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Supermotards are suited to the H rated range of radials
offered by a number of the main brands because the bikes are light in
weight, not capable of over 130mph, but require stability and handling
under speed and braking. The Z rated tyres available (i.e. BT010, D207's
etc...) will never be fully utilized by the motards, mainly because the
tyres are designed for much heavier and more powerful bikes. The H rated
radial tyre offers the compromise. Various brands have a number of versions
all mainly geared towards the 400cc supersport and 250cc classes. We've
found these work perfectly in the supermotard context. (GPR70sp, BT 090,
Dragon, MEZ1 etc...)
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Dunlop GPR70 SP.
Currently, we rate
the GPR 70 as the best performance road tyre for the road/track day motard
rider. The tyre has been used by club supersport 400 racers for the last
two seasons, so it already has quite a pedigree. The sizes available limit
the fitment to the 120/60-17 front (rather than 120/70-17) and the rear
to the 150/60-17. These sizes tend to produce a faster turning bike (like
that's a problem with motards!). They are also the cheapest quality brand
option currently on the market.
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THE TRACK DAY or NON LEGAL OPTION.
Many motard riders are finding there way to (tarmac) track days and
while they are going round the outside of most sports bike riders, the
question is still asked, can I get even more grip?
The answer is the race tyre option. They're non-road legal, they wear
out quick, they can cost more, but the levels of performance are unbelievable
(when managed correctly).
Popular options are Pirelli/Metzler and Michelin slicks/ wets for the
5.00 inch rim bikes (with the adequate chain clearance). The only rear
size available from these manufacturers is 160 section and above (i.e.
160/60-17, 165/55-17 or 16/63-17). If these sizes are run on the 4.25
rims the tyre will be distorted and therefore result in a smaller contact
patch (less rubber on the road).
The 4.25 rim brands are Dunlop and Bridgstone (e.g. 155/620-R17 and
155/60-17. Dunlop only produce a slick and Bridgestone produce a wet
and slick.
 GP
250 wets.
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BT 090 (Bridgestone).
The BT 090 has recently
replaced the BT96. We've had continued success with this tyre from a
motard perspective. Bikes have ranged from the formidable CR500 to the
CRM250. The tyres seem to provide almost the best grip available in
addition to some degree of longevity. We're yet to have any complaints
about performance except possibly a prelonged warm up time compared
to some other brands and their very strong wax layer when just purchased.
They can be used in any conditions, however, muddy or shingle covered
lanes will pose problems due to the lack of a dispersing tread pattern.
We've had very successful track day reports particulary from KTM LC4's
and Husky 610's.
Depending on the riding, you can expect up to 3000 miles and down to
approximately 1800.
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