Slippery rubber

Hi all

Just out of curiousity, how much grip can you expect from normal road tyres in the wet? I've got the original Dunlops from when the bike was new and the rear tyre is still above legal but a tad square.

I've found that since last year, when I saw my mate skidding down the road in my mirrors after he lost it in the wet, I've been really nervous about how much grip my bike has when the roads are wet. I end up riding like a tottering old gran round corners expecting my bike to slip from under me at the slightest provication, forget relaxing in the corner, its death grip all the way.

Am I just being paranoid? (welcome to Dave's world!)

I'm not expecting dry condition like cornering but it would be nice to get to work in the wet without it feeling like I'm dicing with death every corner

Manhole covers and white lines aside of course

Dark-Jon

Sorry matey but asking how much grip in the wet is really like asking how long is a piece of string.....just remember that a tyre compound is only as good as how much of it you can keep attached to the road....personally the Dunlops are right at the bottom of my list for both wet n dry grip.....theyre basically a budget tyre........if ya wanna be comfortable and ya do ride quite a lot in the wet then stick a set of Metzeler MEZ4 or 3s on. The 4s are better in the wet. Or you could just revert to the stock Battlaxs in 010 020 or 54/56 guise. You can get a pair of Metzelers at the moment from http://www.bfmmotorcycles.co.uk/ for 120/125 a pair ....yes that right a pair.
The fact is at the moment you need to get that picture out your head or it'll become ingrained and stop you relaxing when you ride. And when you arent relaxed you cant ride as well or as smoothly.....and in the rain, smoothness is the key....although smoothness or tyre compound is **** all use when theres diesel around Im afraid.
Go on get a new set and calm your mind

ta ra me duck

Sean

Originally Posted by Dark-Jon

I've been really nervous about how much grip my bike has when the roads are wet. I end up riding like a tottering old gran round corners expecting my bike to slip from under me at the slightest provication, forget relaxing in the corner, its death grip all the way.

heahahahahaha!!!

im the same, but i blame being an antipodean not used to riding in rain at all!!

It all depends on the road condition, tarmac, oil, deisel etc. Often when it hasn't rained for a while the roads are worse because of all the accumulated oil and stuff. Best bet is to take it easy, and don't be too tense, that way if you do slip slightly you won't be fighting the bike too much.

Wet roads can be quite grippy (ask Dave about the run back from last years weekender!) but are very unpredictable, especially when they look like there's a pretty rainbow on top!

[gary tompkins]

Jon,

I always try to find a tyre that gives me good wet & dry performance, and consistent grip in all conditions if possible. I've had Pirelli dragon Evo's on my M600 which were great in the wet when new, but pants when half worn with the back stepping out all the time

The Michelin Hi-sports the 900ie had fitted from new were ok, but the Pilot sports I've run for the last 12 months are better. I went for the road compound at the rear and softer 'S' compound at the sharp end, which has increased my confidence in the front tyre (especially in the wet) no end.

How fast your tyres wear depends on your style of riding, and how well the bike's set up suspension-wise. Although I don't hang about when in the mood for a blast, I'm very easy on my tyres and keep my riding smooth. This pays off in good tyre wear and the current Pilots sports have done nearly 8000 miles (including Mallory) and the rear's still got some left!

Generally the softer compounds give better wet grip, but wear much faster so they "go off " and lose the profile at the rear much faster. A squared off rear tyre effects the handling much more than you realise, and its false economy to try to wear any tyre out totally before replacing it, as they lose most of their grip and handling qualities well before the tread reaches the legal minimum.

Cheers for the advice all

I've read quite good reviews on the Bridgestone BT010/020's and they seem to get good marks for both dry and wet. I'm tempted by the BT020's, Bike magazine gave em a good mark this/last month, anyone had any experience with them??

My original Dunlop's have done over 9500miles so they could probably do with replacing and are more than likely way past there best (mallory probably didnt help too much either :twisted: )

Tried riding a bit more relaxed in this mornings torrential downpoor, thinking happy thoughts etc, but the back end is definately a bit twitchy around some of the roundabouts round here , no sign of oil/diesel and the rain last night should have washed most of the crap away so I think my tyres are just naff

Cheers

Dark-Jon

[Pedro]

9,500 miles!!

No wonder they're feeling a bit twitchy! My D207 rear is shot after about 3000 miles and started to feel twitchy at 2,500.

Ped

Originally Posted by Dark-Jon

My original Dunlop's have done over 9500miles so they could probably do with replacing and are more than likely way past there best (mallory probably didnt help too much either :twisted: )

Flippin eck

makes my 3k look real poor



Just noticed Peds post now...I concur 2.5k and twitchy city !

[Zimbo]

Bridgestone 010s are superb in the wet, and very confidence inspiring in the dry, I found they suited my SS pretty well, got 4000 from the rear and I wasn't taking good care of it so was fairly impressed.
Currently wearing Diablos, again they're good and grippy wet or dry, but the rear is just beginning to square off at 2600 miles so I suspect they may not last quite as well ....

I too got Diablos now. Nice tyre and makes the steering quick but again like Zim got 2500 and squaring off.

John

ive got bridgestones on and seemed to cope well racing round rockingham in the rain did have a few slides though and stayed so and as chris sayed (ask dave how fast we came back from the weekender ).

martin
ps must try and get a room by my self this at the weekender this time.

Jon.

Batleax 010 on the front and 020 on the rear, is a very good set up.

Batlax 010 on the front and 020 on the back are a great combination on my 750. Didn't know if they were that good until i did the track day at Mallory. They were really sticky and predictable when up to temperature, no slides and scuffed right to the edges. great!
regards, Rick

Cheers all

I've managed to find somewhere that'll do a pair of BT-020's for £170 inc vat and delivery. Seems pretty resonable so just waiting for them to turn up

All I have to do now is get somewhere to fit em

Dark-Jon

jon... where from??

need a pair !

ta

Bruza