Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

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Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
Gargolov

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

10 pictures

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
Jahn

1/10
Tire types unknown to us can be found at internet tire dealers.
PS is testing some of the pelts.

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
mps photo studio

2/10
Nankang Roadiac WF-1: Nankang’s Roadiac is the only one of the cheap tires with a bi-compound tread. However, he cannot gain any advantage with this technology, as he turns in a tough way in dry and wet conditions and has to be kept on course with a lot of counter-steering force. The grip when accelerating and banking is okay, but the feedback is not good enough.

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
mps photo studio

3/10
Mitas Sport Force: With the Sport Force, the Slovenians have built a really harmonious, modern tire that drives really nicely in the dry. It turns lightly, is stable and precise – just as you would want a tire to be. In wet conditions, it quickly reaches its grip limit, and the limit area could be a bit wider. Its capabilities are at the level of current touring sports tires.

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
mps photo studio

4/10
Maxxis Supermaxx Radial: With the Supermaxx, Maxxis offers a tire that works moderately in dry and wet conditions. Despite its second place in this test field, it should only be raised when there is no other alternative. In the rain it offers at least a wide limit range and sufficient grip. The feedback, however, is in great need of improvement.

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
mps photo studio

5/10
Full Bore USA M-1 street Sport: The Full Bore is not a very handy tire that drives reasonably well in dry conditions. However, driving it is not very fun because the feedback, stability and grip are not exactly at a high level. If it gets wet, it’s better to go on foot right away – or add training wheels. The cheap rubber slips very early, both in an inclined position and when accelerating.

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
mps photo studio

6/10
Michelin Pilot Power: What felt like 100 years ago, the first Pilot Power conquered the world of sports tires and had it firmly under control for years. Even today, the classic among the sports skins is still selling like sliced ​​bread as a budget tire, as its performance is still sufficient for many sports drivers. Nevertheless, his age is noticeable, especially in the stability on today’s super-powerful superbikes.

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
mps photo studio

7/10
Michelin Pilot Power 3: If the Pilot Power 3 is installed, you can literally look forward to rain. Cool and wet conditions are his specialty, then no other grips better than him. But on hot days on hard-ridden superbikes, the Michelin reaches its limits, it becomes a little crumple and its accuracy deteriorates somewhat. Still, he’s a force on the road.

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
mps photo studio

8/10
Bridgestone BT 16 Pro: At the end of 2011, the BT 16 PRO was replaced by the first S20 version. The rubber, which is now being marketed as a budget tire, is still a strong product that is particularly appealing because of its balance. It is a loyal companion in all weather conditions, but of course cannot quite keep up with modern sports tires. If you don’t need top performance, you can ride it well.

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
mps photo studio

9/10
Bridgestone S20 Evo: The leader in the last tire test shows again that it is the reference in terms of premium tires. Without major weaknesses in the dry, he eagerly collects points and feels right at home even in the wet. The Michelin is a little faster there, but the qualities of the S20 EVO on country roads and racetracks make it a very balanced all-round tire.

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
Gargolov

10/10

accesories

tire

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
Cheap rubbers, exotic manufacturers

Content of

Tires are the most frequently replaced wear part on sports motorcycles. You can get the idea of ​​saving there. PS tests budget tires and skins from exotic manufacturers.

Robert luck

09/16/2014

Anyone who drives a sporty motorcycle and has modern road sport tires on the rims will be able to enjoy almost every meter on the rubbers these days. As, for example, the last tire test by PS in issue 5/2014 shows, the current rubbers from all premium manufacturers are on an almost unearthly level. They differ little in the dry, but much more pronounced in the wet.

Of course, these tires have their price, after all, the manufacturers develop their products with enormous effort. In addition, the rubbers on sporty, high-torque naked bikes or super sports bikes are heavily used and correspondingly wear out – despite the companies’ efforts to improve grip and durability with each generation of tires.

