Metzeler for over the last 16K miles. I like the way they ride and handle wet weather.  I don't mind paying a little bit more if it makes me feel safer.  Even the mechanic at Moxie's tried to convince me to switch to Michelin but I said no.

[nushipwright]

  yes you can get 150/70 13 for the back but 120/80 14 is not available in city grip, that is why I have power pure in front,.

they're available in europe:
http://www.oponeo.co.uk/moto-tyre-details/michelin-city-grip-winter-120-80-14-58-s-front-tl-m-c#91048888

[donjack]

Dunlop scoot smart for me, front and rear. damned good tyres in my opinion! they inspire confidence 

[Stig / Major Tom]

Dunlop scoot smart for me, front and rear. damned good tyres in my opinion! they inspire confidence 

This is what the NSS300 Honda scoots come with - but such a strange size that I had to move to a Bridgestone Hoop one size larger when I ran over large sharp metal piece. Scoot Smart still on the front. Must remove one Dunlop sticker and add one Bridgestone stticker, now!
I hate buying and mixing tires - but did not want to replace both fairly new Scoot Smarts!  Besides - time to get away from that strange size once and for all. No issues with a larger size - in my daily commutes. Speedo still dead accurate, gearing seems OK.
I too am a Michelin man - when that front Dunlop wears out going to all Michelins on the Honda (LIKE200i has 'em front and rear since 400 miles on scoot)
Stig
Stig