Expensive Rubber

[arnottski1]

I just spent $320.00 bucks for a mew back tire for my Hayabusa taxes in. Some of my buddies don't think that is unreasonable. I say this is highway robbery. I don't care what kind of sticky rubber super dooper special crap needed on a bike tire. It just gets me going.

[Uwe W.]

What make and model tire did you buy? Did you have it shipped? The last rear I bought for my 'busa was $260 installed for an OEM Battlax. There are cheaper tires on the market, but do you really want to save a buck on something as important as the rear rubber on that particular bike?

[arnottski1]

It was the battleaxe. I don't want a crappier tire. I just think we are getting screwed over.

[Malks]

It was the battleaxe. I don't want a crappier tire. I just think we are getting screwed over.

We are getting screwed over. How else can you explain the huge difference in the price of bike tires between here and the States. Check out any online tire supplier and you will find that they charge about half what the same tire goes for up here. The problem is most of these online suppliers are US-based and many either don't like to ship to Canada, or charge a higher shipping fee to cover their concerns.

Not sure exactly which tire size and model you bought, but here is a Battleaxe listing from Tire Express: http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/fid/2/pid/16247. Much better price eh!

What we need is a Canadian-based online store that handles bike parts and ships within Canada. That would certainly bring some competition to the marketplace and might actually drive the prices down to a reasonable level.

[Rain Rider 1]

Price check at Zdeno Kitchener, On at 12:10 pm Mar 25/08.
Bridgestone Battleaxe BT014 in a 190/50/17 size.
$ 200.00 plus 20.00 install on rim.
taxes extra.

Price check from the US site Malks posted is;
150.27 + shipping charge of 30.00 + exchange which is at 3% today.
$ 185.67 + duty.
Then you have to get it installed on rim.
Therefore;
185.67 + 22.80 install = $ 208.47, duty extra.

[Dirtybill]

I just spent $320.00 bucks for a mew back tire for my Hayabusa taxes in. Some of my buddies don't think that is unreasonable. I say this is highway robbery. I don't care what kind of sticky rubber super dooper special crap needed on a bike tire. It just gets me going.

If you don't want to order from the USA, you could try these guys. Allthough it's not listed, they do sell motorcycle tires.

http://www.profilecanada.com/companydetail.cfm?company=2149709_International_Ti re_Consultants_Langley_BC

Western Yamaha/Triumph, also in Langley puts on the occasional tire sale that will be cheaper than most shops but still higher than US prices.

5th Gear in Richmond will usually cut a deal on tires also.

[Uwe W.]

Therefore; 185.67 + 22.80 install = $ 208.47, duty extra.

I just used an online duty calculator and apparently there are no duty charges for one motorcycle tire at that value. The only border charges (for Ontario) would be the PST and GST.

If we're comparing online vs. Zdeno vs. what arnottski1 paid, you have to use the right tire first. A 'busa uses a Bridgestone Battlax BT56R BW TL in a 190/50ZR17 size. What does Zdeno charge for one of those?

[arnottski1]

I know cheaper tires are available on line. You are all missing the point. Even US prices are too high. You can buy a pretty decent car tire for under 100 bucks. I've listened to the arguements about low volume and different design but Just the amount of material used in a car tire must be at least double what can be found in a bike tire. And I think the manufacturers are to blame. Not the dealers. It just urkes me especially with my Busa eating them up. And I am very easy on my tires.

[Rocking Couple]

There is a direct correlation that exists between your right wrist and your rear tire. I hear you say you're not trying to be hard on tires, but the fact is if you have it (gobs of on-demand torque at almost any rpm over idle) then you tend to use it, and that, combined with the fact that tires that are suitable for a big-power performance oriented bike, are manufactured with a soft, sticky compound to help ensure they don't spin up every time you twist the wrist. And as I'm sure you must realise, soft and sticky = low tread life. And while there may be literally fewer combined materials (at least in terms of volume) in a bike tire compared to a car tire, the dollars required for R&D is still significant. You may think that volume production isn't a significant part of the equation here, but it really is, especially when you consider these other factors also. There is never any free ride.

Don't mean to sound unsympathetic here though. It pi**es me off too. It's just one of the many costs of admission.

[KZDon]

Yup, it cost me almost as much to put new Michelins (bias ply and skinny) on my KZ as for snows on our minivan. Yowch

[Rocking Couple]

Yup, it cost me almost as much to put new Michelins (bias ply and skinny) on my KZ as for snows on our minivan. Yowch

You mean you only mounted 2 snows, not 4 Don? jssst jssst jssst

Or did you mount 4 and the 2 bike tires were still almost as expensive? Better be the latter scenario, what with all that precious cargo you or the better-half carries around.

