Where For Tyres

Guys, gonna need some new rear rubber imminently. Never had to buy new tyres on my previous 3 bikes as I didn't keep them long enough to have to change them.

Use the SV for the work commute which involves a lot of straight and upright riding so I want something thats gonna last for a while. Metz Z6's look like the ticket (unless anyone suggests any better) but where shall I go to buy/them have them fitted in the North Kent/SEL area...?

Also, as I haven't changed them before, is it OK for me to stick with the stock front tyre (cos its got life left) and just chage the rear or is this not recommended...? Wouldn't bother me on my car but should I be concerned on the bike?

Thanks.

Tilly

You could try Watling tyres if it has to be North kent. They're in Gillingham, on the A2 http://www.watling-tyres.co.uk/index.php. Not the cheapest though - cost me about £215 for a pair of Diablo Stradas fitted (almost identical to Z6's though they said the Z6's would cost more). If you can, try to get to Micheldelver - quite a way away but from the reports I've heard they're a lot cheaper - enough to make the trip worthwhile - maybe £165 for the same tyres fitted. That's where I'm going next. Good excuse for a ride too!

oh - and change them both - some people try and get the front to last for 2 rears but I don't think it's worth the added risk (of mismatched tyres not working properly together) or hassle (of having to go back and pay more because the front didn't last for the full 2 rears)

Just to comment that Micheldever was £186.46 fitted to the bike for Stradas, and the exact same price if we'd gone for the Z6's. It's a fair way for you tho, but the ride back will give you plenty of time to scrub the new rubber in

Personally, when changing from the standard rubber to anything else, I would change the front as well. Next time, if your just going to keep the same brand, then I would keep the front on. Some where on here people have mentioned that it's best to stick the stickier tyre on the front, and the standard dunlop ain't that sticky.

Rigor

or you could try Essential Rubber, they're a good bunch with very competative prices

http://www.essentialrubber.co.uk/

It is generally good practice to make sure you don't have stickier rubber on the rear, as it would be preferable for the rear to break away first, rather than the front.
However, unless you're really hooning it, you probably wouldn't notice. I put a Z6 on the rear and kept the stock tyre on the front for about another 3,000 miles without any problems

[BillyC]

If you can make it to North London - Essential Rubber.

Thanks for all your responses. Micheldever might be a bit of a trek. That North London place and watling tyres would be fine. I'll check them out.

Also, think I'll take your advice on getting both tyres changed...

Cheers all.....

Tilly

Sidcup Motorcycle Tyres are also very good!

Originally Posted by Jdubya

Sidcup Motorcycle Tyres are also very good!

Very friendly and helpful but a little high on the price at times. I will look elsewhere for tyres next time me thinks.

Sidcup Motorcycle tyres would be the closest to me but they do look little on the expensive side.......