ZZR1200 tyres?

[Jimmy2Feet]

Hi guys,

Firstly sorry as i am aware that tyres have been covered many times before! but i have done a search, but to no prevail!

I have recently upgraded to a ZZ-R1200, and it came with BT020's on it, I always used to run 020's on the SV and never had a problem.

My question is however any suggestions on what rubber to run on the 1200 being that she is kicking out 140bhp not the 70/80 odd of the SV, also being that a lot of the riding i am doing now is the small commute to work, and taking the other half out a lot touring etc next year (hence the bike choice) i would like to know that that the rubber is going to hold up and if possible (tall ask i know) not square off to much, as when the weather turns again i am looking forward to getting out with the lads for a blast, and don't really want to have the bike drop into each corner off the edge of the chicken strip!

Cheers in advance.

[Jimmy2Feet]

any one?

[mattSV]

Jimmy - I don't know if anyone on this forum has a ZZR1200, which might explain the lack of response, on a SV650 forum - have you tried a kawasaki forum? ;)

I am running Avon Storm Ultra 2s on my Sprint ST1050, and many other people on here are also using them on a variety of bikes. So far this year, I have used them for two up trips to Scotland, Wales and France, and have found them superb in all conditions.

Only issue I had was a bit of a slide (kept it up) whilst in the south of France - wet, greasy roundabout + crappy french overbanding.

Plenty of grip for the road, and I would be happy to use them for the odd track day.

[Jimmy2Feet]

Cheers Matt,

I have also joined a ZZR forum, but to be honest it is a load of c*** in comparison to .org

I was asking in the hope that people with high power bikes (i.e. you and your 1050) would give me some ideas of what rubber they use, as only really after suggestions on the rubber, not the bike!

Cheers for the reply tho matt, i have read a couple of places now that Avon's are the way to go! so looks like that will be the way

[STRAMASHER]

My GSX14 is a big heavy torque laden lump and I get 5000 miles out a Avon Storm rear.

I would say its aprroximately 3000miles touring. Was impressed how the profile stayed in shape.... I guess as a consequence of taking it easy being two-up and small or steady throttle on m/ways. Non-touring is about 3500. Still perfectly acceptable IMO.

I am due to change out the rear and have heard a few negative opinions of the new Ultra from fellow 14 brothers, regarding the new hard bit in the middle lacking grip in cold/wet. I am going to replace it with a Storm Ultra anyway as I want to match the ol' Storm front......and tyre opinions are generally not worth a feck, especially from me, Mr Avon, for donkeys years! :)

As an aside, I'm getting a new set of Ultras stuck on the SV for the first time at the weekend and Im sure they will be "the best-fing-evva!!!" .......... in reality, its sweet having properly profiled boots instead of ones that negate the use of the sidestand.



Enjoying your new big bruiser?

[Jimmy2Feet]

Cheers Stramasher,

I really do keep hearing that Avon Storms are the way to go, and i think that around 4/5k miles every day use is not bad at all.

And it looks like i might have a change in work which will mean getting a company car back so wont need to use her for the all year round drive to work, therefore just fair weather fun, and a summer tour.

Therefore i think £5k will be more that enough to expect from a pair.

Cheers mate.

p.s. i am more than enjoying her, just a shame i have missed out on the season!! hey Ho!

[dizzyblonde]

BT21s or 23s for touring. BT16s for being naughty. Although these are used on a 1400 by Peg.

We may go down the Avon Storm Ultras, as they are now recommended by Kawasaki. If you look on the ZZR forum, although the Storms are good, people still stick with the Bridgestones, as its such a big heavy bike.

HTH some.

[philbut]

Re: the Bt02?s Vs storms argument, I have recently switched from Bridgestones on my ZZR to Avon storm Ultras. Very impressed with the Avons. I have BT016 on my ZX7R and they are great tyres, but for a sports touring tyre I'd go for the Avons.

I'm on ZZRinternational BTW - not as busy as on here but still some helpful folk on there.

[dizzyblonde]

Re: the Bt02?s Vs storms argument, I have recently switched from Bridgestones on my ZZR to Avon storm Ultras. Very impressed with the Avons. I have BT016 on my ZX7R and they are great tyres, but for a sports touring tyre I'd go for the Avons.

I'm on ZZRinternational BTW - not as busy as on here but still some helpful folk on there.

Indeedy, which is why Peg will perhaps give em a go, as his rear will need changing soonish. Hes quite impressed with the old Storms on my SVs, and also the Ultra we got put on the VRap. So whats the harm in trying them on the bus?