[Dirtybill]

I've had good experiences with the Metzler MEZ3 on the back and an MEZ1 on the front. Stickier tire on the front combined with the sport touring on the back worked well on my Sprint ST.

I see Maxxis is putting out street tires now and at a cheaper price than most. They've made some damn good off road tires so I wouldn't have a problem trying them in the future.

[Smiley]

I know cheaper tires are available on line. You are all missing the point. Even US prices are too high. Yto blame. Not the dealers. It just urkes me especially with my Busa eating them up. And I am very easy on my tires.


Better find a new sport. Or bike.

Or try ol' Smiley's method.

>Step into my garage. Hmm, the bike's still up on the lift, the aborted oil change long ago leaked into the drain pan, now starting to look like the dino sludge it came from. Winter caught me by surprise this year and oh shit, I need to get a new battery too.

Which brings me to that back end, face to face with the rear tire, elevated in the lift and right in the face of my f**cked of vision, where I can't deny...it doesn't look good.

So; a question- but first some background.

My tire has good tread where I need it on the edge but the middle bit is fighting my forehead in a balding contest.
I know there where wear bars, but they disappeared a while back so every thing's cool, right?

The plug that I put in last June ( big nail) has held well and that warning about high speed is, well bullshit.

It's an Avon sport touring AV something and I've got a bit over 16000 km on it.

So if I decide to maybe replace it at, well say 20 K, who has the best price?

[Ivor biggin]

Stenko tires, I know it`s rather an unfortunate name for a sportbike tire, are inexpensive and work well. I bought a pair in Green Bay Wis. last spring for the price of a premium rear (U.S. prices) and had no problems with them. I wouldn`t like to say how they would stand up to a track day session, as my total track experience consists of giving Bar Hodgson $10 to follow a Dodge Ram around Mosport, but for everyday riding they`re fine. A trip out west last year which sort of changed the profile from round to flat means that I have to replace them but I would buy the same brand again if they were available at my dealer.
You can`t go like stinko if you don`t have STENKO. O.K. I just made that up.
IB.

[Swervin]

Buying Rubber.

Stop your bitching people.
I go to the local drug store and buy a box of 12.
Saves getting the wench knocked up.:D

[metalredneck]

if ya want cheaper parts, buy a cheaper bike. if ya wanna have a rocket, pay for rocket parts, 'cuz bi-plane parts ain't gonna work properly.

but i suppose it's like the weather, we canucks piss & moan even when we enjoy it.:confused:

[Paddy]

The way I figure it, you're putting a premium tire on the back of that 'Busa. Have you checked the price of a premium sportscar tire lately? Say one for a Porsche or 'Vette? They can easily run you $300 a pop. Take into account a tire dealer discounts maybe 25% (which is optimistic for premium rubber but possible) and that's still $900.
What Metalred said about rockets is spot-on.

[Rain Rider 1]

Same tire Uwe



I just used an online duty calculator and apparently there are no duty charges for one motorcycle tire at that value. The only border charges (for Ontario) would be the PST and GST.

If we're comparing online vs. Zdeno vs. what arnottski1 paid, you have to use the right tire first. A 'busa uses a Bridgestone Battlax BT56R BW TL in a 190/50ZR17 size. What does Zdeno charge for one of those?

[arnottski1]

What a bunch of sheep you all are. Just happily getting screwed by the manufacturers.Maybe you don't put enough miles on to worry about it or your all rich.

[Rocking Couple]

:rolleyes:

Sorry I wasted my time.
My sympathy meter also took a dive..

IB, you sure those tires are Stenkos? Or did you mean to say Shenkos? Hard to find them just anywhere though. Ironic that you found them (assuming they're Shenkos) during a tour.

[Uwe W.]

What a bunch of sheep you all are. Just happily getting screwed by the manufacturers.Maybe you don't put enough miles on to worry about it or your all rich.

Are you saying you bought a 'busa and was shocked that it ate rear tires and that they ended up being expensive to replace? Give me a break. I go through 2 rear tires a season, AND I'm not wealthy. However, before I bought a 'busa I knew what the associated running costs would be and was prepared to pay them. That doesn't make me a sheep; however, complaining about something without taking any action to resolve the problem does make you a whiner. ;)

When you first posted your complaint, other forum users tried to help you out by suggesting cheaper sources for tires. Why don't you just take some of that advice when your new Battlax wears out; you'll pay less than you did before, and maybe then you'll end up being a little nicer to the folks around here.

[TimP]

What a bunch of sheep you all are. Just happily getting screwed by the manufacturers.Maybe you don't put enough miles on to worry about it or your all rich.

