General Comments

Still, the tyres that are available are good tyres.  There's not a lot to choose between the five matched pairs, and what you want is really going to be a matter for personal preference.  The Pirellis pretty much rule themselves out on the basis of cost, by being virtually identical to the cheaper Metzelers.  Of those remaining, both the Metzelers and the Dunlops are fine tyres that provide good traction and reasonable life; the ME-Z1/ME-Z2 combination (a true classic) combines a stickier front tyre with a more hard-wearing rear, which is very well-balanced in terms of traction and wear -- unless your riding style eats front tyres, there's not much reason to use an ME-Z2 on the front.

I've selected the Metzelers over the Dunlops.  I've done so for two main reasons: wet performance, and profile characteristics.  While both are good wet tyres, the Metzelers have a well-deserved reputation for excelling in this area.  As for the profile, the Metzelers have a linear profile that produces consistent handling at all lean angles; the Dunlops have a non-linear profile where steering response varies with lean angle.  I prefer the neutral Metzeler feel, which is more confidence-inspiring and helps the rider get the best out of the machine.  If you've grown up riding on Dunlop sport-radials, you might prefer the D205's, but most riders tend to be more comfortable with a linear profile.

They're not much cheaper than the Metzelers, but they are cheaper -- and also a good a choice.  If you like the Dunlop sport-radial profile, you might even prefer them.

There's no question in my mind that this classic Metzeler combination is the way to go.

Avon

Bridgestone

Dunlop

Metzeler

Michelin

Pirelli

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