Recommended tires size 120-70 ZR 17 and 180-55 ZR 17

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Recommended tires size 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17

Anyone who loses liability has bad cards. Therefore in the test: eleven current sports tires on the Honda CBR 600 F.

Werner Koch

05/30/2000

“The CBR drives just great, only the tires are ready, so be sure to put on new ones.” The only question is which one. The note in the logbook of the long-distance test CBR 600 F comes at exactly the right moment. In the workshop, the tires from the 2000 season are stacked in 120 and 180 dimensions, ready to be turned by the lack of testing.
Because the inquiries from MOTORRAD readers about the quality of the brand new sports tires not only overwhelm the test department, but also MOTORRAD internet pastor Oliver Ebner, the reaction takes place without much ado. The only difference to the annual MOTORRAD giant tire test: In the short time it takes, it is not possible to put together a convoy of eleven machines for the wear journeys of around 6000 kilometers. So this criterion is left out. Otherwise, the usual test drives on the autobahn, country road, racetrack and wet course are on the program for the eleven pairings in total.
In order to avoid serious injuries in the event of a possible slip on the long-distance test machine, the testers protected the endurance runner with engine and frame protectors and exchanged the plastic cover for an inexpensive fiberglass shell. When testing a tire, you never know for sure whether you will suddenly run out of road. Raised notches by means of adapter plates from Thurn Motorsport (phone 09352/70369) and an exhaust bracket that has been corrected upwards ensure the necessary freedom of inclination.
The choice of tires was based on the approvals on the Honda CBR 600 F. The original equipment Bridgstone BT 56 in E / G version and the Michelin TX 15 C and TX 25 serve as reference. Much more exciting, however, is the question of the qualities of the brand new Bridgestone BT 010 and Michelin Pilot Sport. Another innovation from Dunlop is also available: the D 207 Race Replica, a road tire with the rubber compound of the victorious D 207 GP super sports tire. The Metzeler ME Z3 are made in Germany in the standard and the sporty “racing” version. And of course in sports circles neither the Pirelli MTR 21/22 Dragon Corsa nor the English Avon Azaro Supersport II are missing.
As is always the case with a tire test, it is not easy to transfer the results to another type of motorcycle. In particular, properties that are directly related to frame geometry, weight or chassis tuning (shimmy, set-up torque, cornering stability or steering precision) can only be transferred as a tendency. For wet and dry adhesion, on the other hand, the results differ only minimally from one machine type to another.
This time lap time was waived because the test took place as part of a racing training session and MOTORRAD did not want to endanger the safety of the amateur racing driver by risky overtaking maneuvers. The criteria of grip and behavior in the border area can be determined very reliably on the racetrack in Ledenon in the south of France in the demanding bends with very different asphalt surfaces, even without a stopwatch. The assessment of the individual criteria for the cornering behavior test point is based on a very sporty pace. Only then do the qualities of the individual tires come into their own. Logically, the assessment of the maximum adhesion also forces you to press the Honda around the corners on the very last groove. On the country road, it is not only the maximum grip that is decisive, but also the behavior at the limit, i.e. the transition from grip to slip. Tires that clearly announce their limit area through easy, controllable sliding or walking convey more safety than rubber, where the grip suddenly breaks.
This limit range behavior can change depending on the tire temperature. Rubber compounds specially trimmed for longevity or tires that are not designed for sports use can prove to be quite sneaky under extreme stress and high tire temperatures, often breaking out without warning when accelerating in an inclined position. In order to prevent such situations, if you are driving very sportily and especially for driving and racing training, you should only put on tires that offer relatively constant grip under these extreme conditions. Tires with a certain racetrack suitability are provided with a corresponding note in the summary boxes.
Another point of active safety in road traffic: cold grip, i.e. a tire temperature of below 40 degrees, at which the grip of most tires is significantly limited. The reason: The tread rubber is relatively hard when cold and cannot optimally interlock with the asphalt. Only with increasing temperature does the rubber gain elasticity so that it can literally cling to the asphalt. The carcass, i.e. the substructure made of high-strength, rubberized plastic fibers and laterally incorporated core fillers to stabilize the side wall, also needs a certain flexibility in order to adapt to the road surface and achieve a favorable contact surface. It is therefore possible that cold tires react more nervously to longitudinal grooves or undulating road surfaces than tires that have been warmed up.
In all cases, it is advisable to warm up the pelts carefully. So slowly increase lean angles on the first few kilometers and then accelerate and brake vigorously on a straight stretch to warm up the tires from the stress.
The temperature also plays an important role in the wet test. The problem with eleven tire pairings to be tested is that the air and ground temperatures rise sharply during the day in sunny weather, which can influence or falsify the results. But Petrus was well disposed towards the test crew and not only pushed a thick carpet of clouds over the Michelin test track, but also sent fine, steady drizzle as an encore. A refreshed irrigation before each test cycle created absolutely identical conditions for all tires. The maximum temperature differences measured over the day: five degrees and thus constant conditions.
A circumstance that, for example, did not do particularly well with the Dunlop D 207 Race Replica. The reason: Dunlop uses a medium-hard racing compound for this tire, which cannot show its qualities at a ground temperature of around 20 degrees and a tire temperature of a maximum of 30 degrees. The Pirelli Corsa also struggled with the floods and placed in the lower ranks in terms of lap times. But it allows the most beautiful, most even drifting inserts.
Spectacular outliers were not spotted. The difference between the best rain dancer, the Bridgestone BT 56, and the slowest, the Pirelli Dragon Evo, was only 8.7 seconds with a lap time of just under two minutes. The last test field on the program was the A 81 motorway section between Heilbronn and Wurzburg. Bumpy, extended concrete slabs, rough bridge heels and full throttle curves separate the wheat from the chaff.
The pleasing results of the tire test: all candidates count more as wheat than chaff, no tires stepped out of line with safety-related problems. The only complaint on the Avon Azaro rear wheel was the edge of the tread, which opened up after just ten laps of the racetrack. For Avon technician Robert Rost, mechanical damage like this is a clear guarantee.
How close the best sports tires are to one another becomes clear in the points evaluation on page 156. Based on this rating, the right rubber can be selected for every application. For the new tire types, for example Michelin Pilot Sport, the Bridgestone BT 010, the Dunlop D 207 Race Replica or the new Metzeler / Pirelli tires, not all approvals are yet on the market. This should be completed by summer at the latest. When buying and ordering a new tire, it is essential to pay attention to possible special identifiers, because these complete the tire type and are stipulated in the approval.
A small note on the side: The fall protection on the long-distance Honda CBR remained unused. Is the same as with the rain suit: If you have it with you, it stays dry, it lies at home, it pours like out of buckets.