We're rich? Because we accept an offered price without complaint? It amazes me how often simple market economics are misunderstood. Every transaction ends with the acceptance of one offered price. Usually it's the lowest the buyer can find, but, as your situation demonstrates, some don't look too hard for the lowest price, and accept an offered (higher) price after deciding further searching isn't worth the effort. You made your choice and should live with it. To complain after the fact about your freely-taken decision to accept a higher price is pointless, and likely to attract little sympathy.

But then, to attack those few who offer you sympathy? Now, THAT's rich!

[John]

I think I'm gonna give him some more rope and see what he does with it...

I recall the shock to my system when getting used to the rate of tire consumption imposed by an FJR & a fairly restrained rider versus a light, single cylinder street bike. Rude. I dealt with it after seeking out the best deals that I could find. I found a couple places in New Brunswick that offered me pretty good rubber rates. I also got in on that Pirelli deal (putting those on in the spring if and when it ever rears it's frozen head) which saved me a lot of cash. How did I figure this stuff out? Good people on the internet that I approached with respect & a desire to learn.

John.

[Balaboy]

I remember mentioning a company here once, I found out about from Dieppe N.B. but I'm not here to advertise just to read a reap. Some members here may have remembered the companys name . tires are expensive eh! my 2 cents

[hank]

I feel your pain Arnottski. I've been living with the tire eating brute since 2001. The price is anoying, but 1700 to 5000km on those expensive tires piss me off more(and yes it depends on the throttle use). In 1984 the metzler for my fj1100 was about a $150.Last year the exact same tire was $340 installed on the rim only. It's admirable that you want to put (good) rubber on the beast, but that will get old. My busa has about 86000km on the clock and the last 5 or 6 tires were shinko(not stenko)Advance,installed about $180 and they will last about 7000 to10000km( depending on road and rider conditions) The company also offers a Stealth that is some what softer. I wouldn't recomend either for a track day but they do work fine for aggressive street riding and work real good at the drag strip. A little write up in the back of the april MC mag. Sorry about the plug Costa and thanks for the info for Nels plastic surgery.

[arnottski1]

Hank gets it. I wasn't looking for sympathy and I have had my Busa since 03. It has eaten lots of tires over that time but the prices have gone up lots since then. I did lots of shopping around but to stay close to home and support my local dealer I bought local. I say again it is not the dealers screwing us but the manufacturers. Don't get me started on helmets.
But on the bright side I think generally riding suits and soft luggage are very reasonably priced if you stay away from BMW and Harley made in china stuff.
Any takers?lol

[metalredneck]

tire production relies heavily on oil, which has gone up a tad since you bought your expensive penis extension rocket-ship, rich guy. if you don't wanna spend, get a bike that consumes less. we all have choices to make, and the whining about the cost of going fast is counterintuitive.

[New & reborn Priest]

A reminder which has not much directly to do with motorcycles.

This time of year, when the snow is still around and nobody gets to ride but everyone is itching to get on the bike, tempers get short and people are shitty to each other.

What makes this forum different and unique among all others which I have visited is that posters here are decent. Literate and decent. Gentlemen among gentlemen.

If nastiness is allowed to dominate, and we're all thinking up stuff to insult each other, it'll just become another slangfest. And I for one won't want to be here.

Be nice, eh? Advice from your oldest (age-wise) inhabitant...

[Ivor biggin]

O.K. I don`t know where I got Stenko from as the tires I mentioned in a previous post were, as hank pointed out, Shinko`s. My mistake but I think my point is still valid as they are good tires and they can be bought for half the price of premium rubber. There are also other economy tires on the market and Tomahawk, which are U.S. made, could be an option.
The thing is good tires are critical and most people, and rightly so, want the very best under them.
Rubber side down, shiny side up.
IB.

[Malks]

I have also been shopping around for a mate to the rear I found at the Cycle World closing sale. I picked up a rear OEM Bridgestone Exedra for my ST and paid $110.00 for it - taxes in. I felt that was a reasonable price, however, I have been getting quotes of anywhere between $125 (Zdeno) and $150 (local Honda dealer) for the matching front. This price seems a little high to me.

While these prices are a mere pittance when compared to the the Busa tire arnottski purchased, it does beg the question, why is the same tire in the states listed at just $80.00?

[arnottski1]

malks gets it also.

[Rocking Couple]

U F B

[Desert Rat]

malks gets it also.

Oh, he might get your view but neither of you seem to have a clue about economies of scale, distribution costs, international currency markets or operation costs.

This smacks of all the nonsense being spewed about the difference in pricing of motorcycles between the US and Canada. When will people understand that you're oversimplifying the situation by only looking at the exchange rate between the loonie and the US dollar?

