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It's amazing how much difference a worn front makes. Because it happens over time, you kind of get used to how rubbish it is but when you finally put a new one on you can't believe the difference.
Put Michelin Road 6 ‘ s on my MT 09 having destroyed the S22’s , what a difference , they are so good , the grip, turn in , lean angle are amazing and they just give you so much more confidence. I highly recommend putting on sport touring tyres, Pirelli GT, Metzler R7, etc..
Ron Haslam was using T30 & T31’s around his Donnington Park race school to great effect, including Fast group and instructors, no issues in all weather and good mileage for the bonus. I use S22’s on my blade and they are great tyres but I only use them because it’s a toy and I can justify the cost to myself, if I was doing more miles every year I wouldn’t hesitate in using the T31’s. Nice to see such honesty about your experience and let’s hope it prevents someone out there making the same mistake. Keep up the good work 👍
Modern motorcycle tires are designed to be run at manufacturers spec. The old days of lowering pressures for a larger contact patch or more comfortable ride is a thing of the past
I had no complaints with the S22 on my SP except the mileage. 2500miles and the rear was square and close to tread limit. Went to 2xRoad 6’s and it felt like whole new bike again. Road 6’s feel just as grippy to me and are lasting much longer. Which is good because they aint cheap
have the exact same issue, my rear was literally down to the wire. I have gone back with the S22s, But I am switching to 2xroad6s when I have the front changed in a month or two.
The stock s22s are single compound and run down fast. The aftermarket ones you buy are dual compound and have harder rubber in the center to not square off so fast. I've had both and the aftermarket ones last much longer.
I've already made up my mind when my 1st S22 is done I'm going with Michelin Power 2tc, love the grip and the sidewalls on Michelins in general are more compliant over bumps so the suspension has less work to do.
Thank you for your videos. I think your handling issues was more down to a worn front tyre, than to fitting different types of tyres. My experience with recent tyres and bikes for the last 10-15 years made me come to that conclusion. I´ve been riding S20, S21 and S22 for many years, and before that I was true to Michelin Power Sport series. My last bikes was SV1000S, MT09 gen1, MT10, MT09 SP ‘21. I use my bikes for short weekend rides, the annual trip to the Alps/Dolomites, and for trackdays. Since sticking to the Michelins and now the Bridgestones, it has never failed, that after some thousand km on the front tyre, the bike start to understeer. I’ve thought it was due to track use, but perhaps it is a consequence af plain sporty riding and thus wear?? Wether this is related to just Michelin and Bridgestone, I don’t know. But these tyres give me so much confidence and performance, that this is a price I’m willing to pay. When the back tyre is worn down, there may be plenty of Km’s in the front, but then you have to make up your mind, if you want to throw out a useable front tyre for having that sweet handling back.
I made the same mods on my 2000 sv650 22 years ago plus the gold valve cartridge simulators and oh man it totally transformed the bike so I could take any corner as fast as I had the balls to try.
I never understood the raging again the S22. I have the 21 MT09SP and as you now said : they work great in the cold. Also the shock in the SP as you can imagine is great. Here in Europe having the SP is a no brainer. The cruise control and shock alone are more than worth the price difference, let alone the front suspension and looks. I now have the Pirelli Rosso 4 corsa and they also work cold and even better hot comparing to the S22. Also I much prefer the PR4C profile works. I bet you would love the Pirelli's too I did the same with the disk lock 🤣 super glue saved my day as well (only once for now) Keep on being honest, I love your reviews
I've been a big recommender of the T31, personally. I ran them on my S1000R and now I'm running them on my Multistrada 1200 S., They grip almost as good as any sport tire I've used but provide much better longevity. Unless you're regularly doing track days or running at 9/10ths on the road, they're good enough for just about any rider, if I had to guess.
The honesty is always appreciated. I believe that most of us have forgotten the disc lock when moving the bike. My ninja 1000sx has a black sticker in the mudguard at this point, so the hit is not visible!!!
