[ThrottleGirl]

Thanks all! Sorry for not giving a bit of background on my riding style. I'm coming off a Ducati Diavel which has a stiff suspension for more track-like conditions. As I'm only 5'2 and 115 pounds, I couldn't compress the springs enough (rider target weight was starting at 160 pounds). I also built a custom Victory Vegas that was pushing 800-pounds, so it stuck. Harley V-Rod Muscle in the mix, too. Bottom line is that ALL BIKES SLIDE on our tar snakes here, but they usually only 'shift' the weight in the back end as there was larger contact patch on the rear tire so it would quickly grab traction again. The Vulcan feels very light, loose and breaks traction in an uncomfortable way, mainly that it doesn't regain traction quickly and confidently afterward. This makes me lean toward getting more sticky in my rubber, and actually am considering going up a size or two but keep it within range so more modifications won't be needed. First is to determine the tires...

I think I'm leaning away from wanting more mileage out of my tires in favor of (much) more grip, but haven't heard much discussion on the Bridgestone Battlax (a.k.a. Battle Axe) and Pirelli Angel GT's - those two seem to have great sticky reviews. Any comparison thoughts? Here is a GREAT VIDEO on the Battlax that has me considering them. 7% mroe wet stopping distance and 13% more traction patch lights me up, LOL.

 

[JerryKVS]

Thanks all! Sorry for not giving a bit of background on my riding style. I'm coming off a Ducati Diavel which has a stiff suspension for more track-like conditions. As I'm only 5'2 and 115 pounds, I couldn't compress the springs enough (rider target weight was starting at 160 pounds). I also built a custom Victory Vegas that was pushing 800-pounds, so it stuck. Harley V-Rod Muscle in the mix, too. Bottom line is that ALL BIKES SLIDE on our tar snakes here, but they usually only 'shift' the weight in the back end as there was larger contact patch on the rear tire so it would quickly grab traction again. The Vulcan feels very light, loose and breaks traction in an uncomfortable way, mainly that it doesn't regain traction quickly and confidently afterward. This makes me lean toward getting more sticky in my rubber, and actually am considering going up a size or two but keep it within range so more modifications won't be needed. First is to determine the tires...

I think I'm leaning away from wanting more mileage out of my tires in favor of (much) more grip, but haven't heard much discussion on the Bridgestone Battlax (a.k.a. Battle Axe) and Pirelli Angel GT's - those two seem to have great sticky reviews. Any comparison thoughts? Here is a GREAT VIDEO on the Battlax that has me considering them. 7% mroe wet stopping distance and 13% more traction patch lights me up, LOL.

Okay, you convinced me. lol

 

[John jd]

Okay, you convinced me. lol

As far as the Sticky" tires goes-if you want sticky go w/the Pielli's. They're a softer rubber compounds yes-they'll be stickier. 🆒

 

[Badgerspit]

Does anyone else have Continental tires? I love my Continental Road Attack 3's.
Used them when I previously live in Florida, now in Washington state. TBF, I haven't driven the icy snow yet and probably won't, but they have great grip in wet weather and hot weather.
They are a little more $$$, but, safety first, right?

 

[whoaru99]

I used Conti RA on my Suzuki RF900. Ran them edge to edge. Grip was good, turn-in was fairly agressive IMO but I liked it.

 

[oramac]

Bridgestone Battlax (a.k.a. Battle Axe) and Pirelli Angel GT's

The Battlax S22 is the OEM tire for my Ninja. If the T32 is anything like it, I'd choose the Pirelli in a heartbeat. The Battlax isn't bad, per se, but it's not particularly confidence inspiring either.

 

[ThrottleGirl]

Well, I pulled the trigger on the Battlax T32 after hearing from some friends who ride aggressively and have tried them. That extra 13% contact patch and increase wet condition stopping power lit me up. I did, however, go up one size in the rear to a 170/60/17 just for more contact. I might have gone up to the 180 if they had it, well within the perceived 190 threshold for needing modifications to make fit. The 170 should fit nicely.

I didn't expect to be buying tires 4,000 miles into the stock ones, but I'll be sure happy to not be sliding on our tar snakes anymore, especially as we are just now hitting 100-degrees and can get up past 110+ here. Now to find bike stands! Any recommendations?

