New rear tire made a big difference in handling

[clcorbin]

As some of you may know, I got a rear flat last Wednesday. Thankfully (???), the rear tire, a Battlaxe BT45R was on it's last leg, so it was a pretty easy decision to just order a new tire and be done with it. The replacement is a Pirelli Sport Demon.

I finally got the bike back on the road today. There is definitely differences in handling between the two tires. With the BT45, I almost had to force the bike to make tight turns. It really wanted to stand up. It definitely felt like the bike was running out of traction because it was fighting the turn so much.

The Sport Demon is a completely different animal. It almost falls into corners, low speed or high speed. This was noticeable right off the bat. After putting a few miles on it today (about 30), I have to say I like the way the new bike turns much better.

On the tighter, lower speed turns, it really feels like it WANTS to turn and isn't sitting there trying to stand up all through the turn. This makes it easier to focus on riding the bike instead of fighting it through the turn.

I just put a new front on it (also a BT45), so I think when it comes due, I'll replace it with a Sport Demon as well and see how they work together.

I guess the real question is how long will this tire last?

[tri650]

I bought a set of Sport Demons also. Just put on the front as the rear is a Shinko and like new. Will put the rear on soon. I had a set of these on my Triumph Scrambler and liked them. I wanted something a little more aggressive for the XS11. No idea how long they will last. If they handle better than I can put up with replacing themn sooner.

[motoman]

No matter what tire choice........remember to not "push" it on cornering for the first 50-100miles. Give it a chance to scuff up a bit and rid itself of surfaced silicone when new.

[Winterhawk]

I got to finally try my new Conti Tours out today on the curves without the wife and then later with. I rode home last night in the rain. So far I give them an A++.

I like the tread pattern. looks like a sport tires on the back. Woked good in the rain last night.

[Elevener]

Im running Sport Demons front and rear. Im happy with them.