DL1000 street tires - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Wistrick · 03-25-2008, 07:30 AM

I was wondering if anybody else uses there Wee/Vee Strom for strictly street use? And if so what type of tires do you run? My DL1000 is at the shop getting a set of pilot roads put on it. I know some hardcore Stromers will have my neck for suggesting it be used as a street only bike

thoughts?

Dan

**drgibson** · 03-25-2008, 08:07 AM

Funny I thought it came with street tires.

They don't look like a trail or DS tire.

You should be fine, from most of the reviews it's better off on the street anyway.

**Clint** · 03-25-2008, 08:18 AM

I've read a number of owners saying it's a great canyon carver, too. It's not like you can't ride gravel with the Pilots. You'll just have to practice your gradual de-clenching technique to avoid the butt-bends.

Rickster · 03-25-2008, 12:46 PM

I haven't heard to much about the pilot roads, on a Strom, keep us posted as to what you think of them.

I decided to go with the Metzles Tourance's, but have only mounted the rear so far, so I can't comment on weather or not I will get the dreaded "Tourance front wheel wobble".

At 17,000 miles the stock Trailwings front tire is still good to go, I took some sandpaper and cleaned the "glaze" off a few times, but the tread is still good for a few thousand miles.

Wistrick · 03-25-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

I decided to go with the Metzles Tourance's, but have only mounted the rear so far, so I can't comment on weather or not I will get the dreaded "Tourance front wheel wobble".

Those are the tires I am taking off my strom, had the front wheel try and slip out from under me a couple times on wet road. And the rear wheel was squared off pretty badly.

Dan

Rickster · 03-26-2008, 08:46 AM

Well that doesn't sound good. The information I found said the Tourance's were better wet road tires than the stock Trailwings, and I never had a problem with the stock tires loosing traction early in wet conditions, so I figured the Metzler's would be better.

I never do get really crazy on wet roads anyway, (you can't see the oil spots when the road's already wet) but I'll have to make myself a mental note to go a bit slower till I find there limits, thanks for the warning.

What did you think of them for dry conditions?

Kind of sounds like you had a lot of highway miles on them to get the rear squared off, how long did they last for you?

Wistrick · 03-27-2008, 09:37 PM

I not sure how many miles where on them? They where on the bike when I bought it. The owner before me was a logger and rode a lot of logging roads, I suspect that he lowered the pressure in the rear to gain traction in the dirt and didn't re-inflate after returning to pavement. The mechanic that change my tires say the front was pretty chewed up to. Might explain the problems I had in wet conditions

Dan

Wistrick · 04-10-2008, 07:26 AM

Well I have about 250 miles on the pilot roads and they are just plain awesome street tires. Lean in seem to take a little more input than what was required on the Tourances but they hold a line a lot better. If anybody is looking for a pure street tire for the Strom I would recommend these tires

Dan

stp1971 · 05-15-2008, 11:58 AM

I was going to go the route of the Metzlers. At 11,000 miles the rear tire was done for. Rapid deterioration the last 1000 miles. I decided for the price to just go back with the Trailwings as they have held the road pretty good thus far and the front was still serviceable.

Maybe later when I have more dough to blow I will try another brand.

Thanks for the update Wistrick.

**intimid8er** · 05-15-2008, 12:35 PM

11K on the rear tire!

Lucky dog!

stp1971 · 05-15-2008, 05:48 PM

Well ya know. It is all highway miles mostly superslab and I don't have the torque to smoke the ol tire. I really should've changed it about 1,000 miles ago.

Rickster · 05-16-2008, 12:43 PM

11,000 miles isn't all that good on a Strom, I got 14,000 out of my rear stocker, and I did smoke that one a few times,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,right before I took it off.

**intimid8er** · 05-16-2008, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickster

11,000 miles isn't all that good on a Strom, I got 14,000 out of my rear stocker, and I did smoke that one a few times,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,right before I took it off.

