1250 Bandit tires

[bikerboybilly]

I am in need of new rubber on my 2008 Bandit 1250.  The Dunlops that come on it didn't last as long as I would like (2,200 kms).

Any recommendations on a tire that works well with sport touring and gives more mileage.

Let me know
Bill

[jsp]

I'm very happy with Bridgestone BT021's on my SV1000S's. An excellent combination of grip and feel with good mileage. They're reasonably cheap too.
john

[Hickey]

I've heard great things about Michelin Pilot Road 2

I have a set for my 650F waiting to be installed as soon as I wear out the stock tires.

[Aviator]

As long as I owned my Bandit, it got nothin but the BattleAxe. Great performance.

[oremike]

I tried a bunch of different tires on my B-12 finally settled on Pirelli Diablo Stratas.

[MadMax96]

Wow.. what did you do to them?  . What type of tires does Suzuki put on the Bandit these days?  I got over 10k miles on my stockers on my 1G!!

I'm sure you'd be happy with any of the current sport touring tires.  I, too, have the Diablo Stradas.  I hear the new Dunlop Roadsmarts are nice too.    

[Canuck]

I lost the rear Dunlop on my 1250 after about 150 miles thanks to a flat tire. I tried an Avon Storm, but only got about 6000 km out of it. I have a BT-021 on it right now, and it is wearing very well at about 6000 km. It looks like it will have another 6000 km. Oddly enough the Avon Storm on the front is lasting very well. The BT-021 has very good grip, though combined with the Storm on the front. I got to try them out in Hell's Canyon and going over the Lolo Pass and they were excellent. I haven't had a chance to try them in the rain yet though.

[Kool shades]

I put a set of Conti Road Attacks on my B12 last summer. Love 'em!  
Great in the rain, great in the curves, really decent tread wear.

[bikerboybilly]

I see no one has mentioned Dunlop Sport Max.  Which is what came with the Bandit.

Anyone try Metzlers?

[notagix]

Pilot Road 2 on the 1250, they have great traction, and i've got 8000km on them and they look like they will be good for another 8000km at least. I run 38/40 psi

[MadMax96]

I see no one has mentioned Dunlop Sport Max.  Which is what came with the Bandit.

Anyone try Metzlers?

The Metzler Z6 Roadtec is great.  I'm told the Pirelli Diablo Strada are pretty much a re-branded Z6 that has just a slightly different tread pattern and since they were a little cheaper I went with those this time around.  So far so good.  I have a few thousand miles on them now and they aren't even half done.

I *think* Metzler updated the Z6 and now call it the "Roadtec Interact" or something - not sure what the difference is.

[RowdyRed94]

Avons for long life, Pirelli Stradas for a compromise, Conti Road Attacks on now.

How the hell does anyone burn off a set in 1500 miles? I get 6-7,000, and I'm no granny.

[Canuck]

Avons for long life, Pirelli Stradas for a compromise, Conti Road Attacks on now.

How the hell does anyone burn off a set in 1500 miles? I get 6-7,000, and I'm no granny.

My Avon rear went in 4000 miles, but that included 100+ temps for several days on a long trip and sustained speeds in the 80mph range.

[Mtntrax]

2,800 miles on my stock rear before replacing it. Might of been able to squeeze another 500 more max. The OEM Dunlop rear wears really fast in most cases on the 1250. Rough pavement and 80 ft/lbs of torque with lots of throttle twist on a soft compound tire doesn't last worth diddly. Replaced it with BT-016 which has to wear at least somewhat  better. Think I should of went with the Bridgestone 021 touring though for better longevity.

[Mr.Black]

Just chiming in.........
2800 mi. on the stock Dunlop, and time to replace.

I had know idea they would just basically melt off!
I really don't hop on it that much Ive only ridden it in the cooler/cold weather, late Sept - now.

Ive heard a lot of good about the Pilot Road 2s. But I like the numbers that Ive heard in this thread about the Bridgestone.

How soft of a tire do I really need? I don't really carve it up that much but want the ability to take the few corners that I do in safety.

Hell back when I was a tough guy  I had tires on my Harley for 2 seasons easy!

[Mr.Black]

Just chiming in.........
2800 mi. on the stock Dunlop, and time to replace.

I had know idea they would just basically melt off!
I really don't hop on it that much Ive only ridden it in the cooler/cold weather, late Sept - now.

Ive heard a lot of good about the Pilot Road 2s. But I like the numbers that Ive heard in this thread about the Bridgestone.

How soft of a tire do I really need? I don't really carve it up that much but want the ability to take the few corners that I do in safety.

Hell back when I was a tough guy  I had tires on my Harley for 2 seasons easy!

Yup!!!
Just failed my inspection. Needs tires. Suzuki dudes say the stock Dunlops are POOP! Just 2900 Mi.  They agree that the road pilot 2s are a much better tire. I only have their credit so I have to get them there 354.00 for the set. They told me they'd be happy to mount them for 75.00 each. I said Bite Me as politely as I could. I luckily have a co-worker who does that sort of thing. He will come to my house and do them for 20.00 each if they are off the bike. Now all I have to do is figure out how to use the lift I have with the configuration of the Bandit exhaust. Any tips?

[Nodaclu]

I've heard great things about Michelin Pilot Road 2

I have a set for my 650F waiting to be installed as soon as I wear out the stock tires.

Bill, I'd love to hear your impressions of these once they eventually go on, as they are my first choice when it comes time to replace mine.

How are your OE tires are wearing? I'm only at 3,400 and have noticeable wear on the front (squaring off). Of course, riding the desert flatlands in 110 degree heat will do that.    

But I think these Bridgestones are my least favorite tire of any I've tried. Just don't suit my riding style. I loved the more rounded profile of the original Pilot Roads.

[Hickey]

I replaced my OEM tires at 7200 miles.  I believe the rear could have gone at least another 1000 miles.  The front might have made it another 3000 or more.  But I wanted to practice with the tire changer and the stock tires were pretty squared off.

The Pilot Road 2s have been great so far.  I've got a few hundred miles on them now.  Beyond wear issues, I think these have a different profile than the stock tires.  These are quicker steering and more agile tire, especially when leaned over.  Bump compliance is about the same.  Grip seems fine.  It is too early to tell about longevity, but I suspect they'll be at least as long lasting as the stock tires.

[Nodaclu]

I replaced my OEM tires at 7200 miles.  I believe the rear could have gone at least another 1000 miles.  The front might have made it another 3000 or more.  But I wanted to practice with the tire changer and the stock tires were pretty squared off.

The Pilot Road 2s have been great so far.  I've got a few hundred miles on them now.  Beyond wear issues, I think these have a different profile than the stock tires.  These are quicker steering and more agile tire, especially when leaned over.  Bump compliance is about the same.  Grip seems fine.  It is too early to tell about longevity, but I suspect they'll be at least as long lasting as the stock tires.

I really appreciate the feedback. I think I'll go the same route when I wear these out a bit more. Thanks!