Streetbike Tire Categories Explained | MC GARAGE
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ม.ค. 2017
- When it comes to tires, you have a lot of choices. So many that it can be confusing! Which buns are right for you depends on what you ride, where you ride it, and how your ride it. To help you make sense of the many tire options out there, I’ll explain the five main tire categories. And to really drive home the differences, I’m going to compare them to shoes.
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Tires are always a compromise between grip and durability, and they span the spectrum from hard, long-lasting buns for big bikes to super soft and grippy race slicks. Which tires are best for you has to do with the kind of bike you ride, where you ride it, your riding style and experience, and of course weather conditions.
To help you make sense of the many tire options out there, I’ll explain the five main tire categories. And to really drive home the differences, I’m going to compare them to shoes.
To kick things off, let’s talk about a type of tire I like to compare to work boots.
CRUISER TIRES
All the Harley-Davidsons, Indians, Victorys, and customs you see out on the road are going to be rolling on a specific kind of tire. Cruiser buns are thick, heavy, and stiff because they're designed for really big, really heavy bikes.
Think of cruiser tires as work boots-sturdy and durable, and made for, well, doin’ work. Cruiser tires are meant to handle a ton of miles and work well in all weather conditions, so they use a harder tread compound with plenty of tread grooves to channel out water. They’re great for straight-line stability and offer really awesome mileage, but not necessarily a lot of performance or outright traction. And on cruisers, that’s an ideal compromise.
On the spectrum of street tires, cruiser rubber is at one extreme end, and just so we can clearly mark the boundaries, let’s jump all the way over to the other end of the spectrum and talk about slicks.
ROADRACE SLICKS
Slicks are at the pinnacle of performance, and that means they’re expensive, extremely specialized, and they have very specific criteria that need to be met for them to offer optimal grip. Slicks are hugely sensitive to temperature and pressure, and because they’re so grippy they only last for a few dozen laps at most.
In the world of shoes, slicks are sprinter’s spikes. They’re very focused, totally uncompromising, and totally out of place any place but the track.
I’ve heard street riders say they need slicks because they’re headed to the track, but that’s like a casual jogger strapping on these sprinter’s spikes to go for a run around the park. It’s total overkill, and totally unsuitable unless you can meet the operating requirements of the equipment. For slicks, that means using tire warmers to heat your buns up to about 180 degrees and watching your tire pressures like a hawk.
DOT ROADRACE TIRES
Just below race slicks are DOT race tires. These are essentially slicks with the bare minimal of tread grooves to make them meet Department of Transportation standards so they can conform to production-racing rules. These tires may resemble street rubber, but they’re a totally different animal.
Like slicks, DOTs need to be hot to grip well, only work in the dry, only offer optimal traction for a heat cycle or two, and are constructed specifically for racing. That means a stiffer carcass for handling vicious acceleration and braking, and an aggressive profile with a tall crown.
In terms of footwear, DOT race tires like these Bridgestone RS10s are like top-end running shoes. We’re talking about the kind of kicks athletes wear to click off 5-minute miles. Performance oriented for sure, but not too good for everyday walking.
As for using your racer buddy’s DOT take offs on the street because you want to be the fastest guy on Mulholland, don’t do it. There’s no way you’re going to get these things hot enough to work well. They’re for race use only, which is why you can only get them through trackside vendors.
SPORT TOURING TIRES
Next up is a category of tire that combines a little bit of that cruiser-tire durability with a whole lot of performance. This is what the vast majority of street rider should be rolling on. Sport-touring tires like the T30 from Bridgestone are kind of like cross trainers or trail-running shoes. They’re comfortable and versatile and pretty athletic. That’s the kind of shoes I like to wear on a daily basis, and ST tires are the kind of rubber I like to ride on, whether I’m riding a ZX-6R or FJR.
Why? Because ST tires are designed to be versatile, and modern sport-touring tires offer incredible grip and good mileage. They’re Goldilocks third bowl of porridge.
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People give me a hard time in the ZX6R forums because I run Sport Touring tires, but this video confirms why I run them, thanks. Currently I'm running the Michelin Road 6
THIS☝☝
This is what the motorcycling world needs.... information which could be easily understood whether u are a beginer rider or a profesional rider.... keep up the good work guys...
from a huge fan in singapore!!
Thanks Sam, that means a lot.
Been a fan a long time, Ari. For some reason your videos weren't popping up on my TH-cam feed until the last day or two. I'm glad I had several to sit and binge watch.
exactly!
Nice job MCG
Recently acquired a Hypermotard, ran a set of Diablo Supercorsa now running a set of Dunlop Q3. Both are amazing tires on this bike but I'm tearing them up in under 2000 miles. I only ride tight and semi tight twisty canyons on the Central Coast of CA. I'd love to find a tire that sticks like these but would give me closer to 3000+ miles.
sam fixit yeah totaly agree !!!!! ari isthabest 😊
I fucking love how this just gets to the point no 999 second intro or anything this is how all content on TH-cam should be like.
I learned a lot about shoes today, thanks Ari!
Just remember us old guys on beemers used to be the ones screaming down the road....but with age comes wisdom, responsibility and brittle bones!
