What tyre do I get?

**Oldie** · 17 Mar 08, 08:24 AM

Sorry for asking,

as I know the subject crops up a lot, but I need some new
rubber(at least on the back)and am in a quandary.
At the mo' I have Michelin Pilot Sports and the rear is squared off and pretty much on the limit. I have been considering going for the 2CT's or the new Pirelli Rosso.
Any feedback will be appreciated.

Rick

**1_POB** · 17 Mar 08, 08:52 AM

Rick,
My 749 is in having the wheels powder coated and when they are done I'm having Pirelli Diablo Corsa IIIs put on. This is not through experience but just through reading a lot on here in the 749 section! I've been told not everyone gets on with these tyres but I thought I'd give them a go.

Cheers,

Ed

**David.Hicks** · 17 Mar 08, 08:56 AM

The Diablo Rosso replaces the existing Diablo. Both are designed for road and occassional track use. I get on great with the Diablo on my SPS and will try the new Rosso next time I need some new tyres. I expect you have already read the recent thread on this. If not, you can find it here.

I've never tried the others.

Cheers

**Oldie** · 17 Mar 08, 09:08 AM

Thanks for your replies Ed and David. It is of course a personal choice based on experience of others and ones own. Shame we can't have a "try before you buy" system!
Looks like it may be a toss of the coin!

Rick

**NedLudd** · 17 Mar 08, 09:22 AM

Oldie, I think you should get the new Diablo Rosso, partly because I like and rate the old Diablo [which I put on mine after legion recommendations here] and partly because no one else yet has and we need a guinea pig!

**David.Hicks** · 17 Mar 08, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldie

Thanks for your replies Ed and David. It is of course a personal choice based on experience of others and ones own. Shame we can't have a "try before you buy" system!
Looks like it may be a toss of the coin!

Rick

I agree. However, I think a lot of people are seduced by the marketing. I see lots of people using Diablo Corsa IIIs and similar 50/50 road/track tyres on bikes which rarely if ever go on the track. They justify it by saying that they are 'stickier' but of course in real world conditions on the road this just isn't true. I've left a few 998s and 1098s behind on the twisties on my old SPS running straight Diablos. My suspicion is that people buy these tyres because of the image - the harsh reality is that they don't make them a faster or better rider, and they cost more to buy and need replacing more often. My advice is to be honest with yourself about the kind of riding that you do and then buy a tyre recommended by the manufacturer for that type of riding.

**Oldie** · 17 Mar 08, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NedLudd

Oldie, I think you should get the new Diablo Rosso, partly because I like and rate the old Diablo [which I put on mine after legion recommendations here] and partly because no one else yet has and we need a guinea pig!

Ha,ha Ned, it won't be me 'cos I've just had a talk with Mike(M.D.Racing) and he reckons the
Michelin 2CT's are really first class, particularly in the wet. He said he thought he would try and spin it up in the wet but it just gripped. What Mike says is good enough for me, so Michelins it will be.

Sorry mate,

Rick

**NedLudd** · 17 Mar 08, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldie

Ha,ha Ned, it won't be me 'cos I've just had a talk with Mike(M.D.Racing) and he reckons the
Michelin 2CT's are really first class, particularly in the wet. He said he thought he would try and spin it up in the wet but it just gripped. What Mike says is good enough for me, so Michelins it will be.

Sorry mate,

Rick

Drat! But good advice I'm sure. I went for Diablos over 2CTs as I simply avoid the wet, but esp if you ride in all weathers they sound very good indeed.

**biscuitandpotato** · 17 Mar 08, 11:29 AM

Im running 2ct's on the 749. they are the best tyre Ive had. was always a pirelli man but got these really cheap (120 fitted) ive done a couple of 1000 miles trips round the highlands and several 2-300 mile blasts to the Lakes / NY Moors etc. First mile or so they can be a bit squiggy but after that

. whith the duel compound they dont square off if you doing longer distances

**biscuitandpotato** · 17 Mar 08, 11:29 AM

oh they are great in the wet!

**fastphil** · 17 Mar 08, 08:29 PM

Diablo corsa 111's in cold wet conditions =

they are that good in the wet and cold they can slip before the slipper clutch on a downchange

**Rob998** · 17 Mar 08, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David.Hicks

I agree. However, I think a lot of people are seduced by the marketing. I see lots of people using Diablo Corsa IIIs and similar 50/50 road/track tyres on bikes which rarely if ever go on the track. They justify it by saying that they are 'stickier' but of course in real world conditions on the road this just isn't true. I've left a few 998s and 1098s behind on the twisties on my old SPS running straight Diablos. My suspicion is that people buy these tyres because of the image - the harsh reality is that they don't make them a faster or better rider, and they cost more to buy and need replacing more often. My advice is to be honest with yourself about the kind of riding that you do and then buy a tyre recommended by the manufacturer for that type of riding.

Well, that'll be Pilot Road 2s for me then!!!!

**jamesguschi** · 17 Mar 08, 09:16 PM

I have the 2CT's on mine and they are great. They are supposed to have the dual compound on them, soft on the ouside and harder in the middle. They must be right as I do the track nights at Knockhill and the outside wears at the same rate as the middle. Must be good. I am no pro when it comes to the track but the grip is excellent

**Lord Jap Hunter** · 17 Mar 08, 10:44 PM

2 CT's seem to be a good fast road tyre. They get up to working temp pretty quick and grip well even when they are nearing the end of their life, which is more than I can say for Dunlops I have used in the past.

**Mototech** · 18 Mar 08, 07:52 AM

I have always used Diablo's on my Dukes, and never had any problems. The new Rosso's are fantastic tyres, we have fitted quite a few sets now & everyone is really happy with them. Plus there is £30 cash back from Pirelli on a pair at the minute.
Brian
Mototech - Motorcycle Service and Performance, Northern Ireland, Upper Ballinderry, Lisburn, Co. Antrim