Need to replace 7 year old tires

[Spanky's Monkey]

The short of it is I just acquired my first bike 2009 FZ6R with 6000 miles and it's still on the first set of Dunlop Roadsmart II tires. I have not ridden the bike yet because I don't trust the rubber. The tires have severe dry rot and I'm torn between The Roadsmarts II or stepping into the Sportmax Q3. Taking the MSF next month on the 15th so I got a few weeks left before I mount my new shoes. Looking to keep in the same price range as the Dunlops so the PR4's are out of the question.

 

[MistahT]

The short of it is I just acquired my first bike 2009 FZ6R with 6000 miles and it's still on the first set of Dunlop Roadsmart II tires. I have not ridden the bike yet because I don't trust the rubber. The tires have severe dry rot and I'm torn between The Roadsmarts II or stepping into the Sportmax Q3. Taking the MSF next month on the 15th so I got a few weeks left before I mount my new shoes. Looking to keep in the same price range as the Dunlops so the PR4's are out of the question.

What kind of riding will you be doing mostly? If you plan on lots of twisties or taking it to the track and don't need a lot of life, get an aggressive sticky tire. If you are mostly riding city or backroads and want long life, that takes another type of tire. I've been super happy with my Pilot Road 4 tires. Not as sticky as I'd like but great tire, excellent wet grip, and long life.

I'm sure tire gurus will chime in, I only have experience with stock and PR4 on the FZ6R. If you want a sport tire, the Diablos are really excellent but don't last long at all.

 

[Spanky's Monkey]

I'm looking at a daily commuter, back roads and some 300 mile round trips to visit family. I plan on this becoming my primary ride. I drive my modded 06 Cobalt spiritedly often and expect to treat the FZ6R no less. I'm looking for sticky but I don't need track tire sticky.

 

[MistahT]

I'm looking at a daily commuter, back roads and some 300 mile round trips to visit family. I plan on this becoming my primary ride. I drive my modded 06 Cobalt spiritedly often and expect to treat the FZ6R no less. I'm looking for sticky but I don't need track tire sticky.

I do a mix of commuting, many hours of hard mountain riding, some multiday trips, and a little bit of hooning. I will say the Pilot Road 4 tires are perfect for me. I would love something a little stickier or more confidence inspiring when you get to peg-dragging lean angles, but in every other regard they are great. Now, they are a bit pricey compared to some other choices but they will last a long time. They seem like a great pick for you too, but if price is an issue I know you can still get PR3 and maybe even PR2, just check for creation date so they aren't too old.

 

[blkbrd]

If you're considering going to a supersport tire, the new Bridgestone S21 is getting great reviews.

I personally would also recommend the Metzeler M7RR. The girlfriend's Ninja 650 is wearing them as well as my FZ09. They have a fairly steep profile in the 160 width on the Ninja and have improved the turn in on her bike considerably. I will definitely be buying another set of them once they're worn out.

Sent from my SM-G903W using Tapatalk

 

[Spanky's Monkey]

Thanks for the advice gents. I did end up sticking with the Roadsmart II but it was with good reason. I'd like to experience the bike as it came factory and get an idea of what I want out of my rubber. I'll be mounting my own tires and with the cost of tools, the stands (triple tree baby!) and tires I'm already in pretty deep. I'll certainly have way more wiggle room on my next tire purchase down the line.