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Pirelli Diablo Tire Review |
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Wednesday, 22 September 2004 |
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Page 2 of 2
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| We were treated to a day at Buttonwillow Raceway, and given free reign on the West course. Amazingly the tire pressures that we'd had set for the street ride were kept the same for the above mentioned track visit. |
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Lots of the above with no drama
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At race speeds, again the tire performed perfectly. The increased speeds did see the front tire a little flighty coming out of some faster corners, a reduction in the front tire pressure made a significant difference and felt considerably more planted.
However, the same effect might have been achieved if I'd eased up on the compression from my forks. Having no tools and because I wanted to feel special, I opted for the reduction in tire pressure. |
| My chosen mount was a Buell XB9R and I spent most of the day chasing around a couple of 998's. I was overriding the bike to say the least and pushing my luck in more than one or two areas, complaints from the tires? Nothing they just hunkered down and took care of business. I did have one slide all day, after climbing a curb on one exit. The tire span quite gracefully back to full grip and drive and that was that. No wibbles, wobbles or spectacular crashes to report. |
The computer designed tread pattern on the tire is quite unique looking. The top tread area has more rubber than tread which leads me to believe that they should wear well (I couldn't make much of any impression on the tire after a whole day of thrashing). The next part of the tread has the maximum tread pattern for good wet weather water evacuation and grip.
The extreme sides were more "slick-like" (looks not grip). The tire also features an exclusive Silica-Silan-based compound that ensures the aforementioned wet grip and minimum slippage or aquaplaning. The Pirelli techs gave us a whole host of acronyms to explain construction and design. The fact was, they worked and I liked them. |
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| For a comparison, I must point towards the Metzeler Sportec M1, similar feel but with the Diablo having a more sportier and efficient tread design. The marketplace for these tires is pitched in between the excellent Dragon GTS sport tourers and the race proven Supercorsa's. The total tire performance has been enhanced in every area from the old EVO's. They make a great street tire, with occasional track day overtime. |
The Diablo seemed to agree with
quite a few different models.
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One final note on construction. The tires were manufactured using multiple sides or radii that all conspired (like the Pirelli guys do) to do their individual job to the best of their ability and in doing so keep you and I connected to the asphalt.
So, a street and track day tire all rolled up in one neat black and round package.
Who the devil would of thunk it? |
| They are available today - So go on, be a devil and shoe horn a pair out of your local motorcycle tire dealers hands. Prices? Around $185.95 for the rear and 149.95 for the front. |
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