Gday All,
Not going to ask which tyre is most recommended as there are so many opinions and posts already.
However I would like to throw out there the questions of tire pressure and size for the ZX-14 and solid street riding/fairly hard touring.
Obviously the user manual recommends 42f and 42r psi.
What are the thoughts out there and what pressures are you guys finding provide the best all round results (not for track please).
And size wise, what are the opinions on 190/50 verses 190/55 or any other variant? I'm about 2000 kms from a new set and wanted to know what size you experienced experts are running and recommend?
Any advise on front sizes as well?

* Last updated by: yannih on 1/16/2013 @ 10:06 PM *

Front standard size, rear 190/55 I like it (helps with turn in) have to drag stuff to get to the edge of the tyre.
Pressures I use the Kawasaki recommended pressures 42/42 seems to work well for me, makes the tyres last longer two.
On my 3rd set at just over 12,000 Kms.

Neil

ErikR, I too like to stick to county and small numbered state roads, especially in my mountains in western MD, WV, VA, and southeastern PA. Much fun.

But, if you go to places far away, running on back roads will prevent you from getting there.

Example, when we go to Deals Gap from western MD, if we go on small numbered state roads (2 lanes, with divider lines) it would take over 2 days to get there. Are you kidding me?

So we blast 60% or more of it on interstate. Boring, I know. But we don't have all week to get where we are going.

I will be retired after next June (2014) with any luck, and I plan to start riding around the country visiting people I've only corresponded with, like in the Concours Owners Group. Even attend events by COG areas outside my own Northeast area.

When I do that, if it takes me a week to get there, who cares?

But now, as working stiffs, we can't afford to take a week just to ride the Dragon a couple times.

Like Erik said... YOU ASKED lol
First switch to a 190/55 rear I think you will like it. Look up the profile of the tire though cause my Pilot Road 3 turn in quicker than the Q2's I was on less than a 1000 miles ago.

As far as tires choice, you're going to have to try them for yourself but during the summer I wanna be on Rosso Corsa, check them out, great reviews. For the rest of the year cooler and wet months you can't beat the Pilot Road 3 in my opinion. We went on a group and he started pouring and I was the only one having fun. They're that confidence inspiring in the rain!

Tire pressure? I rarely run the recommended 42/42 but it's probably due to the fact that my suspensions set up is stiffer than stock. 36/36 during the winter and 36/38 during the rest of the year.

* Last updated by: dragking on 1/19/2013 @ 4:50 PM *

I tour often and ride fairly aggressively in the twisties.

I run Pirelli Angel ST's, 120/70 and 190/50 at 42 psi front and back and consistently get about 15,000 kms. I keep telling myself I'm going to try the Pilot Road 2's but when it comes time to order I always come back to the Pirelli's.

3rd set on now, may switch in the spring. Thinking of trying the 55 rear and see if I notice a difference.

190/55 REAR

Bridgestone Bt-003
micherline POwer pures

Dunlop Q2 120/70-17 & 200/50-17 at 36 & 38 psi.

Thanks guys.
Seems 190/55 rears are the go but tire pressure is a very personal thing. I'll have to experiment.
And personally I'm becoming a pretty big fan of the Dunlop Roadsmarts.
Very acceptable grip in any weather and a descent wear life.
I swore by the grip of the Michelin Pilot Pures with my old VFR but the cost was they were quick wearing with a much less powerful bike. When I bought the ZX-14 it came with the roadsmarts and so far I have done 6000kms and I have been very impressed...

* Last updated by: yannih on 1/22/2013 @ 9:26 PM *

"RE: Tyre Set Up Details...
01/18/13 6:37 PM

I tour often and ride fairly aggressively in the twisties.

I run Pirelli Angel ST's, 120/70 and 190/50 at 42 psi front and back and consistently get about 15,000 kms. I keep telling myself I'm going to try the Pilot Road 2's but when it comes time to order I always come back to the Pirelli's.

3rd set on now, may switch in the spring. Thinking of trying the 55 rear and see if I notice a difference.

Dave Please tell me How??? I struggle to get 8000km 42 psi out of Angels on Mine.

* Last updated by: ryanc on 1/22/2013 @ 9:16 PM *

Gday Ryan, where and how often do you ride?
We are heading away just after Australia Day down to the snowies...

* Last updated by: yannih on 1/22/2013 @ 9:29 PM *

HI Yannih,
Wherever and whenever I can get Away, covered bout 8000kms since October and had it out for 3 rides. 2 times up through QLD and did the Snowies between Chrissy and New years.
Watch the Bonang hwy and around Cooma they have reduced the limits at "RANDOM" danger zones.
Where you leaving from?

Mate i use 180.55 pilot power on my zx14 38f 40r and also 190.55 pilot power 2ct for me the 180 tips in a bit faster my rear tyre usually lasts about 3500klm front lasts about 7000klm i will be up in the snowys on sat sunday might c u up that way il keep an eye out for u weather looks average sat good sunday

Ryan and Sillywilly, don't want to clog this thread up so will transfer possible ride information to "off topic postings"...