Here's a bit of shocking new for you guys: we're not on PAR with the USA, so stop freakin' comparing costs as if there weren't any other factors involved. I could explain at length why a tire in Canada costs more than it does in the US, but like someone else already said in this thread, I'd just be waisting my time.

[Ivor biggin]

I`m glad Malks gets it `cos I don`t. Why spend all that cash on the big Suzuki and then worry about the cost of tires? To me there is not much difference between Hyabusa riders and the Harley wanabee`s out there. It`s all about bling, bragging rights and a persons perception of cool. Why else would some one spend all that money on the kind of horsepower that this bike delivers when they don`t have the balls or opportunity to use it? It might look cool in Tim Horton parking lot but out on the street you have to know that some kid on a 600 is going to blow it away.
I`m no better, I`ve bought bikes with enough suspension settings to confuse Einstein and still ride without checking tire pressures each time that I go out. My point is?, apart from hating Hyabusa`s, motorcycling is expensive and even though you can cut some corners the price has got to be paid.
As the Ancient Priest might of said Piss or get off the pot.
IB.

[arnottski1]

Tim Horton's! out here in BC we have the roads to truly enjoy a bikes pedigree as fine as the mighty Hayabusa's.
I am surprised at your relative hate of bikes such as the Hayabusa. How can you hate anything on two wheels? we are all enjoying the rush of two wheeled travel. All things aside we must not forget the great things we share.

[Malks]

Oh, he might get your view but neither of you seem to have a clue about economies of scale, distribution costs, international currency markets or operation costs.

This smacks of all the nonsense being spewed about the difference in pricing of motorcycles between the US and Canada. When will people understand that you're oversimplifying the situation by only looking at the exchange rate between the loonie and the US dollar?

Here's a bit of shocking new for you guys: we're not on PAR with the USA, so stop freakin' comparing costs as if there weren't any other factors involved. I could explain at length why a tire in Canada costs more than it does in the US, but like someone else already said in this thread, I'd just be waisting my time.

As a consumer I could give a damn about all of those things you mention; all I want is the best bang for my hard-earned loonie. When I see the same products for sale across the border for considerably less, I shop there!

I have been cross-border shopping for over 25 years. Even when the loonie was worth less than $0.70, it was still a better bargain to shop in the states for certain items. Lately with the dollars at par, the deals are even better.

Hell a guy at work bought a new 2008 Highlander in New Hampshire and saved over $10,000.00 on the same truck up here, (BTW that is after all taxes and duties). Last summer another friend bought a lightly used '05 FZ6 in Maryland for under $3500 (again, final cost in his garage) and enjoyed a nice two day weekend when he went to pick it up.

I appreciate all of the factors that influence the price of things in Canada, but as I said earlier, as a consumer I am going to demand to best value for my money. So unlike many who just pay the higher price and complain, I do what every consumer should do and shop where I get the best value. If that means I need to make a trip over the border once a month, then that is what I will continue to do.

[Uwe W.]

[U] What makes this forum different and unique among all others which I have visited is that posters here are decent. If nastiness is allowed to dominate, and we're all thinking up stuff to insult each other, it'll just become another slangfest. And I for one won't want to be here. Be nice, eh?

Peter, have you ever watched a Question Period in the House of Commons?
In comparison I’d say everyone is being downright pleasant around here. Although a few guys might be receiving a little flak at the moment for their comments, the high standard you inferred for this forum is not presently at risk.

As Alec Guinness said in Lawrence of Arabia: “Young men make wars, and the virtues of war are the virtues of young men: courage, and hope for the future. Then old men make the peace, and the vices of peace are the vices of old men: mistrust and caution.”

[Ivor biggin]

Arnottski is right, hate is one word that should be censored out of this forum, and I apologize but dislike does not do justice to the way I feel about the Hyabusa. I dislike cruisers, especially metrics, but my feelings toward the big Suzuki goes beyond that. I might be getting a bit too old for this game but I must say that no other bike, in all my years of riding, has brought out this type of reaction from me. I`ve met some pretty cool guys on the street and on this forum who own Hyabusas but, sorry, I just don`t get it.
IB.

[arnottski1]

That is a strange reaction to a motorcycle. I have similar reactions to 883 sportsters. I also grew up around Aurora. Maybe something in the water. Does anybody here know what UFB stands for. I would like to think it means You Fortunate Busa guy.

[Sidecar Bob]

Even the guys south of the border are upset about the price of bike tires when they are compared to car tires. Some of the big cruiser guys have even gone over to the dark side (http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2004/10/27/theDarkSide.html) (they have cookies)

Personally, I'm glad the sidecar bike has 18" wheels on both ends - I can buy a pair of snow tires for it for about $100 and get 2 winters out of a Cheng Shin front and one out of a Kenda rear.