How would we ever know what your opinion on the subject is unless we're also on a beemer? Beemer owners are notorious for not engaging with other riders!
Fantastic video! You guys are killing it with these succinct, informative videos. Clearing up so many misconceptions in the riding community! Keep it up!
+1
So basically Sport Touring tires are the best jack of all trades.
yea exactly, surprisingly ST are more than enough for kneel down!
except for racing tracks and off road
Depends on the bike. I’m on a touring cruiser that can only reach about 25° of lean. The only way I lose traction is something on the road or extreme cold. And when I say extreme cold, I ride well below freezing every winter in Canada. Also, a lot of premium cruiser tires are now dual compound. There’s really no such thing as Jack of all trades. Got figure out your needs and go accordingly.
@@joelmacdonald6994 That's awesome to know! to be able to stay upright even in slippery winter road. I'd rather go with ST tires to have both Sporty and Touring ride yeah.
@@batcavemd don’t get me wrong, at speed I tame it down. But I’ve only dropped my bike once on ice, and that’s because I caught a rut at the work parking lot. As long as the roads are clear of ice, I’ll ride. But you still need to be smart about it. And you’ve really got to be in tune with your bike to know when it’s breaking loose before it gets wild. Mine has broken loose on frosty roads, and it will scare the shit out of you. Ride to the limit you think the roads allow, conservatively, and learn what your bike and tires can do with extreme caution.
Some awesome information here and explained. I have absolutely no regrets after changing from Pilot Power 3 to Angle GT's on my R1. I generally have a minimum of 100+ kilometers of highway riding before I get to any twisty roads and the GT's are wearing great. I would have worn out a set of PP3's by now and the GT's hardly look like they have any wear. And I'm no racer, I can admit it so the sport touring tires have more than enough grip for me in the corners.
This was the most simple and very informative video on tires I’ve seen for motorcycles
Ari - you always do an absolutely amazing job on your MC Garage videos. Keep up the fantastic work!
These videos you guys put out are awesome and us enthusiasts really appreciate all the work that goes into making them. Just wanted to say, thank you.
The dislikes are likely from "other" channels or magazines who are jealous of the quality & knowledge Ari is constantly dropping. Props!
Just bought some Dunlop roadsmart for my r6 because I commute a lot but hit the canyons once in awhile and I don’t really drag knees just casual ride with my friends. Ride safe!
I'm on the second set of these on my CB500F, I get a lot of miles out of them and have ridden in sub-freezing temps, light snow, torrential rain, and when ambient temps were well over 100 degrees. When I wear this pair out, I'll probably buy them again. The only other tire I have much interest in would be a Metzeler Roadtec 01.
@@phatcyclist how many miles did you get out of road smarts?
@@techten1012 I'm have about 14k miles on the second set now and they are almost there. I have zero complaints about them, they've worn evenly and put up with awful torn-up roads under construction day in and day out.
Man your videos are so helpful to new motorcycle owners/riders. Greatly appreciated
This channel is SO good in so many aspects: for learning, informing yourself about all across the board topics, checking news about new stuff etc :) you guys are doing an amazing job and must be said, Thank you
Unbiased videos as always from MC. All the info we need.
Keep up the good work brother.
This MC garage series has me hooked!
Man you’ve been helping me understand my bike by far more then anyone has thank you!
Looking at different types of brake pads might be a good video Ari. I've seen guys wash out after upgrading their pads a few times.
That's on the list and in process.
Ari Henning Good to hear. Love the vids
Great!
yep, types of brake pads would be great to be discuss! hope you make the video Ari!
Also i don't think that that's the real ari Henning
Great analogies, glad you took the time to compare them to shoes and I will definitely share this with my friends
Thanks for this Ari! I'd been waffling between sport tires and ST, and you drove the nail into that coffin when you said YOU, racing background and Tuono and all, run STs. That's definitely enough grip for me :)
Great video ari really helped me out!
Wow! ...A video with comparisons I can relate to that really helps make sense of an overwhelming array of options. Thanks!!!
Have now watched this and the aftermarket pipe video (as I'm getting a Yoshi R77 system next week and new tyres in a few thousand kms, and BOTH videos have been a fantastic bundle of information. Great stuff, look forward to watching more of these!
These info packets are all good. Quick, informative and entertaining without too much goofing around.
I saw this video years back… I am now on the track occasionally and it is applicable! I remembered this from years back and it is exactly the guidance i needed!
Thank you for your channel, very informative and laconically!
Love the MC Garage series. Education in a subject that matters! Thanks guys.
Excellent run through of the options.
The reason i like your page is becox your videos does not contain extra talks... its straight to the point and very informative...interesting enough to watch till the end...cheers
Thank you for explaining this so well and cleanly!
comparing to shoes was such a smart thing to do. we all know about the similarities but we never actually associate certain shoes with certain tires thank you
Real information without preaching. Cheers mate.
Keep up the good work. I'm definitely a fan of your channel. Realy good content and delivery of it. Appreciate ;)
best bike channel on the tube, great job again
Kick ass video. You're very knowledgeable when it comes to motorcycles and what's makes them happy. Thanks for making all these awesome videos.
