| Tire Sizes: Front: 110/80-19 Rear:150/70-17 |
Here is where I will render my judgement on the various types of tires that I have
used on my V-Strom. These are my opinions and therefor clearly the right ones. If you have
a differing opinion regarding tires that I have mentioned here, keep it to yourself. LOL. Or
start your own web page and review tires Because of the 19" front tire the choices of rubber available for the V-Strom are somewhat limited. There are three types of tires available. Off Road, dual purpose, and street. |
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| Off Road Tires |
The fully off road tires are: Metzler's MCE Karoo & Continental's TKC 80 While it is possible to ride these tires on road surfaces, they are intended for dirt, and wear out quickly on pavement. |
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| Dual Purpose Tires | These tires are designed for about 80% road use and 20% trail use. While not as agressively treaded like off road
tires they handle light off road trails well.
Bridgestone Trailwings: These are the OEM tires and were good in wet or dry conditions but the rear wears out fast. Bridgestone Battlewing: These are new (2006) and are intended to replace the Trailwing. Better tread design and more rubber means the rear should wear better than the Trailwings. I have not yet used these tires so I cannot report on their abilities. Dunlop D607: A favorite among Strom riders. Seem to wear longer than the Trailwings. Good street tire, not so good in the dirt. Metzler Tourances: The most popular tire for dual purpose riding among the V-Strom communities. These tires reportedly have very good wet and dry handling, wear well and handle trails without issues. Michelin Anakee: Another favorite for dual purpose riding. |
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| Street Tires | Street tires are intended strictly for on pavement use and have no trail ratings.
Bridgestone Battleaxe BT020: These tires are in my opinion great. I've been shocked at how well the handle in wet or dry conditions. The best street tire I've had on my Strom. Continental Road Attack: These are new for 2007 and look like a real winner. I will try a set of these when my Battleaxe's wear out. Metzler Lazertec: Okay tire for everyday use. Hard rubber takes a while to wear in. The front liked to push for several miles until it was really worn in. I was disappointed with these tires. They do not perform well under aggressive riding styles. Metzler Roadtec Z6: I wanted to get these but the front tire is always out of stock. Too bad. I hear good things about this tire. Michelin Pilot Road: Good touring tire with average wear. Rear tires wear a little fast. Expect about 6-8K miles. |