Man....I only got 5K out of my rear tire. I guess I gotta look at different compounds or something.

I'm a little surprised they put such a soft compound on a "Adventure/Sport" bike.

Rickster · 05-16-2008, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intimid8er

Man....I only got 5K out of my rear tire. I guess I gotta look at different compounds or something.

I'm a little surprised they put such a soft compound on a "Adventure/Sport" bike.

That sucks, the only bike I ever got that crappy of tire mileage out of was my Triumph Rocket 111, and with 140 ft pounds of torque, that didn't surprise me.

I'm not expecting good tire mileage with the DR 650, I only have 900 miles on it, and both tires are already showing wear, of course a bike that puts that big a smile on your face is doing things that doesn't promote high tire mileage.

stp1971 · 05-18-2008, 10:59 PM

Well I was getting a nice flat bald spot on the center of the tire. I figured I better get that fixed before I started slipping around in the rain again. I guess that and riding two up pretty aggressively at times can wear them down quicker too.

**intimid8er** · 05-19-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickster

That sucks, the only bike I ever got that crappy of tire mileage out of was my Triumph Rocket 111, and with 140 ft pounds of torque, that didn't surprise me.

I'm not expecting good tire mileage with the DR 650, I only have 900 miles on it, and both tires are already showing wear, of course a bike that puts that big a smile on your face is doing things that doesn't promote high tire mileage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stp1971

Well I was getting a nice flat bald spot on the center of the tire. I figured I better get that fixed before I started slipping around in the rain again. I guess that and riding two up pretty aggressively at times can wear them down quicker too.

With a rear tire with no tread, tar parking lots were quite the experience!

stp1971 · 05-19-2008, 02:13 PM

I here ya. I am just glad it was changed.

Rickster · 05-19-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intimid8er

With a rear tire with no tread, tar parking lots were quite the experience!

Isn't that Uly a little tall to being burnouts on?

**intimid8er** · 05-20-2008, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickster

Isn't that Uly a little tall to being burnouts on?

Didn't you once remark, that I make it look ridiculously small?

I'll go find that pic....

**intimid8er** · 05-20-2008, 07:04 AM

up.....here it is!

Nah.......not too tall!

03-25-2008, 07:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
Wistrick In Training Joined: May 2007 Bike: Suzuki Blvd. C50 2005 and 2003 Vstrom DL1000 Location: Pendleton, OR Posts: 121	DL1000 street tires I was wondering if anybody else uses there Wee/Vee Strom for strictly street use? And if so what type of tires do you run? My DL1000 is at the shop getting a set of pilot roads put on it. I know some hardcore Stromers will have my neck for suggesting it be used as a street only bike thoughts? Dan __________________ If loud pipes save life's, imagine what learning to ride that thing could do!!!

03-25-2008, 08:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
drgibson Thumper Mod Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Location: Dallas, Texas Directly above the center of the earth. Posts: 10,258	Funny I thought it came with street tires. They don't look like a trail or DS tire. You should be fine, from most of the reviews it's better off on the street anyway. __________________ Looking for better fuel economy? Consider a KLR... Better gas milage then a Prius or a Smart car, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg and your testosterone.

03-25-2008, 12:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,873	I haven't heard to much about the pilot roads, on a Strom, keep us posted as to what you think of them. I decided to go with the Metzles Tourance's, but have only mounted the rear so far, so I can't comment on weather or not I will get the dreaded "Tourance front wheel wobble". At 17,000 miles the stock Trailwings front tire is still good to go, I took some sandpaper and cleaned the "glaze" off a few times, but the tread is still good for a few thousand miles. __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