I used to run Shinko Tour Masters on the GoldWing, but I won't buy them any more. The 3rd rear I bought was really bad - after less than 100 Km the tire started to wobble and rub on the swingarm. Before 200 Km it was downright dangerous so the dealership ordered me a replacement. It didn't make it to the next town & back - 18Km round trip.

The Kenda I replaced it with was fine. I put a new Kenda Kruz rear on a few weeks before I took it off the road last fall and the matching front is in the garage waiting to be installed. I have used a lot of Kenda tires over the years and have had good results with all of them.

[Uwe W.]

To me there is not much difference between Hyabusa riders and the Harley wanabee`s out there. It`s all about bling, bragging rights and a persons perception of cool. Why else would some one spend all that money on the kind of horsepower that this bike delivers when they don`t have the balls or opportunity to use it? It might look cool in Tim Horton parking lot but out on the street you have to know that some kid on a 600 is going to blow it away.

I tried very hard to stay out of this, and even though my 'busa is for sale I can't hold my tongue any longer.

After riding a Hayabusa for three years, I can honestly say it's the best motorcycle I've ever owned. It has served me without fail in every role I placed it in from tourer to track day bike, and other than consuming rear tires quicker than most, it has been very inexpensive to maintain.

I don't doubt that some riders will have purchased their 'busa based on its reputation, and spend more time customizing rather than riding, but that statistic holds true for many other motorcycles. Most 'busa owners I've come across are hardcore performance junkies whose average yearly mileage rivals those of BMW owners. They don't buy bling and hang out at Horten's. They buy Power Commanders and head to drag strips and open highways.

Can I lap a tight track faster on a 600 than a 'busa? Sure. Then again, the 600 would also challenge a 1000 sport bike under those circumstances. The 'busa is too heavy and brakes too poorly to be considered a serious motorcycle for the track, but then again it was never designed for that role.
The street is another matter. Not that I would ever condone streetracing (take it to the track if you want to prove something), but in regard to that "kid on a 600" who you think is going to "blow me away", give your head a shake. I'll tell you what the reality of that situation is: they don't even try.

[Sidecar Bob]

I tried very hard to stay out of this, and even though my 'busa is for sale I can't hold my tongue any longer.

After riding a Hayabusa for three years, I can honestly say it's the best motorcycle I've ever owned.
Umm, if it's the best bike you have ever owned, why would you ever consider selling it???????

Certainly not because it costs too much to keep it in tires ;-{)

If that's the case, maybe you should consider the dark side.....

[Ivor biggin]

O.K. Uwe I`ve given my head a shake but I still can`t think of a reason for anyone on a 600 to be intimidated by a Busa. As you pointed out the`busa is too heavy and brakes too poorly to be considered a serious motorcycle.
Could it be that it consumes tires quicker than most `cos it`s a bit on the plump side.:D
IB.

[arnottski1]

I love my hayabusa because it is on the plump side. By that I mean that I fit on it and can load it for sport touring. It also has exeptional manners at normal highway speeds but I know that at any time with just a twist of the loud handle the rush available is beyond a 600's ability. I also agree with the administrater. People that own these bikes tend to ride them long and far.

[Uwe W.]

As you pointed out the`busa is too heavy and brakes too poorly to be considered a serious motorcycle. Could it be that it consumes tires quicker than most `cos it`s a bit on the plump side.

That knocking sound you can't hear is my head banging on the desk. You kill me biggins.


Sidecar Bob noted: Umm, if it's the best bike you have ever owned, why would you ever consider selling it??????? If that's the case, maybe you should consider the dark side.....

Reasons to sell:
1. Life's too short to spend all of it on one bike.
2. My main riding focus for this summer has changed.
3. It was just a matter of time before I lost my licence due to the 50 over law.
4. I got tired of waiting for friends to catch up.

RE: The Dark Side - If you help me build it Bob, I'll switch over next winter.

http://www.vorg.com/bc/images/sidecarcross.jpg
The Dark Side: It's sad but true, even hacks can suffer from extreme plumber's butt

[Sidecar Bob]

Reasons to sell:
1. Life's too short to spend all of it on one bike.
2. My main riding focus for this summer has changed.
3. It was just a matter of time before I lost my licence due to the 50 over law.
4. I got tired of waiting for friends to catch up.
I know what you mean about 3 & 4 - even my gOLDwing has those problems.


RE: The Dark Side - If you help me build it Bob, I'll switch over next winter.
That's not the "Dark Side" I was talking about, but if you're serious we can talk about it.

