Coming to the end of my OEM tyres, with about 8000kms (5000 miles) covered. Anyone got any recommendations? Was going to try tye Michelin Pilot Road 3.
I have owned my capo for a week now and put 2500 km on down in Tasmania. I can't help but think this bike needs a 190/55 rear to give it a rounder profile. On a rightish right hander the bike ran out of tyre and fell onto stainless exhaust guard before gaining traction again, leaving ground peg, stand and guard. I didn't feel like I tipped bike in that hard and all confidence was destroyed. Would a 190/55 give a steeper edge and therefore more contact at steeper lean angles? I am 94kg, I had panniers and top box with gear for a weeks ride and preload set on auto. I found this to be way too soft so set at maximum of 2 riders with luggage, this setting I found just ok for one with luggage with the slightest dip in corners leaving that horrible grinding noise. Help!?
Hi jj & Zencra. I've been pondering the same question.....what to replace the Qualifiers with....I love Pilot Road 4's as they have unbelievable lifespan (with grip) and for Australia where you can easily clock up 20,000k in a year or so, they are my pick.....but what size?
The OEM Dunlop 180/55 is actually 190+ wide on the 6 inch rim, so I reckon I'd need at least a 190/50 in Michelin,though it would be smaller in height than a 180/55. I would like a 190/55 to keep ground clearance at maximum - and Capo's came with this size originally - but why did the maker downsize? Did the big tyre cause handling problems?
Anyone tried the big tyre? Does it need the 46 tooth rear sprocket to bring 6th gear back into real world use? I have 4000km's to find the solution to the puzzle before I become the test pilot (sorry, pun unintended)!
The OEM Dunlop 180/55 is actually 190+ wide on the 6 inch rim, so I reckon I'd need at least a 190/50 in Michelin,though it would be smaller in height than a 180/55. I would like a 190/55 to keep ground clearance at maximum - and Capo's came with this size originally - but why did the maker downsize? Did the big tyre cause handling problems?
Anyone tried the big tyre? Does it need the 46 tooth rear sprocket to bring 6th gear back into real world use? I have 4000km's to find the solution to the puzzle before I become the test pilot (sorry, pun unintended)!
Me again.......need to get a life......oh, just wanted to advise anyone who thinks the dedicated service mechanics get tyre pressures right.....please check for yourself!
I was wondering why I felt like an *** after bungling a leftie onto the freeway today, thinking I just stuffed up due to Alzheimer's (old-timer's..) and wondering why I didn't really enjoy my ride (had the newness worn off?) when I had a brain snap to re-check tyre pressures.
The mechanics had pumped up my tyres at the 1000km service, even though I had set them at 35F and 37R psi - they set them to 40F 42R. Dunlop Qualifier's don't like hard pressures! Problem solved. Enjoy
I was wondering why I felt like an *** after bungling a leftie onto the freeway today, thinking I just stuffed up due to Alzheimer's (old-timer's..) and wondering why I didn't really enjoy my ride (had the newness worn off?) when I had a brain snap to re-check tyre pressures.
The mechanics had pumped up my tyres at the 1000km service, even though I had set them at 35F and 37R psi - they set them to 40F 42R. Dunlop Qualifier's don't like hard pressures! Problem solved. Enjoy
I still have the June 2014 issue of Motorcycle Consumer News, where they test the 2014 Caponord.
They complain about the rear tire size. They think that it should have a 190/55 or 190/50, like BrisbaNord and Zencra previously said.
They complain about the rear tire size. They think that it should have a 190/55 or 190/50, like BrisbaNord and Zencra previously said.
Blimey I only got 3,100 miles from the OEM Tyres!!
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I automatically replaced them with Michelin Pilot Road 3’s as I tried the 4’s on my VFR1200 and only got the same mileage as PR3’s at a greater cost.
I must admit I did prefer the feel of the 3’s over the 4’s for some reason.
The PR3’s are absolutely superb in the wet the only complaint I have is the unusual wear pattern on the front tyre, I hope with the Capo being a lighter bike this wont happen.
