Spot Motorcycles » tires http://www.spotmotorcycles.com Motorcycle Accessories and Apparel Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:41:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Dunlop Dual Sport D606 Tires, Front & Rear | Off Road Motorcycle & Dirt Bike Tire http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dunlop-dual-sport-d606-tires-front-rear-off-road-motorcycle-dirt-bike-tire/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dunlop-dual-sport-d606-tires-front-rear-off-road-motorcycle-dirt-bike-tire/#comments Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:41:44 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5873 Dunlop Dual Sport D606 Tires, Front &Dual sport riders probably encompass the widest range of interests in the motorcycling world. You have dual sport riders who spend all of their time on the road, and you have dual sport riders who only use the road to get to the trail. Riders who fall into the latter category will be interested in the Dunlop D606 Tires.

Percentages are big in the dual sport world. There are riders who are 50/50% -- balanced on and off-road. I consider myself a 90/10% -- the 90% is off-road. The D606s are designed for the dirt with capability and DOT certification for the street. These Dunlops are real knobby with only the slightest concessions for tarmac duty. I have sampled the D606s, and for my style of dual sport riding, these tires hit the spot. Most serious, dirt-oriented riders agree with me.

Here is my suggestion - if you are dual sport rider, take a serious self-assessment of the percentage of time you spend in the dusty stuff, and buy tires based on what you calculate. In reality, most riders are too street-oriented to buy these tires. They wallow and wear rapidly when used mostly on the road. However, they are the bee's knees in the dirt.

If you are looking for a more street-oriented dual sport tire, take a look at the IRC GP110 tires.

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]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dunlop-dual-sport-d606-tires-front-rear-off-road-motorcycle-dirt-bike-tire/feed/ 0 Dunlop Radial Tire D220 for Sport Touring Motorcycle http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dunlop-radial-tire-d220-for-sport-touring-motorcycle/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dunlop-radial-tire-d220-for-sport-touring-motorcycle/#comments Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:14:29 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5530 Dunlop Radial Tire D220 for SportThe Dunlop D220 Sport Touring Radial Tire is a tried and true middle-of-the-road sport touring tire. It has been replaced (sort of) by the Dunlop Road Smart, but is still widely available as an OEM tire. The D220 came as original equipment on several popular bikes such as Suzuki's SV650 and the Honda ST1300.

The tire is a reasonably good compromise for sport touring motorcycles. The wear is far superior to pure sport rubber, and the grip is superior to touring specific tires. The front tread pattern, in my experience, resists cupping. However, riders of large displacement bikes have reported some cupping tendencies.

I have found the D220 to be a predictable tire in corners. That is not to say that it has extreme stickiness in turns, because it does not. If you are an extremely aggressive canyon-carver, you will be disappointed with the D220. However, if you are a touring or commuting rider who takes frequent sojourns into the twisties, you will probably be quite impressed. What I have found is that the D220 lets you know when it is about to break free. That is a very desirable quality in a sport touring tire.

Is the Dunlop D220 the ultimate sport touring tire? Honestly, no. However, it is a tire that is affordable, long-lasting, and predictable.

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Dunlop D 220 Front Tire 130 70 17 Dunlop D 220 Front Tire 130 70 17
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Dunlop D 220 Sport Touring Front Tire 120 70 17 Dunlop D 220 Sport Touring Front Tire 120 70 17
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]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/dunlop-radial-tire-d220-for-sport-touring-motorcycle/feed/ 0 Avon Gripster Front or Rear Tire AM24 | Dual Sport 600 650 cc http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/avon-gripster-front-or-rear-tire-am24-dual-sport-600-650-cc/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/avon-gripster-front-or-rear-tire-am24-dual-sport-600-650-cc/#comments Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:34:24 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5548 Avon Gripster Front or Rear Tire AM24 Avon Gripster AM24 tires have been spooned onto big dual-sport motorcycles for years. This is what is known as "tried and true" technology. The most common fitment for these venerable treads are 600 and 650 cc on off-road bikes that will spend more than half of the time on the pavement. Gripsters live up to their name on any hard, dry surface. Where they suffer is in sand, loose dirt, and mud. I have never used the Gripsters on wet pavement, but some riders report that this is also a weak area for the tires.

