Tire Help, dunlop Q2 or Michelin 2CT

[Anthony]

Well, I have about 6k on the stock Dunlop sportmax roadsmart tires and think I am going to choose between the Q2 or the 2CT for my next set.


Looks as though the Q2 is a 50/50 tire while the 2CT is a 90/10 tire.(based on youtube reviews)

I hear the 2CT is a longer lasting tire and is a fantastic tire(per reviews).

While the Q2 doesn't last nearly as long, I'm leaning more towards it for these reasons:

#1 My Stock Dunlops have done me well in my ignorant mind. I have locked up the rear SEVERAL times and was able to maintain control so I kind of have a relationship with dunlop.

#2 I want it to STICK LIKE GLUE to the road, Period.... For real that's it! If I have to replace them at 3k or 4k due to wear then so be it.


Being 300lbs with gear on and being 6"9 inch tall I want to be able to lean it over more with confidence. When I lean the bike, it looks different then when you lean the bike even if your 6 feet tall. I have thought about upgrading bikes and have even sat on Busas but the FZ6R is so comfortable I'm going to keep it for yet a 3rd season but it is time for new tires. Seems as though the 2CT is better in the rain but I don't ride much in the rain.

My riding style?

I'm a weekend warrior and not ashamed of it, this is a toy/extra for me. I mainly ride tame in the city but sometimes like to be aggressive and some may say a little reckless or abusive at times(on a closed course ). I look like an elephant on a motorized scooter and I love it.

I went from a stock exhaust to a great exhaust imo and want to go from stock tires to great tires.

So, while I am leaning towards the Q2 I was hoping for some opinions and yes I used the search feature and read threads but wanted to start a new one specifically for me


Thank you in advance.

 

[buzzbomb]

Both are fast-wearing track tires, IMO. I'm only posting to let you know that your post was not ignored. I'm afraid I'd have to do a butt-ton of research to choose between the two.

Personally, Dunlops of any kind seem to be overrated from what I've read. I'm am sure there are gads of people who would disagree with me, though.

Honestly, I'd extend my research beyond YouTube. There's lots of good articles and comparisons out there. Being who I am, I'd read all I could find before making my choice.

 

[Detrich]

All tires have their pros & cons I guess. I'm a weekend canyon rider. So here are my observations.

The stock Bridgestone BT021's that came with the 6R lasted me about 5k miles. They were solid & predictable, but didn't particularly inspire confidence beyond normal. Nothing bad nothing great.

The Q2's make the 6R feel a lot lighter on top I thought. Their triangular shape takes some getting used to. But, the minute you lean, the slope of the tires immediately drop the bike onto its angle side and grips like a mother. Initially it freaked me out until I got used to it- cuz i thought I was gonna tip over. LOL. But, they hold. Once I scrubbed them off 100 - 150 miles, I noticed that they inspire a lotta confidence in the twisties.

I had Dunlop Sportmax's (Q1's) on my R6 when I got it. Again, a very solid tire but very tame. Then I put Q2's on and once again it was WEEEEEEE.... LOL After 3K miles, I got about 30% left. But, I'm getting another set for sure once I go in for my 8K mile service...

Objectively, the only 2 things I don't like about the Q2's are 1) poor tread life, but 2 set of tires per year is ok with me for safety- ie about 3.5K miles per set. 2) they seem to slide a bit more on tar snakes than the BT021's and Q1's. I've heard that different brand/ type tires perform slightly differently on tar snakes. On a 95• summer day with burning hot asphalt, those tar snakes are slippery. And on Q2's I avoid them at all costs. Felt my rear slip for small bursts before, and although its never enough to take s dump, I'm easily spooked. So I play it safe.

Bottom line for me and the main selling point of the Q2's is that I can get a set "installed" usually for under $300. I'm sure there are better tires. But, the Q2's just seem like a really great bang for the buck overall.

 

[FastFreddy]

Warm up quick.
Last over 10 000 km. (on a 600)
Grippy-er than most 'cept Supercorsa.

Q2s.

You can put your hand on them and think "ohhh, ahhh, very warm".

If you pull over anywhere near gravel, your friends will point out all the rocks on them and the jig will be up.

You go in hard, then hang off even harder and really wind on the power early with these tyres.

I love the Q2s. When I get my licence back, I'll be thinking about all the safety, the extra safe grip I have as I ride responsibly as always. I'm getting good on the pushbike by the way.

