Tyres
 

I picked up my new baby on Saturday.

A 996 Bip, and very lovely she is too. Somewhat different to my Gixxer..

I am a little concerned about the tyres it has on it though. MEZ 3's.. they dont seem to grip that well. Are these touring tyres?

What would you recommend I get fitted? Used to run 207rr on the gixxer. I have read that putting a 180 on the rear with enhance the handling and turning in speed.

Your right on both counts...207 rr's seem to go down well with most people and changing the 190 for a 180 will promote quicker turn in etc.

I can't comment first hand (as a 748 owner which come with 180 as standard) but changing the rear for a 180 has been mentioned on numerous occasions in magazines etc and does seem worthwhile...it all comes down to personal handling tastes...I'm sure someone will be along in a mo to say they did it and didn't like it;)

Ive got 207RR's on my 998.They suit me and the bike perfectly.Got a good deal on a pair from Busters,143 quid including postage.:D

180 is definately the way to go, turns in much easier.

John

Yes i agree with that 180 is the way to go i also run with bt12ss great tyre goog grip from cold and good in the wet!

Just done same as Bazzer SPS. Bridgestone BT102SS - 180 rear on an '01 996. Busters do em for £165 delivered, but I got Riossi to fit them to the bike (ride in/ride out) for £179.99
Only done a few hundred miles but feel good so far. Had 207s (190 rear) on last and they were great.

207RR's are good on the Duke. I now use Rennsport RS2's with a 180 rear.

Totally agree with the 180 section rear. I found that the original 190 section Michelin pilot sport lacked feedback but lasted well. Pirelli dragons gave good grip levels in the dry but very erratic in the wet. Now back on Dunlop 207rr's which I know worked well on my 748 and find that they suit the 996 very well.

MEZ3 are not a touring tyre though I've not tried them personally,my mate has them on his tl1000 and he's quite happy with them.I thought metzler were almost identical to pirelli as theyre made by the same people,I have MEZ1's on my nc35 and am quite happy with them,perhaps not directly comparable though.

"Anyone compared 010's with 207's?"

I used to run 207's and again was quite happy with them....most of the time,they made me very nervous in the wet and I felt like I was riding on glass at times ,in that respect the 010's are much better.I'm not a good enough(read fast enough) rider to tell the difference at the fast end but I'll stick with the Bridgestones for the forseeble future.


:D