Thruxton R Tyre Choice

Hello there,
There was a similar thread started back in May 2022 with some good input from many riders, might be worth a look. I have not tried the exact model of tyre you are asking about but have tried a couple of similar models.
I have had two Thruxton Rs putting over 30 thousand miles on both. I ride almost exclusively on twisty A and B roads in southern Scotland for pure pleasure. Given the fact that I am now happily retired all rides are at least 100 miles and nearly always on dry roads. I would describe my riding style as steady for an old duffer, enjoying "making progress" on all roads with the aim of having a good ride.
For comparison of wear on the original Pirelli's I got 2,500 miles on both bikes before they were squared and steering was badly effected.
Bridgestone S21.... 2700 miles. Good feel but seemed to take ages to warm up and give me confidence to push, others have not had this experience.
Metzeler 01....... 3200 miles Good feel from the off and performed well on the sub standard tarmac of many of my local Dumfries roads
Metzeler 01SE ....... 3250 miles similar to the original but gave a strange harsh feel through the bars not sure if they altered the construction.
Michelin Road5 ...... 3700miles, the only tyre I would willingly push coming out of wet corners.
Metzeler M7RR ...... 2800 miles, similar in feel to S21 a bit disappointing overall
Dunlop Sportsmart 3....3500 miles suited my riding style warmed up well gave lovely progressive feel and lasted well. Second set on my current bike 2800 and looking like the rear will need replacing in less than a 1000 miles but the front should last
Dunlop Roadsmart 3 .... 1200miles (sold the bike). Second set on new bike 3800miles worn out
No puzzles with chain clearance with any of the tyres fitted
Maybe some food for thought?
Cheers Th'ed(ret)

 

+1 for the Roadsmarts (I'm on the IV)

 

Hi there,
I have read on a number of occasions that the road surfaces up this way are much more abrasive ( larger & more widely spaced granite chippings in the tar ) to cope with the wet and sometimes icy conditions. Thus tyres wear out faster so maybe the tyres on your bike were original, when I lived south of the border I was getting much more life out of a pair of tyres but at that time I was commuting so perhaps not riding as spiritedly.
Yes, having tried a variety of tyres I would say the Dunlop Sportsmarts are my "go to" choice and would have no hesitation in suggesting them as an alternative to try. Although the Roadsmarts are a close second if riding in colder /wetter conditions was more your bag. However if I could find any of the previously mentioned tyres at a "bargain" price I would be swayed, but that maybe more to do with my Yorkshire roots rather than any biking considerations!
Cheers Th'ed(ret)

 

Conventional wisdom would suggest that Road 6's should at least be on the list.

 

Agreed on the road6. I have the Road 5’s on both my Tiger and Thruxton and will be upgrading to the 6’s.

 

I think I mentioned that on my last trackday with Ron Haslam’s Race School at Donington all the machines were fitted with Dunlop RoadSmarts.