Dunlop Qualifier Vs. Roadsmarts!!!!??

[KTMKarl_W/a _Z]

I currently have a set of sportmax qualifiers on my Zed that I bought last spring and put around 4000 hard miles on them with zero problems and great traction but now the steel belts are about to come through. However I plan on doing LOTS of riding this year since I've moved to mid-ohio and there are some AWESOME roads down here so I'm lookin at a tire I can get more miles out of with out sacrificing traction in the twisties. Anyone have any experience with the Roadsmarts? I will be keeping the qualifier front as it's still in great shape but the rear is toast if that influences anyones opinion.

Thanks for the Help!

[SFTripod]

...however, after logging over 7K on a set of Metzer M3's, which were fantastic, just returned from a break-n loop on my new Pirelli Diablo Rosso's. AMAZING ! Been told with my light weight, (148lbs), tread life isn't gonna be a prob. One thing about the M3's--they are of radial construction giving you great strength & stability, but if you get a puncture, are not always candidates for a repair.

[Jason 306]

A guy here was running Roadsmarts on his gsxr1000, screen name Joshtex. He had nothing but praise for them, he took them to a trackday and said they performed great, not to mention they get good mileage out of them. My next set I'm going to try a pair.

BTW where at in mid-ohio are you?

[motocopter]

I fitted a RoadSmart last weekend. My original rear was replaced at 2120 miles so I'm sort of expecting this one to go twice as long. Went on a ride yesterday and put the first 200 miles on it through a variety of roads not including interstate. I performed well and don't have an issue with it for now.

The front tire isn't long for life on my bike as it has worn more on the sides and created a ridge around the tread near the edge - strange to see the profile looking down at it.

[KTMKarl_W/a _Z]

Jason,

I'm in medina, just down RT 18 from Newark, pass through newark all the time as I frequently travel back and forth from detroit. Have you ever carved up rt 536 near hannibal, best road i've been on yet down here, 170 turns in 13 miles.

Have you (or anyone) ever been told NOT to mix and match front and rear tires?

[iBuchon]

My last 2 set have been Roadsmarts. I love em. They're great on what we call "Speed Sundays" in the curves and the center lasts much longer.

[Jason 306]

Originally Posted by KTMKarl_W/a _Z

Jason,

I'm in medina, just down RT 18 from Newark, pass through newark all the time as I frequently travel back and forth from detroit. Have you ever carved up rt 536 near hannibal, best road i've been on yet down here, 170 turns in 13 miles.

Have you (or anyone) ever been told NOT to mix and match front and rear tires?

Yup 536 is a very good road, I've riden it twice, probably take another trip this summer. The triple nickel is good too, has some bad spots though. There's tons of good roads down in south-eastern Ohio.

And you're thinking of Norwalk, Medina is right down 18 from Norwalk. I'm in Newark, I'm a good hour and a half south of you.

I've mixed my front and rears before, never had any issues on the street. Pushing your bike hard at the track its a good idea to have matching shoes though.

[Phenix_Rider]

Another vote for Rossos. Just an all around awesome tire. I have over 3,000 miles on them including commuting and a track day.

[ado_dado83]

I got ROADSMART's about 1k miles ago and they still look brand new. I know a guy at the local CycleGear who has 8000 miles on them and still rides with them.
It is a great commuting tire and will last longer than some more expansive tires.
I love mine so far

[BB-z1000]

I wouldn't try Dunlops ever again after riding with those Qualifiers for the first few thousand kms of the bikes life.

Those things were just darn right dangerous in any light rain.

Running Pirreli Diablo Corsas now, and in terms of grip and performance (not wear life) they are the best tires i've tried.

the actual profile of the tire contributes a lot to this i think.

[KTMKarl_W/a _Z]

Jason,
My mistake! I plan on checking out the triple nickle this year definately. What's your favorite track in Ohio? I'm always lookin for riding buddies so let me know when your headin to 536!

[sinpieces]

I had Michelin Pilot Road ct II at the Buell XB 12s, really nice.
My Zed is almost brand new, so tires is not needed for me now.
But, i can tell you, i read a test report of 19 tires.
And, all tires tracked and gripped well in dry weather.
As for, cornering, and wet conditions aswell as longivity is key factors - i agree.
Well, in this test i mentioned, the best tire was Dunlop Roadsmart. It was best on wet track, best on cornering and had very very high longivity. I would buy these before the rest. Very extensive test and they really proved to be all that. I was no fan of Dunlop before, but i am really curiuos at these now.

Originally Posted by BB-z1000

I wouldn't try Dunlops ever again after riding with those Qualifiers for the first few thousand kms of the bikes life.

Those things were just darn right dangerous in any light rain.

Running Pirreli Diablo Corsas now, and in terms of grip and performance (not wear life) they are the best tires i've tried.

the actual profile of the tire contributes a lot to this i think.

[Crystal Z1K]

I know I'm not too happy with my stock Dunlop's and my rear tire is starting to get low on tread and I have a bit over 3,400 miles on the bike and tires. I might just throw a Cheap Shinko on the rear after my tire goes and see how it does. My front tire still looks great! I have never rode my bike on wet roads, but this past sunday when it was like 50 out I could not hook up at all and I know the cold roads played a big part in that plus the power of the bike, but I still think they shold hook up better and last a bit longer. The other 4 bikes did not have a traction problem and they were clutching up wheelies like crazy.

I may look into the Roadsmarts too.

[Jason 306]

Originally Posted by KTMKarl_W/a _Z

Jason,
My mistake! I plan on checking out the triple nickle this year definately. What's your favorite track in Ohio? I'm always lookin for riding buddies so let me know when your headin to 536!

The only one I've been to is Mid-Ohio, but I'd like to try Nelson Bridges and also Grattan which is in that state up north.

[locojim]

Originally Posted by BB-z1000

I wouldn't try Dunlops ever again after riding with those Qualifiers for the first few thousand kms of the bikes life.

Those things were just darn right dangerous in any light rain.

Running Pirreli Diablo Corsas now, and in terms of grip and performance (not wear life) they are the best tires i've tried.

the actual profile of the tire contributes a lot to this i think.

Caught in a couple total downpours last year with my Ddunlop 220's
IMO Best tire I ever road in the rain on. Switched to Roadsmarts this year.
Like them so far.Just have to wait for a little warmer weather to put some real miles on them.