I was talking about the car tires on bikes dark side. Apparently, there are quite a few who have mounted 16" car tires on their heavy cruisers with good results (look here (http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2004/10/27/theDarkSide.html)).
I don't know how well it would work on something like a Hyabusa, but if the size is available someone will eventually try it. Maybe someone already has.

I know I would have been running car tires on my sidecar outfits for years if I could find them in the right width. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find any car tires narrower than 205 and I don't think that would fit inside the swingarm when the stock tire is a 130. That's why I chose an 18" rear wheel for the back of the 650 instead of a 16" - there are a lot more 18" dual purpose bike tires on the market, and the only one available in 16" only comes in 120 width and is worn out in 5-7,000 Km.

http://lifeisaroad.com/images/darkside.jpg

[Rocking Couple]

Sidecar, surely to goodness you aren't really serious when you are suggesting that there could be even the slightest possibility that a car tire (and recall it's profile) could work for anything other than on an extreme emergency to get from point A to point B (and the straighter the better), on a Busa? And we won't even delve into the straight-line stability issues at speed.

If you question my amazement at your suggestion, then if you ever have the misfortune of having to get home on a rear flat (tubeless) and see how the bike is almost impossible to steer or lean, you will better understand where I'm coming from.

And just cuz cruiser guys are mounting car tires on their motorcycles, isn't really much of a vote of confidence in my opinion. These are the same guys that put HD stickers on their pickup trucks and garbage cans. Perhaps certain auto tires on the rear might work at a drag strip for guys wanting to achieve 6's and 7's in the quarter, but then try pricing out what those tires cost. And be prepared to remove it before you ride the bike home.

[Uwe W.]

Great website Bob; I've filed it for future reference.


Sidecar Bob said: I haven't been able to find any car tires narrower than 205 and I don't think that would fit inside the swingarm when the stock tire is a 130

I assume you mean anything narrower than a 205 on a 16" or larger rim. That would be a problem. I've seen 185's for 16" rims, but I'm sure that would still prove to be an issue with clearance.


Rockin' in the free world wrote: surely to goodness you aren't really serious when you are suggesting that there could be even the slightest possibility that a car tire could work for anything other than on an extreme emergency on a Busa?

Visit the website and read the guy's FAQ. And I don't believe Bob was suggesting it, he just mentioned someone that is using them on power cruisers.

[Sidecar Bob]

From the guy's description of how he pilots his Valkyrie and the mention in this thread of the 'Busa's less than perfect cornering capabilities, it might not be so far fetched as you think.

Rockin' sounds just like the neighbour in the narrative on the linked page, doesn't he?

And I have never met anyone with a Valkyrie who would put HD stickers on anything except a garbage can ;-)

[Rocking Couple]

Well, he is a smart guy, to be sure. No fool. He did say that the car tire experiment works best with very experienced owners. No kidding..

I think he should have made it clear at the very beginning that he was referring to swapping out a rear only with a car tire, and that this does not work for a front. I am still quite skeptical regarding his claims of easy, sharp corner transitions, and quick left/right/lefts. The whole idea of a properly manufactured bike-specific tire with compounds and profiles, all geared to offer safety and performance (as in the amount and time of predictable limits) and this includes mid corner outta-the-blue line changes without the active counter-steer input he admits is ever prevalent. And this very counter-steer input, costs you time and line-space. Sometimes you don't have a lot of either, and when the transition is 'finished' you have to factor the run-out on a go-wide correction, or a precious delay on tightening-up on your line. These are very real world concerns if you ask me. Might be fine for cruising and in the right hands, but on a Busa? I still love to try one out though. Uwe, if your bike is slow to sell this season, I think you should don one and do a test to feature in an upcoming issue of CC. (I can hear the liability calls from here, haha) Plus, I'd like to check it out before you go back the usual 014's or Super Corsas.

He also played down the insurability issue. If he were in an accident, be it his fault or not, insurance companies are looking for any spec of s**t whatsoever, that their lawyers can argue them out of, for making a pay-out.

Anyway, tread longevity is not the priority in a sporting bike tire, and the Hayabusa is still, very much a sportbike. Even when they do intro dual compounds in an effort to offer longer life, compromises are then made up the centre of the tire, which effects acceleration and braking when straight up. There's never any free ride.

And the differences in handling between that bike and a GSXR600 (or Firestorm, altho the 600 is a greater difference) on a typical Parry Sound sport ride circuit, can only be extracted by very experienced riders. This does not represent a very large number of riders out on the roads. To be clear, sure there are many good and even some pretty fast riders out there, but we are talking strictly extracting the differences between a Busa type bike and a typical sporting 600....on the street. Only the very best riders will show the slightly quicker arrival times on the 600.

