Time For New Tires

[LBSRACING]

Not many new threads on tires and lord are there many to choose from. Everyone has a different opinion too lol. I do daily several days a week with round trip being 40-60 miles a day. I am heavy on the throttle as well . I have gotten 5k miles out of the stock S22’s. Front are starting to cup. Both front and rear have 2/32 of tread left so I fell that is pretty good. I’m leaning towards Dunlops for my next tire. The internet has overwhelmed me the past week searching for new tires lol. Would Q5s front and Q5a be a good combo? I don’t try to drag knees but do rip it up well above triple digits daily.

 

[jwcfbd]

Here's something Captain put together using AI.

What are the best tires for the Suzuki Hayabusa?

Hello, this is Falcon:AI, happy to help fellow Hayabusa riders with tire selection.

The "best" tire is subjective and depends on your riding style, but popular choices for the Hayabusa include:

• Bridgestone Battlax S22
• Michelin Road 5/6
• Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV/Corsa II
• Dunlop Sportmax Q3+/Q4

Alternatives & Things to Consider:

Riding Style:

Your primary riding style significantly impacts the optimal tire choice. If you prioritize touring and long-distance comfort, a sport-touring tire like the Michelin Road 5 or Road 6 offers excellent mileage, wet grip, and a comfortable ride. For aggressive street riding and occasional track days, a sport tire such as the Bridgestone Battlax S22, Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV, or Dunlop Sportmax Q3+ would be a better fit, offering increased grip and sharper handling. If you spend a lot of time at the track, a more track-focused tire like the Pirelli Diablo Corsa II or Dunlop Q4 might be appropriate.

Tire Compound and Construction:

Tire compounds vary in softness; softer compounds provide more grip but wear faster. Sport tires typically feature softer compounds than sport-touring tires. Tire construction also plays a role in handling and ride quality. Consider the tire's profile (shape) and how it affects turn-in and stability. Multi-compound tires, like some Michelin models, use different compounds in the center and shoulders for a balance of wear and grip.

Wet Weather Performance:

If you frequently ride in wet conditions, prioritize tires with excellent wet grip. Sport-touring tires generally excel in the wet due to their tread patterns and compound formulations designed for water dispersal. Some sport tires also offer decent wet grip, but this varies between models. Check reviews specifically addressing wet weather performance.

Tire Life:

Tire life is a trade-off with grip. Softer compounds offer more grip but wear down more quickly. If you prioritize longevity, a sport-touring tire is a better choice. However, even with sport tires, proper inflation and riding habits can significantly extend their lifespan.

Hayabusa-Specific Considerations:

The Hayabusa's power and weight place unique demands on tires. Ensure the tires you choose have a load rating suitable for the bike and its potential payload. Overinflating tires can reduce grip and comfort, while underinflating can lead to overheating and premature wear. Always adhere to the manufacturer's recommended inflation pressures for your specific tires and riding conditions.

Reviews and Recommendations:

Reading reviews from other Hayabusa riders who have used specific tires can be incredibly helpful in making your decision. Consider reviews that discuss handling, grip, wear, and overall satisfaction. However, remember that tire performance can vary depending on individual riding styles and preferences.

 

[LBSRACING]

Thanks I actually saw this earlier and as you can see not a single mention of the Q5’s which is what I was asking about. I actually do not like the Road 5 or 6 Michelins. Based off pure looks lol

 

[Bumblebee]

Opinions on tires are as varied as can be......

I'm a Bridgestone guy, been riding on Bridgestones since the bias ply days....was sponsored by them while racing and still run them....

Some don't like Bridgestones and swear by Dunlops or Michelins.......

Choosing tires will be a tough thing to do based on looks that's for sure.....

 

[LBSRACING]

Opinions on tires are as varied as can be......

I'm a Bridgestone guy, been riding on Bridgestones since the bias ply days....was sponsored by them while racing and still run them....

Some don't like Bridgestones and swear by Dunlops or Michelins.......

Choosing tires will be a tough thing to do based on looks that's for sure.....