 

[FastFreddy]

The Michelins are good too, I want to try some 2CTs as well because I have a curious nature. I've tried the Road 2, they feel like more even tension across the tyre motion, they move differently, whereas the Q2 would have stiffer sidewalls and softer in other places.

 

[b_who]

Ive had both and would defiantly choose the Q2's over the 2CT Michelin's take longer to warm up specially compared the Q2's and the Bridge stone BT-016 I've rode with. If you're focus is more on grip defiantly get the Q2's. You will not be disappointed.

 

[Anthony]

So I just called and got a quote of 502.00 out the door, with me riding my bike there and having them install the 2Q's. I called the dealership where I bought the bike. That's tax and everything but is that a lot?

I'm not into taking my own wheels off and putting them back on.


I then called "motorcycle outfitters" and their full quote was at 455.69 for the Q2's out the door but the guy told me that the Dunlop Q2 was not a good tire and I should buy brigestones. I was like wtf lol. I tried to get a quote from him on the michelin 2CT but he was like "ew why would you want that tire" so I just hung up on him. Needless to say, Although motorcycle outfitters has a lower price, I don't think i'll be going there anytime soon.

 

[Detrich]

Q2's are a high volume selling tire and i think should be cheaper. I've had them installed for under $300 US total- including all labor tax etc. just rode in, waited in the store for about an hour, and was all done.

Prices do change I guess time to time. But $502 sounds a bit high to me.

PS Yamaha dealers seem to charge more for one reason or another. Not sure why, but comparable Honda, Kawasaki dealers charge lot less for new tires I've noticed.

 

[Detrich]

Sportbiketrackgear has them for $247 shipped. MotorcycleSuperstore for $240 to $297 depending on size. And, their website has a preferred installer referral program. Installation labor prices vary off the scale. Some places charge $30 a wheel. Some charge $75. I honestly don't understand that part.

The FZ6R uses a non-standard size and is slightly more. Just take those prices as reference and shop around. I think between $300 to $400 OTD including install is "acceptable."

$502 means they are charging $100 per wheel per install. That's highway robbery for like 30 minutes worth of work, if u ask me.

When I put Q2's on the FZ6R I just rode over to Temple City Power Sports 9am Sat. Andy (service mgr) took my bike in and said there were 3 bikes already ahead of me, but that since I'm waiting and didn't arrange a ride, he'd do mine first. Great service and speedy turn around. Total was like $300. Killer deal. (The girl working the service counter was cute too. lol)

For my R6 though, Pasadena Yamaha charged me more. I told them what I paid at TCPS and they matched the tire but still charged me install fees- even tho the R6 Q2 tires are cheaper. Since I was having service done and I like those guys I didn't make a big stink about it. But, it just made me aware of how big the variance is price-wise.

You can't always get the very best deal. But just make sure it's not an outright rip off.

 

[Anthony]

Sportbiketrackgear has them for $247 shipped. MotorcycleSuperstore for $240 to $297 depending on size. And, their website has a preferred installer referral program. Installation labor prices vary off the scale. Some places charge $30 a wheel. Some charge $75. I honestly don't understand that part.

The FZ6R uses a non-standard size and is slightly more. Just take those prices as reference and shop around. I think between $300 to $400 OTD including install is "acceptable."

$502 means they are charging $100 per wheel per install. That's highway robbery for like 30 minutes worth of work, if u ask me.

When I put Q2's on the FZ6R I just rode over to Temple City Power Sports 9am Sat. Andy (service mgr) took my bike in and said there were 3 bikes already ahead of me, but that since I'm waiting and didn't arrange a ride, he'd do mine first. Great service and speedy turn around. Total was like $300. Killer deal. (The girl working the service counter was cute too. lol)

For my R6 though, Pasadena Yamaha charged me more. I told them what I paid at TCPS and they matched the tire but still charged me install fees- even tho the R6 Q2 tires are cheaper. Since I was having service done and I like those guys I didn't make a big stink about it. But, it just made me aware of how big the variance is price-wise.

You can't always get the very best deal. But just make sure it's not an outright rip off.

I just called another local place "flat out" and they quoted me 493.11 out the door.

So, I then went to the site you noted and was quoted 240.00 SHIPPED!

Check it out =
Cart from SportbikeTrackGear.com

NOW, i'll call these dealers and aggravate them by asking if I can have the tires shipped to their store and what would they charge me to install them

 

[Detrich]

Yah- definitely give that a try too. But in my experience calling around, dealers seem to want to sell tires. So, they purposely quote really high prices for installing tires that you bought elsewhere...