I'll bet IB is more hung up not liking the Busa's physical presence. Bulbousness on that bike, is a deliberate effort to better manage air at break-neck speeds. Sort of like how Kawi put those ugly slanting grooves on the side fairings of their big 14. They're there to help manage air. Get over it. Sometimes the visual is the hardest, and most influential pill to swallow. Doesn't make the Busa a bad bike, that's for sure. It's a sleeper, almost more-so than any other bike that comes to mind. Ok, so the ZX14 is too..

Oh....and Bob, this might be a redundant point now, but the Busa corners a whole lot better than it's been (previously) portrayed in this thread and is deserved of a proper bike tire with at least 98% of it's owners.

[hank]

Ivor, all this slaging about poor handling and braking about the busa is greatly over aggaterated, don't believe everything in the mags. I tossed a set of sintered pads on the front and the thing will stand on it's nose, and because I'm 265lb the extra weight of the bike is irrelevant,we're both over weight. It will never be a track bike. Not that I've done a lot of track days (more than following a fargo pickup arround mosport) I've yet to be left by a 600, and in most cases they have trouble keeping up but it really depends on the rider. And again while I'm at it since purchasing the brute my penis has grown 2 in.(But results may vary with individuals). I didn't buy it for the bling just the zing,plus I couln't pass up a deal.

[Ivor biggin]

Hi Hank, this is going to be hard for me to explain so bear with me.
I, well lets say, dont like the looks of the Hayabusa but that is just my taste and doesn`t explain my feelings toward the bike. There are other bikes out there that make me wonder what the stylist was thinking of, recent Moto Guzzi`s for example, but none of them have brought out this sort of reaction in me. Everything that I`ve heard from owners or read in magazines about the `busa have been very positive but I still have this problem with it. Could be that it`s not the bike that I dislike but its perceived place in motorcycling in general.
Having said all that you have to understand that most of the trash talk was no more than friendly banter with Uwe and as he was last seen banging his head on the desk, my work here is done.
IB.;)

[arnottski1]

UWE has put up a great fight for the Busa owner and I give him credit for that. This thread has gon further than I ever thought it would. Being new to this forum I had know idea of the depth of emotion available from the current members. For that I am apoligizing and hope to remain a contributer to this fine website. how great it is to find passion for this particular subject. Why would I have accepted anything less from Canada's premier magazine on the topic of Motorcycles?

[metalredneck]

saying i don't like this or that bike is as productive a saying i wouldn't bang your old lady. tastes are tastes. just don't bitch to me about the cost of keeping your super-model in diet pills & apple-tinis.:mad:

[Uwe W.]

For that I am apoligizing and hope to remain a contributer to this fine website.

Apologies not required; we're all here to express our personal misguided opinions. I think you're going to fit in just fine, just mind the potholes and please don't feed the animals.

My fat and ugly 'busa, apparently on its way to the next coffee shop:
http://www.vorg.com/bc/images/UweTurn 5small.JPG

[Ivor biggin]

Apologies not required; we're all here to express our personal misguided opinions. I think you're going to fit in just fine, just mind the potholes and please don't feed the animals.
And cough up the $15 you cheapskate.

[Rain Rider 1]

Hey Ivor,
I dislike Honda Firestorms, Jeep YJ's and Lincoln LS's. lol

Oh, and I also dislike ALL Harley's and metric Harley clone wanna bees that only cruise from one coffee joint to the next.



Arnottski is right, hate is one word that should be censored out of this forum, and I apologize but dislike does not do justice to the way I feel about the Hyabusa. I dislike cruisers, especially metrics, but my feelings toward the big Suzuki goes beyond that. I might be getting a bit too old for this game but I must say that no other bike, in all my years of riding, has brought out this type of reaction from me. I`ve met some pretty cool guys on the street and on this forum who own Hyabusas but, sorry, I just don`t get it.
IB.

[TimP]

Whoa, big fella! It's one thing to pick on a newby like Arnottski (who's fitting in just fine, dontcha think?) but you mess with Honda Firestorms (especially those about to celebrate their 10th. birthday, like mine) and you mess with me!

I know you lift weights and all, but I'm not afraid. Me and my Firestorm, we can hold up a whole line of cars!

[Sidecar Bob]

Arnottski: Get used to it ;-) We always talk to each other like this. One of the great things about a forum like this is that we can disagree about some pretty fundamental things and still be friends.

RR1 (Steve, isn't it?): I know we often disagree on a lot of things, but I will go beyond agreeing with you in this case - I don't have much use for any vehicle with more than 3 wheels.

