2001 VFR tire recommendations

[RichGrab]

Good day to you all. I have a new to me 2001 VFR which I have been having loads of fun with lately. This is my first season riding this bike, and I plan to go to MPFB in August. By then, I will likely need tires. Currently running Dunlop D204's, which I don't even know if they are available.

What I'm looking for is info from members on the tires they run on this bike (pretty much the same from mid-90's up). Have hear good things about the RoadSmart 2's.

Any help greatly appreciated.

[stevegrab]

Hey bro,

I've been running Bridgestone BT series on my 98 VFR for most of its life. I think BT021 are the current model, but they may have changed. Also have heard good things about the Michelin Pilot series (two different models I think). Used to run a lot of Dunlop and Metzeler tires on the CBR. Even tried a set of Avons on the VFR once. Too many choices and not enough real distinct differences (to me).

Remind me sometime later and I'll pass along more info on recent pricing and where I've been buying tires.

[96viffer]

I currently run Michelin Pilot Road 2 on my '96 and am liking them. I've also used the original Pilot Road which I absolutely loved. I've also tried Metzler Roadtec Z6 which I like, and Dunlop Roadsmart which I thought were OK. If I recall correctly, the Roadsmart had a slight tendency to fall in in turns while the others provided a more neutral respsonse. The best front end feedback I got was from the Pilot Road. Not sure if they still make 'em since the Pilot Road 3 is out. I think the PR3 is what I'll try next.

In terms of durability, the Metzler lasted me 11000 mi on the front and 9000 on the rear. Worst was the Roadsmart, lasting 7500 mi front and rear. As you can tell all the tires I've tried are of the sport touring variety, which for my style of riding works just fine, providing a good balance between performance and durability. If you ride aggressively I don't think you can go wrong with any of the new generation sport tires, just don't expect them to last more than 5000 mi. I did try a rear Dunlop Qualifier once that lasted me 6200 mi which I thought was pretty good for a sport tire.

[NinjaBob]

I have had great luck with original Pilot Road fronts. Don't like the PR2's as well have not thried the 3. I average 12,000 mles with the PR.

Rear is a different story. Liked the 7000 mile Avon Azaros but can't get them anymore The Ultra gave me less than 5000, as did Conti Road Attach, Conti Motion and Road Smart. Pilot Road gave amlomost 6000 but did not like handling. Last two tires have been Shinko Raven, almost 7000 and handle as well as any of above. Best of all is the Pirelli Angel, best handling and 6000 miles but my 99 VFR is now just a commuter so I economize with the $90 Shinko.

In 120,000 miles I have never used front and rear from same manufacturer except for the set of Dunlops it came with.

[VegasVFR]

Good day to you all. I have a new to me 2001 VFR which I have been having loads of fun with lately. This is my first season riding this bike, and I plan to go to MPFB in August. By then, I will likely need tires. Currently running Dunlop D204's, which I don't even know if they are available.

What I'm looking for is info from members on the tires they run on this bike (pretty much the same from mid-90's up). Have hear good things about the RoadSmart 2's.

Any help greatly appreciated.

I have a 2001 Honda VFR. I went to Pilot Powers from the Dunlops. If you want high performance I would recommend the Pilot Pures. If all around high performance and better bad weather performance I have run the Pilot Powers without the 2CT. I just finished a road test on the new Pilot Road 3s, and they are very solid and should give you better mileage than the other tires. They feel different more on stability, and less playful, but great in bad weather. Hope that helps you. The report will be in STAReview 31-05 which is in progress. NZ.ME.SM

[stlthmsta]

I've been very happy with Metzler Z6's and although I don't have a VFR anymore , I would still try them. Michelin would be #2. TM

[africord]

I run Michelin Pilot Road 2s on my 2002 VFR, but some have a Michelin Pilot Power (front)/Pilot Road 2 (rear) combo to be a little faster in the corners. I'm also hearing good things about the Michelin Pilot Road 3. However, most of the improvement on the PR3 is in wet conditions.

[Nophix]

Pilot Road 2 hands down. I've got them on my z1000 right now, and they are fantastic! Buddy has them on his 2004 VFR and swears by them.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2

[EricLarsen]

I've been running Qualifiers/Q2s on my 99 for years. Not much for milage (3000 per set) but they perform well.

[RichGrab]

Thanks for all the feedback. I don't ride too aggressively so I'm giving serious thought to the Pilot Road 2. Might go with the 3's since I am sure there will be some wet weather riding before the season ends. Saw the wear marks while doing 200 miles this weekend, so will have to do something in week or so. Keep the tips coming. Other big factor, is I'm pushing more weight than the normal guy so that might eat tires quicker.