I did also make the decision to fit a 180 rear rather than a 190 as it should make the bike turn in quicker with the slimmer tyre, however I do find with the 180 tyre that I do not have any chicken strips at all which is most probably as a result of the 180 tyre ending up having a flatter profile with it being on a wider rim.
Desperado
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I automatically replaced them with Michelin Pilot Road 3’s as I tried the 4’s on my VFR1200 and only got the same mileage as PR3’s at a greater cost.
I must admit I did prefer the feel of the 3’s over the 4’s for some reason.
The PR3’s are absolutely superb in the wet the only complaint I have is the unusual wear pattern on the front tyre, I hope with the Capo being a lighter bike this wont happen.
I did also make the decision to fit a 180 rear rather than a 190 as it should make the bike turn in quicker with the slimmer tyre, however I do find with the 180 tyre that I do not have any chicken strips at all which is most probably as a result of the 180 tyre ending up having a flatter profile with it being on a wider rim.
Desperado
Hi again C-noughts, I've been moonlighting on the other forum and the word is that a 190/50 profile is not a good choice, so I'll take advice from the tyre experts, but will most likely stick with 180/55 Pilot Road 4. There is a 180/60 profile around (Angel GT I think), but this would give a boot to rear ride height and gearing...... it may be worth asking the tyre tech's if they have fitted any with success! cheers from soggy non-sunny Brisbane. 
Michellin Road 4's!!
I did a 2 track days with these tyres and will rave about them. In the wet give so much more confidence, to the point where I got Vmax 225km/h at Phillip Island, Australia. After 2,500 they have little wear, so I predict they will give beyond 12,000kms with spirited use. I reduced ATC to 2 for wet and ATC 1 in the dry. I There are a lot of coarse roads in the Adelaide Hills where I ride, unfortunately.
For reference I got 5000 from the OEM's, but I did reduce ATC for more fun. Leave ATC at 3 for best wear.
Hi again C-noughts, I've been moonlighting on the other forum and the word is that a 190/50 profile is not a good choice, so I'll take advice from the tyre experts, but will most likely stick with 180/55 Pilot Road 4. There is a 180/60 profile around (Angel GT I think), but this would give a boot to rear ride height and gearing...... it may be worth asking the tyre tech's if they have fitted any with success! cheers from soggy non-sunny Brisbane.
Interested hearing how others roll, but coming into winter I have confidence in PR 4's.
Angel GT's may be OK for summer, but I'd be nervous in a wet winter....PR4's warm up quickly, not so much GT's.
I have 190/55 PR 4's, so I'm interested to why that's not recommended. I did my first track days at PI with this tyre set and was very impressed.
Hi Guys
I bought PR4's and after a month and about 600 miles very pleased. Feel is great and I can push the bike hard into the corners with confidence. Decent value as well.
I bought PR4's and after a month and about 600 miles very pleased. Feel is great and I can push the bike hard into the corners with confidence. Decent value as well.
Well I've owned the bike for a few months now, and the 180 rear Q2 does not give enough edge grip due to flat profile. I came across a newish Q3 190 rear(I work ride days here at Phillip Island and occasionally pick up a good as new tyre from used pile) so gave it a go. I also raised the fork tubes up through triple clamps by 2 rings( about 8mm). When I last wrote and was having terrible ground clearance issues I hadn't checked the fork preload, mine was nearly 11 turns out from closed( factory should be 5), so at 94 kg I took it to 4.5 out from closed and the bike is so much better. I have heaps more edge grip and while occasionally scraping pegs I still have 5mm tyre spare and for road use I do like to have some up my sleeve. I don't understand why the Capo ever came out with a 180 rear, I think it's dangerous and doesn't handle any better.
Hi all..I have road 4,s on my zx12 and they are great on road and track, wet or dry. A couple of my partners in crime on gs,s are talking about pilot trail tyres that are coming out..might be worth a look..when my tyres need replacing im going to go for them for my capo..jn
Hi Zencra......what profile was the 190 you fitted? (50 or 55).