These Avons have a relatively deep tread that is molded in a unique arrow pattern. They are T-rated for speeds up to 118, which is good news for those big, high-speed dual-sports. They have a three ply construction and have consistently put up impressive mileage totals.

Like I said, the Gripster tires have been around a long time, and some riders have switched to Avon's newer offering: the Distanza. That being said, Gripsters have an almost cult following for many riders. After all, dual-sport riders don't have the same kind of "chase the newest technology" obsession that sport riders seem to have. The Avon Gripster AM24 Tires are a good choice for riders who know their intended terrain and the tire's strengths and limitations.

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]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/avon-gripster-front-or-rear-tire-am24-dual-sport-600-650-cc/feed/ 1 Threebond Flat Tire Sealant | Seal N Air Motorcycle Emergency Repair http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/threebond-flat-tire-sealant-seal-n-air-motorcycle-emergency-repair/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/threebond-flat-tire-sealant-seal-n-air-motorcycle-emergency-repair/#comments Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:47:00 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5550 Threebond Flat Tire Sealant Unless you ride with a sidecar attached, you probably don't carry a spare on your bike. With that fact in mind, smart riders carry some kind of option for fixing a flat. Some of the options include a spare tube and tire irons (for tube type tires), a plug kit and CO2 cartridges for tubeless tires, or some type of inflatable fix-a-flat. Threebond Seal 'N' Air is a product I have used for years. It is nice, cheap insurance that a flat will not leave you stranded.

Seal "n" Air is a good but non-permanent option. It works only on the most minor of leaks -- but with something more major, you shouldn't ride anyway. The key thing to remember is that this product is only intended to get you to where you can permanently fix the flat, or in the case of tubeless sport tires, replace the tire completely.

Here is a hint for you dirt and dual-sport riders. If you are going to carry the can in a pouch with other tools, wrap the Seal "n" Air in a thick sock. This will prevent the tools from rubbing a potential hole in the can, and it will serve as a cleanup rag if you have to use it.

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Three Bond Threebond 1194 Liquid Gasket Sealer Three Bond Threebond 1194 Liquid Gasket Sealer
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1211 THREEBOND THREE BOND 1211 SILICONE GASKET SEALER 1211 THREEBOND THREE BOND 1211 SILICONE GASKET SEALER
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ThreeBond Liquid Gasket 1194 ThreeBond Liquid Gasket 1194
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]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/threebond-flat-tire-sealant-seal-n-air-motorcycle-emergency-repair/feed/ 0 Shinko Raven W Tire 009 | Sport Touring Radial for Longer Mileage http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/shinko-raven-w-tire-009-sport-touring-radial-for-longer-mileage/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/shinko-raven-w-tire-009-sport-touring-radial-for-longer-mileage/#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:01 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5554 Shinko Raven W Tire 009 The softer compound Shinko 005 tires have been reviewed on SpotMotorcycles. I recently had a chance to test ride the Japanese company's longer-mileage 009 sport touring radials. I have mentioned in other reviews that there are two areas where a motorcyclist must not scrimp. One is in the choice of helmet, and the other is tires. Shinko may be a new name in the motorcycling world, but this seems to be an up-and-coming brand. In fact, the parent rubber company of Shinko has been around for a long time.

After only a few miles, I cannot attest to the extended mileage claim Shinko for the 009. However, I walked away impressed with the tire's grip and feel. The tires were mounted on a Yamaha R6, which is a nice handling sport-bike. However, the 600 can be squirrely with the wrong rubber. The Shinko 009s mounted on the R6 seemed to match the bike's nature well.

Please note that I reviewed the tires from the sport-touring perspective, not a pure sport perspective. With this in mind, I did not test the tires to the full extent of the tires' sidewall (or chicken-strip). I did test them to a lean angle most sport tourers will not push. The 009s performed admirably. The tires are Aramid-belted and W-speed rated (168 mph). The Shinko 009s are offered in sizes for most popular modern sport sizes.

