Hi All, Time to replace the rear on my V4S 2023. I am looking at the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II - 170/60 ZR17 M/C TL 72W Rear but I can see three variations. 170/60 ZR17 M/C TL 72W Rear U 170/60 ZR17 M/C TL 72W Rear D 170/60 ZR17 M/C TL 72W Rear Variation (U) - for post 2020 Multis - most expensive which is recommended for mine. Variation (D) - for pre 2020 Multis - expensive Variation ( ) - for other bikes - cheapest Questions 1- is there a noticeable difference in handling or longevity etc... or just another way to make more money? 2- Will I be sorry if I buy the standard one? 3- The only difference is just the letter? Now, the price difference is not really big but why...
I think side wall construction may be a factor. Not totally sure but had conversation with my tyre fitter on Scorps for my GS. Re the differences. Only one of the 3 variants was explicitly for my model of 1200.
An original fit tyre is sometimes developed in collaboration between the tyre manufacturer and motorcycle manufacturer in an effort to get the best compromise for the bike. Pirelli have had a long association with Ducati and some of the tyres are specific to a model (especially the hyper sports Panigale V4). My short term memory is telling me, there is a recent post about this particular topic. People have different riding styles and different expectations of what the tyre needs to deliver. The bottom line IMO, no one tyre/brand is necessarily streets ahead of another so choice is driven by your highest priority. For me, the first priority is that the tyre is appropriate for the laden weight, road or soft road is secondary. Andy
I preferred Dunlop Mutants compared to the oem Scorpion Trail II fitted to me now sold 2021 multi. I found Scorps were a white goods style tyre , didn’t excel but didn’t have flaws either. If you want more of the same I suspect it would hard for most people to spot a difference in the different scorp versions except if one caused a handling flaw when fitted to the V4 multi (not likely imo) . I found the stiffer carcase Dunlops gave more confident feedback compared the the Scorps noting I tweaked the Dunlops pressures to optimise that feel /perceived grip.
I have used all the different variants of the scorpion 2 over 30000 miles and I couldn't tell any difference . Always used ZR w rated. I like the tyres, and have never had a moment on them. The K was for the KTM 1290 adventure; similar weight and power to a V4 multi.
Nothing like the target tyres, but as usual, I'll tout my favorites - Metzeler M9RR's. I've ridden with them in all styles of weather (including -5c frosty cold mornings and torrential downpour... Not fun). My ONLY complaint, they are a bit slippy when cold. But what tyres aren't.
Dunlop Mutants aren’t. They’re brilliant tyres on the Multi V4 bikes (probably on other MTSs too) in all weathers on all roads. A true MultiStrada tyre.
If they were a part of a Dog they'd be the bollocks of it to be sure. On my second set they're head and shoulders above my previous preference which was Road5's.
Quite intrigued and tempted about these Dunlop Mutants. My off road riding is only on gravel car parks but like a bit ( lot ) of spirited riding. How do the Mutants compare against the Pirelli Trail 2 / 3 and the Michelin Road 6.
I found the scorpions got slippery over white lines and tar snakes when they approached their TW markers. I’d read good things about the Mutants so thought I’d try a set when the set of OEM Scorpions on my Multi V4S wore out. Never before have I ever noticed such a remarkable improvement in grip after fitting new tyres than when I went for the first ride (in the rain, 2 up) with the mutants. I was thoroughly impressed. I’ve not had Road6s but have had several sets of Road5s on a monster 1100S I had and Id say the mutants are far superior to the road 5s. Their road holding is as good in the wet as the dry. There’s someone in here who even fitted them to an 1198 (iirc) whilst touring across Europe, and was impressed.