Change as a pair, has always been my philosophy. Ah, we've all done the disc lock faux pas (a couple of times), last one I did I rode off with the lock on >_
I’ve got a 2020 XSR900 (same bike in drag). I’m a bit heavier than average and so, the ride and handling with the stock suspension was horrible to say the least. I eventually forked up for the Ohlins rear shock and Ohlins fork cartridges. It changed the handling. The only solution to my mind to the less than optimal ride of the MT09/XSR900 series of bikes is upgraded suspension… an expensive solution for sure, but the only option if you want to truly get the most from these lovely motorbikes.
@@Dzinbhudist I would have bought one already if it existed. My test ride of the XSR900 told me I love my bones too much. The XSR900-SP would be a great bike.
I just closed a deal on a '23 MT09. I know it needs a shock, and I haven't picked it up yet. Looked at the SP but as this will be a track bike, I opted for the std. That fact that I'd still need to change springs on the SP did not add value in that direction. Yamaha provide a throw away shock, adequate for tame riding, but you're not pulling an expensive shock off, just to install a expensive 2nd spring for your weight. If I'm going to that trouble, I'll buy a aftermarket shock, fork springs, and correct fork oil, and save the money on the less expensive standard MT09. I've fallen in love with the Michelin Road 5s that were OEM on my MT07, after 4500 miles of wet/dry street and track. I'm not expecting the the s22s to match the grip and longevity of the Road 5s, much less the Road 6s that I had the dealer install on my '22 Z900RS, before I picked it up 4 months ago. Here I refer to the overall performance and durabilty value of the tires. I'll happily pay a bit more for a tire, if it performs well over its' tread life, and saves me tire changes. The good news is that Road 6 prices recently went down. The bad news is that the $60 rebate offer from Michelin expired an hour ago.
S22 means 2200km and they gone...Jokes aside, I have 21 model and S22 worn out under 4000km during mid season...Same thing happened to my other two friends who also have 21 model, S22 didn't last but also it didn't disappoint either..As for S22 tire itself, it's very sharp, precise, and gives you lot of feedback no matter how you dial your suspension settings. One thing I didn't like about this tire expect the cost is constant readjusting or slight inputs on handlebar in order to bike follow trajectory in long sweepers..S22 wants to lean itself by its own and you must constantly readjusting the bike. Replaced S22 with Mitas sportforce EV and bike was breeze to ride, no more readjusting, point and shoot bike was like on rails..Comfort wise Mitas is also comfier tire and last longer (7K)..Pair of front and rear in Croatia is under 200€..Did 24K in less than a year on my bike, from touring, weekend blasts, rain, cold, you name it, Mitas is exceptional tire. As for suspension on ours 21 model, from factory rebound is set to very very hard. All three of us experienced same harshness and crashes of suspension during our rides. To all of mt09 3rd gen owners, first dial front rebound on softest settings and work IN click by click to find sweet spot. After that do the rear also from softest to hard. Bike is way more plusher, safer to ride on any kind of bumpy roads
S22 that come on the Bike from New are kinda part worn in a way as Yamaha are buying so many at a discount they come with less tread depth so they dont last as long as a retail set i now have had 2 sets of the S22 now and they are great dont take much to warm the retail set up at all once scrubed in and the grip is amazing, I find i push the front end into cornors on the brakes quite aggressive and the feeling is great with this tyre (retail front). I am happy i spent the extra on the SP now as ai have seen a few say the rear shock is someone bad for a more advanced rider.. Also i really like the Style you have with your videos i might have to work a little if it into my videos too....
I had the same thing with mismatched tyres when my bike dealer insisted that a different make would be fine. It wasn't. It was actually dangerous as can be. The bike handled like it was on rails going in totally the wrong direction. So....sympathies. I liked the vid. But, you seem to have forgotten to actually review the bike. Apart from the tyre situation, all I learned was that the rear shock was pants. This is so common on cheaper bikes, it's hardly news. Safe riding and Happy New Year to you.
