690 Duke tires - Dunlop Roadsmarts?

[NotoriousNick]

The bike comes with Dunlop Sportmax Alpha 10 tires/tyres. Apparently these don't last very long though. I don't intend going on a track, so my question relates mostly to the road.

I've heard/read that the Pirelli Strada ones are pretty good, but I've also read a lot of good things about the Dunlop Roadsmart tires. I've only seen one person on a Duke compare these to the OEM tires. They thought the Roadsmarts gripped just as well in the dry and were lots better in the wet.

Other stuff I've read where these were used on other bikes suggested that the tires have very good grip, yet are also very long-lived (possibly four times as long, as far as I can work out). Their rain performance is fantastic too, apparently.

So, while I'm saving up for my next set of tires, has anyone here tried the Roadsmarts on their Duke and have an opinion about them?

[Bri690]

I've got about 800 miles on the OEM's and the rear looks like it's about half gone.

I had the Pirelli Diablo Strada's on my VFR and they were the best tire I've ever had on a bike. Very confident grip and good for about 4000 miles on the rear. I'll probably go with the Pirelli again when I need new.

[letsburnbridges]

I just replaced my Strada's on the duke. got 2900 miles out of them and that includes a track day. I wouldnt recommend them for the track but they are awesome street and rain tire.

I went with michelin pilot powers this time.

[NotoriousNick]

Originally Posted by letsburnbridges

I went with michelin pilot powers this time.

It's funny nobody has commented on the Dunlop Roadsmart tires.

I've scoured the internet for the most durable, great performance tires that could go well with the Duke and keep coming to the same conclusion that the Roadsmarts are the ones.

For example, have a look at forum comments here:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx

There was even someone with a Duke there that found them awesome.

Most people seem to find their traction and feedback excellent and wet weather performance unbeatable. And they seem to last forever.

Looks like I"m going to have to be the one to try them, when the time comes . Winter is coming closer here and it's supposed to get pretty wet for the next week and I've got less than 700km (420 miles) on the Duke so far (work/study/rain not helping) and LOVE the bike!

It's getting late. I'd better go tuck the Duke in for the night

[jcrocker]

I'm doing the second set of the bt 016's they seem to run about 2500 miles + on the rear but I'm pretty tough on my tires, stickier than the stock ones for sure .

[Splodge]

I've had 2 sets now on my Moto Morini 1200 Corsaro and absolutely love them, I appreciate that it weighs twice as much and puts out twice the power so not really a comparason, however I feel that thier performance and mileage compared to what else I've used is better.

I've only had my Duke for a week now (a change from a CCM SM) but as the rear is shot I'll be putting Roadsmarts on it next weekend (just ordered them).

[NotoriousNick]

I think I must achieved a record mileage out of the stock Alphas - 4700 km (2800 miles) from the rear tire. Still some tread left, but well into the wear marks.

I *did* go with the Dunlop Roadsmarts, having had them installed last week. I went riding through twisties with them for a few hours and found myself leaning over far more than ever before when entering a decreasing radius turn. That certainly woke me up . Tires held very nicely though. Of course, I might just be a wimp and everyone and their grandmother might lean the bike over more during normal riding anyway

[gravityfreak]

Originally Posted by NotoriousNick

I think I must achieved a record mileage out of the stock Alphas - 4700 km (2800 miles) from the rear tire. Still some tread left, but well into the wear marks.

Don't know how you did that! I got 900kms out of mine and they were almost completely bald!

[Yackadus]

Originally Posted by NotoriousNick

I think I must achieved a record mileage out of the stock Alphas - 4700 km (2800 miles) from the rear tire. Still some tread left, but well into the wear marks.

I *did* go with the Dunlop Roadsmarts, having had them installed last week. I went riding through twisties with them for a few hours and found myself leaning over far more than ever before when entering a decreasing radius turn. That certainly woke me up . Tires held very nicely though. Of course, I might just be a wimp and everyone and their grandmother might lean the bike over more during normal riding anyway

My stock ones had thread showing at 1500 miles with one track day. I'm looking for a good replacement. I use the entire tire and lean to knee dragging. How do/did you like the Roadsmarts now that you rode them for awhile? How long did they last?