Avon AV 39/40

Data: Manufacturer / importer Avon tires 57234 Wilnsdorf Customer service Phone 02739/8 74 40 Internet address http: //www.avontires.com Tire type Front Azaro AV 39 Supersport II rear Azaro AV 40 Supersport II dimension Front 120/70 ZR 17 Rear 180/55 ZR 17 Evaluation: Cornering behavior: 103 points At brisk cornering speed, the Avon must be kept on the line with high steering force. The strong erection moment and sluggish handling in alternating curves leave a lot to be desired. In addition, there are slight unrest when accelerating in an inclined position. The sufficient grip of the Azaro smoothly and controllably turns into slipping. Wet driving behavior: 71 points The somewhat imprecise steering is also annoying on the wet course. In return, the Azaro slides very good-naturedly with a clear announcement and spares the driver from sneaky surprises. Driving stability: 55 points The Avon couple masters the high-speed test without any significant problems. Unfortunately, the AV 39 front wheel is plagued by a clear handlebar flutter (shimmy) between 70 and 85 km / h, which is also noticeable when cornering. Conclusion: At a brisk pace, the Azaro lacks steering precision and handiness. He reacts consistently good-natured at the limit of detention and at top speed. The bottom line, however, is that the Avon is not a recommendation for sporty machines.

