Having recently bought a 900ss I am setting around to improve it, on the list is overhauling suspension, brakes etc; Before I do this I need to change the tyres, it currently has Hi-Sports fitted (so god alone knows how old they are) and before I decide on what I am going to go for I am interested in recommendations. My last few bikes have had Michelin Pilot 2's fitted, looking at similar. What do people recommend? Mileage is not the most important consideration. Cheers Tim
Hi Tim, had the same conundrum last year,the rubber that was on mine was shot,so I opted for what I know and have faith in 2ct get my vote. Best Regards Paul P.S. did a trip through France at a fair lick in rain and sun never a twitch
Hi I run Bridgestone BT021's front and rear and I'm on my second set. I get good mileage from them and I've never had reason to complain in the wet. Suspension wise one of the best mods is to use a rear unit off a SSie as it quickens up the steering a little without making it over sensitive. For the front a good overhaul either from one of the suspension specialists that get recommended on the site or have a go yourself, I changed out the springs for a progressive set up which has helped the front dive less under braking. The brakes are generally pretty good, I've got full floating disks on the front which are pretty good, one mod the Chris Kelly of California Cycleworks used suggest was to replace the master cylinder with a Nissin one off a ZX6 or similar. Change the brake lines for either HEL or Goodridge braided steel lines. Lastly change the rear sprocket for either a 39 or 40 tooth sprocket as this will help the around town drive ability no end.
I've just finished 3800 miles with a Continental Race Attack Comp Soft on the front of my '90 SS 900. Brilliant tyre, saved my dumb arse many a time overcooking corners that were damp or had metal on them. Heaps of feedback (even through the old Marzocchi forks), very light too. It was an ex race tyre that had spent a day on the front of a Supersport bike at Teretonga (Invercargill NZ). The tyre still has maybe a 1000 miles left. I fitted it at Easter which over here is Autumn and used it til July end (winter). On the rear I put a Conti Motion which is a budget tyre I know, but honestly, it never let go either and I've had it to within 1/8" from the edge on both sides (closed circuit of course ahem, and not in the wet). For street and motorway use though, I couldn't fault it. In saying that, I am an experienced rider who often goes sideways up metal roads on my Ducati and will ride anywhere in all conditions at any time of the day or night. My friend who gave me the front tyre uses Road Attacks on his GSXR1000 and reckons they are the business too.