03-26-2008, 08:46 AM	#6 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,873	Well that doesn't sound good. The information I found said the Tourance's were better wet road tires than the stock Trailwings, and I never had a problem with the stock tires loosing traction early in wet conditions, so I figured the Metzler's would be better. I never do get really crazy on wet roads anyway, (you can't see the oil spots when the road's already wet) but I'll have to make myself a mental note to go a bit slower till I find there limits, thanks for the warning. What did you think of them for dry conditions? Kind of sounds like you had a lot of highway miles on them to get the rear squared off, how long did they last for you? __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

03-27-2008, 09:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
Wistrick In Training Joined: May 2007 Bike: Suzuki Blvd. C50 2005 and 2003 Vstrom DL1000 Location: Pendleton, OR Posts: 121	I not sure how many miles where on them? They where on the bike when I bought it. The owner before me was a logger and rode a lot of logging roads, I suspect that he lowered the pressure in the rear to gain traction in the dirt and didn't re-inflate after returning to pavement. The mechanic that change my tires say the front was pretty chewed up to. Might explain the problems I had in wet conditions Dan __________________ If loud pipes save life's, imagine what learning to ride that thing could do!!!

04-10-2008, 07:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
Wistrick In Training Joined: May 2007 Bike: Suzuki Blvd. C50 2005 and 2003 Vstrom DL1000 Location: Pendleton, OR Posts: 121	quick up date Well I have about 250 miles on the pilot roads and they are just plain awesome street tires. Lean in seem to take a little more input than what was required on the Tourances but they hold a line a lot better. If anybody is looking for a pure street tire for the Strom I would recommend these tires Dan __________________ If loud pipes save life's, imagine what learning to ride that thing could do!!!

05-15-2008, 11:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,725	I was going to go the route of the Metzlers. At 11,000 miles the rear tire was done for. Rapid deterioration the last 1000 miles. I decided for the price to just go back with the Trailwings as they have held the road pretty good thus far and the front was still serviceable. Maybe later when I have more dough to blow I will try another brand. Thanks for the update Wistrick. __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

05-15-2008, 12:35 PM	#10 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 27 44'17.07" N 82 45'20.16" W Sharkbait Posts: 9,102	11K on the rear tire! Lucky dog! __________________ Song Pick of the Week 07/02 Gordon Lightfoot - Sundown Ever wonder if the Hokey-Pokey is what it's all about? I'm not foul mouthed. I just like to use the eff word. A LOT!

05-15-2008, 05:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,725	Well ya know. It is all highway miles mostly superslab and I don't have the torque to smoke the ol tire. I really should've changed it about 1,000 miles ago. __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

05-16-2008, 12:43 PM	#12 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,873	11,000 miles isn't all that good on a Strom, I got 14,000 out of my rear stocker, and I did smoke that one a few times,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,right before I took it off. __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

05-18-2008, 10:59 PM	#15 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,725	Well I was getting a nice flat bald spot on the center of the tire. I figured I better get that fixed before I started slipping around in the rain again. I guess that and riding two up pretty aggressively at times can wear them down quicker too. __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

05-19-2008, 02:13 PM	#17 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,725	I here ya. I am just glad it was changed. __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

05-20-2008, 07:04 AM	#20 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 27 44'17.07" N 82 45'20.16" W Sharkbait Posts: 9,102	up.....here it is! Nah.......not too tall! __________________ Song Pick of the Week 07/02 Gordon Lightfoot - Sundown Ever wonder if the Hokey-Pokey is what it's all about? I'm not foul mouthed. I just like to use the eff word. A LOT!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Whats the best Dual Sport tires for mostly street?	meie	Dirt Bikes & ATV's	8	01-01-2008 08:29 AM
Dl1000 V strom	gcarper	Suzuki	0	08-01-2007 12:16 PM
Problems with the DL1000	Bruno Goncalo Moniz Corre	The Long Road - Adventure Touring	3	01-03-2005 08:47 PM
What NOT to do on the street	Louis	The Paddock	54	10-08-2004 09:18 AM
Replaced the VStrom DL1000	spirit	The Long Road - Adventure Touring	3	09-16-2004 06:07 PM