42T Convert

[Ant]

Went with a Vortex 525 aluminum 42T.

The pro's:

No issues with launch, can't tell any difference.
Where I was in 3rd I'm now in second, etc.
A lot smoother around town and highway riding, real noticeable.
Was going to take 2 links out but there's plenty of adjustment left.

The cons:
(I hesitate using "con's" because it's just some differences that I don't mind)

On spirited twisty riding I had to modify my entry/exit in turns just a wee bit, by the second turn I was dialed in.


Overall it just made my XR THAT much more fun to ride so I'm not gonna complain about that. While it's smoother cruising around 400-500 RPM's lower than stock just ask and she will deliver, it's still stupid quick and fast. Very very happy with this mod

Now onto my next item on my list: Road 6's. The shop had a bike there with a new set and...well...I got excited.

[Alan_R]

I've got 500 miles on my Road 6s - excellent tyres, feel very grippy. Not tried them in the wet yet.

[Antares]

Originally Posted by Alan_R

I've got 500 miles on my Road 6s - excellent tyres, feel very grippy. Not tried them in the wet yet.

Have you ever had the Road 5s before? How does it compare to them?

[Crosshairs]

Originally Posted by Antares

Have you ever had the Road 5s before? How does it compare to them?

I have 6s on now with about 1500 miles on them, compared to the 5s they do not turn in as quickly, but handle just as well once leaned over . if you put them side by side, you can see how much different the profiles are between the 6 and  the 5.
did about 300 miles in the rain last week and they were great...as were the 5s

I'll run them out and see how many miles they last but looking at them already Im not expecting much more than 5000-5500 miles which is about what  got from my last 2 sets of 5s 

[Antares]

Originally Posted by Crosshairs

I have 6s on now with about 1500 miles on them, compared to the 5s they do not turn in as quickly, but handle just as well once leaned over . if you put them side by side, you can see how much different the profiles are between the 6 and  the 5.
did about 300 miles in the rain last week and they were great...as were the 5s

I'll run them out and see how many miles they last but looking at them already Im not expecting much more than 5000-5500 miles which is about what  got from my last 2 sets of 5s

Interesting, heard about the slower handling and I already find road 5s are on the edge of where it feels quick enough, kind of on the side of "neutral" handling. But still the fastest of all the touring tyres.