 

[JerryKVS]

Well, I pulled the trigger on the Battlax T32 after hearing from some friends who ride aggressively and have tried them. That extra 13% contact patch and increase wet condition stopping power lit me up. I did, however, go up one size in the rear to a 170/60/17 just for more contact. I might have gone up to the 180 if they had it, well within the perceived 190 threshold for needing modifications to make fit. The 170 should fit nicely.

I didn't expect to be buying tires 4,000 miles into the stock ones, but I'll be sure happy to not be sliding on our tar snakes anymore, especially as we are just now hitting 100-degrees and can get up past 110+ here. Now to find bike stands! Any recommendations?

I'm planning on gong with the 170/60/17 for the same reason. Wider has to be better. also the slightly taller tire will help correct the speedometer to be a little closer to accurate.
I use the aluminum stand from Harbor freight. I had to remove the plate reflector bracket in order for the stand handle to clear. If you done the fender delete you shouldn't have any clearance issues.

Low-Profile Rear Spool Motorcycle Stand

Amazing deals on this Low-Profile Rear Motorcycle Spool Stand at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[oramac]

Now to find bike stands! Any recommendations?

I have a Pitbull Forward Handle stand for our bikes. I mainly bought it b/c my wife doesn't want to remove the OEM rear fender, so most rear stands are tricky. Had I the option, I'd have gotten a proper rear-handle rear stand.

All that said, the forward handle stand works quite well, and since nothing sticks out behind the bike, it takes up (slightly) less space when in use.

 

[Custnam]

I only have 2200 miles on my 23, but I already know what tires I am getting when needed. Michelin Pilot 4 or 5s. I had them on my GSXS 750 and they were AWESOME! When I first rode with them on it was literally like I was riding a completely different bike. Im hoping I get that same feeling with my VS.

 

[russelldowen]

Never met a Metzler I didn't love!

 

[tomkeyaia]

Michelin Commander 3. 6,000 miles on this set and still going. Great all around and exceptional wet handling

 

[Sabre-t]

Michelin Commander 3. 6,000 miles on this set and still going. Great all around and exceptional wet handling

Did you ever use a Commander II? If so, how does the III compare to the II, especially for grip? I have MCIIs on my Voyager. Great wear, not so good traction. I'd rather have the traction.

 

[TheWidowMaker]

What's your tire brand and model of choice? I've put about 3,500 miles on the bike through the winter and now summer, and am frustrated by the amount of ease of it breaking traction. First time I noticed it was the first time in the rain, then with any type of fine debris (sand, gravel on the road, etc) and now with the notorious 'road snakes' here in the Four Corners region. On a run through Lake Powell area, I hit two back-to-back turns covered in snakes and the bike slide four times. This had me beginning to regret buying the bike as it didn't occur to me it was the stock tires and I was searching for ways to increase my contact patch (i.e., larger back tire mod). A thread on Facebook had many riders share a similar experience which was resolved by buying different tires. I have a 450-mile ride to do day after tomorrow and wish I already had new tires installed as we'll be hitting Million Dollar Highway, amongst others. Any recommendations for tire brand and models that work well at feeling sure-footed, staying planted while banking hard in a corner at speed? Bonus points if it also sticks with some level of confidence in the rain. Here's a poll with the tires I've seen mentioned the most,your feedback is really appreciated! Pic for fun, just because these bikes should be shown off as much as possible, in my humble opinion . View attachment 263723

I am super happy with my Michelin Commander 3 tires. They have excellent traction. I ride in all weather and have never yet broke traction on dry, wet or snowy surfaces. Over 21,000 mi and still going strong.

 

[John jd]

I am super happy with my Michelin Commander 3 tires. They have excellent traction. I ride in all weather and have never yet broke traction on dry, wet or snowy surfaces. Over 21,000 mi and still going strong.

When it comes to Tire brands;I don't care what brand you're using (or trying?) , First & Foremost I beleive it's all in the way the person rides as far as longevity and all that other stuff goes. Secondly, for me & I can't speak for everyone else out there/for me it comes down to CO$T....... As far as my bucks for the bang on tires, my Shinko's Are Affordable and Durable enough for me & my bike. *Maybe 1 day I'll be able to afford a pair of those Expensive Avon (Storms) tires-lol I still have Yet too see any 1 say that they've tried out a pair on a Vulcan s ? Am I missing something here(Hear?) ?

