Metzler RaceTech's to OEM Tyres - what to expect?

[AkiraSV]

I originally posted this in the Hardware - Tyres forum before realising that forum is more for reviews (doh!) so I'm not too sure where to post this. Moderators please feel free to delete the thread in the wrong forum/merge the threads. My mistake! :D

SO... before I binned the bike I had a set of Metzeler RaceTech's on her - K1 front (120/70) and a K2 rear (180/55). They were the tyres that came with the bike and both had seen better days - the rear was squared off a little. Anyway, I'll be putting some OEM Dunlops on the bike when she's back on the road - I got them with the front end bibio sold me, both tyres are in great condition.

What I'm wondering is what can I expect in terms of feel and performance? This bike is my first bike so the Metzelers are the only tyres I've known and I think I may have been spoilt with them (although from what I read the SV really shouldn't have a 180/55 rear fitted to it...). I've read various things about the OEM tyre and if I'm honest I'm already worrying about how it'll feel; I liked the confidence the Metzelers gave me, knowing they'd always outperform me. I'd class myself as a fairly pacey road rider although I'm very much still learning.

Any advice/help/suggestions? :confused:

[Bibio]

feel performance = riding on marbles but dont really put a foot wrong, they just feel wrong.

longevity = great you should see about another 5k out the rear and 7k out the front.

and i think you have the size of the tyres wrong in your post.

[AkiraSV]

Yikes, just noticed my tyre size mistake! That would have made for an interesting front tyre! Corrected now.

That's what I'm worried about though, the riding on marbles thing, Obviously this is in newbie terms but I could always 'feel' what the tyres were doing underneath me on the Metzelers.

[Bibio]

just go and ride the bike and judge for yourself. there are plenty folk who like them. personally i don't and that's why you have them now ROFL. they are not as bad as people make out but not as good as say avon storms.

[monkey]

I had them on my SV and done my first few trackdays on them. Although they get slated on here I think you'll ind them perfectly fine. They won't go spitting you off for no reason. They're sport touring tyres too don't forget so you may feel better in the wet with them than your last pair.

What have you got to lose?

[Jackie_Black]

They were my first sports bike tyre and they were fine in all conditions. Then I switched to 021s and there even better. Looking back as others have said they don't feel good but do grip well.

[AkiraSV]

It's a psychological thing, I know for sure. I just don't want to be worrying about the tyres...

Been looking at some Michelin Pilot Powers for £160 on mandp though... :rolleyes:

[Steve_God]

OEMs are fine, but that's all they are...
They give alright mileage but not as good as Avon Storms.
Alright grip but not as good as any kind of sporty fire.
Only area it's lacking is feedback, but other than that it does the job.

[AkiraSV]

I guess that's the main thing I'm looking for... feedback.

[Bibio]

then you will have to spend money on 'good' tyres. have you gone out and tried them yet? you might get a pleasant surprise as they are not that bad. they are about the same feedback and grip as the mez sporttec that are on my bro's duke. to which i also don't like but that's a personal choice.

i think your main worry is that you are going to bin your bike again. be at ease with the fact that there have been thousands of people who have ridden on the OEM tyres and had no problems. the ones that have have probably thought that they are some racing god and that they were riding the TT.

[AkiraSV]

You are right, I'm verrryyy worried about binning the bike again, as I can't really afford to repair it all for a second time! And you are right on all of those points too! I guess I just have these anxieties about things. Haven't tried them yet though, taking some things for respraying on Saturday and then the whole lot will be thrown together. :)

[Steve_God]

If you're looking for feedback then I've always found Pirelli's (Diablos were my favourite) to be spot on with both grip and feedback.

BUT - you'll be paying much more for them, and they also don't last anywhere near as long as most other tyres, but it's always a compromise.

[monkey]

Cadwell park in the pouring rain and the OEMs were fine. (they don't work well on wet grass though as I found to my misfortune).