Review: Pirelli Diablo Strada

ExtraJ · 10-19-2005, 06:08 PM

Pretty short and to the point: They're awesome.

Stick better than my metzeler z3's did (metzeler's street performance tire before the m1) and as far as I can tell, just as well as my diablo's did.

I could see how they would be bad for the track, as they heat up VERY fast and get tacky without too much effort. Seems like they could overheat and get greasy when taking a real beating. But for the street it's ideal. They also are excellent in the rain.

I have noticed that the ride is a bit harsher than the metzelers, even with slightly lower pressure. I understand that it is because the carcass is stiffer allow longer life.

I've had mine for about 1000 miles now and they look brand new. The tread appears to have been made extra deep in the middle to make it last longer.

HIGHLY RECCOMENDED.

(Previous tires: Pirelli mt75, Pirelli Diablo, Metzeler M-1, Metzeler Z3, Pirelli Sport Demon, and a few Avons.)

VIVID1 · 10-21-2005, 11:58 AM

Awesome! Let us know how many miles you get out them.

mikem317 · 03-18-2006, 03:33 PM

Cool. I'm going to get mine installed next week. Prob. better than the stock Bridgestones.

fiveninerzero · 03-18-2006, 04:09 PM

Sweet, been looking into getting these.

Bobcat · 03-25-2006, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExtraJ

and a few Avons.

Just mounted my first set yesterday. I've been running the Avon Azaros and loved them, so I'll be anxious to see how these stack up for longevity.

FZ1 Matt · 04-13-2006, 09:53 AM

I have about 5 or 6000 on my Stradas. over 3000 of that was fully loaded riding to Blackhills and Yellowstone. Lots of straight up interstate. I put 1000 miles on them last weekend also and that was mostly straight up too. They are holding up good. I'd only get between 7 or 8000 out of the Avon ST tires so we'll see.

Strada's have a much sportier profile than the Avons and I like that.

fotocycle · 04-13-2006, 09:37 PM

I'm with ya 100%, man. I've had them for at least as long, probably a few hundred miles longer, and they still look new. Tested in the rain, a bit of gravel, on the highway and in the curves - they're my best tire yet.

And they inspire gobs of confidence - I've marked the rear all the way to the edges, and I never even noticed. I mean, I knew I was leaning hard, but it felt so right it never made me feel unsure of the tires' performance. My next pair will be Stradas as well.

Previous tires for me: Battlax, Cheng Shin (sp?), Pirelli Sport Demons, Metzeler M1s, Dunlop D208s.

Bobcat · 04-20-2006, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FZ1 Matt

Strada's have a much sportier profile than the Avons and I like that.

Hmm. I thought the Avons had the "sportiest" profile of any ST tire I've run. Maybe it's all semantics, and how you define sporty. To me, the rounder the profile, the quicker the turn-in. The Avons have a rounder profile than the Stradas do. I have a set of both in the garage right now.

FZ1 Matt · 04-20-2006, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobcat

Hmm. I thought the Avons had the "sportiest" profile of any ST tire I've run. Maybe it's all semantics, and how you define sporty. To me, the rounder the profile, the quicker the turn-in. The Avons have a rounder profile than the Stradas do. I have a set of both in the garage right now.

This is what I mean by more sporty -

more V shaped than Avon's rounder shape.

Bobcat · 04-20-2006, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FZ1 Matt

This is what I mean by more sporty -

more V shaped than Avon's rounder shape.

Gotcha.

mharrison · 04-23-2008, 03:41 PM

Has anybody ever had these on the track?

(I don't usually resurrect old threads!)

Buellbomb · 04-23-2008, 03:47 PM

I might be getting new wheels, if I do, I'm going to put the stradas on them.

coronadozx · 04-23-2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mharrison

Has anybody ever had these on the track?

(I don't usually resurrect old threads!)

i've got two trackdays on my stradas.

i have a total of 6,000 miles on my current set, that includes the two trackdays and canyon rides. the tires are toast now, so i have to change 'em when i get back.

totally recommend these tires.

The Central Scrutinizer · 04-26-2008, 10:01 PM

I just put a set of Stradas on my '07 Bandit 1250 and they are frikkin; awesome so far (200 miles). The transition is super smooth from upright to leaned over, very stable in the curves and yet you can adjust the line effortlessly. The first time out I thought I was taking it easy since they were new, but when I got home I was suprised to see only 1/4" chicken strips left! The second time out I was touching the peg feelers down, and no more chicken strips.

This Bandit eats rear tires like a 'Busa so I'm hoping to get some miles out of these. The original Dunlop 218's were ok, got 3500 out of the rear and they handled so-so. The Conti SportAttack handled good and gripped well but only lasted 1500 miles! The Metzeler M-1 lasted 2500, but always felt unstable and 'fell off' on the transition. No, I don't do burn-outs, it's just a heavy bike with gobs of torque.

I was going to try the new Michelin Pilot Road 2's but these Stradas were nearly $100 cheaper. They make the bike feel like a SuperSport.

Here's a very interesting article (pdf) that helped convince me to buy the Pirelli's... it's a great read, check it out:

http://www.bikeland.org/articles/Dia...adtec%20Z6.pdf

mharrison · 04-27-2008, 09:32 AM

AWESOME article. It was a great read on a real world test. Thanks for posting!