New Tyres Time For Multistrada V4s

Just fitted M9RR to my multistrada v4s, only done 150 miles on them, but they have been my favourite tyre for a while and they feel great on the multi, very stable at all speeds, can’t advise on the lean just yet as bedding in, but they handled well in the rain last week

 

I am quite interested in the profile of tyres to suit riding style - all other things being equal or the same - compounds, silica and all of that technology.

Difficult to tell from the pictures but the new Roadtec 02 looks to be similar in profile to the Roadtec 01 SE, perhaps a bit sportier - and more rounded compared to the sportier Metzeler M9 RR.

The Pirelli Angel GT2 looks similar in profile to the Metzeler Roadtecs.

Perhaps I have been staring at pictures of tyres for too long !

Roadtec 02


Roadtec 01 SE



Pirelli Angel GT 2



M9 RR

 

Anyone tried Metzeler Tourance 2nd gen? I had the first gen on my 1150gs and they were actually quite confidence inspiring.

 

Yes, I gave them a go on my KTM 1290 Adventure. Rode to Austria (in the rain !) on a set - and a trip to Spain on the same set of tyres, including some light off-roading.

The trip to Austria, particularly through Switzerland had times of torrential heavy rain - no issues at all. So big trip, lots of time for the tyres to warm up, summer - even in the rain - bit of off-roading - carrying luggage - spot on. I think you pay a bit of a penalty in the tyre's weight to be able to do some off-roading, they seemed to be quite a heavy tyre tyre compared to say a Michelin Road 6 (that went on after those ) the difference was incredible. But never suffered a puncture with the chunky Metzelers Tourance 2, but suffered a puncture with the lighter Michelin Road 6 pretty quickly !

Personally I just think that the off-roading element was just to have a go at it, and will not be a normal part of what I intend to do with the bike. So figured I do not need an off-road element to the tyre - figured there are better pure road tyres out there, particularly for year round riding.

So went with the Michelin Road 6 (that were a bit to sporty a profile for me) then on to the Roadtec 01 SE on the basis that they probably warm up quicker than a dual-sport, are the right tyre profile for me, and good year round grip.

Personally, the decision was firstly based on whether I needed an off-road capable tyre (personally I don't). After that it became a choice of Sport Touring tyres.

I hope this helps everyone !

 

I ran Angels on my multi and really liked them. They grip well in wet and cornering is reassuringly predictable and stable feeling. I have M9RRs on my monster and they drop into corners quite quickly but are completely planted once you are leaning. I ran M7RRs immediately before the M9RRs and the 9s way of dropping you into corners made them feel a little twitchy in comparison and this took a little getting used to. Now that I’m used to them they feel fine.

 

I can recommend the Dunlop Mutants. Great grip in the winter but sportsbike tyre performance on the Multi.

 

That probably explains why I didn't take to the M9's in the short time I gave them. Thank you for that assessment. Andy

 

Pirelli Scorpion 3 ?

 

My 02’s are due early March and I’m keen to see how they behave in comparison to the 01SE’s. Andy

 

Hi, question to all you guys who have fitted Roadtecs, Road 6s or other pure road tyres, what pressures do you use - Ducati recommended 35/36 psi for the OEM Scorpions or the more common 36/42psi?

Thanks

 

Roadtec 01SE’s, I ran 2.5 bar front and rear for touring. I upped the front 01./0.2 bar for scratching. Now I’m on Roadtec 02’s, I’m currently running the same and really happy but not enough miles to see the wear rate. Andy

 

Interesting assessment Wally, thanks for that. You can see with the profiles that Mattie posted how some give you more of a roll into a bend and some drop in.

I really like the Metzeler’s but they make the steering head on the Monster feel twitchy. I’m wondering what to do.

 

They do make the steering feel light on the Monster, I think because they are probably designed for a sports bike where you have more weight over the front wheel. However, they have never come close to feeling unstable. I have become used to them and I don’t really notice it now. On saying that, when the rear is scrubbed, I’ll probably replace the pair with something that rolls into corners more uniformly.

Dropping the front tyre pressure might help but I’d take advice from someone that knows about such things. I think some of the guys that do track days sometimes drop tyre pressures so they would be who I’d ask. I may have misunderstood though.

 

Dropping the front tyre pressure leads to counter steer. Try it, drop it 3lbs and you’ll be pushing on your palms. Drop it more, more counter steer.

Dropping pressure on the rear can work.

As you say though, maybe the Monster needs a more rounded profile.

 

Pressure is carcass relevant. So is weight.
As a general example, a hard Dunlop requires less pressure than a softer Michelin. Try different pressures to see what feels best to you. Does your brain require lots of road input or does it require plush calm? Only you can decide.

 

Once you've decided between sport and sport touring tires, it's no longer about grip.
It's all about your preferences in Profile (round or steep), Carcass (soft or hard) and Geometry (circumference or OD).
For better or worse, any deviation of the above from the OEM will significantly alter the handling of your motorcycle.
If you're seriously looking for knowledge , spend $49 for the year and subscribe to Dave Moss suspension tuning website for videos and tutorials.

 

Ducati in all their wisdom recommends a "starting point" for a tire which they know namely: the OEM Scorpions.
What they do not know (or suggest) is a starting pressure for other brands.
Your homework is to find out if your replacement tire is harder or softer than the OEM Scorpions.
You do this by going to your tire dealer and grab a Scorpion and your replacement tire side by side and check for carcass stiffness.
If the replacement tire is stiffer, then reduce the pressure suggested by Ducati by a few psi. If its softer, then increase the pressure over Ducati's suggestion by a couple of psi. Go for a ride and adjust accordingly until you're satisfied with the feel.
We don't know what your weight is, your riding style, the roads you prefer, your preference for road feedback etc.
As such, there isn't a magic all encompassing "all size fits all" shortcut number.

 

Thanks for your input DarR, appreciated. The replacement tyre carcass is definitely softer so I’ll try an increase in pressure and see how it goes.