Rocking Couple (did I know you by another name on the old forum?): There's a good reason they call it the dark side. I agree that no-one who uses a 'Busa in a sporting manner would be likely to be satisfied with a car tire on the rear, but Arnottski did complain about the price of tires and I was merely making him aware of a cheaper option. It's up to him to either laugh at it or run out and buy one.
I really do wish I could get them narrow enough to fit the sidecar machine, though. Since it doesn't lean much the squarer profile wouldn't matter and I would really like to get more than 10,000 Km out of a back tire.

Ivor: What can I say? You don't like Hayabusas. Fine. I wouldn't run out and buy one either, even if I had the money and the deal was incredible. But that's just my taste and I don't really care what kind of bike someone else has as long as it makes him smile. At least they don't look like something Terreblanche designed.

Tim: Let's get together. I can hold up the other lane with my sidecar outfit and we'll rule the road.......

[TimP]

Hey, Bob, sounds like a plan. I'm intrigued by your upcoming Train show - I'm going to try to get there (however many wheels it takes) but renovation plans and my sick M.I.L. might throw in a wrench. Expect me when (and if) you see me, no promises. I'll find you if I get there (I imagine SOMEBODY there will know you...)

[Dirtybill]

Well, after reading as much as I can digest, I'd have to say that it boils down to riding preference?

A few years ago, I had an RC51 that I bought from Steve Crevier. It had Erion exhaust on it, Fox shock and spring and some internal fork stuff done to it. I got a good deal. I'm not giving myself any riding credit here but I blew away 3 Hayabusas on twisty roads that had straights on them where the Bus could out run me. All on different roads on different occasions and different dates. Seemed most BUS owners wanted to prove sumthin they couldn't back up. 1 Bus owner actually had the nerve to tell me to slow down or I might kill myself. Guess who died and who is still alive. Condascending bikers who think they know it all, will live a short life.

Ya want a cheaper bike that only begins to perfom at 140kph and above? Pickup a used RC, and I haven't heard of any problems with motor longevity.

btw, they're really sensitive to tire choice. Will change the whole handling characteristics of the bike. Hard on gas too.

[Rocking Couple]

Is there any other entity on earth, with as much "my c8ck's bigger than yours" than there is among bikers and their bikes? So in an effort to settle who's got the biggest/baddest, (and in the interest of safety since we'll ALL take it up the *ss with the new street racing laws and accompanying bureaucracy if they catch us) I challenge you all to a slow-speed contest. That oughta separate the men from the boys. Feet down and yeerrrrrrr out. Sidecar, you're disqualified if you show up with that anchor sitting outboard to the right and back a little..
And if anyone shows up with a car tire, they automatically get assigned a 1 kph penalty. I guess trials should be assigned a potential penalty too, let's say that in over 300' you guys can't actually stop. Sounds fair?
So who's in?

btw, can someone lend me a bike without linked brakes for this?

[Desert Rat]

I'm not giving myself any riding credit here
no? just bragging credit I suppose...

but I blew away 3 Hayabusas on twisty roads that had straights on them where the Bus could out run me. very, very impressive.

Seemed most BUS owners wanted to prove sumthin they couldn't back up. As opposed to you, who had something to prove and could back it up?
1 Bus owner actually had the nerve to tell me to slow down or I might kill myself. Hmmm, sounds like he wasn't actually racing then, and was probably a nice guy concerned about the safety of a fellow rider.
Guess who died and who is still alive. What'd you do, shoot him?
Condescending bikers who think they know it all, will live a short life while egotists that race on the streets live just a little longer...

[hank]

This is way to funny a lot of "Post Shinin" goning on. (Trucker tale) I'll tell you whaaaat. Any of you guys in the group of about 20 sport bikes I had to pass, on I think it was 632? a couple years ago. After sqeezing buy (the riders were good about) the lead fellow was on CBRrr I think, we where making up some good ground and had time to stop to let a deer jump onto the road?? I sometimes wonder! This thread has done the best so far. Bravo

[Malks]

On Friday we made one of our regular shopping runs to the States. I checked with a Honda dealer in the Buffalo area, who advised his price on the Bridgestone Exedra I need would be $100.00, but he would need to order one since they did not have one in stock. He said if I called early in the week before my next trip he could have the tire in the store for pick-up within three days.

I figured I might as well check around when I got back, since I knew I could order one online for $80.00 (not including shipping etc.), or pick one up on my next visit to the Buffalo area. When talking with my riding buddy he told me that he had called to check tire prices with Zdeno and they told him that Bridgestone has lowered their prices by about 25%. So I called Zdeno and, yes, their price was less than a dollar more than the Buffalo dealer. Apparently consumer pressure has encouraged at least one manufacturer to drop tire prices in Canada.

Since the best price I could find was at Zdeno I ordered my tire from them. I plan to take my wheels out to Kitchener next weekend on my next trip over to London.