I've seen a few posts from riders fitting 190/55. I'm nearly to the wear indicators at 6,600k.
I'm thinking I'll be a PR4 190/55 even though it will raise the ride height, and gearing, a fraction (I've got my forks up 4mm)....thinking a 44T rear sprocket might compensate..but that's an expensive experiment to get wrong!
Ps - just re-reading what I missed first time and, great to have your report Justo! I'm a fan of PR4's too, and there can't be any reason why a 6" rim shouldn't have a 190/55 fitted. Maybe there was a problem with the first model UK Capo's that spooked the factory into a knee-jerk solution?
I've seen a few posts from riders fitting 190/55. I'm nearly to the wear indicators at 6,600k.
I'm thinking I'll be a PR4 190/55 even though it will raise the ride height, and gearing, a fraction (I've got my forks up 4mm)....thinking a 44T rear sprocket might compensate..but that's an expensive experiment to get wrong!
Ps - just re-reading what I missed first time and, great to have your report Justo! I'm a fan of PR4's too, and there can't be any reason why a 6" rim shouldn't have a 190/55 fitted. Maybe there was a problem with the first model UK Capo's that spooked the factory into a knee-jerk solution?
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190/55 pr4
G'day anybody still considering tyres! I have just put a 190/55 Michelin PR4 on (still have the OEM Dunlop Qualifier on front at 9,100km). It's a match made in heaven! Go forth and put 190/55 on - the 180/55 label on the OEM Dunlop was BS as it was 190mm wide (I'm guessing it was a 190/50 size). The handling is A1 (haven't tested the speedo with my Garmin yet).
Note the Michelin 190/55 measures 186mm wide on the rim, but is 104mm high so it gives you about 4mm extra height. I wonder if a 200/50 (or 55 profile) might be even better as there is plenty of room for a true 195-200mm wide tyre. I have been for a fang, but there was traffic so I didn't get the chance to scrub all the way to the edge......
G'day anybody still considering tyres! I have just put a 190/55 Michelin PR4 on (still have the OEM Dunlop Qualifier on front at 9,100km). It's a match made in heaven! Go forth and put 190/55 on - the 180/55 label on the OEM Dunlop was BS as it was 190mm wide (I'm guessing it was a 190/50 size). The handling is A1 (haven't tested the speedo with my Garmin yet).
Note the Michelin 190/55 measures 186mm wide on the rim, but is 104mm high so it gives you about 4mm extra height. I wonder if a 200/50 (or 55 profile) might be even better as there is plenty of room for a true 195-200mm wide tyre. I have been for a fang, but there was traffic so I didn't get the chance to scrub all the way to the edge......
190/55 = What it's supposed to have
Hi Rockbyter and others......I've been for a blast with the Ducati Club of Qld.....whoeee can those guys ride! The 190/55 is brilliant - just as Justo posted earlier! Go forth with confidence and put 190/55 on and be very happy!
Checked with my Garmin and it now has a 5/6% error (ie 105 on Capo speedo = 99kph on polite radar). Prev OEM tyre gave Capo an 8% error...that's why I reckon it was a 190/50 with the wrong size branded on it.
The front Dunlop is wearing really well...it's got 9,600kms on and is showing flat sides but is still great feeling (I run it at 32psi cold). The PR4 190/55 is best at 36psi cold (one up - sad case.... no body loves me enough to ride pillion....sniff).
Hi Rockbyter and others......I've been for a blast with the Ducati Club of Qld.....whoeee can those guys ride! The 190/55 is brilliant - just as Justo posted earlier! Go forth with confidence and put 190/55 on and be very happy!
Checked with my Garmin and it now has a 5/6% error (ie 105 on Capo speedo = 99kph on polite radar). Prev OEM tyre gave Capo an 8% error...that's why I reckon it was a 190/50 with the wrong size branded on it.
The front Dunlop is wearing really well...it's got 9,600kms on and is showing flat sides but is still great feeling (I run it at 32psi cold). The PR4 190/55 is best at 36psi cold (one up - sad case.... no body loves me enough to ride pillion....sniff).
