Just bought my 3k mile 2007 SW to replace my BMW GS1200 bike. Bike is wearing some Bridgestone tyres that have some life left.

However, in the wet they are horrible. Bike is very unstable and slidy. On the front especially when I approach with GS style vigour, it is almost lowsiding constantly. I reckon its only a matter of days before I actually lose the front properly and lowside the bike.

I think there are 2 issues here: I find it hard to believe the SW is that much worse that the GS in corners (I have owned a 125cc Vespa for years and it was better than my SW currently), so I think it must be the tyres.

What are the choices? Presumably all the big manufacturers make a tyre for it?

Actually the choices are not so many - You folks accross the pond have a few more choices than we do, but a good place for us in the states to shop from and a good place to do some research is: http://tinyurl.com/yj2eval

From my research online and magazines the Pirellei Diablos seem to be rated highly, especially by the owners, and I've also read that the metzeler feelfree tyres are good.

Besides the bridgestones, which I agree as a set front and rear they handle horrible, I have tried the Michelin pilot sports front and rear, which are much better than the Bridgestones, but only two thirds the life on the rear tyre....

At the moment I am running a michelin pilot sport on the front and a bridgestone on the back, and wow...... best combination yet, even better than the michelins front and rear.... The handling is transformed, and the S'wing now corners much easier/quicker and drops into a corner with confidence and with just a little counter pressure on the handlebars.... At first it felt almost too quick, but once I got used to it, it felt great.

So if your bridgestones have some decent life left, I would recommend that you replace the front with something other than bridgestone and keep the harder wearing bridgestone on the rear. I can definitely recommend a Michelin pilot sport on the front in that configuration...

I ll try that Bernando, tks v much....

Thanks for all your comments on tyres, I too have experienced handling problem with the factory fitted Bridgestones. I may well try the Michelin Pilot front, Hoop rear combo.

At first I thought it was me on a new bike in the wet. But after nearly 2000 miles my confidence has not advanced much farther.

My Burgman sported Hoops all round and I had ultimate confidence in their abilities to grip the road in all conditions.

This is "Old Dave" in Western Nebraska....
I have a set of "Pirelli Diablos" on my 2005 Silverwing. I now have about
fifteen hundred miles on them and they are a good over all replacement. I
went up on the Scottsbluff Nat'l Monument the other day and hit a patch of
water and frozen ice. I was very surprised as they held very well. I don't know
if other tires would have made a difference but that was my experience with
the "Pirelli Diablos."

I have the Diablos, i bought my scoot used so all I can say is the new Diablo is a whole lot better than a worn down hoop. I never had the hoops when they were new and i only have a 1,000 miles on the diablos but it has been a world of difference. Theyre both stickier and quieter than the hoops were, Im taking freeway turnoffs at about 20 mph faster than before.

getting a Michelin Pilot sport front only as per Bernando's idea fitted tomorrow. Will keep you posted...

Hello THEOP,
just joined the forum and found your post - could almost have written it myself! I've just changed from 11 years with an R1100GS. Find the same unsure feeling with the SWing. First noticed it in the wet, I've had front wheel slide out and both wheels slide out on occasions. This in situations where the GS would have just run through with confidence. I've ridden a friend's Burgman 650 with Bridgestones and that feels much more "planted" and secure, so I'm wondering if it's also to do with weight distribution. The Burgman's engine is much further forward (and the bike weighs 50Kg more as well). Anyway, I've found the comments here useful and I'll decide when the time comes to change tyres. Meantime, I'll have to tone down my expectations on the wintry Pennine roads here.
Keep Shiney Side Up
Phillip

If available in your country try these http://tinyurl.com/6k7adfd

In my opinion its the best choice for the SW, but sometimes it produces a light shimmy at the scooter. These tyres are also available in wintec type.

RJ

i experienced Hoops bridgestone, michelin gold standard and pilotsport sc, metzeller feel free on the sw and maxxis on my first scoot.

what i think
MTZ FF > pilotsport sc >> michelin goldstandard > hoops >> maxxis

wintec type for metzeller does not exist in France (grrrr...)

The french version of www.reifendirekt.de have the Feelfree Wintecs and they are only ~7€ more than in germany.
Take a look at www.123pneus.com

Great, Thanks !

I think next I'll put Pilotsport sc or pirelli Diablo and for next winter I'll try your idea !