I miss the days when you only had two or three good options made choosing way easier

 

[stgatev]

Bridgestone S22 and S23 are excellent choice. I've been running the iterations of S21/22/23 for the past several years, for commuting and Sunday rides. I didn't like the OEM S22; they were harder than the non-OEM version, didn't track well and skipped/slipped too easily. A recent puncture forced me to change the OEM tires which I didn't like anyway, and this time I wanted to try the Dunlop. I got Q5S, front and rear. I helped the guy at the store to bring them to the register and was surprised by how light they were. Installed, they feel great. Bike is stable, tracks well, does not deflect on tar snakes and cracks, turns quickly, and the ride if comfortable. I am running 33F/36R. I am light, 160 lbs fully geared, and my bike is 45-50 lbs lighter than stock (exhaust, lifepo4 battery, tail tidy, lighter kickstand, no pillion pegs, pair system, reflectors, and perhaps a few other pieces) so your pressures may need to be different.

tl;dr; Can't go wrong with either. Pick the thread pattern that you like, and if either is on sale.

 

[LBSRACING]

Bridgestone S22 and S23 are excellent choice. I've been running the iterations of S21/22/23 for the past several years, for commuting and Sunday rides. I didn't like the OEM S22; they were harder than the non-OEM version, didn't track well and skipped/slipped too easily. A recent puncture forced me to change the OEM tires which I didn't like anyway, and this time I wanted to try the Dunlop. I got Q5S, front and rear. I helped the guy at the store to bring them to the register and was surprised by how light they were. Installed, they feel great. Bike is stable, tracks well, does not deflect on tar snakes and cracks, turns quickly, and the ride if comfortable. I am running 33F/36R. I am light, 160 lbs fully geared, and my bike is 45-50 lbs lighter than stock (exhaust, lifepo4 battery, tail tidy, lighter kickstand, no pillion pegs, pair system, reflectors, and perhaps a few other pieces) so your pressures may need to be different.

tl;dr; Can't go wrong with either. Pick the thread pattern that you like, and if either is on sale.

Thanks for that. My top two choices at the Q5s/Q5a and the S23. The Dunlops are cheaper by just a little.

 

[Tony Nitrous]

I run S22’s on a couple of mine. I’m happy to try S23’s but I’m not seeing prices I like or availability where I live. I’ll happily fit 22’s or 23’s in a 190/55 rear.

Something folk miss, is do not judge a tyre on its factory fitted version. Aftermarket versions are often different and rarely the same. It’s been proven multiple times.

When the B-King came out I changed the OEM factory tyres for aftermarket.
Both the same brand, both the same size, both the same tread pattern, take two steps back and you couldn’t tell them apart.

One was made in the US, one in Japan.
One was 3 ply, one was 4 ply.
One had noticeably more grip.

If you don’t like factory tyres it’s not smart to hate on the aftermarket. Sure you MAY think they are crap too, but the factory ones won’t tell you.

The Gen-3 will be getting new 22’s or 23’s soon, as will the B-King. Normaly any bike I buy gets to wear out its tyres before I fit my favorites. The exception was buying a bike with a near new pair of Angel GT2’s, they are now in the back on my shed gathering dust with 80% tread, removed before I posted the bike into the scenery. I wouldn’t fit them if they were $1 a pair.

 

[Sl@Sh]

For my riding sttyle which is a lot of twisties or sometimes track days are michelin power 6 quite good compromise on the grip and longevity.

 

[Bumblebee]

I run S22’s on a couple of mine. I’m happy to try S23’s but I’m not seeing prices I like or availability where I live. I’ll happily fit 22’s or 23’s in a 190/55 rear.

Something folk miss, is do not judge a tyre on its factory fitted version. Aftermarket versions are often different and rarely the same. It’s been proven multiple times.

When the B-King came out I changed the OEM factory tyres for aftermarket.
Both the same brand, both the same size, both the same tread pattern, take two steps back and you couldn’t tell them apart.