I've got the same bike, the back tire wore out exactly the same way at the same mileage... it was a great tire, but looking at the MT forums, the OEM tires seems to be of lesser quality than store bought s22's. I'm also on the verge of changing out my rear shocks. I looked at all the usual suspects - Ohlins, K-tech, Nitron, Maxton, Bitubo, Hyperpro - thr prices on some of them I can't stomach. I found one small Dutch manufacturer called TFX Suspensions that seem to make high quality and visually appealing shocks, but there just isn't enough info on them in any of the forums. I'm pretty undecided on this. If you made an hour long show just on comparing the available shocks in the market, I'd be your most grateful viewer!
Try SHOCK FACTORY great stuff, they do a rear shock for the MT for about 485 euros, rebound and compression are together on one dial for easy pre set ratios. You have to give your weight , riding style etc.. and they pick the right spring for you.
I had something similar hapen to me, I had Pirelli Rosso 3 on my Ducati Supersport, then, after about 3000KM, the rear got puntured, so I had to replace it, I went for a Conti Roadattack 4 and immediately started feeling that the bike was handling quite worse than it used to, checked the pressures but everything was fine. Eventually figured out that it was because the tyre missmatch. After another 3000Km it feels a little bit better now, it seems that the tyres have adapted a little bit to each other, but still not as good as with the stock tyres. I am waiting for the tires to worn out so I can put the same tyre front and back
Had S26 on MT09 and it would flop side to side felt wonky and would only lean so far in one rappid flop motion (v shape tyres?) Moved to Michelin Road Pilot 6 (arounded tyre, instead of a v), far out what a difference, it leans controlled and smooth at the rate you input, the bike doesn't feel vague and as unstable when leaning anymore, feels almost perfect, got 15k out of the rear maybe 25k front, wet weather I've not noticed any traction issues, and a lot of km done doing deliveries in all conditions and roads (inc dirt). Highly recommend the Road Pilot 6 for the mt09 to improve some of its quirks (and they last a while)
I have run Michelins on all my autos and trucks, best tire out there. Yet I have always run Dunlops on my motorcycles, dirt or street. Have never had a problem with either, guess that’s why I haven’t changed. Maybe i will try a set of Michelins on my ST1300.
After watching your first video on the Yamaha MT-09, it got me thinking that I should do the same thing. Buy the base model and upgrade later if need be. But now I'm positive I'll purchase the SP version within the next few weeks. To me, the extra money to get the bike the way I would want it right away is worth more than saving a few bucks. Thanks for the update!
I'm glad you finally saw the light. I have ran lots of different kinds of tires, but once I ran a set of Bridgestone s21s I knew I found the tire I liked. No suprises, they sticks good hot or cold and holds a good line. Not as much feedback as you get from more expensive tires, but it gives me the confidence to go in the corner fast. They have never let me down. The S22 is supposed to be an improved version the S21 and it's not bad but I still think I prefer s21.
Bridgestone just isn’t making tires as good as their competitors. The T31 is old now unless you got the T31 Evo, which is still not as new as the T32. Next set try Dunlop Roadsmart 4, Michelin Road 6, or Continental Road Attack 4. There’s also the Dunlop Mutant which is supposed to be the ideal all around real world tire.
S22's on my brand new 2022 MT10 and have to say they were amazing even on cold, wet late autumn UK roads and on factory suspension settings. I took delivery of mine last November and smashed out 600 breaking in miles by late December so it would have first service all done and dusted ready for spring. I have about 5mm of unused tread on my rear and haven't even felt like I'm pushing the bike yet, can't wait for warmer roads. I don't doubt they will wear quickly as they have a reputation for that but I'm considerably more confident on these than I was on my Michelin road 5's that I had on my previous bike which was a gen 1 MT09. Those slipped out on me enough to make me not trust them. I thought the S22 were a triple compound tyre, I'm sure I read that somewhere.
I have the SP with S22's. They're tied for my favorite tire with the Q3+. I wear out my tires at the same rate and usually the edge is pooched before the middle. I only ride backroads and do lots of wheelies, almost no straight line highway stuff.