It makes zero sense to me. they outta just give us a fair package price to begin with and we would buy the tires from them instead of the internet and have them install it too... Everyone wins. But they play these stupid games. :shakes head:

Definitely ask around amongst your friends and riding network to see what good deals you can find locally. That's how I learned about the place I went.

GL and keep us posted.

 

[BoneJj]

Yah- definitely give that a try too. But in my experience calling around, dealers seem to want to sell tires. So, they purposely quote really high prices for installing tires that you bought elsewhere...

It makes zero sense to me. they outta just give us a fair package price to begin with and we would buy the tires from them instead of the internet and have them install it too... Everyone wins. But they play these stupid games. :shakes head:

Definitely ask around amongst your friends and riding network to see what good deals you can find locally. That's how I learned about the place I went.

GL and keep us posted.

don't go to a dealer is the simple answer.... I go to a local motorcycle mechanic shop and only them. They do better work and give awesome prices. It might take some searching but I'm sure a lot of you guys would have something like this available in your areas. It'll just require a bit of hunting though.

 

[JSP]

don't go to a dealer is the simple answer.... I go to a local motorcycle mechanic shop and only them. They do better work and give awesome prices. It might take some searching but I'm sure a lot of you guys would have something like this available in your areas. It'll just require a bit of hunting though.

Our main dealer here is actually the cheapest option. They will match any price on tires. And only $20 a rim to swap, if I un-mount and bring in to them. Super easy to take the rims on and off. Just need the stands.

I normally went to my buddies MC shop but he went out of business. He charged $20 a rim as well.

 

[BoneJj]

Our main dealer here is actually the cheapest option. They will match any price on tires. And only $20 a rim to swap, if I un-mount and bring in to them. Super easy to take the rims on and off. Just need the stands.

I normally went to my buddies MC shop but he went out of business. He charged $20 a rim as well.

That's pretty good for you but that's not the norm for stealerships.

 

[Marthy]

Dude! At that price buy a tire machine and do it yourself! Cycle Gear here charge $40.00 per tire and $30.00 if you get the tire fro them. I got a little bike shop here that I use and he's in the same price. $50.00 a wheel if I bring the bike over... Much cheaper to pull the wheel off. Takes just few minutes. Do one wheel at the time if you prefer.

 

[Detrich]

$30 per tire is very reasonable. Cycle Gear sells Q2's too. Ck their pricing too I guess.

 

[Fenixgoon]

i used Q2's for my last track day...they worked great! no experience with the 2CT's...and to be honest, i'd probably have to ride them back-to-back to give a decent opinion.

 

[Detrich]

So how'd things turn out Anthony?

Any updates?

 

[RoadTrip]

My dealer does $60/tire out the door if you bring your own (includes disposal, stem, tax), $50/tire if you use theirs.

Recently got a set of S20's for around $220, so include the $120 labor and you looking at $340.

Yeah, you can pull the wheels yourself, I started to go that route, but still around $30/tire, just too lazy I guess, so I pay the $60/tire.

$400-$450 total is pretty standard if you pay for their tires and labor, gonna be $300-$350 a set for most hypersports (cause tax also, internet=no tax) +$100 labor.

This sport ain't cheap, but at least the gas mileage is good (except for the new 1199 Panigale at 24mpg, which sucks cause I am in love with that bike).

 

[Anthony]

So how'd things turn out Anthony?

Any updates?

I called my normal dealership back (place I bought the bike) and said I had called around and while normally i'm a little loose, in this case I only cared about price so I asked if I had the tires shipped there what would they charge me to put them on. He asked what the problem was and I simply said that 500.00 bucks just wasnt in my budget this go around. So he asked who quoted me the price and I told him(the place you quoted). He looked online and said "look, ill match their price, I don't want to loose you're business over a few dollars" and put me on hold. He came back and said he would charge me 350.00 OTD. Thats installation, tires, tax ect with them selling me the tires. I told him I was thankful for his consideration & concession and that I would be there Tuesday to have them installed(they are closed monday). He said he would have me in and out and thanked me.

I normally don't haggle but after you're posts, In this case, I did. And at this point. From 502 down to 350 is a win for me. While i'm sure he was slightly annoyed, bottom line is he made a deal for me and made me feel like I was important to him.

So hey man, thanks for pushing me on this one.. If I wasn't a forum member I would have just said "ok' and paid the 5 bills..