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]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/shinko-raven-w-tire-009-sport-touring-radial-for-longer-mileage/feed/ 0 Pirelli Sport Touring ST Angel | Angels and Demons Movie Motorcycle Tire http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/pirelli-sport-touring-st-angel-angels-and-demons-movie-motorcycle-tire/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/pirelli-sport-touring-st-angel-angels-and-demons-movie-motorcycle-tire/#comments Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:48:27 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5562 Pirelli Sport Touring ST Angel I really like new technology. I really don't like gimmicks. The Pirelli Angel ST tires have both. OK, a little background here. The story is that these tires shared a marketing campaign with the movie Angels and Demons based on the Dan Brown novel. You'd think being an English teacher and a motorcycle enthusiast, that I'd love this pairing. In short, I don't.

The tread pattern of the Pirelli Angel is designed, at least in part, to change from the outline of an angel to that of a demon as they wear. Very cute. However, I don't want any part of my tires' design to be based on a gimmick or on Hollywood.

To be fair, Pirelli is a great tire company. They have produced rubber that excels in the real world and on the racetrack. The Pirelli Angels are, in fact, a good tire. They have solid, neutral handling characteristics and are reported to have a competitive sport touring lifespan. They replace the Pirelli Strada, which is also a quality performance road tire.

In the end, as much as I am taken aback by the silly marketing of this tire, I have to admit that it is another good sport and sport touring offering by Pirelli. I guess the devil on my left shoulder says "don't buy the gimmick", but the angel on my right shoulder says, "don't be such a curmudgeon and have a little fun!"

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]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/pirelli-sport-touring-st-angel-angels-and-demons-movie-motorcycle-tire/feed/ 0 Michelin Sport Touring Motorcycle Tire, Front or Rear | Dual Compound Pilot Road 2 http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/michelin-sport-touring-motorcycle-tire-front-or-rear-dual-compound-pilot-road-2/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/michelin-sport-touring-motorcycle-tire-front-or-rear-dual-compound-pilot-road-2/#comments Thu, 13 May 2010 23:45:58 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5431 Michelin Sport Touring Motorcycle Tire,If you search the Spot Motorcycles site, you'll find that Ila did a nice review of the first generation Michelin Pilot Road tires. Now it's time that we take a look at the newest incarnation of the line, the Michelin Pilot Road 2 tires.

The Pilot Road 2 incorporates a dual compound construction. To be honest, I'm not sure why anyone would buy a single compound tire anymore. Dual compound tires have too much to offer. In fact, even MotoGP race teams are now using dual compound tires. In a nutshell, you get the cornering grip of a soft compound tire while getting the mileage of a harder compound skin. What is the downside? I don't know of one. The Michelin Pilot Road 2 also offers a new tread pattern that is miles above its predecessor in wet grip properties.

There is a word of warning with these tires. A careful and lengthy break-in, or "rough-in", period is needed. Many riders report that they did not feel confident on these tires until the 200-300 mile mark. That is a lengthy wear-in period for modern tires. However, patience is a virtue, and the Pilot Road 2 tires will reward that patience! The Michelin Pilot Road 2 tires are sized for application to most any modern sport and sport touring motorcycle.

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]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/michelin-sport-touring-motorcycle-tire-front-or-rear-dual-compound-pilot-road-2/feed/ 0 IRC Street Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire | Front or Rear GP 110, GP110 http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/irc-street-dual-sport-motorcycle-tire-front-or-rear-gp-110-gp110/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/irc-street-dual-sport-motorcycle-tire-front-or-rear-gp-110-gp110/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 21:59:24 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5415 IRC Street Dual Sport Motorcycle Tire I have found that I can't be satisfied with just one motorcycle. I need to have a pure street bike and a dirt-oriented dual sport. However, there have been times that I have had just a dual sport, so I understand the range of duties placed on a dual sport that is truly used for all types of riding. If you rely on one motorcycle for all of your street and dirt riding, you know what I am talking about.