I tend to put Sports Touring rubber on everything, because i just can't afford 3 sets of tyres a year . . . . . i don't think i've ever used a set of Sports tyres in 20 years of riding.
Great revelation. Thankfully a great shock is not something unobtainable. The sport “touring” tires can outperform outright sport tires of a decade passed. I know the “discoveries” you share were all of things you knew, ignoring your experiences. “No man is deceived by another as by himself” glad to hear the reenforcing experience confirmed all that you knew. Good luck fitting the shock of your dreams.
I can't comment on the standard MT-09 but the S22s on my SP are possibly the best OE tyres ive experienced for steering feel and grip. They were shot by 2500 miles however so i changed to Rosso 4s, which were OK but not great. Ill probably go back to S22s. I have to say the SP is a brilliant bike to ride at moderate speeds but when cracking on it does tie itself in knots a bit. Its no Duke 890R.
Unlike the 60's and 70's, many if not most bikes seem to be way oversprung nowadays. My own, even with the rear preload on minimum must have been designed for a gorilla. Maxton in Cheshire resprung it for my weight and thereafter it's fine and no longer pitching me off the seat at thirty to forty miles and hour. Cost me £90. I baulk at paying £500+ for a shock. A full set of coilovers for the car was around that price.
Had Bridgestones on several bikes, including the current one (B-King). For me until they warm up, I would swear I have a flat in the front tyre, despite pre-flight checks and knowing what it is.
I don't think its shameful I think it is an easy thing to take for granted. I think it makes you more relatable and human! really interesting with the tyre geometry. Fingers crossed you get some generous manufacturers for you to try out a new shock. Now the big question is now do you regret not paying extra for the SP or are you still happy with standard model?
I have 22model standard and I think that rear shock is ok when set up properly with the front but not perfect of course and I many times got different tyres for the rear and I didn't have a problem yet... But I went for Michelin road 5... And actually it felt better for me... Does that make me a worse biker? 6 years experience...
I stuck an Ohlins rear shock on my mt09, I couldn't believe the difference, it wasn't bouncing about at the rear anymore. Then stuck fresh s22s front and back. It felt amazing
@@Ivan-ov6eb Rear shock was about £650 new but got a 2nd hand one for £300. Front is fine but would upgrade if doing track days. I just stiffened up the front
At least I've only snapped my mudguard (or should I say "fender" - yuk) once with a disk lock. Out with the soldering iron to effect a repair not even like newish... Oh well. Respect for the fessing up with the tyres and and sorting - that'll teach you to be so Yorkshire-ish 😆 Ride comfort any different? One of my big gripes - cheap crap rear shocks on so many bikes these days, especially with the global shit roads phenomenon. Happy riding for 2023 Mat!
Always suspension first. Front and back. For high speed country roads ensure you have high speed compression dampening set to a faster setting. Re-valve and if need be re-spring the standard suspension if on a budget. This will keep whatever tyre you have on the ground more often 👍
Hey Mat, just a thought... how about partnering up with another knowledge able biker like yourself to give comparative tests, and a second opinion. Bounce off each other, swop bikes, set challenges etc like you did in SA?
The S22R wasn't that bad on really hot days. Really good grip there, but on the wet or in a rain, i'd rather not ride it. Changed to Metzeler Roadtec01 after the S22R worn out with 3500km.
ì have 09 sp 2021 and i buy michelin road 6 and brand new front wheel from yamaha and when i put those tires i feeling vibrations from the front like hoping after 140-150 km/h its verry bad after 170++ .. :( i dont know what to do..
Hello from Oregon USA, Off the subject of tires, Do you think this bike should have a steering stabilizer on it? Would it hurt to add one? I just want to be safe, that's all.
