Tyre (and suspension) suggestions for 1200ST

[dave2wheels]

currently have bt020's but am not happy the bike seems to be sliding more than I would like (probably go for Avon storms next)
....maybe it's the suspension settings - only on Normal (one helmet-ST riders with ESA will know what I mean!), sports damping seems too hard. I do not know whether everything is factory set - need to find the standard setup details.
Dave
other ST news
have a full remus system to fit (with both standard and upswept link pipes but they don't seem too different) so will update you with pic and more importantly sound file when fitted!

[Vince]

I don't have ESA Dave, however I can twiddle with the manual adjuster which does the same thing. I set mine on the dot which is "normal" I suspect for a lone rider with no heavy luggage.

I noticed a couple of two wheels slides when I was "making progress" I assumed greasy/dusty road I had the 020's, I run 40/42psi rear and 34/36 front.

I've just fitted a pair of Michelin pilot sports, which I think are to soft for the bike as the rear is wearing quickly after only 2k miles. Only movement I've felt was on the banding on the roads in France, they seem ok in the wet so far. I'll probaly try a road rear next.

I've now gone up 5 clicks or so and a few notches of damping on the rear which steadys things a little in longer sweepers. I've found pointing the chin in the direction you want to go and leaning a little forward with light pressure on the bars helps with feedback. I used to have to do this on an old GPZ750 I had some years back, must be something to do with slightly longer wheelbase than I'm used to maybe.

My only concern is, I've noticed I've used all of the chicken strips up on the sides of the rear. This means I'm using all of the available tyre, now while this may seem to be seen as cool in the bike park my concern is I did not realise I was using so much angle. Maybe this is good for the fact the bike is nice and stable when leant over on the edge and inspires confidence (don't want to overdo the confidence bit mind), but I'm wondering whether my slides are due to me not having "adjusted" to the new bike and how it feels. Of course on the VFR the pegs touched down as an indication that you are nearing the edge and need to hang off a little (I'm not a knee out rider normally)

Mind you I should have had a clue as some mates behind said I'll need knee sliders for the panniers if I go over much more

[dave2wheels]

Vince you're right. I forgot to mention how surprised I was to see I appear to be using most of the tyre profile!

[BMMenace]

Mine came with nearly new Pilot Roads that seem to suit it really well. As you say though chicken strips are surprisingly narrow.

Suspension wise Im also non ESA. Started off on factory settings but have since gone about half way to max on damping and about 20% up on preload.

[Vince]

Pilot road now ordered, the pilot sport won't make 3k

[wicker]

Metzeler Roadtec Z6 seem pretty good tyres on the ST. Current set has been to Scotland / Morocco and are still in fairly good condition after 6k miles a lot of which was motorway / fast A road running down through England & Spain. Tyres also stable at speed fully loaded - 133mph max (according to the GPS) and averaging over 100mph from one fuel stop to another - fun but it did hammer the fuel consumption !

Now approaching 27k & thinking of treating the bike to a set of Wilbers shocks to improve the handling which has always been on the comfortable side of soft.

Anyone fitted aftermarket suspension to the ST yet ? Interested in feedback.

[Vince]

I have to admit I thought the ST's suspension a little on the harsh side. But I've not played about with it to much. Does aftermarket front shock come as adjustable do you know?