Flat rear tire?

[Dexi]

Hey guys... My rear tire seems to be looking more and more like a car tire each month. It's only got about 5k miles on it but I do a lot of straight line highway/commute riding. The front looks perfect, but the constant zig-zag center line on my rear is gone in most spots, and now it's basically a slick in the middle of the tire but good tread on the sides.

Should I get the same tire?

Or should I get something other than the stock battleaxes?

Also... Anyone ever had this issue? Tips? Isn't the compound engineered tougher in the middle of the tire to avoid this?

 

[Trinith]

Buy a set of Michelin Pilot Road 2's or Pilot Road 3's if you can find some that fit, though I don't think they make any for an ex500. I get 10-15,000 miles out of mine on a big heavy VFR, and I'm not always very nice to them.

 

[DodgeRider26]

Very few tires have multiple compounds based on lean angle. The most popular tire with that feature is the Michelin Pilot Road (2 or 3). I have a PR3 rear on my Connie and even with nearly 4K highway miles in the last month it still isn't starting to show any flat spots. Mind you, that's on a bike that puts around 100 lb/ft of torque to the rear wheel and I think of my throttle as an on/off switch. On your EX you'll be riding forever before you replace it.

Another comparable tire in terms of performance and longevity is the Pirelli Angel ST. I've owned the Pirelli in the past and I am still in love with that tire. Much lower price tag and amazing performance. I was able to drag pegs on my SV using Pirelli Angels... for a "Sport Touring" tire designed for longevity and good grip I was very impressed with it. In fact, I tried to get it when I replaced my Connie's rear tire but unfortunately I had to buy locally and same day and nobody had the Angel in stock in my size.

 

[Dexi]

Thanks guys. But the biggest issue is that I need 110/70/17 and 130/70/17 ... I don't think there are any Pirelli's in that size, and the pilot's rear starts at 150.

Edit: I take that back... the Sport Demon fits my bike.

 

[DodgeRider26]

Hmmm, let me see what I can find online. I've used quite a variance of tires over these last few years...

 

[DodgeRider26]

Yep... pretty much nothing decent in that size that I have any experience with. I will state though that LaurieJennifer has used IRC Roadwinner tires on her supermoto at one point or another. You might check with her and see what she thinks of them.

 

[JollyRoger]

Maxxis sport touring (not sure if they have your size) but they are the ones I always recommend. Great life, grip in all conditions and price.

http://www.mcnews.com.au/Product_Advert ... /promo.htm .. crap doesn't look like they have the size.

 

[sstimmyy]

I use Bridgestones. S20 on the front BT023 on the rear. Comming up to 5000 miles, not too much wear. Just make sure you keep the pressures right, invest in a pressure checker if you havnt already!

 

[BritishMotovlogger]

I have the same problem. The dealer put some super soft sports tyres on a bandit that is used mainly for commuting... Oh well. Getting some pilot roads on monday. Look up "dual compound" or "sport tourer tires" as these basically are harder in the middle and wear out less, but soft on the sides to give more grip. This is ideal for motorway riding as it shouldnt square off the tyres too much (which is what you are describing)

Squared tires can effect the handling if too severe.

I have actually come across someone who had triangular tires. I think the bike spent all its life in the corners, they were insain and still to this day I dont understand how on earth they were triangular!