[AntiAndy]

Can anyone tell me if Michelin makes Pilot Powers for 16 inch rims? I have an '89 EX-500 and was hoping to get a set of those.Im guessing that 94-on ex's were made with 17" rims??

If they arent made for my 16's can anyone reccomend some good 16" rim sport tires?
a little about my riding style (if it helps someone suggest a tire)
my bike is my only form of transportation, so i do a lot of commuting, mostly highway
On the weekends i am starting to do canyons more and more lately.
Not interested in trackdays, oh and i ride in the rain.

Any and all help is appreciated, except ofcourse for the flames, unless they're funny.

-AA

 

[gsjack]

The Pilot Power radials don't come in 16" sizes. Metzeler recommends their Lasertecs and Pirelli their Sport Demons, both in the 110/90/16 front and 130/90/16 rear sizes and they are hard to beat for the pre 94 EX500.

EX500 riders on the old forum seemed to prefer the Demons although there were a few stability complaints with the front Demon as I recall. I have used the Lasertecs and personally prefer them, thought they were nearly as good as the Z4/Z2 and Avon AV45/46 sport touring radials I used on the same bike in the wet as well as dry. Don't think you'll find any supersport type radials like the Powers to fit your bike.

You can get Dunlop GT501 and Bridgestone BT45 in those sizes too but the Demons and Lasertecs are a more modern design with the newest compounds. The equivelant Michelin, the Pilot Activ doesn't come in the 16" size.

 

[AntiAndy]

could you tell me which get higher milage?
i relize they are sport tires and are not made for lasting long, but sicne they are like 250-300 bucks i am taking wear into consideration

 

[gsjack]

Milage can be quite different for different riding styles and I've used a pair of the Lasertecs but have not personally tried the Demons. I got 10k miles from the rear and about 12k from the front Lasertecs.

From the comments of others, I think maybe the Lasertecs are the longer lasting and the Demons a bit stickier. Since Pirelli bought out Metzeler they are both made by Metzeler now and are very similar in construction and tread compounds but very different in tread patterns. Some might choose the Demons for their racier look. <G>

That Lasertec front with the old ME33 Laser front tread pattern is the most even wearing and stable front tire I've used. I got a second Lasertec front to run with a Conti Road Attack rear which is a very sticky sport touring radial that should last as long as the Lasertec rear. I have the same size 17" wheels as the 94 and later Ninja 500s have. The Attack won't fit the EX500 though.

My rear Road Attack on a 02 GS500:

 

[AntiAndy]

I will very mich look into these lasertecs,
you are alright gsjack, even if u are a gs rider ;D, you're welcome to post here anytime