Contents
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Introduction
This is a list of tires available in sizes that will fit the Ninja 250. There are no recommendations made here, as there is no one "best" tire. This list shows only tires which have been used and reviewed by members of N250RC. There are many more tires available, particularly for the rear, less so for the front. There are in particular some scooter tires out there that look promising. We can't report on them, though, because we don't know. If you wish to try one of the tires not listed here, you'll have to do your own research.
It is hoped that you will use this list as a starting point in your purchase process. There are many sources of information on tires, such as manufacturer sites, other forums, and various motorcycle sites. Google is your friend. And remember, there are probably several tires that will work for you. Please read the other FAQ tire sections for more information on choosing a tire.
Speed ratings info
About size 110/90-16 tires
About wider tires
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Performance Tires
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Pirelli Sport Demon
Sizes: 130/90-16 rear; 100/90-16 front
One of the most popular tires for the EX 250 due to its good grip and handling. Good wet-weather performance, too. Run a search on the board for (many) opinions, and you, too, can join The Church of SportDemontology.
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Bridgestone BT45
Sizes: 130/90-16 rear; 100/90-16 front
Always a favorite, due to its good handling and dual tread compound. The center treads are made from a harder rubber, while the sides are softer for cornering. Rain response is excellent.
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Dunlop GT501
Sizes: 130/90-16 rear; 110/90-16 front (have to
raise front fender to fit)
A popular choice for both speedy and distance riders. Very good wet performance, too. Jim Race ran a set of these through several trackdays and a race weekend, then gave them to Duke to use in the Iron Butt Rally (10K miles in 11 days). You can't get much more "all-around" than that.
Dunlop GT501: The Racers' Choice, by Jim Race
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Metzeler Lasertec
Sizes: 130/90-16 rear; 100/90-16 front
Metzeler has consolidated all of their performance bias-ply tires into this tire. It replaces the ME 1; 99; 33/55; and 330/550. It has a classic Metzeler tread pattern. Duke compares them favorably to the GT501's for daily riding and wet performance. Daryl says they're the best rain tires you can get, and the handling is very good, too. Of course, sticky tires usually don't get great mileage. At least three club members have gotten fewer than 7000 miles from the rear tire (YMMV). The fronts seem to be doing better.
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Pirelli MT75
Sizes: 120/80-16 rear; 100/80-16 front
If you're looking for an inexpensive, sporty replacement for the stock tires, this is a good one. These tires have a rabid fan club on the board about the same size as the Sport Demons'. 100/80-16 and 120/80-16 are what the wheels were designed for. High speed straight-line stability will not be quite as good as with a larger 100/90 & 130/90 setup, but turn-in rate and agility will be better.
Very good reports concerning their handling & grip, wet and dry. They don't tend to last as long as some tires (YMMV), but are very inexpensive (you can get 2 sets of MT75's for what a pair of Metz Lasertecs will run.) Recommended for the
inseam-challenged as a way to get a slightly lower bike.
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Pirelli ST 66
Sizes: 130/80P-16, 120/80P-16 rear; 100/80P-16 front
These seem to have been replaced by the Diablo Scooter and are disappearing.
Designed as replacement tires for large-wheeled, high-performance scooters. "A good piece of bargain-priced rubber." This is an OE-sized tire that performs well under most conditions. It has a great tread design and a firm plant in the corners. The tread design seems to increase grip on hard corner leans and absorbs impacts well.
P-rated for sustained speeds up to 93 mph. Not to be confused with the MT66 touring tire.
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Avon AM63 Viper Stryke
Sizes: 120/80-16 rear; 100/80-16 front
This is one of the newer tires available. Our wear tester reports handling and wet performance under various conditions is excellent. Wear is good, especially considering the low price.
Speed ratings are "P" (continuous 93 mph).
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Pirelli Diablo Scooter
Sizes: 130/80-16 rear; 120/80-16 rear; 100/80-16 front
A newer choice. As of June, 2008 there has only been one report, but it was favorable. Sticky in aggressive mountain riding. Confidence-inspiring in wet conditions. Tires track well and stay planted.
Speed ratings are "P" (continuous 93 mph).
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Dunlop GT301
AUSTRALIA ONLY Sizes: 130/80-16 rear; 100/80-16 front
A better tyre choice than stock. Better wet and dry grip reported by one of our members from Oz. We don't have a lot of information from club members, so ask local riders if you're interested in this replacement.
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Touring Tires
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Metzeler ME 880
Sizes: 130/90-16 rear; no front
The most-recommended tire for loaded touring. Good, long-lasting tire for commuting. Reports say it's good in the wet, too.
From Leon: I've had Metzeler tires on the rear of my Ninja 250s since 1997 (6 tires total.) The longest a rear tire lasted is 30,000 miles for an ME88. The current 130/90-16 ME880s usually last about 20,000 miles. The Metzeler tires grip well in the rain and last a long time, but they are expensive. If you ride more than 10,000 miles per year, the ME880 is a good choice.
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Avon Roadrider
Sizes: MT90-16 rear (130/90-16 with higher load rating); 100/90-16 front
These new tires are being marketed as a General Purpose tire. One club member says that he was satisfied with their performance on Deal's Gap, and that, while they will probably be a better mileage tire than a performance one, they do have a good grip. Another N250RC rider rode across the country and back (8000 miles) and wore off only 2/32" of tread. Says they are fantastic tires; slower turning than stock, but lots of rubber. They also lasted him a long time when in pure touring mode.
I asked why nobody called and told me that and he said that they normally wait 10 days before they check up on the order. 
do you guys have an alternative shop to check out?
THAT sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen!
