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External
Since: Jun 25, 2003
Posts: 240
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(Msg. 1) Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2003 12:24 pm
Post subject: Sick of my D204s
Archived from groups: rec>motorcycles, others (more info?)
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After almost four months of belly-aching, attempting to adjust my
riding style, and dickering with suspension settings, I have given up
trying to live with the D204s that came stock on my 2003 ZX-7R.
These unbelievable pieces of shit, which might as well have been
chiseled from finely polished marble, are the single worst excuse for
motorcycle tires that I have ever owned. Why Kawasaki would opt to put
such biteless, confidence-robbing turds on a 120-hp sportbike is far
beyond me. They slip, they slide, they back-out, they don't heat.
Basically, they do everything but grip the road.
I post all of this not only to vent, but to warn others against
purchasing D204s for sportbike application. Don't do it. D204s suck
ass.
So frustrated with Dunlop am I, that for the first time in 17 years of
street riding, I ordered a set of Michelins as replacement – Pilot
Race H2s, to be exact. I'll post a review of them in a few more days.
Cheers,
Tim Kreitz
2003 ZX7R
2000 ZX6R
DoD #2184
http://www.timkreitz.com
--------------------------------------------------
All I want is a fast sportbike and absolute power.
-------------------------------------------------- |
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External
Since: Jan 24, 2004
Posts: 1646
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(Msg. 2) Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2003 4:24 pm
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: rec>motorcycles (more info?)
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Tim ...
204s? I can't find 'em listed in any of the catologs I have, even
Kirk's. That's a factory type tire alright. Made for 'general'
use.
Now just wait for the BS that about to follow.
FWIW, nothin' 'wrong' with Michelins, But maybe you shoulda checked out
Metzeler.
If you got one, look at page 219 of Kirk's metric catolog. It shows the
different footprints for 5 of the types of tires Metzeler makes. That
allows you to tailor the tire to your needs and use. ME Z4 sounds like
what you need.
moto
There's something wrong with my keyboard.
When I punch in esc, I go nowhere.
'95 750 Nighthawk
'95 Helix |
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External
Since: Jun 28, 2003
Posts: 209
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(Msg. 3) Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2003 9:39 pm
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: rec>motorcycles, others (more info?)
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On 17 Nov 2003 11:24:14 -0800, timkreitz.DeleteThis@yahoo.com (Tim Kreitz) wrote:
> trying to live with the D204s that came stock on my 2003 ZX-7R.
i've tried 3 sets of 207's and never liked 'em. i recently
tried the new 208, but dont like 'em either. 'Stones are it
for me and my 'busa!
..
--
/// Michael J. Tobler: motorcyclist, surfer, skydiver, \\\
\\\ and author: "Inside Linux", "C++ HowTo", "C++ Unleashed" ///
To the systems programmer, users and applications serve only to provide
a test load.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Jul 11, 2003
Posts: 379
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(Msg. 4) Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 12:00 am
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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timkreitz RemoveThis @yahoo.com (Tim Kreitz) wrote in
news:9af04dfc.0311171124.4e32ab2e@posting.google.com:
> I post all of this not only to vent, but to warn others against
> purchasing D204s for sportbike application. Don't do it. D204s suck
> ass.
The D204 is not a current tire by any stretch. As far as I know, they have
been out of production for a few years, though that doesn't mean they are
out of stock in warehouses someplace. They weren't too bad when they were
new, but the ones on your bike were probably made so long ago that they
have dried up and hardened to the point of uselessness.
It sucks that you had a set of them on your bike, but you probably don't
have to worry about too many people buying them as replacement tires in the
year 2003. If anyone *does* happen upon a screaming deal on a set of
D204's, think twice!
ab<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Nov 03, 2003
Posts: 950
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(Msg. 5) Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 5:16 am
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Mon, 17 Nov 2003 20:39:59 GMT, mjt
<mjtobler.TakeThisOut@removethis_consultant.com> wrote:
>i've tried 3 sets of 207's and never liked 'em. i recently
>tried the new 208, but dont like 'em either. 'Stones are it
>for me and my 'busa!