I have used the IRC GP110 dual sport tire, and it is a good compromise. But you must realize that it is geared toward the street end of the spectrum. What I have found with this tire is that is fantastic on the street, good on hard-packed dirt roads, and mediocre (at best) for serious dirt duty. What this means is that it is just about perfect for 90 percent of the dual-sports on American roads. Most dual-sporters spend 80-90 percent of the time on the street. If you fit into the demographic, you will love the IRC GP110. If you expect this tire to pull you through deep sand or serious mud, you are expecting too much -- that takes a full knobby. Conversely, that full knobby will wallow and squirm on the pavement.

Take a serious look at what you do with your motorcycle. If you are a street-oriented dual-sport rider, take a serious look at the IRC GP110.

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]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/irc-street-dual-sport-motorcycle-tire-front-or-rear-gp-110-gp110/feed/ 0 Metzeler Dual Sport Motorcycle Tires | Dirt Road Performance Tourance, Triumph Tiger http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/metzeler-dual-sport-motorcycle-tires-dirt-road-performance-tourance-triumph-tiger/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/metzeler-dual-sport-motorcycle-tires-dirt-road-performance-tourance-triumph-tiger/#comments Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:25:17 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=5265 Metzeler Dual Sport Motorcycle Tires The Triumph Tiger, the BMW R1200GS, the Moto Guzzi Quota, the Buell Ulysses, the KTM Adventure... What do all these bikes have in common? Well, they are all big, powerful, versatile dual-purpose motorcycles. They are all (with the possible exception of the KTM) most comfortable on the pavement, but are very capable of sojourns on the dirt. With this in mind, choice of tires is an interesting quandary. I have owned three of the bikes on my list above -- a Tiger, a GS, and a Quota -- so I have been through this tire dilemma several times.

These bikes are best suited for what dual-sport riders call an 80-20 mix. That is 80% on-road and 20% off. Thus, the most common tire chosen reflects that mix. The Metzler Tourance is just this kind of tire and is a popular choice by riders of the big mounts. A simple Web search of the Tourance will reveal countless pages of discussions on its merits and limitations. No, this is not a knobby off-road tire. Very few of these bikes are fitted with such dirt-specific tires. However, it is a good road tire, with an aggressive enough tread to make a dirt road a reasonable proposition.

I have run these tires on a Triumph Tiger and was very pleased. They did exactly what I expected, which is what you want from a tire.

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]]> http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/metzeler-dual-sport-motorcycle-tires-dirt-road-performance-tourance-triumph-tiger/feed/ 1 Bridgestone Street Tires Battleax BT-021 | Dual Sport Touring Rear http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/bridgestone-street-tires-battleax-bt-021-dual-sport-touring-rear/ http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/bridgestone-street-tires-battleax-bt-021-dual-sport-touring-rear/#comments Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:38:52 +0000 Tim http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/?p=4979 Bridgestone Street Tires BattleaxPure sport riders require a sticky tire and generally have relatively little concern for mileage. Pure touring riders have exactly the opposite mindset. Stuck in the middle is the sport-tourer. Just like the label suggests, the sport-touring motorcyclist desires the best of both worlds.

I have been sport touring for years, and have experienced a love/hate relationship with tires. Often, when I loved a tire's cornering ability, I hated its longevity (or lack thereof). Conversely, when I found a tire that would carry me for several thousand miles, I was less than confident in its cornering ability.

Now the good news. New tire technology is taking us closer and closer to the perfect "do it all" tire. Bridgestone's latest entry in the sport-touring market is the BT-021. It is replacing the company's hugely successful BT-020. After MUCH research, I decided to mount the BT-021s on my own bike. I have been impressed. The cornering is stable and predictable, and the ride is comfortable. The rear tire is constructed of dual compound rubber -- harder in the middle and softer on the sides. That's where the versatility comes in. The front tire is of single compound construction. I have only about 500 miles on my set; but if rider reports hold true, I can expect from 3000-4000 miles of wear. As an aggressive rider, I would be very pleased with that.

I have always liked Bridgestone street tires, and I have a feeling the BT-021s may become my new favorite.

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