[Jammer]

FYI - this all started out from a nail in the rear tire of my 2004 Gixxer 750.

I've contacted Dunlop. See if anyone agrees or disagrees.

The bike came with model D218ZR. But the tire to replace is only available supposidly through Dealers ordering it directly from Suzuki. The tire cost to a rider is around 280.00.

The american version of this tire is D208ZR.

Information base from a sales lady, Virginia, at Dulop in NY. Phone 800-845-8378. The local dealer suggested I replace, which I did, both tires costing a total of 290 plus installation.

This Virginia at Dulop says you can, and safely, I asked the safety question 3 times, to just replace the rear tire with the D208ZR model. Cost of this tire is 160.

Information I have on this D218ZR tire is that it is made in Japan and Suzuki uses them along with Yamaha and Kawasaki.

What do you think? Just replace the rear 218 with a 208? Virginia at Dunlop says this is the only time this is allowed that she knows off hand.

My personal opinion I'll go with the recommendation of the mechanic. But I wanted to get more rider opinions on here that certainly would know more than I.

Thank you in advance for your comments.

 

[themeatmanlandry]

Go with the cheaper tire (the 208). Personally, I don't like Dunlops. I had one (a 208) on my Bandit, and it never really seemed to grip. I'm sure I'll get bashed for this one, but it just seemed to slide around on me a bunch.

I am currently running Metzeler MEZ4's and I love them.

The mechanic is just covering his tail and trying ot make a little money to boot. I can't see where it would make much of a difference putting the 208 on there. Heck, when I had my 208, I had the Battlax front tire. I would go with the cheaper tire.

Have you considered one of the mushroom-type plug/patches? I put one on my OEM tire (nail at 60 miles or something) and ran it 100+mph without problems.

 

[04gsxr600]

I'm sure you can get the 218 somehwere online if you want. I'm doing the same thing you are, had a puncture and getting a 208. was gonna get from a dealer today but had some issues with my paycheck. so i'm just gonna get it online, like $112 or something. then some shipping.

Get whatever tire you want. don't let them tell you.

 

[DaMaNP750]

I'm sure you can get the 218 somehwere online if you want. I'm doing the same thing you are, had a puncture and getting a 208. was gonna get from a dealer today but had some issues with my paycheck. so i'm just gonna get it online, like $112 or something. then some shipping.

Get whatever tire you want. don't let them tell you.

what site was this at?

 

[Clint]

The 208 gets decent reviews. You'll have no problem with it as a replacement. Every tire is a compromise between grip and durability, so decide for yourself what's more important. Also, some bikes seem to dislike some tires. Read around to see whether your 750 might have any problems.

 

[1qwikgixxer]

Seriously I would get away from the Dunlop's all together. Compared to most other tires they are a lot harder compound. Look into getting a Michelin Pilot Sport or a Pirelli Supercosa. Much better tires IMO. I hate the fact that the 600 and 750 gixxers come with these from the factory. I love getting them off and replacing them with a better tire. I just put a set of Pilot Race [email protected]'s on my 750. Lot better tire.

 

[Novaz23]

My personal opinion I'll go with the recommendation of the mechanic.

First thing you gotta know is never trust the mechanic, first of all most of them are out to make you pay more money. Remember its a business and thats how they get paid, conning ppl into purchasing more then they need. If I were you if you still can i would order the tires offline just get the same exact size that came with the bike, I mean think about it they wouldnt have came with the bike if suzuki didnt have an idea of what size tire you needed. Any change in tire size could change the bikes performance. Also wider tires tend to hydroplane alot more then those less wider ones. In closings good luck bro but i think the dealers trying to swiggle you out of some hard earned cash.

 

[Canadarider]

I would personally just replace the rear tire with the one that Dunlop recommends. It is important to keep the compounds similar for both tires so that they react the same, and I would hope that the manufacture would know which tires are comparable. Good riding, Doug

 

[DaMaNP750]

has anyone tried the metzler sportec M1's? I keep hearing how these are the greatest tires, but they seem a bit cheap to be that great. I'm not saying that price determines the quality (ive bought some overpriced pieces of crap in my day), but Im particular to the pirelli corsa's.

any info on the metzlers would be beneficial!

 

[themeatmanlandry]

I would personally just replace the rear tire with the one that Dunlop recommends. It is important to keep the compounds similar for both tires so that they react the same, and I would hope that the manufacture would know which tires are comparable. Good riding, Doug

Unless you're racing on these tires, I wouldn't worry too much about keeping the compounds the same. I've mixed tires many times, with no discernable loss of traction due to differing compounds.

 

[Clint]

Seriously I would get away from the Dunlop's all together. Compared to most other tires they are a lot harder compound.

Like I said, every tire is a compromise. Every manufacturer makes tires of various hardness, with varying intended uses. The race tires you mention wouldn't last a season for those of us who put on some highway miles. If all you do is rip around town, fine. But for the rest of us, we need a sport-touring tire.

 

[04gsxr600]

I hear the H1s are great for grip, but of course not good for milage, about half a normal tire, it was either thator the 208 for me and i got the 208, mainly cuz i could get it the same day and have my bike ready sat. I don't ride that hard around the street so the extra milage will be nice. I'll probably get a pilot sport next.

 

[gsxr<rider>]

i have a 2004 gsxr 750 with a stock tire but im going to put a Pirelli Supercosa 190 instead of the 180 back on it.

 

[1qwikgixxer]

i have a 2004 gsxr 750 with a stock tire but im going to put a Pirelli Supercosa 190 instead of the 180 back on it.

thats good if you like the looks if you like the wider look but a 190 tire will corner worse than a 180.

 

[Guest]

what type of tire would be best for normal to rainy weather riding? just around town and not too much on the highways?