Bridgestone BT 56

Data: Manufacturer / importer Bridgestone / Firestone Deutschland GmbH, 61325 Bad Homburg, customer service phone 06172 / 408-255, Internet address http://www.bridgestone.de/motorrad/ Tire typeVorn Battlax BT 56 F RadialHinten Battlax BT 56 R RadialDimensionVorn 120/70 ZR 17 Rear 180/55 ZR 17 Evaluation: Cornering behavior: 131 points Handy, stable and with good grip, the BT 56 sails around the course. Only on bumpy passages bothers the nervous steering and the lower self-damping compared to the BT 56 in the E / G specification. Wet driving behavior: 84 points Almost two seconds faster than all other tires, the BT 56 dives through the floods and can be controlled safely and reliably. Simply the best in this criterion. Driving stability: 56 points Slight tendency to hit the handlebars on bumpy asphalt due to the lower self-damping are the downsides of good handling and cornering ability. Conclusion: A handy tire that guarantees sporty drivers good grip on dry and wet roads and a lot of driving pleasure. Can be used conditionally for driving and racing training.

Dunlop Sportmax D 207

Data: Manufacturer / importer SP-Reifenwerke GmbH, 63450 Hanau Customer Service Phone 06181/681930 Internet address http://www.dunlop-tires.com/Type of tireVorn Sportmax Radial D 207 F »J« Rear Sportmax Radial D 207 DimensionVorn 120/70 ZR 17 Rear 180/55 ZR 17Rating: Cornering behavior: 137 pointsVery stable and easy to grip, the D 207 easily keeps up. Thanks to the low pitching moment when braking, it easily steers in, but tends to understeer when accelerating and reacts a little nervously to patches. Wet driving: 73 points Swim with the lap time in the midfield, but loses points due to the not very easy border area behavior. Driving stability: 58 points No abnormalities at top speed, proper self-damping, no shimmy (handlebar flutter) to be discerned. Simply good. Conclusion: decent dry grip, neutral steering behavior and good driving stability make the D 207 J / D 207 a reliable road sports tire. Can be used conditionally for driving and racing training.

Michelin Pilot Sport

Data: Manufacturer / importer Michelin Reifenwerke KGaA, 76185 Karlsruhe Customer Service Telephone 0721 / 530-3349 Internet address http://www.michelin.com/us/eng/home.htm Tire type Front Pilot Sport Rear Pilot Sport Dimension Front 120/70 ZR 17 rear 180/55 ZR 17 price front / rear evaluation: cornering behavior: 139 points The handiest tire in the test. Tight lines and feather-light changes of inclination succeed very well. There is also a good portion of grip. Bad: the strong righting moment when braking. Wet handling: 83 points Here, too, with good grip and easy-to-control limit area right at the front. Driving stability: 56 points Its impressive handiness and cornering ability cost the Michelin Pilot Sport a few points in driving stability. Conclusion: A super sporty, handy road tire with first-class grip in all situations but takes some getting used to. Also suitable for driving and racing training.

Metzeler ME Z3

Data: Manufacturer / importer Metzeler Reifen GmbH, 80992 Munich Customer Service Telephone 089 / 149008-440 Internet address http://www.metzeler.de/Type of tireVorn ME Z3 Front Steel Radial Rear ME Z3 Steel Radial Dimension Front 120/70 ZR 17 Rear 180/55 ZR 17Rating: Cornering behavior: 100 points Restrained speed causes few problems, but in sporty cornering the sluggish ME Z3 quickly loses grip and cornering stability. Good: low opening moment and high self-damping. Wet handling: 76 points The Metzeler ME Z3 circled the slippery test course surprisingly quickly and, above all, very good-naturedly. Driving stability: 65 points The Metzeler couple with the unique zero-degree steel belt on the front wheel doesn’t let anything go wrong. Bomb-stable, best self-damping and no trace of kickback. First class. Conclusion: Sporty drivers miss the grip and handiness of the ME Z3 with standard rubber compound. Top marks are given for impeccable driving stability and high ride comfort.

