Pirelli Night Dragon review
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Santa Rosa, Ca
Pirelli Night Dragon review
For reference, this is on an 07 Street Bob. I was running Dunlop K591s. The 591s are decent tires. I put a set of Pirelli Night Dragons on and all I can say is these tires are awesome. Starting with straight line freeway speed stability, these tires do not track on rain grooves or any other tire grabbing grooves in the road. They dont seem to notice pavement snakes (tar patches) either. Once you get into the twisty mountain roads is where you REALLY feel the difference, though. The Pirellis transition from left to right with amazing ease. They feel like they are glued to the road and I found myself not having to correct my line at all. They are so very stable that they are very confidence inspiring. Its not that you need to be a racer to enjoy them, its just nice to know that youre not going to be upset by unseen road irregularities. You can relax and really enjoy the ride. Ive already done suspension upgrades but these tires bring it all together.
These tires are so good that I would swap to them even if my existing tires were new.
Ron
These tires are so good that I would swap to them even if my existing tires were new.
Ron
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I wonder how they stack up against the Metzlers. I have them on my bike now, but they definitely have problems when running over tar snakes in the twisties. Did you say that yours don't have problems? Are you talking on flat roads or in the turns (or both)? For me when I lay it down in a turn it will slide if I start running over tar snakes.
I am guessing you just put them on so don't know how long the tread lasts. I have 8K on my Metzlers and the back one needs to be replaced here soon.
I am guessing you just put them on so don't know how long the tread lasts. I have 8K on my Metzlers and the back one needs to be replaced here soon.
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Tourer
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From: Santa Rosa, Ca
I wonder how they stack up against the Metzlers. I have them on my bike now, but they definitely have problems when running over tar snakes in the twisties. Did you say that yours don't have problems? Are you talking on flat roads or in the turns (or both)? For me when I lay it down in a turn it will slide if I start running over tar snakes.
I am guessing you just put them on so don't know how long the tread lasts. I have 8K on my Metzlers and the back one needs to be replaced here soon.
I am guessing you just put them on so don't know how long the tread lasts. I have 8K on my Metzlers and the back one needs to be replaced here soon.
As far as tar snakes, There's a section of road I take that is fast sweepers with lots of tar snakes to ruin the fun. Not so with these tires. I was deliberately running over them with no effect, as opposed to avoiding them like the plague.
Longevity is a concern. Pirelli says to expect about 8K miles. We'll see. That's about 5 months for me.
Last edited by Uquackmeup; Aug 19, 2009 at 08:08 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Tampa Bay
Good to know. Here in Indiana with all the pot holes and patches even the straightest roads can be an adventure.
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Tourer
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Unfortunately, pot holes are still pot holes. The tires don't work magic with them.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Santa Rosa, Ca
Yes, the 180 rear and 100/90/19 front. The rear is not any wider than the stock Dunlop 160. There are no fitment issues. The 180 is more triangular than the rounded Dunlop, more contact patch when leaned over.
Ron
Ron