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Supermoto tires

J

Junkie

gone for now
Joined
Aug 23, 2006
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I'm trying to decide what tires to put on my WR450SM.

Right now it's running S20 EVOs, 120/70 and 150/60, on a 4.25 rear.

I also have a set of almost one-off tubeless spoked wheels: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/do-we-need-low-cost-tubeless-spoked-wheel and my recollection is it's a 5" rear. I was considering putting them on the trackbike 426, but being able to fix a flat is very convenient. If I run those I'd run a 160 rear, and chain clearance would be pretty tight (but that's true on both the streetbike and the trackbike).


For tires, I'm currently debating between Bridgestone S21 and Michelin Power RS. Any thoughts between those, or something else to consider? I want something that warms up reasonably quickly, given that it's a 275lb bike putting <50hp to the ground. Life isn't too big of a concern, the bike is a toy that's expensive to ride anyway.
 
Metzler m7rr. Very happy with them on my drz400e supermoto. They definitely warm up quick for a street tire. I considered the Michelin rs but went metzler for the better wet weather qualities of the tire. I wouldn't hesitate to run the Michelin though. A friend uses the S21 and swears by them, I think mostly because he gets them for a good deal.
 
Are we talking mixed street/track use or just track?

If mixed use where keeping the tire hot ain't easy then go sport tire; Bridgestone S21, Conti Attack SM, Dunlop Q3+, Metzeler M7, Michelin PP3, Pirelli Rosso Corsa.

If track only use where keeping the tire hot is easy then go track tire; Bridgestone RS10, Metzeler Racetec, Michelin Power RS or slicks.

Side note on rear tire sizing; also consider the 150/70/17 size. A friend of mine with a Ktm 690sm that used to run the stock 160/60/17 size tried a 150/70/17 and LOVES IT.
 
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If you street riding go with front Q3+ and Rear M7RR .
 
I have Conti Attack SM currently, came as a stock tire on my 701 and I dont like it.
It steeped out too many times even on slightest gravel or slick surface.

Will be switching to Q3s once they run out or Avon Distancias if they still make them.
 
S21 warms fast. Q3 does not. even worse when it's cold out.
 
KrustyKruser said:
Where did you find the James Parker wheels?
Click to expand...
Someone on a forum (SMJ) wanted to know if he could make WR wheels fit his YZ, he posted a picture. The answer was no. I offered to pay him a finders fee (they were posted for 600), he sent me the link (but I couldn't get him to take any money) and got them for $600 shipped.

The bike I'm asking about is street only. The track supermoto has slicks (and warmers).
 
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mototireguy said:
Are we talking mixed street/track use or just track?

If mixed use where keeping the tire hot ain't easy then go sport tire; Bridgestone S21, Conti Attack SM, Dunlop Q3+, Metzeler M7, Michelin PP3, Pirelli Rosso Corsa.

If track only use where keeping the tire hot is easy then go track tire; Bridgestone RS10, Metzeler Racetec, Michelin Power RS or slicks.

Side note on rear tire sizing; also consider the 150/70/17 size. A friend of mine with a Ktm 690sm that used to run the stock 160/60/17 size tried a 150/70/17 and LOVES IT.
Click to expand...
Street only.

There don't seem to be many sport tires available in 150/70.
 
I've been running pirellis. either rosso II or IIIs.

Decent life. Little to no issues with grip when cold at lower pressures.

IIs, Neutral turn-in when new and at about 3/4 life. Stiff sidewalls make for good road feel. Great front tire braking stability even when worn. It's just a bitchin tire for the price now the IIIs are out.

IIIs, Same attributes as the IIs in its later life. The only real difference I felt is the IIIs tend to have a light to neutral turn in and light-er handling when its on it's side.

both tires have a really predictable way of sliding out. When pushed, instead of snapping out abruptly, they tend to slide.
 
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The Dunlop Alpha 13 is a good choice for a 150 rear. I'm running it on my SM wheels at the moment. Can't say much about mileage, but I know the KTM 390 championship runs that tire.
 
Junkie said:
There don't seem to be many sport tires available in 150/70.
Click to expand...

True not much if any 150/70/17 choices in the sport tire category but lots of choices in other categories.

The friend with the Ktm 690sm is running the Pirelli Scorpion Trail rear and Pilot Power front. Yes it says Trail in the title but if you look at the tire it's a 95% street/sport tread design. Other similar 'trail' type tires are also really street tires in disguise.

The friend with Ktm 690sm swears by the 150/70/17 size, loves the handling performance vs the 150/60/17 and 160/60/17 sizes he has used before.

Just saying it's worth putting in the you have options basket.
 

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A number of the guys on the KTM 690 forum swear by the Conti Attack SM. General comments are very sticky, but don't last long.

I run the M7RR on my 690, which are the OEM tires, and I like them a lot for mixed road/track use.
 
I really really like the m7rr's, also have really come to love the S21 Evo's that I threw on my Buell STT. Both are great tires, with the S21's coming ahead with a longer tread life, m7rr in overall grip and warm-up time.
 
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