Seeking New Tires Suggestions

[Acemon]

I bought a '98 M2 two years ago and absolutely love it. I've owned and ridden a lot of bikes over the years but the M2 is the most fun of them all.

It's time to replace the tires and it seems there are a lot to choose from. It came with Michelin 120/70 and 180/55, which have worked fine but are there better options?

Most of my riding is around town with some occasional runs up into the Rocky Mountains, but I'd like to do a "relaxed" track day or two this summer.

At the moment I'm looking at a set of Continental Motions (on Amazon) and the price is certainly right but I'm looking for some opinions, or suggestions for other brands.

Thanks.

Ace's Buell M2.jpg

(ps - If any of you are car fans and like the Datsun 240z series, come see my restoration at http://Ace240z.com )

[Tbone]

Michelin Road 6.........

[Cooter]

This guy is right ^^^^^

[Acemon]

Great tires no doubt but $450 for a pair +tax & mounting is unfortunately a little out of my range.

[Cooter]

They'll last three times longer than those cheap Conti's. And be better the whole time. Up to you

[Tbone]

As you stated, there are a lot of options, i.e. Q2's, Battle Ax's, Raven's, Motions, Pirelli Angels, Metzler, etc............. but you asked "...... are there better options".
The answer in my opinion is NO! In all aspects of economy and performance. Listen to Cooter ↑↑↑

[Acemon]

Make no mistake - I greatly appreciate the advice and I agree about the mileage, but it's a tough economy and there's only so much I can afford. I looked at a lot of reviews for the Michelin 6 and not everybody was happy with them, but opinions are subjective.

These guys weren't too thrilled with the Michelins, but their bikes are certainly lighter than my M2: http://www.r1200gs.info/threads/michelin-road-6-never-again.55276/page-3

At the same time, here's what some other Buell riders have said about the Continentals: https://www.badweatherbikers.com/bue...tml?1501727827

I make no claims to being an expert, which is why I came here. If they turn out to be crap, I have no one to blame but myself. Regardless of what happens with my possibly bad choice, I'll keep this conversation in mind and come back in the fall and let you guys know what I've experienced.

[Cooter]

Continental employs over 200,000 people and, on average, sells over 4,000,000 motorcycle tires annually. Someone must like them.

Huh? Massive companies don't make some crap products

All I'm saying is going the cheap option because you 'can't afford it' is a terrible way to make decisions. Look at the WHOLE picture, not just the purchase price. If you are really asking if there are some super cheap/amazing traction and long lasting tires out there, the answer is no.

If you are Mr. 1K-sunny-only-miles-per-year-my-tires-will-age-out-before-the middle-goes-flat, then anything cheap, black and round(-ish) will do and you should get whatevers on sale.

But if you enjoy riding enough to need good tires.... then buying some good tires does save you money, simply by lasting longer, and ya know what ya really can't afford? Body damage to yourself or the bike.

Pirelli Angels suck too (and I'm sponsored by Pirelli).

You asked..... Hahaha Good luck buddy, I hope you find what you're looking for

[Acemon]

I totally agree with you but I'm not that sunny-day-only guy. I've ridden when it rained. I rode when it was snowing because I was stuck. I've endured hail and Niagara-force rain. I'm not a Sunday bar-hopper like a lot of Harley guys and sportbike riders I know. You're obviously not one, either, (big plus to you) but if you had to choose between riding or not riding because it wasn't the "ideal" tire, what would you do?

I'll take the bargain tire for this year and be a little cautious and hopefully I can afford a better pair next spring. When that Road 6 is showing cords (like a serious rider would see), would you stay at home, or ride a worn-out carcass, or buy something you can afford and go out and have some fun? I'm looking at the Contis because of the bargain price, but is there something at that price level that "might" be better? That's my question.

If nothing else, I ride an M2 because it's the most fun bike I've ever ridden. That has to count for something, right?

[DozerBoy]

is there something at that price level that "might" be better?

Personally, I don't think it's worthwhile to spend time fretting over whether another tire is minutely better; all of the tires in your price range are going to be of similar quality (so long as you're buying from a reputable brand). The only way to know is to try.

I would go ahead and pull the trigger on the Conti's. Like you mentioned, it's better to have new tires than no tires.

Buy 'em. Ride 'em. If they're good, then awesome. If they suck, put up with 'em until they're shot and try something else. That's my MO.


Cooter - What don't you like about the Angels? (I may or may not have just put a set on last season.)