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Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

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Cheap rubbers, exotic manufacturers

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A motorcyclist with a stressed wallet can come up with the idea of ​​looking for cheaper alternatives to the current premium rubbers. And you will find what you are looking for from the same manufacturers who also have the top pelts on offer. They market the predecessors of the current, hot soles as so-called “second” or “third” product lines parallel to the current tires. In the case of Bridgestone In addition to the S20 EVO, the BT 16 PRO is offered, which was only replaced by the first S20 in 2011, and Michelin provides the current Pilot Power 3 with the first generation of the Pilot Power. But what about the performance of the older people?

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

tire


6 pairs of touring tires in the test

Touring tires on Suzuki GSX-S 750

read more

Is it worth it to save 50 euros?

The direct comparison of the generations does not begin on the test track, but when purchasing the rubbers. PS researched the prices of the tested tires in size 120/70 ZR 17 and 190/55 ZR 17 in four different online portals (motorradreifendirekt.de, mopedreifen.de, tirendo.de and reifen2go.de). With the Bridgestone pair S20 EVO and BT 16 PRO, we determined a price advantage of almost 53 euros for the BT 16 PRO (S20 EVO set average 246.35 euros, BT 16 PRO 193.49 euros), with Michelin an advantage of a little over 52 Euros for the old Pilot Power (Pilot Power 3 set 238.23 euros at 185.96 euros). If you only look at the performance of a tire, it becomes clear that the cheap rubbers do not pay off. Assuming an average mileage of 4000 kilometers, the savings amount to just 0.125 cents per kilometer! And that with significantly poorer wet grip and noticeable losses in dry driving properties.

Even those who slaughter their pelts at a distance of 2500 kilometers can add just 0.02 cents / km with modern rubbers. Savers should also consider: It can be assumed that the S20 EVO and Pilot Power 3 will last at least as long, if not longer. Because their dual-compound mixtures are simply the more modern ones. In terms of costs, it is only advisable to put on the older rubbers when the tide is in absolute low tide. In terms of driving characteristics, the S20 EVO and Pilot Power 3 are vastly superior to their predecessors. All that remains is the psychological “I know the tire, I’ve always driven it” level. It is very clear that people, we are not married to tires! Trying out new things is not forbidden and does not lead to hell – on the contrary, sometimes it is literally enlightening. So dare to do it!

Bridgestone S20 Evo


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


mps photo studio

The Bridgestone S20 Evo.

  Max.
Points  		Points
Dry test
Cold running behavior 10 9
Handling 30th 26th
Accuracy 30th 26th
stability 30th 26th
Grip 40 35
Ratio in the border area  20th 18th
Erection moment
when braking		 10 9
Feedback 30th 27
Dry test result 200 176
Wetness test
Wet lap time: 1:14.3 min
Handling 10 9
Accuracy 10 9
Grip 30th 29
Ratio in the border area  20th 18th
Feedback 20th 18th
Braking distance *: 42.9 m 10 9
Result of the wetness test 100 92
Total 300 268
* from 100 km / h

Conclusion
The leader in the last tire test shows again that it is the reference in terms of premium tires. Without major weaknesses in the dry, he eagerly collects points and feels right at home even in the wet. The Michelin is a little faster there, but the qualities of the S20 EVO on country roads and racetracks make it a very balanced all-round tire.

Placement: 1st place

Bridgestone BT 16 Pro


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


mps photo studio

The Bridgestone BT 16 Pro.


 Max.
Points 
Points
Dry test
Cold running behavior 10 9
Handling 30th 24
Accuracy 30th 23
stability 30th 24
Grip 40 33
Ratio in the border area  20th 16
Erection moment
when braking		 10

 8th
Feedback 30th 23
Dry test result
 200
 160
Wetness test
Wet lap time: 1:14.3 min
Handling 10 7th
Accuracy 10 7th
Grip 30th 26th
Ratio in the border area  20th 16
Feedback 20th 17th
Braking distance *: 42.9 m 10 8th
Result of the wetness test
 100
 81
Total
 300
 241
* from 100 km / h

Conclusion
At the end of 2011, the BT 16 PRO was replaced by the first S20 version. The rubber, now marketed as a budget tire, is still a strong product that is particularly appealing because of its balance. It is a loyal companion in all weather conditions, but of course cannot quite keep up with modern sports tires. If you don’t need top performance, you can ride it well.

