Tires- Dunlop D208 vs. Metzler M1-P

[HiYaBruceA]

I finally got out last Sunday with my new Metzler M1 P's, the ones made expressly for the Busa, replacing Dunlop D208's. The Metzlers are definitely more responsive and feed back a better feel for the road. They felt like a narrower tire compared to the Dunlops, even though they're the standard size for the Busa. I had a much better feel, especially in turns. With Dunlops I normally took one particular on-ramp, posted at 35 mph, at 80 mph. On Sunday I took it at 85 mph with the Metzlers and felt more in control even at the slightly higher speed. I can obviously take the ramp faster than 85.

I can't speak to the traction comparison because I've never broken a tire loose.......I'd soil my leathers if that ever happened. But suffice it to say I'm sold on the Metzlers.

[wizard]

..I come from exactly the opposite point and - of course.. - I think the 208's are a FAR better bet.. More of a triangle crown (faster in twisties) and better grip.

In all, the best tire I had on the busa..

[Revlis]

Might have something to do with the type of raods and materials used, Cause I found Dunlops to be completely Spooky on my previous bikes...

[moondog]

If it helps, I just came off of diablo corsas, put on M1's....I like them as much, feel as grippy as the diablos and look cooler. Still going with the Mich Powers if available next time.

[ralnsplder]

I wouldn't get 208s due to the fact that they aren't designed for the weight and power of the busa.

[Charlesbusa]

All these tires are as good as the other.

[Revlis]

Pretty much what Charles said, though there are going to be VERY REAL differences in feel, wear, and performance of the tires listed above. Except of course between the Pirelli Diablo's and the Metzler Sportec M-1's. They are the same tire, just a different tread pattern. Really, same factory, same compounds, different tread...

Oh and I would be really tempted to try the new Rubber out this year. D208's are old, the Sportec M1's are old. The Michelin Pilot Powers, and Bridgstone 014's are the current top of the line performance rubber. My money would be on the Pilot Powers. At least it would have been if my dealer would have had any available...

I ended up putting the Sportec M1's standard sized front, 200 width rear, and they feel great.

[ralnsplder]

All these tires are as good as the other.

Ive been told that the difference is that that beef up the tire a little for the busas weight and power.

[NorthFace]

I made a little search on tire and so far I found out this:
Bridgstone BT10 190/50ZR17 164,99 $ Sport 24,00 $ 44,00 $
Bridgstone BT10 120/70ZR17 110,99 $ Sport 20,00 $
Bridgstone BT14 190/50ZR17 182,99 $ Sport 42,00 $ 72,00 $
Bridgstone BT14 120/70ZR17 120,99 $ Sport 30,00 $
Bridgstone BT20 190/50ZR17 164,99 $ Touring 24,00 $ 44,00 $
Bridgstone BT20 120/70ZR17 110,99 $ Touring 20,00 $
Dunlop D208ZR 190/50ZR17 160,99 $ Sport 20,00 $ 29,00 $
Dunlop D208ZR 120/70ZR17 99,99 $ Sport 9,00 $
Metzeler Sportec M-1 190/50ZR17 140,99 $ Sport Lowest
Metzeler Sportec M-1 120/70ZR17 90,99 $ Sport Lowest
Michelin Power 190/50 ZR17 189,99 $ Sport 49,00 $ 85,00 $
Michelin Power 120/70ZR17 126,99 $ Sport 36,00 $
Pirelli Diablo Corsa 190/50ZR17 191,99 $ Sport 51,00 $ 94,00 $
Pirelli Diablo Corsa 120/70ZR17 133,99 $ Sport 43,00 $

Lowest Cost Tire are the Metzeler, and Diablo worth like 94$ more. For one set of tire I always runned on D207 now D208 on my Hayab, and found these tire to be worth what we paid for. Or course you can get the 208GP or another Soft Race Compound but you wont last more than 1000 km with them. I might try the Metzeler or stick with Dunlop. I wanted to test out the Pilots but Im not sure they worth the diff (85$ more). The bridgstone don't inspire me anything. I never like the BT56 originaly mounted on the Hayab... Nyways my .02!

BTW: its Make/Dimension/Price/Type/Difference Lowest-Tire/Diff Total for the set between lowest-Set

Thanks!

[HiYaBruceA]

Comparison Update: The Metzler's hold air much better than my Dunlops did. Tire pressure on my Dunlops would fall at least 1-2 psi between rides. I haven't had to air up the Metzler's since I put them on several weeks ago.

[discreet007]

I have yet to try the Metzler's, but the 208's are far better than stock. God, 2 sets and 10k miles I was happy to get rid of them. The 208's I have pushed completely to the limit. No strips and I actually started to roll them (rubber looked cooked) after a very fast track ride session. They hold pressure well and after 1000 miles show no signs of wear. Cheap too!

[NorthFace]

I will be trying the BT14. According to what I heard they seems to be a very good tire and should last also!

I was sold to 207 but once in a while we need to try something else to make sure it still "tha best"!!