Yeah same here. Never liked the 207s on my R6. Greasy with poor
feedback IMHO. Switched to Pilot Sports and loved those. Wore much
better to boot.
Now the Triple has the stock BT56s on from like three years ago. Much
better than I expected and definately better than the Dunlops. Oddly
the 207s always beat out the BTs in comparos. Now everybody raves
about the 010s. If they have the same feel as the BT56 only better...
can't wait to try those!<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Jun 23, 2003
Posts: 340
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(Msg. 6) Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 5:27 am
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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The Dunlop 205s are about the same as well. They suck. Its no wonder
that senior citizen riding to up on an old Guzzi ate me for lunch last
year. 
Mike
PS, Go to Southwest moto and pick up some Bridgestones.
On 17 Nov 2003 11:24:14 -0800, timkreitz.TakeThisOut@yahoo.com (Tim Kreitz) wrote:
>After almost four months of belly-aching, attempting to adjust my
>riding style, and dickering with suspension settings, I have given up
>trying to live with the D204s that came stock on my 2003 ZX-7R.
>
>These unbelievable pieces of shit, which might as well have been
>chiseled from finely polished marble, are the single worst excuse for
>motorcycle tires that I have ever owned. Why Kawasaki would opt to put
>such biteless, confidence-robbing turds on a 120-hp sportbike is far
>beyond me. They slip, they slide, they back-out, they don't heat.
>Basically, they do everything but grip the road.
>
>I post all of this not only to vent, but to warn others against
>purchasing D204s for sportbike application. Don't do it. D204s suck
>ass.
>
>So frustrated with Dunlop am I, that for the first time in 17 years of
>street riding, I ordered a set of Michelins as replacement – Pilot
>Race H2s, to be exact. I'll post a review of them in a few more days.
>
>Cheers,
>
>Tim Kreitz
>2003 ZX7R
>2000 ZX6R
>DoD #2184
>http://www.timkreitz.com
>--------------------------------------------------
>All I want is a fast sportbike and absolute power.
>--------------------------------------------------<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Jun 24, 2003
Posts: 270
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(Msg. 7) Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 7:22 am
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Tim Kreitz wrote:
> After almost four months of belly-aching, attempting to adjust my
> riding style, and dickering with suspension settings, I have given up
> trying to live with the D204s that came stock on my 2003 ZX-7R.
That seems like a mistake. Did all '03 ZX7s come with 204s? That's
more of a cruiser tire -- heck, you have to get a 220 (formerly 205)
just to get a sport tourer tire. I'm not surprized how unhappy you are.
Any chance the dealer swapped out prior to your purchase?<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Jul 11, 2003
Posts: 379
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(Msg. 8) Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 8:54 am
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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ppointer.RemoveThis@nospamindspring.com wrote in news:kUiub.18473$kL2.844
@fe3.columbus.rr.com:
> That seems like a mistake. Did all '03 ZX7s come with 204s? That's
> more of a cruiser tire -- heck, you have to get a 220 (formerly 205)
> just to get a sport tourer tire. I'm not surprized how unhappy you are.
The 204's were a full-on sport tire about seven years ago, give or take.
They have never been considered a cruiser tore or even a sport touring
tire.
They stuck pretty well when new, but went off before the tread was gone.
The tires the thread starter had on his bike had to be years-old leftovers
which had dried out in storage long ago. No telling how a new bike ended
up with them, but I can well imagine they were, ah, disappointing.
ab<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Jun 24, 2003
Posts: 11
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(Msg. 9) Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 3:07 pm
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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I went with the 208's on both bikes this season, the VFR for street and
touring, and the RC51 for track days. As a sport / street / touring tire I
thought the 208's worked great in dry and wet conditions on the VFR (204's
were stock and off the bike at 3100 miles). Even took them out to the track
for a Pridmore CLASS school and they performed rather well. The RC51 on the
other hand was a bit too much for the 208's on track. My next set will be
Metzeler Rennsports, but saved for track days only! You don't say how much
track use you plan to see on your 7R or milage expectations. There are
allot of great tires out there, and for a little more money (that's why we
love bikes) you can get some great tires. My guess is that manuf like
Dunlop mass produce the "204" for stock delivery on many bikes. Not
uncommon to see the same bike at two different dealers with different
"stock" rubber. The 204 has it's limitations. You will LOVE new tires on
the bike, just be patient to scuff them off before getting happy throttle.