Posted in other thread on Tyres - anyone have Rally spoked wheels - I have got a 190/55 Metzler and just about to fit but garage has warned that it wont fit - any views?
G'day Johonno,
If you have the Rally with wire spokes you will not want a 190/55 rear...... from memory the Rally has a 170/60 rear as it is a narrower rim it will not suport a big fat tyre like the 6" rims on the Strada and Travel Pack versions.
I think you might get by with a 180/60 or a 180/55 if you feel the Rally needs something extra that the standard profile might be lacking.
This entire thread is about the road bike variant (1200TP) which originally came out with 190/55 rears in the first 2013 model spec, and changed to a poxy 180/55 stretched over a 6" rim from 2014........ that gave corner clearance problems with only the most modest sporty riding (ie ground centre stands, exhaust elbow, foot pegs) and often felt like the bike had "fallen off" the edge of the tyre. Some owners liked the 180/55 because it made them look like hard riders (no chicken strips on the edge), but the TP version really needed a 190/55rear.
Your Rally will want the semi trail profiles for dirt roads but if you only want a bitumen road profile I'm thinking a 180/55 should fit the slimmer wire spoke rim.'''
Cheers mate
Just had a look and Rally has 4.5" rim with 170/60x17" profile tyre on rear..... (front is 19" 120/70 on a 3" rim)........ rear rim might not even safely hold a 180/55 as they usually fit to 5" or 5.5" rims........ maybe stick with oem tyre sizes and look for a brand that is physically larger than oem (tyres are different even though they are labelled 170/60..... ie a Bridgestone might be slightly larger than say a Michelin....... maybe someone on the AF1 forum has worked out which tyre will give any improvements to say, gearing/speedo error/road handling/dirt traction/or whatever you are looking for).
If you have the Rally with wire spokes you will not want a 190/55 rear...... from memory the Rally has a 170/60 rear as it is a narrower rim it will not suport a big fat tyre like the 6" rims on the Strada and Travel Pack versions.
I think you might get by with a 180/60 or a 180/55 if you feel the Rally needs something extra that the standard profile might be lacking.
This entire thread is about the road bike variant (1200TP) which originally came out with 190/55 rears in the first 2013 model spec, and changed to a poxy 180/55 stretched over a 6" rim from 2014........ that gave corner clearance problems with only the most modest sporty riding (ie ground centre stands, exhaust elbow, foot pegs) and often felt like the bike had "fallen off" the edge of the tyre. Some owners liked the 180/55 because it made them look like hard riders (no chicken strips on the edge), but the TP version really needed a 190/55rear.
Your Rally will want the semi trail profiles for dirt roads but if you only want a bitumen road profile I'm thinking a 180/55 should fit the slimmer wire spoke rim.'''
Cheers mate
Just had a look and Rally has 4.5" rim with 170/60x17" profile tyre on rear..... (front is 19" 120/70 on a 3" rim)........ rear rim might not even safely hold a 180/55 as they usually fit to 5" or 5.5" rims........ maybe stick with oem tyre sizes and look for a brand that is physically larger than oem (tyres are different even though they are labelled 170/60..... ie a Bridgestone might be slightly larger than say a Michelin....... maybe someone on the AF1 forum has worked out which tyre will give any improvements to say, gearing/speedo error/road handling/dirt traction/or whatever you are looking for).
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errr, so how'd you go with fitting a new tyre to the Rally rims Johonno? Did you go for the standard profile 170/60x17 or did the shop say the next size up would be ok (or not)?
Cheers
Cheers
Hi Brisba - replied in other thread too.....
109 definitely way too big, garage suggested possibly 180 would be ok but in the end went for 170 Pirelli Scorpion trial (same as MultiStrada) so far all weather and very good grip and feel
I will see how it does all year round and maybe next year go for same but 180
109 definitely way too big, garage suggested possibly 180 would be ok but in the end went for 170 Pirelli Scorpion trial (same as MultiStrada) so far all weather and very good grip and feel
I will see how it does all year round and maybe next year go for same but 180