Mixing tyres is usually not smart indeed but sometimes works fine. I mixed a Power Cup2 front with a Power GP rear on my 600 and it was just fine. S22 are great allround tyres and can even hold their one on a trackday as long as the temperatures don't get to high. I have seen several people use them and ride under the 02:00 minute mark on Assen with bone stock streetbikes. My buddy did a 01:56,5 with a 636 with the mirrors foldet in, with more sporty Rosso Corsa2 he was actually slightly slower. For street riding you should never need sportier tyres then S22 in my opinion. Power Cup 2 and Supercorsa's do look sexy tho with that almost slicks look.
I must be unlucky, but any bike that I've bought with Bridgestone tires has had poor handling and premature wear. Put a set of Pilot Roads on there and be happy.
Maybe something that will help your " forgetting the disc lock" moments. Buy a disc lock that has an alarm built in, I have one on my bike, as soon as I move the bars to try and do any movement with the bike the alarm goes off 😁
So I'm really curious about any suspension modifications you do in the future and the result of those changes. I hope you'll be doing some videos on the upgrades. I'm buying a new 2023 MT-09 this weekend 4/28/23.
Bought a 2021 brand new, absolutely love the engine, it's a peach. And as much as I loved the engine, I hated the front end. Knew about the rear, so I let the dealer fit it with a Ohlins-shock (just the streetversion, not a racesuspension) straightaway. So the back was decent enough, but the front was just dangerous when ripping the bike. Traded it in after 2 months, went home on a Ninja 1000sx, also on S22's. Within half an hour, knees were scraping. The ergonomics of the MT are so strange, as if you can not put enough weight on the front and the bike's just vague in corners. I wonder if the new xsr is any better in the corners, it should, since it has a completely different ergonomy and I assume you have a lot more weight over the front of the bike. If that's the case, that bike could be the real deal. The S22's are great tyres, always have been a Michelin-man myself, but the 22's won me over, those are not the problem with the MT
I found the Diablo Rosso Supercorsa tyres on my Street Triple RS were taking too long to warm up so swapped to Bridgestone S22s and that solved the problem but maybe it's the Ohlins rear shock that's the difference.
I have them fitted on my GS,took me round France Italy Austria, PS I've done the same with bike lock and broke plastic gaurd too ha ha superglued it too
Roadlok disc lock completely negates any chance of moving the bike when locked and you only have to carry the small pin in your pocket instead of a full lock. Tyres, nothing wrong with mis-matching, I run Roadtec 01 front and Angel GT rear on my S1000XR and it works / handles perfectly. Some bikes are just very sensitive to worn front tyres and yours looked very nearly fooked. I can feel when my front on the XR is nearly done as handling starts to go away
S22 I found were rubbish on my ninja 1000 sx, squared off on front and flattened on rear to quickly, pilot rd 5s now 👍great in the wet here in Scotland
I know it can be different for everyone, but I was wondering about the setting you have settled upon for the suspension? Too, your approximate weight? Thanks in advance.
Im thinking of buying the exact same mt-09 used from its first owner. 2021 with 5800 kilometers. Got a allot of information about this bike now because of your videos. Im curious would u change the rear shock with time for a better one. Or is the standard good enough? With SP model u get the ohlins shock but that bike is 2000 euros more expensive even used. So im thinking buying this exact model and then maybe with time swap the rear shock if needed. That would be a allot cheaper then 2000 euro and personally i dont care about the other options u get with the sp version.
I like your honesty, but even more I love some of those roads. I missed exactly where that is, but looks like somewhere further south than Clermont Ferrend. Looked like Aix for a moment, but did you say Spanish border? Love riding in France, and you clearly know the roads, so is there any chance you could give a few French road recommendations and reviews?
I put 30wt in the forks ,$200 ebay nitrogen shock on the back of my 2019,raise the rear till the high tip and back light is level whith the bar risers ,,stock its a chopper, silly Now it's on rails
Re the disc lock thing ... ? I once put my fancy I-phone, and a disc lock in the small metal top box of a KTM 1190R before heading out on some easy-ish English trails for an hour or so. You know how you clean a cement mixer at the end of the day with a couple of bricks .......? 🙄🙄🤔