John
02 VFR
00 RC51
"Tim Kreitz" <timkreitz RemoveThis @yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:9af04dfc.0311171124.4e32ab2e@posting.google.com...
> After almost four months of belly-aching, attempting to adjust my
> riding style, and dickering with suspension settings, I have given up
> trying to live with the D204s that came stock on my 2003 ZX-7R.
>
> These unbelievable pieces of shit, which might as well have been
> chiseled from finely polished marble, are the single worst excuse for
> motorcycle tires that I have ever owned. Why Kawasaki would opt to put
> such biteless, confidence-robbing turds on a 120-hp sportbike is far
> beyond me. They slip, they slide, they back-out, they don't heat.
> Basically, they do everything but grip the road.
>
> I post all of this not only to vent, but to warn others against
> purchasing D204s for sportbike application. Don't do it. D204s suck
> ass.
>
> So frustrated with Dunlop am I, that for the first time in 17 years of
> street riding, I ordered a set of Michelins as replacement - Pilot
> Race H2s, to be exact. I'll post a review of them in a few more days.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Tim Kreitz
> 2003 ZX7R
> 2000 ZX6R
> DoD #2184
<font color=purple> > <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.timkreitz.com</font" target="_blank">http://www.timkreitz.com</font</a>>
> --------------------------------------------------
> All I want is a fast sportbike and absolute power.
> --------------------------------------------------<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Nov 18, 2003
Posts: 2
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(Msg. 10) Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 3:07 pm
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 14:07:06 +0000, jcirner wrote:
> I went with the 208's on both bikes this season, the VFR for street and
> touring, and the RC51 for track days. As a sport / street / touring tire
> I thought the 208's worked great in dry and wet conditions on the VFR
> (204's were stock and off the bike at 3100 miles). Even took them out to
> the track for a Pridmore CLASS school and they performed rather well. The
> RC51 on the other hand was a bit too much for the 208's on track. My next
> set will be Metzeler Rennsports, but saved for track days only! You don't
> say how much track use you plan to see on your 7R or milage expectations.
> There are allot of great tires out there, and for a little more money
> (that's why we love bikes) you can get some great tires. My guess is that
> manuf like Dunlop mass produce the "204" for stock delivery on many bikes.
> Not uncommon to see the same bike at two different dealers with different
> "stock" rubber. The 204 has it's limitations. You will LOVE new tires on
> the bike, just be patient to scuff them off before getting happy throttle.
> John
> 02 VFR
> 00 RC51
>
Are you also part of the VFR mailing list?
How much the guy never mentioned his tire pressure. It seems tire pressure
plays a big part in tire stickiness and whatnot.
I have a 95'VFR with a Dunlop 205/208 set. My pressure is factory 36/40
not so factory factory is rear @42! With factory settting for pressure the
tires are slippery. The front has never come undone but the rear is
slippery it seems all the time.When I bought the bike the rear was brand
new and the pressure for the tires were set at track pressure of 34/36.
Maybe the dealer new they were not so grippy and used a softer pressure to
allow for better traction by increasing the contact patch?
All that to say, maybe you should fiddle with your PSI if you have not?<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Jun 25, 2003
Posts: 240
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(Msg. 11) Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 3:07 pm
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"jcirner" <jcirner.RemoveThis@prodigy.net> wrote in message news:<eIpub.22214$bj6.10597@newssvr33.news.prodigy.com>...
> My next set will be
> Metzeler Rennsports, but saved for track days only! You don't say how much
> track use you plan to see on your 7R or milage expectations.
These days, I only do one or two track days per year. I figure the
Pilot Race H2s should last a few thousand miles on the street. So by
this spring, I'll concievably know whether or not I like them enough
to buy another set and use them on the track. If not, I'll buy
something else. I'm hopeful of their performance characteristics,
however. Several of the guys in my riding group run H2s and rave at
how good they are.
