Stiff suspension after tire change from Pirelli Diablo 2 to Metzeler Sportec M9RR

A

Anurag

Joined Mar 2021
30 Posts | 5+
Pune

Hi folks,​

I recently swapped my Pirelli Diablo 2 tires for Metzeler Sportec M9RRs, and now my suspension feels incredibly stiff. Every bump in the road sends a jolt through my wrists.
I'm wondering what might be causing this. Could it be because the tires are still new and need to break in? Or did something go wrong during the tire change?
For context, I've ridden this bike for 33,000 km on Pirelli Diablo 2s and never encountered this issue before.
Should I consider getting my suspension setup adjusted to accommodate the new tires?
I primarily use my bike for street riding.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
 
It's possible the installer did not do this right. The front axle has a captive end and a floating end. If front end installed wrong the forks will not move freely.
 
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airjawed said:
It's possible the installer did not do this right. The front axle has a captive end and a floating end. If front end installed wrong the forks will not move freely.
Click to expand...

Was just about to say this. Easy fix is to loosen the lock screws and cycle the fork up and down a few times to get the fork legs in the correct position.
 
SuperDomestique said:
Was just about to say this. Easy fix is to loosen the lock screws and cycle the fork up and down a few times to get the fork legs in the correct position.
Click to expand...


Have you ever seen a tv programme called Dads Army? research it look for Captain Mainwaring....... its you! "I was waiting for someone to spot that"😂
 
Don't panic, but tire pressure would have to be really high to make it noticeably harsh. It points to the front axle as suggested. Be careful with the pinch bolts, dont over do them.
 
Assuming that the suggested mechanical mal-installations check out as not the issue, I'd say it's simply the change in tire brand. Paul G is right in that it's extendedly unlikely that it's a tire pressure issue.

Tires of [supposedly] the same size and application differ immensely between manufactures, and even much between model lines. Pirelli have extremely soft carcasses. I don't know much about Metzler, but it seems that maybe it's very hard.

For example, at least for their racing slick tire line, changing from a Pirelli to a Dunlop (which is very stiff /hard carcass), or vice versa, often requires a complete working of the suspension. Usually a spring rate change, but at the last, some softening or hardening. Not to mention geometry changes.

So either make some changes, and stick with the Metzler, or pull it off and go back to the Pirelli.
 
JBJR said:
Assuming that the suggested mechanical mal-installations check out as not the issue, I'd say it's simply the change in tire brand. Paul G is right in that it's extendedly unlikely that it's a tire pressure issue.

Tires of [supposedly] the same size and application differ immensely between manufactures, and even much between model lines. Pirelli have extremely soft carcasses. I don't know much about Metzler, but it seems that maybe it's very hard.

For example, at least for their racing slick tire line, changing from a Pirelli to a Dunlop (which is very stiff /hard carcass), or vice versa, often requires a complete working of the suspension. Usually a spring rate change, but at the last, some softening or hardening. Not to mention geometry changes.

So either make some changes, and stick with the Metzler, or pull it off and go back to the Pirelli.
Click to expand...

I find this interesting because Metzler owns Pirelli. So one would expect similar offerings to have similar carcasses. That being said I agree every tire change from brand to brand always seems to require changes.
 
baggerman said:
I find this interesting because Metzler owns Pirelli. So one would expect similar offerings to have similar carcasses. That being said I agree every tire change from brand to brand always seems to require changes.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I didn't know that. Could be. Or maybe it was acquired specifically because they offer a different, complementary product line and to diversify the broader offering? And, again, even within the same manufacturer, tires can differ a lot between models.

But I think we both agree that it's likely the tire that's affecting suspension feel. I wonder if there's a way to actually measure and test tire carcass?
 
Deflection while under load? Need a reference but if you were changing tires you could compare one to the other while inflated but only the deflection for aft on the bike. Need a way to apply the identical load. The tire manufacturers have deflection in every plane. I find it hard to find tire dimensions let alone anything else. I'm lazy so because of this when I find tires I like I just run them until they force me to change. With the tires I run it always feels like I should raise the rear mid rear tire life as the turn in slows. Turns better on a fresh rear. I agree it seems that its the stiffness difference in the carcasses.
 

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