From Z6 to BT021

[I'm_a_Newbie]

Hi All.

I have just changed my rear tyre from a Z6 to a BT021. Someone on here once said they did not like Z6's as the handling goes off to soon as they wear. I'm inclined to agree. Since the BT021 has been on I have more confidence in bends and get good feedback.

What I would like to know is, is this true of all tyres or is it a trait of the Z6. The Z6 still had about 1500 miles life left, but I had picked up a second puncture and decided to renew it so it was not fully worn.

What are your thoughts?

Tim.

[Baph]

If a tyre squares off, your handling is ruined no matter what.

Personally, I've done maybe a combined mileage of appox 20k on Z6s, and find them to be a great tyre...

However, I've moved over to PR2s as I think they're even better.

It depends what you look for in a tyre, I prefer a mix of longevity and grip.

Now lets see how long it takes a mod to move this to Tyres ;) :lol:

[Dangerous Dave]

The Z6's are good tyres but I found the BT020's and then BT021's much better, followed by the PR2'a and even better are the Avons Azaro ST's and Storm ST's. They offer both high mileage and lots of grip.

As Baph said, it depends what you are looking for in a tyre as to what you feel is a good tyre.

[RingDing]

Personally I thought the Z6 was far superior to the BT020. I've just had a pair taken off my SV after 9,000 miles. Yes the handling went off as they squared, BUT they had instilled so much confidence in me that it didn't matter. If it wiggled, or needed a little bit more force to turn then it didn't faze me. I've NEVER had that confidence in a road tyre before, including two pairs of BT020.

That said I've had them replaced with the new Dunlop Roadsmart which has been rated, across the board, as better all round than its peers (at present!).

I don't think that any of the latest (that excludes the 020) sports touring tyres can be bad tyres and I doubt many people on the forum could rate one above the other on outright grip. I think choice comes down to personal preference over profile shape etc.

[fizzwheel]

Personally I thought the Z6 was far superior to the BT020.

Agreed

[Dangerous Dave]

I doubt many people on the forum could rate one above the other on outright grip. I think choice comes down to personal preference over profile shape etc.

Agreed, as I said before every tyre is down to personal preference just like your bike. The only way to find what tyre suits you best is go through the entire range.

[markmoto]

Got z6s on my fazer and ive never had a problem with grip ive found them a very good tyre.

[Lozzo]

That said I've had them replaced with the new Dunlop Roadsmart which has been rated, across the board, as better all round than its peers (at present!).


My last SV had Diablo Stradas, which I rated quite highly and the new bike has Z6s, which are the same tyres with different tread patterns. Before that my tyres of choice were the Avon Azaro 3 AV45/46 and the Michelin Pilot Road2 2CTs.

Of all the tyres on the market I've sworn blind I'll never buy any variety of Dunlops again - I really do not like the way they've felt on any bike I've ridden fitted with them, with the exception of D207RRs on my Thunderace.

[RingDing]

Of all the tyres on the market I've sworn blind I'll never buy any variety of Dunlops again

First impressions of them are excellent. Obviously the handling feels great compared to the worn Z6's but they also seem to warm up quite quick and are quite neutral steering, which I like. Considering they've got 30 miles on them I've got the 'chicken strips' down to 5mm on the RHS already. That was on Fridays' cold roads and wasn't by doing laps of a roundabout but by having a quick blast out. They've got my confidence vote already.

Personally I'd never buy Michelins as I had one fail on me years back and they refused to acknowledge it. But that's a point of principal thing rather than a safety issue as far as I'm concerned. I'm stubborn me!

I think what we've done here is illustrate exactly what a number of people have sai, personal preference is the big thing rather than a scientifically quantifiable difference in performance.

[dickis01]

Umm, maybe I need to try some different rubber. I think the BT020's I have are fantastic, I have boat loads of confidence with them, but after reading this thread maybe the Z6's would turn me into a SV Valantino......lol. (Yes the bike is only 2 months old, but due to sharp objects I have had 2 new BT020's fitted in January).