Recommend tyres - cold wet commuting

[Don Veloci]

Having got my bike back on the road after a long lay off I feel I should replace the tyres - I don't expect to be a tyre melting weekend warrior (Never was ). I'll only be a commuter so will favour tyres suited to cold, wet, greasy commuting.

[GSA_fattie]

ANY modern sports touring style tyre by any of the main brands

they come in all sizes for all bikes these days

[Crudeoink]

As above. My personal favourite is the Michellin Pilot road 6, although the 5 is a good price now and will likely fit the bill. Previously had the Roadtec 01 SE's and while ultimate grip levels were ok, profile was flatter so tip in felt slower than the Michellins.

[Don Veloci]

Fair enough.

Probably over thinking a wee bit, expecting some tyres to be deadly useless unless warmed up fast riding.

[hiccy18]

The tyres mentioned have good levels of grip from cold. Pirelli do the Angel GT (I think?) which is similar to the Metzeler.

I found the old Pilot Road 2's were like magic/witchcraft in bad weather, no idea how they found the grip they did in the middle of winter.

[JulianHJ]

Crudeoink said:

As above. My personal favourite is the Michellin Pilot road 6, although the 5 is a good price now and will likely fit the bill. Previously had the Roadtec 01 SE's and while ultimate grip levels were ok, profile was flatter so tip in felt slower than the Michellins.

Likewise, I love the Road 6, and the Road 5 before that.

[Marquezs Stabilisers]

Don Veloci said:

Fair enough.

Probably over thinking a wee bit, expecting some tyres to be deadly useless unless warmed up fast riding .

That is my view on Bridgestones and Dunlops tbh - but always found Pirelli, Metzeler and Michelins to be much better. Avon's Storm ST Ultra were decent back in the day as well.

[Cylon2007]

Another vote her for Pilot Road 5 or 6's great all round tyres and ideal for commutes

[black-k1]

Cylon2007 said:

Another vote her for Pilot Road 5 or 6's great all round tyres and ideal for commutes

... and another vote.

[anonymous-user]

Another vote for Michelin Roads, but also very surprised with Conti Trail Attacks.

[GreaseNipple]

I've got Dunlop Mutants on my svartpilen 701, rode through last winter with them on. They're M+S rated and give me loads of confidence in the wet. Psychologically too, the tread pattern just looks like you'll be fine in all conditions

[Biker9090]

Just replaced the squared off T31 with a new T32 on the rear of my CBF500. Lasted about 5.5k miles, loads of tread left but just square. Never let me down once even at the frankly biblical amount of rain at this years Dragon Rally. T32 is giving me immediate confidence - alebit at making the front T31 feel like st!

I've got Angel GT2 on my VFR and they're just as good.

HATED the Michelin tyres as they tend to track the road VERY badly.

[Biker 1]

GreaseNipple said:

I've got Dunlop Mutants on my svartpilen 701, rode through last winter with them on. They're M+S rated and give me loads of confidence in the wet. Psychologically too, the tread pattern just looks like you'll be fine in all conditions

I'll need tyres probably by the end of December & was wondering about these for a KTM 690 SMC R. Allegedly they're good on gravel tracks - can you confirm?

[Bob_Defly]

Another vote for PR 5/6.

[mikey_b]

And another vote for Michelin Road series. I've run them for about 60k now on my Tiger, they're superb. Never once let me down or given me pause for thought gripwise even in the foulest of weather, and good mileage too. Best for mileage was the Pilot Road 4 which I could get about 14k out of and change together, the Road 5 seems to wear the fronts a little faster than the rears but can still get a 5-figure mileage. Not tried the 6 yet.

[GreaseNipple]

Biker 1 said:

I'll need tyres probably by the end of December & was wondering about these for a KTM 690 SMC R. Allegedly they're good on gravel tracks - can you confirm?

Not really I'm afraid, I've only done the lightest of gravel tracks on them and they've been fine but I'm no expert by any means

[ssray]

Small point....what bike is it?
Modern 17inch wheel bike pilot road series are fab, I have pirelli angels in my zzr11 they are sooo much better than me

[Don Veloci]

ssray said:

Small point....what bike is it?
Modern 17inch wheel bike pilot road series are fab, I have pirelli angels in my zzr11 they are sooo much better than me

It's a 2009 GSX650F, 17" wheels, miles from being a tyre shredder.

[Freakuk]

I've got Bridgestone S22's on my SDR (standard fitment), when I collected the bike in the pouring rain (new) and obviously shiny new S22's I was pretty apprehensive but they were damn good, and grip in the dry is amazing also. To the point where I'm on my 3rd rear and 2nd front... The SDR does tend to eat tyres though.

[TheThing]

Pilot road 5/6. Avoid Dunlop.