One was made in the US, one in Japan.
One was 3 ply, one was 4 ply.
One had noticeably more grip.

If you don’t like factory tyres it’s not smart to hate on the aftermarket. Sure you MAY think they are crap too, but the factory ones won’t tell you.

View attachment 1706471

View attachment 1706472

The Gen-3 will be getting new 22’s or 23’s soon, as will the B-King. Normaly any bike I buy gets to wear out its tyres before I fit my favorites. The exception was buying a bike with a near new pair of Angel GT2’s, they are now in the back on my shed gathering dust with 80% tread, removed before I posted the bike into the scenery. I wouldn’t fit them if they were $1 a pair.

I might sound like a raving lunatic but in that picture, the rear of the Gen 2 looks better than the Gen 3......

However I fully agree with your observation regarding OEM verses aftermarket on tire brands.....

 

[Cruising180]

I might sound like a raving lunatic but in that picture, the rear of the Gen 2 looks better than the Gen 3......

However I fully agree with your observation regarding OEM verses aftermarket on tire brands.....

I hated the stock S22's the bike came with. So there is really difference? Same model but bought from say Revzilla the S22 is a better tire? Interesting. I went with a set of Michelin Road 6's when I had to replace mine. I ride almost year round where I am so I need something that's good in the cold which the stock tires were not. The 6's defiantly are though.

 

[TrueGrit]

On all my previous Gens I've run Q3's. Haven't tried the 5's. Always had good luck with Dunlop. Although, since real recently Good Year has sold the Dunlop line they purchased to Sumitomo (in which I personally don't like) I don't know what tires I'll run after I wear out the ole BattleAxes.

 

[TrueGrit]

I might sound like a raving lunatic but in that picture, the rear of the Gen 2 looks better than the Gen 3......

However I fully agree with your observation regarding OEM verses aftermarket on tire brands.....

Yer f'in high! Gen 2 rear looks better than Gen3.. ;-)

 

[GSXFRider]

I put on a set of new Bridgestone T33 Tires......................I do mostly high speed touring, with a bit of the twisties.
I used to get 15-18,000km out of my older T32's on my 750 Katana. Apparently the T33's are supposed to last 40% longer, so we'll see.

I got around 6000km on my s22, before I hit 3/32nds. I put around 4000km on the tires last season, and they don't even look slightly worn.

They have never slipped, jumped, or shaken my confidence when pushing this big machine through corners or at high speeds.

They are a great touring tire, if that's what your looking for.................They won't break the bank, nor will they let go even in spirited street use.
Obviously the S22. s23's are going to be better on the track...............But if you ONLY ride on the road, the T33's should be more than enough.

 

[dadofthree]

Thanks I actually saw this earlier and as you can see not a single mention of the Q5’s which is what I was asking about. I actually do not like the Road 5 or 6 Michelins. Based off pure looks lol

Well that’s what I’ve been running for years. No complaints, never disappointed me on the Dragon. Def not an S22 but 10K v 3K miles

 

[KoMoDo]

After the Bridgestone S22s, I installed Pirelli Diablo IV Corsas and I'm very pleased. The engine is much more stable and doesn't scare me at all.
They can easily go 10,000 km.

 

[Equanimous]

Pirelli Diablo IV Corsas

Incredible tyres, I have them on my gixxer thou', and most likely I'll be putting them on the 'Busa

 

[LBSRACING]

Thanks everyone. I have S23 in my cart but gonna give the T33 a good look before I pull the trigger. I don’t go to the track but still want a tire that looks sporty if that makes sense.

 

[Sl@Sh]

After the Bridgestone S22s, I installed Pirelli Diablo IV Corsas and I'm very pleased. The engine is much more stable and doesn't scare me at all.
They can easily go 10,000 km.

Never ever got more than 7k km with them, because of soft compound but grip is very good.

 

[AmericanThunder]

I’m going Michelin Power 6’s when the time comes.
I have Michelin Road 6’s on the GT which suit my usage of that bike, and they are great. But the Busa doesn’t get ridden in the same weather as the GT.