Tyre suggestions for an MT09 please

[Beancounter]

Apologies for the banal thread but I need some help choosing appropriate tyres for my MT-09. I have been on adventure bikes or bikes with a narrow choice for almost 20 years so am out of touch with modern sports bike tyres.

Tyre sizes for the MT-09 are 120/70 and 180/55, both 17 inch wheels. Currently have Metzeler Roadtec 01, no complaints on them, they feel quite neutral.

I'm not a quick rider, nor am I heavy on the brakes or throttle so arguably it takes longer for my tyres to warm up and ride in the wet too. From a very brief conversation with Bob at FWR a couple of years ago it seem I prefer 'pointier' tyres (the conversation was about Dunlop Roadsmart 3 on my 1150GS).

I've got a track day next week too - I don't know if that makes a difference to what might be suggested.

[Mr Moofo]

Maxxis DNF on the front , Magic Mary back ....

[weeksy]

my generic answer is S21 or S22s

[Beancounter]

Maxxis DNF on the front , Magic Mary back ....

If I could get WTB Vigilantes in motorbike sizes...

my generic answer is S21 or S22s

Thank you.

[Dodgy69]

Sports touring.

[weeksy]

Sports touring.

cheaper the better hey

[Dodgy69]

Hard enough, soft enough, last long enough.

[Dodgy69]

https://www.mandp.co.uk/products/120-70 ... 451-699452


Cheap and do the job. Not sure about longevity though.

[KungFooBob]

https://www.mandp.co.uk/products/120-70 ... 451-699452


Cheap and do the job. Not sure about longevity though.

My K1200RS came with a new pair of those on. They're nowhere near as bad as I thought they'd be. Pretty good in the wet too. No idea on life, I've not done enough miles on them yet.

[asmethurst99]

Don't ask me ...

[Beancounter]

Don't ask me ...

[asmethurst99]

Don't ask me ...

I got s21 in the end - seem much better but I'm such a mild rider it will take a while to wear them in .
Bike feels less skittish at least and settled in low speed corners anything was better than what was on it .

[Skub]

Michelin Power 5 are a good grippy tyre in a mix of conditions. They don't last terribly long,if that's an issue. Pilot Road 5 supposedly last longer,but I haven't tried them myself.

The rear Power is very dead at 4k,the front will do roughly every other rear change.

[wull]

S22 all day long, no ifs or buts get them fitted.

[Druid]

It sounds as though sports touring tyres are what you need, tbh there's probably not much to choose between any of the main manufacturers

I like Michelins, Pilot Road 4 or 5 are their sports touring tyres. PR 5s last longer I'm told, but cost more. I don't think they're a pointy tyre though, and I managed to knacker a half worn PR4 at Cadwell a couple of years ago but it was a very hot day, 30C plus.

[Demannu]

My experience is on an xsr9, which is pretty close to the MT.
Dunlop gpr300's. Decent amount of grip and not too pressure sensitive. I got 1800 miles out of them
Currently using Conti Road attack 3.
Horrible horrible tyres on standard pressures.
Took me a fortnight of messing about with pressures and settings I've found quite a reasonable setup which allows me to drag my boots with rearsets on and really chew the edges up on the road.
However most ST tyres these days will out perform you!

[Supermofo]

Another PR4 or 5 vote. Currently on the 5s with almost 3k miles and lots left on em. The 4s did about 5 before feel plop but I ran them to 6k which I shouldn't have cos the handling was buggered by then.

Having said that any current crop leading sports touring tyres will be great on the road