2007 Rider's with Stock Tires

wyattearp · 10-20-2008, 01:03 PM

For you 2007 owners who have stayed with the stock tires for the front and rear of the bike; about how many miles have you gotten out of yours?

I just passed the 8200 mile mark the other day and decided that maybe it was time to replace the back tire (even though it looks like it's got some more tread to go ... I've just never had one last longer than 4-5000 miles). The front tire is still looking pretty good, but I've never had a bike that I've put enough miles on to get to replacing a front one before my FZ6.

CCHOUSEKY · 10-20-2008, 02:39 PM

I'm not really sure why you're specifically asking for '07 model owners only since (I believe) there aren't any changes between the '04-'06 and the '07+ models that would affect tire wear.

I've got an '06 and have 9500 miles on the stock Bridgestone BT020's that came on it. They're definitely getting to the end of their life, but still have plenty of tread left. I'm researching what my next set of tires will be as we speak. I'm going to be putting some new rubber on this winter.

wyattearp · 10-20-2008, 02:51 PM

I thought the BT020's were only on the '07 model and I couldn't remember the model number when I wrote the post. I've been really happy with them thus far and it's what I'm having put back on it.

novcadetshotz · 10-20-2008, 03:23 PM

I'm approaching 10k miles on my stockers. I have replacements ready to go when needed, but these things aren't dead yet. I do have the noticeable "flat spot," but who doesn't. I've got plenty of good tread left, and they've been taken care of so they're not rotting at all. The moment I start to "feel" them getting iffy (usually happens to me before I see indicators on the tire), I'm switching out; but for now, I'm milking these for all they're worth. I think the most I've gone between changes was a little over 10k with my GS500E.

I do agree that my front looks about twice as nice as the rear.

Parabellum · 10-20-2008, 03:30 PM

I am at 7500 miles and my rear tire is past the wear indicator....to the point where I will be avoiding any deep puddles and also avoiding rain riding until I get it replaced. My front has VERY BAD CUPPING due to the fact that the tire is craptastic, and my suspension is undersprung.

I ride my bike pretty damn hard though...I'm sure I could have stretched it to 10K if I dial back my riding, but what the hell would be the point?

CrazyBiker · 10-20-2008, 03:35 PM

I am replacing mine today with the BT-016. My rear is smoothening out in the center and I can never trust such tire. It has plenty of tread on the sides but now it is winter time and it sometimes ices so I can't take the risk.

Parabellum · 10-20-2008, 03:45 PM

Yeah, BT016 will probably be my next too. I can get a complete set of Qualifiers for $200 shipped, so that is VERY tempting, but I know they will not last very long at all.

FizzySix · 10-20-2008, 04:26 PM

Just replaced the stock rear @5k with Metzler Sportec M3 last weekend. I was surprised the rear needed replacing at inspection - I didn't think I was quite to the wear bars, but apparently I was, and this was in-stock.

I plan to ride another 5k or so on this and this and the stock front, and then swap both out for a matched set, maybe the Conti Road Attacks that folks here seem to like

Parabellum · 10-20-2008, 04:27 PM

Jesus, I would never live in a state with those bullshit inspections.

How do you put up with it???

Samueul · 10-20-2008, 04:41 PM

I have almost 9,000 on my 07. Still on my front but it's past the wear mark and I got a pilotroad2 on order. Hit the wear mark on my rear at about 6500 miles. Put a pilotroad2 on the rear at that point.

FizzySix · 10-20-2008, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum

Jesus, I would never live in a state with those bullshit inspections.

How do you put up with it???

I switched from Rotella to Amsoil. As someone else on the board said, it's the best anal lube ever.

Actually, I'm of two minds on the issue: inspections are inexpensive (<$10 for the bike, <$20 for cars), and it prevents the few people who refuse to maintain their vehicles properly from driving them in an unsafe condition (at least for aspects covered by the inspection), making my drive safer in the process.

At the same time, I didn't intend to replace the rear tire until next season, I felt I had enough tread on it to do so safely, and resent being told I have to replace it.

So, it may be that I'm getting forced to buy rear tires with undue frequency by Big Brother, or maybe I'm one of those unsafe people I'm trying to prevent from riding on the roads and can't see it, not sure. Anyway, I've got a new back tire, I'm gradually scrubbing away more of that smooth finish, and liking it so far.

...and boy is it weird to see the rear tire on my baby with such deep treads...

Parabellum · 10-20-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FizzySix

I switched from Rotella to Amsoil. As someone else on the board said, it's the best anal lube ever.

Actually, I'm of two minds on the issue: inspections are inexpensive (<$10 for the bike, <$20 for cars), and it prevents the few people who refuse to maintain their vehicles properly from driving them in an unsafe condition (at least for aspects covered by the inspection), making my drive safer in the process.

At the same time, I didn't intend to replace the rear tire until next season, I felt I had enough tread on it to do so safely, and resent being told I have to replace it.

So, it may be that I'm getting forced to buy rear tires with undue frequency by Big Brother, or maybe I'm one of those unsafe people I'm trying to prevent from riding on the roads and can't see it, not sure. Anyway, I've got a new back tire, I'm gradually scrubbing away more of that smooth finish, and liking it so far.

...and boy is it weird to see the rear tire on my baby with such deep treads...

Yeah, I hear you on the safety issue...but it seems that the inspections are just too strict. I hear lots of stories of people failing inspections for issues that are trivial and COMPLETELY not safety related.

medic523 · 10-20-2008, 09:40 PM

I'm at 6200 right now on the stock Bridgestones and will be switching out before next riding season. The cupping on the rear is pretty noticeable, enough to make not ride in rain, etc.
Dunno which tire is next.

Hondo64d · 10-20-2008, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyattearp

For you 2007 owners who have stayed with the stock tires for the front and rear of the bike; about how many miles have you gotten out of yours?

Just over 6K with maybe 1mm left to the wear indicators at the center of the rear tire. I don't ride terribly hard, and keep tires inflated to factory specs.

Just got a set of Pirelli Diablos from Cycle Gear to replace the 020s. They seem gummier than the 020s, so probably won't last as long, but at their performance level and Cycle Gear's price, who cares?!

John

Scab · 10-20-2008, 11:06 PM

4600 out of the stock tires. And I went easy on them.

I'm on my 4th set of tires on my '07.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum

Yeah, BT016 will probably be my next too. I can get a complete set of Qualifiers for $200 shipped, so that is VERY tempting, but I know they will not last very long at all.

Hey, don't forget that Cycle Gear is peddling these for $179 a SET on their 25th spooky sale!