"BIKE" mag tire article featuring R1200GS

[ca1ic0cat]

In the June 2007 issue "BIKE" magazine, the UK publication, did an article on "The Best Tires for Big Trailies." Of course they picked the R1200GS as the test mule.

They tested the tires on a track and on the street. Nothing about dirt though.

I won't re-type the whole article but the result was that if you want a dual purpose tire they preferred the Dunlop D607 Trailmax or the Avon Distanzia. They thought the Michelin Anakee was better suited for bumpy roads as it has a softer sidewall, but this limited the road capability.

For street tires (there might be some who admit they don't go on dirt?) "BIKE" thought the Dunlops BT-020 was good for distance and the Conti Road Attack better for "spirited riding or track use" because it turned in more quickly.

I've got the Anakee on the GS right now and they seem fine for me. I had the Conti Road Attack on my Ducati (sold that when I grew up) and loved them. I guess now I have to decide how much time I really spend off road. There just aren't that many dirt tracks in New York....

[sqd8r]

I've used the continenatl road attacks at two track dyas on my HP2. Excellent grip, excellent wear and plenty left on them for another season of track days.

[Schtum]

I've acquired the very pair of Road Attacks which Bike tested. They're sitting in a friend's garage in Bedford at the moment, soon to be winging their way Northwards. I'll probably keep them until I next get the opportunity to take the GS out on the track.

[princec]

... and I'll have the Avons shortly. Will report on their feel (wrt. crap handling I otherwise experience)

Cas

[kerlinger]

Howdy i'm new to this forum, and have enjoyed the reading so far. Just thought i'd add to this thread about my experiences w/the Dunlop D607's (and 604's of the past). I have actually road raced my 95' R11GS in the past and have done A LOT of track days. The last time i had the bike on the track i had the D604's, and they stuck like glue. I consistently was dragging the footpegs and even the gear shift lever w/no issues, any further lean angle would lever the rear off the ground. I'm sure the new 607's would work even better. The big plus i've found is that after lots of internet searching the Dunlops seem to be the most reasonably priced. I also ride in the dirt and grass where i drop to 20psi, they work ok but certainly not like the TKC 80's, however they hook up well enough to do 2nd gear wheelies on hardpack dirt. As far as mileage goes i get about 3000-3500 on the rear.
just my .02 cents.

[Schtum]

The last time I was out on the track it was on a Ducati ST4S in the pouring rain on Bridgestone 020s. Some guy on an Ducati 888 on full wets followed me all night.....





However, the last time I had the GS on track, it was on Tourances and they hung on well enough to enable me to ride around the outside of a guy on a GSXR1000....

[JimVonBaden]

I'm on my 5th set of Distanzias. The Dunlop D607s that came on the bike died young and in disgrace! I never liked them. They were OK on the dry pavement, but wet or dirt they were not good at all. Plus they lasted 6500 miles comparred to 10-11K miles on the Distanzias.

I am thinking of trying the Conti Road Attacks next!

Jim :brow

[Schtum]

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

I'm on my 5th set of Distanzias. The Dunlop D607s that came on the bike died young and in disgrace! I never liked them. They were OK on the dry pavement, but wet or dirt they were not good at all. Plus they lasted 6500 miles comparred to 10-11K miles on the Distanzias.

Oh that's good to know, my new '07 bike which I picked up yesterday has D607s on it.

Since I can usually manage about 4.5K miles out of a rear Tourance, that doesn't bode too well for the longevity of the Dunlops.