My bike is fairly new, so I am no where close to needing tires, but:
1. How long does a set of tires, last you?
2. Did you stay with the stock tire, or changed to a different/better tire (what brand)?
My 09 came with Bridgestone's. 120/70 front, 190/50 rear
Thanks.
Congratulations MEBusa.
To try to answer your concerns, the standard 015's you have on will last about 7000km with a little something to spare, if you are not aggressive and use the Bus for general touring with a bit of "Sport" around the twisties.
That is if you are not over 110kg, in which case, the rubber disappears a bit sooner. PSI numbers also make a difference as well as ambient air temperatures.
I sit regularly (weekly) at a table of 4-5 Hayabusas and these guys know HOW TO RIDE 200kph corners as well as tight mountain twisties and they have tried everything available and they don't spare their rubbers.
The Bridgestone OEM BT015's are usually the first things they replace.
Choices are: (not in any particular order)
Dunlop RoadSmarts for general all-round longevity, feel of the road, grip and touring comfort.(I LIKE these v much)
Continental Road Attack 2's: more Sporty quicker steering rubber that is quite long lasting as well.
Bridestone 023's for all-rounder Sport-Touring with great ride and handling.
Avon Storm 2 ultra's for longevity and sporty grip.
Metzler M5, for overall excellence, great grip in all situations that also does not disgrace on the Track.
Dunlop SportSmarts, much like M5's and almost as long lasting as the RoadSmarts.
The UK "BIKE" magazine has a regular test of rubbers (and for Sport Touring,) and the RoadSmarts remain as "Still Brilliant", the 023's as "overall Top pick".
Around our table where riding is done on preferred mountains and v. fast twisties, RoadSmarts, Road Attack 2 and and Metzler M5's stand out as preferred choices with perhaps the M5's taking the cake. All above are v. good in the wet as well.
NB: PSI front and back makes a HUGE difference in how the Bus handles. For outright GRIP around the mountain twisties, consensus is that 34-36 works (or 33-34 depending how hard you push them).
Best and for general road trips around 38-38. Solo rider only of around 85-95km. (for doubles, slight more PSI is required).
For Track Days, go for a Track rubber.
Hope this helps. MERRY Christmas and ride SAFE!
O.