Pirelli MTR 21/22 Dragon Evo Corsa

Data: Manufacturer / importer Pirelli Motorrad-Reifen, 80974 Munich Customer service phone 089 / 14908-350 Internet address http://www.pirelli-moto.com/Type of tireVorn MTR 21 Dragon Evo Corsa Rear MTR 22 Drago Evo CorsaDimensionVorn 120/70 ZR 17 Rear 180/55 ZR 17 Evaluation: Cornering behavior: 135 points The Dragon can be turned in with a low pitching moment, requires a little force, similar to the Metzeler ME Z3, to keep the desired line, but remains calmer when accelerating in an inclined position and provides a little more grip the street. Wet driving behavior: 72 points Good-natured and with a very transparent slip limit, but less maximum grip than the competition. This is why the MTR 21/22 in Corsa compound cannot quite keep up in the wet. Driving stability: 63 points Simply great. Only the minimal unrest on bumpy full-throttle motorway passages make the difference to the Metzeler tires, which are very similar in construction. Conclusion: The Pirellis also shine with their impeccable driving stability. With good dry grip and good cornering stability, the Dragon Evo in Corsa version is also suitable for driving and racing training.

Michelin TX 15 C / TX 25

Data: Manufacturer / importer Michelin Reifenwerke KGaA, 76185 Karlsruhe Customer service phone 0721 / 530-3349 Internet address http://www.michelin.com/us/eng/home.htmType of tireVorn Hi-Sport TX 15 CHinten Hi-Sport TX 25DimensionVorn 120 / 70 ZR 17 Rear 180/55 ZR 17 Rating: Cornering behavior: 124 points Compared to the Pilot Sport, it drives as standard equipment on the CBR 600 F TX used a little unstable on sporty slopes, with less grip and poorer handling. One advantage: the set-up torque of the TX 15 C version is noticeably low. Wet handling: 74 points The Michelin Hi-Sport takes care of the wetness test with a very good-natured and satisfactory grip. Driving stability: 59 points The soft carcass ensures the TX a high level of rolling comfort and irones safely over bumpy slopes. Even at top speed there are no complaints. Conclusion: Driving stable street sports tire with good handling, low pitching moment, sufficient grip and satisfactory cornering stability. To be used for driving and racing trainings to a limited extent.

Metzeler ME Z3 Racing

Data: Manufacturer / importer Metzeler Reifen GmbH, 80992 Munich Customer service phone 089 / 149008-440 Internet address http://www.metzeler.de/Type of tires Front ME Z 3 Front Steel Radial Racing Rear ME Z 3 Steel Radial Racing Dimension Front 120/70 ZR 17 Rear 180/55 ZR 17 Evaluation: Cornering behavior: 129 points Due to the low pitching tendency, the Racing can be safely turned on the brakes, but needs a little force to keep the desired driving line. The new Metzeler ME Z3 Racing ironed out the weaknesses of the past with good wet grip and easy control. Driving stability: 65 points Like the standard ME Z3, the Metzeler in a racing mix sets the standard in this criterion. Conclusion: Best driving stability, impeccable in wet conditions and reliable cornering make the ME Z3 a good-natured all-rounder. Can also be used for driving and racing training.

Enduro tires of size 110/80 R 19 and 150/70 R 17

On the BMW travel enduro R 1150 GS, nine pairings were shot through the lack of testing. The bottom line is that the Metzeler Tourance was named the best all-rounder, as it passed the tests of driving stability, mileage and in wet conditions with flying colors. The Michelin T 66 X only showed slight weaknesses on wet roads and took second place, just ahead of the Metzeler Enduro 4. The coarse-tread Contiental TKC 80 Twinduro (MOTORRAD 6/2000) did surprisingly well..

Mid-range tires in the dimensions 110/70 ZR 17 and 150/70 ZR 17

The range for the popular Suzuki GSF Bandit 600 N / S ranges from durable marathon rubber to sticky sports tires. Among the cheaper cross-ply tires, the Bridgestone BT 45 was ahead, while the Pirelli Dragon GT was just ahead of the Dunlop D 205 when it came to radial tires. In terms of driving behavior, the Bridgestone BT 50 / BT54 original equipment came in last. The long-lasting Dunlop K 505 should be interesting for the cost-conscious (MOTORRAD 13/1999).