Placement: 3rd place

Michelin Pilot Power 3


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


mps photo studio

The Michelin Pilot Power 3.


 Max.
Points 
Points
Dry test
Cold running behavior 10 9
Handling 30th 28
Accuracy 30th 26th
stability 30th 24
Grip 40 35
Ratio in the border area  20th 16
Erection moment
when braking		 10

 9
Feedback 30th 26th
Dry test result
 200
 173
Wetness test
Wet lap time: 1:14.3 min
Handling 10 9
Accuracy 10 9
Grip 30th 30th
Ratio in the border area  20th 18th
Feedback 20th 18th
Braking distance *: 42.9 m 10 9
Result of the wetness test
 100
 93
Total
 300
 266
* from 100 km / h

Conclusion
If the Pilot Power 3 is installed, you can literally look forward to rain. Cool and wet conditions are his specialty, then no other grips better than him. But on hot days on hard-ridden superbikes, the Michelin reaches its limits, it becomes a little crumple and its accuracy deteriorates somewhat. Still, he’s a force on the road.

Placement: 2nd place

Michelin Pilot Power


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


mps photo studio

The Michelin Pilot Power.


 Max.
Points 
Points
Dry test
Cold running behavior 10 8th
Handling 30th 25th
Accuracy 30th 24
stability 30th 22nd
Grip 40 31
Ratio in the border area  20th 16
Erection moment
when braking		 10

 7th
Feedback 30th 21
Dry test result
 200
 154
Wetness test
Wet lap time: 1:14.3 min
Handling 10 7th
Accuracy 10 7th
Grip 30th 24
Ratio in the border area  20th 17th
Feedback 20th 15th
Braking distance *: 42.9 m 10 8th
Result of the wetness test
 100
 78
Total
 300
 232
* from 100 km / h

Conclusion
It felt like 100 years ago that the first Pilot Power conquered the world of sports tires and had it firmly under control for years. Even today, the classic among the sports skins is still selling like sliced ​​bread as a budget tire, as its performance is still sufficient for many sports drivers. Nevertheless, his age is noticeable, especially in the stability on today’s super-powerful superbikes.

Placement: 4th place

Cheap – but good?


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


Jahn

Tire types unknown to us can be found at internet tire dealers. PS is testing some of the pelts.

Anyone who surfs the net frequently and is on the lookout for tires has certainly stumbled across exotic motorcycle tire manufacturers at one point or another. Names like Full Bore USA, Nankang pop up there, Maxxis or Mitas. While Maxxis and Mitas still sound somewhat familiar, the alarm bells are ringing internally at Full Bore and Nankang and subconsciously distrust is spreading.

But PS sticks to its announcement to try something new and has subjected all four brands to a regular comparison test. In spring 2014, we and our colleagues from MOTORRAD went to the big tire test and tested the following four exotic rubbers, among others: Full Bore USA M-1 Street Sport, Maxxis Supermaxx Radial, Mitas Sport Force and Nankang WF-1. All of them were bought by private individuals at www.motorradreifendirekt.de and added to the test field. Like all others, the tires were driven on the Bridgestone dry and wet test track in Nettuno (Italy), on the country road and on the motorway. While we tested the budget tires on a BMW S 1000 RR, the exotic rubbers were ridden on a Honda CB 1000 R in the dimensions 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17. The ratings of the budget tires Bridgestone BT 16 PRO and Michelin Pilot Power cannot therefore be transferred one-to-one to the cheap tires. There is a tendency that the properties can only be compared, which, however, gives clues to the product properties.

Why buy tires from a manufacturer unknown in Europe?

Exactly, because of the coal. A set of Nankang in 120 / 70-17 and 180 / 55-17 online cost just under 130 euros, the full bore under 150 euros and the Maxxis under 190 euros. Bargain then? Not quite, because the tried and tested products that were not tested at the same time, the Bridgestone BT 16 PRO and Michelins Pilot Power, are already available on the market as a set for around 180 euros. If you still squint at the exotic tires, go ahead. PS drove all four and was often at and over the limit. Especially when it is wet, the no-names do not get any green light. Which suggests that the rubber compounds used are technologically not up to date.