You guys are making so many usefull videos, I am enjoying them and my knowledge is also being upgraded with it. Thank you so much.. keep doing such great things , looking forward to it !
you guys always put out great content. informative video on the tires. I'd suggest maybe covering different suspension setups, eg. the difference between a linkage rear swingarm and a direct shock linkage and dual shock vs. monoshock.
Nice work, great video.
outstanding work as always!
Beginner here. The analogy was crystal clear.
Love your videos! Keep up the good work
Awesome video! So concise and informative at the same time. Thank you very much. It seems that SportTouring tire will check all my needs.
I knew about tires, I've learned about shoes! Great vid !!
I used to have track spikes in high school. Now I feel like Rossi. Thanks!
fantastic content, my 4th video found you, answered my questions and secured my choice of tyre type - old guy on a BMW thanks bud
I appreciate the viceos. I have used your videos to buy tires, and to plugg my tires . Thank you !
awesome video great information and easily understood
Super useful video, thanks! now I have a much clearer mind about my next pair of tires!
another great informative video always good to learn especially when you have just started riding thanks
Great info, I learned something new. In particular the difference between Hypersport, and ST tires. Thanks!
I am now more informed for my first tire purchase. Sport / Touring will be the ticket for me. Thank you. Well done.
great explanation and as usual, awesome video guys 👍👍🤘
Short and informative. I like
I came here to do some correction because I've been riding for 12 yrs. You've got everything bang on.
Nice one. Love ur vids...always very informative. Much love from Nigeria
Good one. More of these please.
Love the videos, keep them coming.
This series is awesome!! you have my likes
Great information on your videos.
I liked the shoe analogy, good job!
Thank you, Ari. Simple and to the point. Some videos on the RC mechanicals, components would come in handy.
This channel is really informative I hope to learn some good things watching these videos
Exactly the information I was looking for!
Awesome as always, bro.
Damm this channel is amazing !!! Loved the work and info of every video watched .
Tire explanations really do not get better than this. If I could use this analogy to help every customer that comes in the door, wait - I will.
I like your videos. Good example and simple explanation.
awesome and very useful review. thanks for that!
Awesome! 👏👏 Good thing I've already been rocking the t30's for 2 years 👍
Great vid bro....keep up the good work
Excellent info as always....thx Ari
I'm the second owner of an '04 RC51 that needs new tires to replace it's Pirelli Corsa 3's that are God-knows how old and worn out. I happened to come across this channel while starting my search of tires for it and am definitely glad I watched this! It's mostly used for work commuting 90% and maybe back roads the other 10%. The centers of the tires flattened out from the commuting, so definitely looks like I'll be shopping in the ST tire category. Thanks for the vid!
I'm using BT023 right now on RSVR and very happy with cornering grip but the centers harder for longevity. Probably work great for you.
Fwiw I'm coming off multiple sets of Angel GT's but they've priced me out now asking too much imho for their tires. Angels were a good compromise tire with good performance when rears were in the $150 range. Now they're chasing Michelin price wise yet they don't provide the mileage of Michelins PR4 etc.... I wouldn't have a problem continuing to ride Angels forever but Pirelli got greedy so Bridgestone rebate offers lured me in. The BT023 rear I just put on is paired with Angel GT front and I'm not finding any shortcomings compared directly to the previous A GT rear tire. They've probably lost me forever which was stupid. I usually find something that works well and stick with it. But enough enough with their pricing. I could have bought a Metz Roadtec 01 rear for $10 less and those are taking all the sport touring tire reviews.
Very informational video... Hope see more.
Very informative video!
love this channel very informative
Great assessment!
Great segment.... please do a similar show about ADV tires. Great information....thank you Ari.
one of the best motorcycle channels.
Well-done Vid with humor... Great combination.... Thanks...!
great video, it helps a lot
awesome vid man! 😀
This was very informative. Thanks.
Best MC TH-cam channel!
GREAT VID, AWESOME INFORMATION
AWESOME CLIP GUYS!!! I really liked the idea of comparing with shoes,really cool bro! Besides the explanation of the tires was very good! Good Rides! :D
Glad you liked the shoe comparo. Just trying to keep it interesting!
Anthony Stewart like your show very educational watch you all the time keep up the good work.
nice job big fan of your videos
Awesome video. One thing that I've always wondered about are heat cycles. Always hear people talking about them, but never got an explanation.
Luv your vids. I'm keen to see one on different lever set ups. Dual levers, thumb brakes etc
Thanks a lot. Learnt a new thing specially when I’m gonna get my both tyres changed
Love the information, thank you.
Super helpful man!! Thanks
Thanks for this vid. Great info.
Fantastic job
Super helpful! Thank you!
Totally informative and now i know thank u!, nice vid!
EXCELLENT explanation. Made me feel very comfortable running my FZ6R on Pilot Power 3's. =)
Commute daily on my Honda cbr1000rr on Bridgestone T30s ST tires, absolutely love them, even during this last week of crazy rain in LA, they have been nothing but great, and they handle awesome in the mountains.
This was useful! Thanks!!!
Thx again 👍 good info as usual