Recommendations for new tires on a 696

[drkhorse]

In about 1,000 miles I'm due to change the tires on my 2009 696. It'll be the first time I've ever replaced the tires on the bike. I'm looking for recommendations on tires, models, brands, type, ect..

I use the bike mainly for commuting back and forth to work in the city, so a lot of stop and go, very little twisties. However as we get deeper into spring and summer and it warms up, I will be taking it out on some longer trips with plenty of curves. So I guess a hybrid between a sport and touring tire might be ideal?

Recommendations?

[Triple J]

Any sport touring tire should be fine...Pirelli Angel ST, Michelin Pilot Road 3, etc. I really like the Pilot Road tires, and have a friend who really likes the Pirelli Angels. They're all good.

[Raux]

for sure the sport touring tires are the way to go.
The 696 really can't outrun the capabilities of those type of tires.

I run Michelin Pilot Road 2CT

I spoke to a Pirelli rep and he mentioned Metzler Z08 (Pirelli owns Metzler)

I didn't think the Angel's came in the 160 series, but if they do, another option.

[Autostrada Pilot]

Just got Pilot Road 2 on my 900.  All the reviews I read were fantastic as I'm in a similar situation as you are (decent amount of commuting, but twisties on the weekends).

[muskrat]

I vote the Pirelli Angels if they have 160 size.  I was duly impressed with longevity and how sticky they are on the old 900 Monster.

[Brett76]

Get something stickier than an st... Feeling sure footed will do good things for your riding confidence

[sbricon]

I replaced the original tires on my 696 two years ago, and got the Metzler M5 - 12,000K later I'll be replacing them with another pair of Metzlers. They are sticky and great in in the rain. Up here in Toronto on cold days they are great.

[billschusteriv]

For me, the Angel STs lasted 9000 mi commuting 120 mi/day on a 2012 696.

I went with another pair for the longevity since I use the bike for commuting.