Cheers,
Tim Kreitz
2003 ZX7R
2000 ZX6R
DoD #2184
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.timkreitz.com" target="_blank">http://www.timkreitz.com</a>
--------------------------------------------------
All I want is a fast sportbike and absolute power.
--------------------------------------------------<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Jun 25, 2003
Posts: 240
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(Msg. 12) Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 3:17 pm
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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An00bis <000.RemoveThis@xxx.com> wrote in message news:<pan.2003.11.18.17.42.37.579780.RemoveThis@xxx.com>...
> How much the guy never mentioned his tire pressure. It seems tire pressure
> plays a big part in tire stickiness and whatnot.
From as high as 44psi to as little as 25psi. I tried it all and could
never get anywhere near the response or feel that I wanted.
I tend to agree with the "old-new" tire theory as expressed elsewhere
in this thread. I had no idea that the D204s were discontinued. Now
I'm even madder than before, but with Kawasaki -- yet another first.
Cheers,
Tim Kreitz
2003 ZX7R
2000 ZX6R
DoD #2184
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.timkreitz.com" target="_blank">http://www.timkreitz.com</a>
--------------------------------------------------
All I want is a fast sportbike and absolute power.
--------------------------------------------------<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Jun 24, 2003
Posts: 270
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(Msg. 13) Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2003 3:42 pm
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Andy Burnett wrote:
> No telling how a new bike ended
> up with them, but I can well imagine they were, ah, disappointing.
Yes, that confirms my thought. I would be surprise if Kaw would put a
D220 on a ZX7 today, so it seems to me the dealer needed the original
tires for someone else, and had the D204s laying around, and the rest is
bad history....<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Oct 07, 2003
Posts: 22
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(Msg. 14) Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2003 1:27 am
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Nope ... D204's are stock on the ZX7R. I changed mine to 207's (also crap)
almost right away.
Graham
01' ZX7R
<ppointer.DeleteThis@nospamindspring.com> wrote in message
news:ldqub.20216$kL2.9527@fe3.columbus.rr.com...
> Andy Burnett wrote:
> > No telling how a new bike ended
> > up with them, but I can well imagine they were, ah, disappointing.
>
> Yes, that confirms my thought. I would be surprise if Kaw would put a
> D220 on a ZX7 today, so it seems to me the dealer needed the original
> tires for someone else, and had the D204s laying around, and the rest is
> bad history....
><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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External
Since: Sep 22, 2003
Posts: 248
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(Msg. 15) Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2003 1:59 am
Post subject: Re: Sick of my D204s [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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My next set will be
> Metzeler Rennsports, but saved for track days only!
I know it's a old cliché but by Rennsports stuck like glue and wore like
iron... they lasted 6K miles on the highway plus 2 track days...
1500 mile report after Thunder Hill...
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/1500MilesRennsportStreetF.html" target="_blank">http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/1500MilesRenn...rtStree</a>
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/1500MilesRennsportStreetR.html" target="_blank">http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/1500MilesRenn...rtStree</a>
Same tires after 5500 miles and not in moderation mind you...
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/RennsportsStreets5500milesF.html" target="_blank">http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/RennsportsStr...s5500mi</a>
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/RennsportsStreets5500mileR.html" target="_blank">http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/RennsportsStr...s5500mi</a>
I'm sad to report that Metzeler discontinued the Rennsport Street...
consequently I was forced to stock up 36000 miles worth...
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/36000MilesRennsports.html" target="_blank">http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/pics11-3-03/imagepages/36000MilesRen...orts.ht</a>
The best you can do today is go with a Rennsport RS3 rear and a RS2
front... but you won't find a RS3 is a 190/50... no sir... you are
forced to go with the larger diameter 190/55...
Larry L
94 RC45 #2
Have a wheelie NICE day...
Lean & Mean it... the extended warranty in every corner of your life...
If it wasn't for us the fast lane would rust...
V4'S are music to the seat of my pants...
1952 De Havilland Chipmunk...
Yank and bank your brains loose...
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/-xlax-/" target="_blank">http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/-xlax-/</a>
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/" target="_blank">http://home.comcast.net/~netters2/</a><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ --> >> Stay informed about: Sick of my D204s |
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