I normally run Mitchelin pilot power's on my 04 blade but this summer I got given 2 two sets of Metzeler Racetec's. Whitch are the grippiest tires ive ever used in the dry warm weather. However ive had mixed feedback about how they will perform in winter. Ive gone through one set already and have had the others on for about 6 weeks, but is it time to take them off and get something more winter orientated?
I was running bt16 pros last winter, on cold dry days even these road biased tyres let loose way too easily. Even when I thought they warmed up the back would spin up and try on overtake the front! and this was not using gob fulls of throttle just gently pulling off. Luckily the Blade just kicked into shape whilst I just held on, I must have looked like a right noob!. I'm sporting some power 3 but even with these I considering putting them away and getting some road 3s
Funnily enough, when i came off last weekend, it was the Racetec on the front that didnt let go no matter how violently the rear Dunlop swung the bike round. I'm still gonna look for some PR3's at the NEC though before I'm ready to go back out.
Used racetecs last winter, only 2.5k out of them.Probably the best fun tyre to have on when its cold but be warned.In the wet they are very lively and in the cold/ dry I just couldn't get them to heat up enough.Slipping and sliding under power and a bit of tank slapping jerkiness out of the front.On a plus note they were still better than the bt016s as standard a bit more feel with them.I'd have them on from spring till autumn.I wouldn't risk it again though.
When exiting a roundabout tight to the nearside kerb the BT16s used to laugh at you if it was anything but a warm tarmac.The lads used to laugh watching my tail end waving from side to side.Certainly a few hairy moments with them too.
