Looks like the Pirelli Rosso Corsa is the tyre to have! It scored 9.5/10 on the road, the same as the Metzeler Racetec. However on the track it scored 20/20 compared to a lowly 12/20 for the Metzeler which surprisingly came in joint last overall which is irrelevant I spose if you never intend to Track the tyre anyway.
Sinewave, I'm sure they must have been comparing the Rosso's to a K3 Racetec which is the hardest compound. The K1 and 2's are one of the best tyres you can use on a track. I run both of these tyres on my road bike and in the dry would always go for the Racetec but they're not fantastic in the wet, but then they're not supposed to be! Currently have the Rosso's fitted although the rear is at the end of it's life. Slightly better performance in the wet but again it's not what they're meant for. Generally I'll get about 2000 miles from a Racetec and about 2500 from the Rosso's. Also used the Rosso's on track and couldn't fault them.
Yeahhhhh booooyyyyyy! The corsa has always been my tyre of choice apart from the centre being soft and flattening out pretty quickly. I used to managed 1000-1500 out of a rear but riding hard and too fast. I've now managed to reduce my overall top speeds by attending track days so ready to switch back from the 2CT to the corsa next tyre change
The Metzeler Tyre used was the M5 Sportec All tests done using a 2013 ABS Fireblade so well worth a read for us lot as some tyres perform better on different Bikes so the fact this test has been done on our chosen steed should hold more weight with us?
I got 2500 out of mine but the bands were starting to show by that time. It was illegal by 2000 miles
I was doing silly top speed runs when I first got my bike that's how I think I ruined the centre so quickly. Now I get at least 1500-2000miles including a track day
Right then! I think I've made me mind up and will go with the Pirelli's despite their bad Rep at the F1 last weekend! Next question is should I go with the 55 or 50 series rear? The PB test was conducted using the standard 50 series profile.
I've put nearly 2K on them and they are hardly worn to be honest! The Michelin Guys at the DT open day reckon they should be good for 4500/5500 on a non-hooligan ridden Blade which judging by the wear rate so far looks achievable. My mates only got 2K outa his Battlax's so he's gunna have the PR3's swapped on to his Kwak ZX1000SX at the same time I have the Corsa's fitted.
Mine was purely road miles, thats why i was a little dissapointed with the millage. i am on sportsmarts now but havent done enough miles to comment on wear rates yet
What does the collective think about me going with a 55 rear section Corsa then? Don't seem to ba able to find any reported downsides just reports of better Tip in's etc. Not bothered about Speedo accuracy, it over reads anyway on standard tyres so a 55 might just put it reet!
I used corsas on my r6 it's a quality tyre. Great on track to. First proper tyre I had and made me more confident rider. I'd go 55 for me mate ... Why not Quite an old tyre now ?
I switched to a 55 section last time out and felt like it made a big difference. Bike felt a lot more ready to tip. More nimble. Having said that I was also switching from a Metzeler M3 to Pilot Power 2CT so that could've been a contributing factor. 1 still like the 2CTs. They're wearing well and I've never felt like I'm about to unstick them. Nice and cheap too.
I have had many thoughts about switching to the 55 rear section but the thing that holds me back is that both Honda and Suzuki swear by the 50 profile and don't anywhere actively recommend the 55 profile. For me the blade is so stable and easy to turn in to a corner I'm not sure I need that to be improved however hard acceleration out of corners is where the squirming happens and that's where the 50 profile has more surface contact area than a 55. On a 55 tyre you also tend not to reach the edge of the tyre so very hard to fully remove your chicken strips. My brother runs the 2ct on his big bang R1 with the 55 profile rear and swears by it for track and road use. I managed sub 2m 15s laps at Snetty on almost worn out 50 profile 2ct's at my first attempt so I'm not fixing a situation that's not broke however I may now switch to the Pirelli to give me more sticky centre for blasting out of corners If I was more of a everyday road rider in all weather I would probably have the Metzeler M5's as they are definitely an awesome performing all round tyre
