what brand of tires should I purchase?

[ELIdaho]

Greetings all! I'm about to purchase a set of new tires for my 85' ZL900 and was wondering what everyone else is using a majority of. I've looked at the Dunlops and the Metzelers and have noticed a mileage/wear difference, as well as a pretty decent price difference. For all around riding, including an occasional chirp and scoot, what do you guys recommend here? Thanks!

 

[zlMark]

I've used both, the metzelers cost alot and once they start to wear they get greasy, but they last a long, long time! The dunlops have a couple options, probably the D404 for sure, but they don't last. If you like doing burnouts get a metzeler!

I recently tried a set of Shinko 230 Tourmasters V-rated, Best traction, best price, and 60-70 runs down the 1320' and 1500mi and no signs of wear yet! The traction on these are scary, I have yet to break it loose trying to do a burnout. So if you go this route don't say I didn't warn ya!

The pair of Shinko's will run ya $123 shipped to your door from the below ad from Motorcycle superstore. Support the zl-oa by buying through them. They guarentee lowest prices, so you can't go wrong!

 

[K-Ray]

I run the Metzeler ME 880's on all our bike's

 

[lowlife]

I like my Metty's for the mileage but then again when wallowing through a corner on a Zl sometimes it can be nice to be on stickies...

 

[ELIdaho]

Hey guys, thanks for the words of wisdom!! Only been a member of this site for about a week, and have already received a ton of help, so thanks to all!! One other question, or two...Has anyone tried fitting as wide a tire as possible on the back of the ZL900 and how wide can a person go without hacking the swingarm? I read a post the other day where one of you likes to run one size larger tire on the front. Would it be safe to assume that a slightly larger front tire would not become overwhelmed as easily as the stocker?

 

[gds]

Shinko Tourmaster

Shinko vs Dunlop:
http://www.zl-oa.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8751&highlight=shinko


...(from me several months ago)..."The tires: Shinko Tourmaster. I was very impressed with the traction on these tires. As stated earlier my first 5hrs riding was in the wet and these tires stuck to the very tight switchbacks. Never once in the 15hrs of riding did they feel as though they would have slid out on me, even in those arse puckering moments when I encountered gravel in the switchbacks. (Not knowing these tires, I did not push them too hard).....".

Through the summer, since making that last statement, I have gotten to know these tires better and have pushed them very far. I have pushed them hard in the twisties and they are very stable with plenty of traction. The bike has been leaned over far enough that not only the footpegs are missing chunks but also the bottom of the foot brake arm is all scraped up. The contour of the tire shape makes it very predictable while leaning the bike into a turn.

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[paulfun]

I currently have the shinko tires on my 85 zl9 and must say I am quite impressed with them, especially considering the cost!
At the mid ohio meet this year we installed them and test rode them. Without even warming the tires (about3/4ths of a mile from track) I tried to prove ZLMark wrong about lighting them up and the bike responded with a wheelie so they do hook up cold or hot as they have yet to give me more than a slight chirp.
Havent been in the rain with them as of yet but all else has proven them an exceptional tire.
On my 86 zl i have the Avon Venum and have been very pleased with them as well except for wet traction. They are not as sticky as the shinko as I can burn them off if I want to. They are however a good tire and stick way better and handle better than the metzler i had on the 85 previously and also outperform the dunlops on the 87zl1.

My prefered riding is in the back twisties and mostly agressive! So I would recomend both the shinko and the Avon to anyone as they both perform well. the main difference being that the Avon seems to give the bigger/fuller look and the shinko appears smaller. As well if you do like doing burn outs go with the Avon as they are easyer to smoke up than the shinko.