 

[TheWidowMaker]

When it comes to Tire brands;I don't care what brand you're using (or trying?) , First & Foremost I beleive it's all in the way the person rides as far as longevity and all that other stuff goes. Secondly, for me & I can't speak for everyone else out there/for me it comes down to CO$T....... As far as my bucks for the bang on tires, my Shinko's Are Affordable and Durable enough for me & my bike. *Maybe 1 day I'll be able to afford a pair of those Expensive Avon (Storms) tires-lol I still have Yet too see any 1 say that they've tried out a pair on a Vulcan s ? Am I missing something here(Hear?) ?

Avon Storm 3D X-M tires are not expensive. They are usually only around $150 ea. The tires I run (Michelin Commander 3) run me about $305 ea. and there are tires that are more expensive than the mid-priced tires I run. I have mine on a Vulcan 900 Classic LT.

 

[Jcimino]

+1 on Metzler. I just put another set of 888's on my BMW and have never had any problems. These are a great touring tire, not sure if you were to use them as a sprort tire.

 

[JRLinTN]

What's your tire brand and model of choice?

I've put about 3,500 miles on the bike through the winter and now summer, and am frustrated by the amount of ease of it breaking traction. First time I noticed it was the first time in the rain, then with any type of fine debris (sand, gravel on the road, etc) and now with the notorious 'road snakes' here in the Four Corners region. On a run through Lake Powell area, I hit two back-to-back turns covered in snakes and the bike slide four times.

This had me beginning to regret buying the bike as it didn't occur to me it was the stock tires and I was searching for ways to increase my contact patch (i.e., larger back tire mod). A thread on Facebook had many riders share a similar experience which was resolved by buying different tires. I have a 450-mile ride to do day after tomorrow and wish I already had new tires installed as we'll be hitting Million Dollar Highway, amongst others.

Any recommendations for tire brand and models that work well at feeling sure-footed, staying planted while banking hard in a corner at speed? Bonus points if it also sticks with some level of confidence in the rain. Here's a poll with the tires I've seen mentioned the most,your feedback is really appreciated!

Pic for fun, just because these bikes should be shown off as much as possible, in my humble opinion .


View attachment 263723

Some situations are going to be difficult for constant road contact. Just ride according to the road conditions and yours and the bike’s abilities. As to tires, like oil, most have their own thoughts. Here are mine. The Bridgestone Excedra tires are overall as good as it gets. Good traction. Reasonable wear life, and all around solid. Some of the Dunlop, Avon, and Michelin tires may give you longer life, but are harder rubber, and don’t allow for the wet and dry traction as the Bridgetones. Your best traction comes from riding your bike as safely as you can. No tire will save you from poor decision making. Good luck on your ride. Report back. I love to read about the adventures of my fellow riders.

 

[PendDraig]

Very happy with the Pirelli Angel GT's. Much more sure footed and great in the wet.

 

[Ashdown1963!]

What's your tire brand and model of choice?

I've put about 3,500 miles on the bike through the winter and now summer, and am frustrated by the amount of ease of it breaking traction. First time I noticed it was the first time in the rain, then with any type of fine debris (sand, gravel on the road, etc) and now with the notorious 'road snakes' here in the Four Corners region. On a run through Lake Powell area, I hit two back-to-back turns covered in snakes and the bike slide four times.

This had me beginning to regret buying the bike as it didn't occur to me it was the stock tires and I was searching for ways to increase my contact patch (i.e., larger back tire mod). A thread on Facebook had many riders share a similar experience which was resolved by buying different tires. I have a 450-mile ride to do day after tomorrow and wish I already had new tires installed as we'll be hitting Million Dollar Highway, amongst others.

Any recommendations for tire brand and models that work well at feeling sure-footed, staying planted while banking hard in a corner at speed? Bonus points if it also sticks with some level of confidence in the rain. Here's a poll with the tires I've seen mentioned the most,your feedback is really appreciated!

Pic for fun, just because these bikes should be shown off as much as possible, in my humble opinion .


View attachment 263723

I am using Kenda kruz tires on both of my bikes Kawa en500ltd and my 900 classic lt. They have around 3k on both and seem to work well in the dry or wet roads, so far im satisfied with them.