Tyres

5/2007

Tyre change!

I have now change both tyres since 5/2006.

With that said I currently have(5/2007):

Much better! The handling has significantly improved since changing both tyres. The new Bridgestone on the front is a dream compared to the Arrowmax. More grip, better rounding and consistency and not to mention it matches the new Bridgestone on the back. Well worth the extra $$. Cost: AU$150 + Labour

5/2006

Basics

Tyres are very important on any bike but given the ZZR has to be molestered through corners at higher speeds, you don't want to make the wrong tyre choice resulting in poor handling or having the back or front end slip out before you scrape the foot pegs. The original tyres are somewhat average so ask around before throwing any rubber on there once they ware out. (I got Approx. 18,000Km before the originals wore down to around 2mm).

Also remember you should have, and would want, at least 3mm tread for operating speeds above 130 Kph.

The above graphic is in relation to car tyres but the idea is basically the same. Use a little intelligence when translating to motorcycles, under inflation will give you sloppy handling and poor fuel economy, over inflation will give you a bald stripe down the centre of the tyre.

Speed and Tyre Ware

Another interesting fact about tyre ware. From what I've read there seems to be a minium ware percentage for travelling speed or 'sweet spot' speed. This speed is approximately 70KPH. Apparently tyre ware is almost linier and relatively minimal to this point, however it then starts to increase exponentially. The best figures I've come across is at 100KPH tyre ware is %30 more than at 70KPH. Unfortunately I have no info on tyre ware below 70KPH.

The Bridgestone's are quite good, the edge of the tyre is rounded off nice enough, it doesn't square too easily, great in the dry good in the wet and so far I've clocked up 10,000Km and it looks like it'll last at least another 10,000. A good all-round tyre that won't break your budget at around AU$150.

The Dunlop's on the other hand leave something to be desired. Although the edges are adequately rounded and the tread, to the untried eye, appears reasonable it lacks consistency and I've noticed cracking much earlier than the Bridgestone. Also they are not as smooth at high speeds (like the Bridgestone), contributing to decreased handling. If your bike is up to scratch but you seem to have a 'shaky' or 'unstable' front end, are you using Arrowmax? RRP approx. AU$105.