Sports and touring tires of size 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17

Sports and touring tires of size 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17

Divided into two groups, MOTORRAD tested a total of eleven sets of tires on the Yamaha YZF 1000 R. The Bridgestone BT 57 prevailed among the touring tires, followed by the Metzeler ME Z4. An outlier in the wet: the Pirelli MTR 03/04, which has since been significantly improved. The athletes’ ranking went to the Dunlop D 207, which was superior to the Bridgestone BT 56 in terms of driving stability, while the BT 56 excelled in the cornering and wet ranking (MOTORRAD 11 and 12/1998).

Sports and touring tires in size 120/60 ZR 17 and 160/60 ZR 17

Sports and touring tires in size 120/60 ZR 17 and 160/60 ZR 17

Six types each in the sports and touring segment raced on the Honda CBR 600 F (PC 31). In the sporty rubbers, the Bridgestone BT 56 and the Pirelli MTR 01/02 shared first places. In the touring sector, the Michelin Macadam 90 X was at the forefront due to its high mileage driving behavior together with the proven Bridgestone BT 50. Tackled: the Continental Radial 2000, which fell out of the ordinary due to the high level of wear and tear.

Bridgestone BT 56 E / BT 56 G

Data: Manufacturer / importer Bridgestone / Firestone Deutschland GmbH, 61325 Bad Homburg, customer service phone 06172 / 408-255, Internet address http://www.bridgestone.de/motorrad/ Tire type Front Battlax BT 56 F Radial “E” Rear Battlax BT 56 R Radial »G« Dimension Front 120/70 ZR 17 Rear 180/55 ZR 17 Evaluation: Cornering behavior: 127 points With good steering precision, satisfactory grip and a clearly defined limit area, which is announced with slight rocking, the Bridgestone, which is fitted as standard on the Honda CBR 600 F, circles the Test track. Wet driving behavior: 75 points When it is wet, the limit area is much narrower and requires more concentration. In terms of grip and handling, the BT 56 is in the midfield. Driving stability: 57 points Except for a slight shimmy, there are no problems with the stable Bridgestone BT 56 in E / G specification. Conclusion: With the series tires, the CBR 600 F can be driven smoothly and safely. The carcass construction, which is specifically aimed at driving stability, has slight disadvantages compared to the standard BT 56 when sharpening corners, but ensures more comfortable self-damping.

Dunlop Sportmax D 207 RR

Data: Manufacturer / importer SP-Reifenwerke GmbH, 63450 Hanau Customer service Phone 06181/681930 Internet address http://www.dunlop-tires.com/Type of tireVorn Sportmax Radial D 207 F Race Replica Rear Sportmax Radial D 207 Race ReplicaDimensionVorn 120/70 ZR 17 Rear 180/55 ZR 17Rating: Cornering behavior: 142 points Equipped with a medium-hard GP racing mixture, the handy Race Replica hisses around corners with great speed, steers razor-sharp and with little set-up moment. Wet handling: 68 points The relatively low tire temperatures in wet conditions are a bit embarrassing for the D 207 RR. Ticklish at the limit, with moderate grip, it loses contact with the top. Driving stability: 54 points Without massive problems, but not quite as stable and foolproof as the pure road tires, the super sporty Dunlop has to line up behind in this category. Conclusion: A handy road sport tire with an enormous amount of dry grip that lasts, but weaknesses when wet. Well suited for mixed road and racetrack use.

Bridgestone BT 010

Data: Manufacturer / importer Bridgestone / Firestone Deutschland GmbH, 61325 Bad Homburg, customer service phone 06172 / 408-255, Internet address http://www.bridgestone.de/motorrad/ Tire typeVorn Battlax BT 010 F RadialHinten Battlax BT 010 R RadialDimensionVorn 120/70 ZR 17Hinten 180/55 ZR 17Rating: Cornering behavior: 134 points The very good grip and the high cornering stability of the brand new BT 010 contrasts with the clear set-up moment and a not quite as manageable driving behavior. Wet driving behavior: 90 points Here too, the BT 010 has an enormous amount of grip, which, however, can only be controlled with a fine hand at the limit. Driving stability: 60 points With good self-damping, the BT 010 suppresses handlebar bumps and unrest at top speed and thus marks a clear improvement over the BT 56. Conclusion: The BT 010 is characterized by high driving stability, first-class grip and stable cornering behavior. The new design had to give up in terms of handling and erection torque. Can be used conditionally for driving and racing training.

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