In the dry, the cheap pelts reveal sometimes massive design disadvantages. If they can still drive straight ahead, it becomes exciting once they are out of the central position. What is common to all is that there is a lack of handling and accuracy, and cornering stability also leaves a lot to be desired. Another serious shortcoming is the bad feedback, which all (not) deliver – except for one.

Mitas is recalling the Sport Force manufactured in 2014

In terms of design, the Mitas Sport Force is the most modern tire among the exotic and was only launched on the market at the end of 2013. It made a very good impression during the presentation and during the test in the spring. Handling, stability, grip and steering precision are on a high level, the Mitas can keep up with current touring tires in dry conditions. Only when wet does it reveal slight weaknesses in terms of adhesion. But the current, preventive recall of all Mitas Sport Force tires built in 2014 clearly shows how difficult it is to build a good motorcycle tire. And that suggests the following conclusion: Buy tried and tested, well-known brands and don’t be stingy on a few euros when it comes to tires.

Full Bore M-1 Street Sport


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


mps photo studio

The Full Bore M-1 Street Sport.


 Max.
Points 
Points
Dry test
Cold running behavior 10 7th
Handling 30th 22nd
Accuracy 30th 22nd
stability 30th 21
Grip 40 28
Ratio in the border area  20th 12th
Erection moment
when braking		 10

 7th
Feedback 30th 13th
Dry test result
 200
 132
Wetness test
Wet lap time: 1:14.3 min
Handling 10 7th
Accuracy 10 6th
Grip 30th 14th
Ratio in the border area  20th 9
Feedback 20th 7th
Braking distance *: 42.9 m 10 7th
Result of the wetness test
 100
 50
Total
 300
 182
* from 100 km / h

Conclusion
The full bore is a not exactly handy tire that drives reasonably well in dry conditions. However, driving it is not very fun because the feedback, stability and grip are not exactly at a high level. If it gets wet, it’s better to go on foot right away – or add training wheels. The cheap rubber slips very early, both in an inclined position and when accelerating.

Placement: 4th place

Maxxis Supermaxx Radial


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


mps photo studio

The Maxxis Supermaxx Radial.


 Max.
Points 
Points
Dry test
Cold running behavior 10 7th
Handling 30th 25th
Accuracy 30th 23
stability 30th 24
Grip 40 32
Ratio in the border area  20th 16
Erection moment
when braking		 10

 8th
Feedback 30th 15th
Dry test result
 200
 150
Wetness test
Wet lap time: 1:14.3 min
Handling 10 7th
Accuracy 10 7th
Grip 30th 20th
Ratio in the border area  20th 15th
Feedback 20th 9
Braking distance *: 42.9 m 10 8th
Result of the wetness test
 100
 66
Total
 300
 216
* from 100 km / h

Conclusion
With the Supermaxx, Maxxis offers a tire that works moderately in dry and wet conditions. Despite its second place in this test field, it should only be raised when there is no other alternative. In the rain it offers at least a wide limit range and sufficient grip. The feedback, however, is in great need of improvement.

Placement: 2nd place

Mitas Sport Force


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


mps photo studio

The Mitas Sport Force.


 Max.
Points 
Points
Dry test
Cold running behavior 10 8th
Handling 30th 27
Accuracy 30th 26th
stability 30th 26th
Grip 40 35
Ratio in the border area  20th 16
Erection moment
when braking		 10

 8th
Feedback 30th 17th
Dry test result
 200
 163
Wetness test
Wet lap time: 1:14.3 min
Handling 10 9
Accuracy 10 8th
Grip 30th 21
Ratio in the border area  20th 14th
Feedback 20th 12th
Braking distance *: 42.9 m 10 8th
Result of the wetness test
 100
 72
Total
 300
 235
* from 100 km / h

Conclusion
With the Sport Force, the Slovenians have built a really harmonious, modern tire that drives really nicely in the dry. It turns lightly, is stable and precise – just as you would want a tire to be. In wet conditions, it quickly reaches its grip limit, and the limit area could be a bit wider. Its capabilities are at the level of current touring sports tires.

Placement: 1st place

Nankang Roadiac WF-1


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


mps photo studio

The Nankang Roadiac WF-1.


 Max.
Points 
Points
Dry test
Cold running behavior 10 7th
Handling 30th 23
Accuracy 30th 22nd
stability 30th 23
Grip 40 34
Ratio in the border area  20th 14th
Erection moment
when braking		 10

 7th
Feedback 30th 13th
Dry test result
 200
 143
Wetness test
Wet lap time: 1:14.3 min
Handling 10 6th
Accuracy 10 6th
Grip 30th 16
Ratio in the border area  20th 12th
Feedback 20th 8th
Braking distance *: 42.9 m 10 8th
Result of the wetness test
 100
 56
Total
 300
 199
* from 100 km / h

Conclusion
Nankang’s Roadiac is the only one of the cheap tires with a bi-compound tread. However, he cannot gain any advantage with this technology, as he turns in a tough way in dry and wet conditions and has to be kept on course with a lot of counter-steering force. The grip when accelerating and banking is okay, but the feedback is not good enough.

Placement: 3rd place

“This is how PS tests” and conclusion

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Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

Jahn


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test


Cheap motorcycle tires in the test
10 pictures

Pictures: Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

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Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

Jahn

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

mps photo studio

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

mps photo studio

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

mps photo studio

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

mps photo studio

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

mps photo studio

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

mps photo studio

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

mps photo studio

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

mps photo studio

Cheap motorcycle tires in the test

Gargolov

1/10

We rode the budget tires from Michelin and Bridgestone on a BMW S 1000 RR in sizes 120/70 ZR 17 and 190/55 ZR 17 with the air pressure recommended by the manufacturer (v. 2.5 / h. 2.9 bar , measured cold). The cheap tires also had to run on a Honda CB 1000 R in sizes 120/70 ZR 17 and 180/55 ZR 17 with the air pressure recommended by the manufacturer (v. 2.5 / h. 2.9 bar, measured cold). Test tracks were the permanently irrigated wet track from Bridgestone in Nettuno (I) as well as the dry handling course there. In addition, the rubbers were abused on the motorway and the country road. It was driven at an ambitious sporty pace. The following was assessed:

Cold run
How long does a tire take to reach operating temperature, how does it feel??

Handling
What steering force is required to tilt the bike or to keep it in line in slow / fast corners?

Accuracy *
It is determined in passages at different speeds with different curve radii and provides information on how the motorcycle is following the desired course, which is specified by the steering forces, or whether significant line corrections are required.

stability
How stable is the motorcycle in (changing) bends, over bumps and when accelerating in an inclined position? Does the motorcycle lie flat at high speed or does it tend to oscillate? The stability is tested in different speed ranges in large lean angles when accelerating and at high speed, i.e. in situations in which tires can swing up.

Grip *
Is the sum of the total liability of a tire. Contains the lateral grip, i.e. the lateral guidance in maximum inclination on wet and dry surfaces and the grip when accelerating straight ahead.

Behavior in the border area *
Controllability of the tire at the limit of grip. The test is carried out in the wet and dry.

Erection moment
When braking in an inclined position, a motorcycle straightens up differently depending on the deceleration and tire contour. The driver has to correct these reactions with a counterforce (pushing) on ​​the inside of the handlebar.

Feedback
What feedback does a tire provide to the pilot? The clearer this is, the easier and more risk-free it is to drive in the limit area.

* The chapters marked with an asterisk can be transferred to motorcycles,
which have a similar geometry to the BMW S 1000 RR

Conclusion

Those who save when buying tires are saving the wrong way. Even those who do not call up the performance of modern sports tires and tend to the older, cheaper products should consider whether it is worthwhile. It could also be that the more modern tire will last longer. Advantage through technology.

Sources of supply
Bridgestone and Michelin tires were ordered from importers and exchanged at a trusted tire dealer.
The colleagues at MOTORRAD all got the cheap tires from the online portal in the spring www.motorradreifendirekt.de. They were tested as they were delivered, exchanges at free traders were not possible.

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