Here are my top super-naked tyres for a big-mile year on the KTM 1390 SDR Evo, and the winner is...

With more than 15,000 miles covered on my KTM Super Duke last year, I had a chance to test some of the best sports tyres around. Here’s what I’ve learned…

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• Update one: First impressions and wheelie control test
• Update two: Testing the Evo’s advanced electronics on track
• Update three: 3250-mile navigation test in Spain
• Update four: A pillion lap of the Nürburgring
• Update five: 15k mile update – The ultimate all-rounder?
• Update six: Tackling some of my favourite roads in Europe

Michelin Power GP

Used for 3217 miles, including an MCN super naked group test and wheelie video feature

Many ‘Original Equipment’ tyres are built down to a price and not what they say on the tin. There are exceptions, though, such as the KTM’s standard-issue Power GPs. They sit between the Power 6 sports tyre and the fast road/trackday Power Cup 2 in Michelin’s range.

They’ve recently been superseded by the Power GP 2s, which are even better. The rear struggled at the Super Duke’s launch in Almeria, but on the road, they have more grip than you ever need, warm up fast and are decent in the wet, despite their minimalist tread pattern. They were only just squaring off at the rear when I changed them and they set the bar for the year.

• Find the Michelin Power GP2 at Demon Tweeks

Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa V4 SP

Used for 1881 miles, including Brands Hatch and Donington trackdays

The Super Corsa V4 SP is as sticky as road compound sports tyres come. I took it steady for the first couple of laps to warm them up (they don’t need warmers) and after that they gave complete confidence and outstanding grip, despite the huge amount of torque they had to deal with. They’re friendly on the road too but started to wear on the shoulders towards the end.

• Find the Pirelli Super Corsa V4 SP at Demon Tweeks

Bridgestone S23

Used for 4360 miles including a trip to the Picos, Pyrenees and South of France

I wanted something that would last a 3250-mile blast to Europe and be fun along the way. These did the job perfectly. They’re a solid sports tyre that do everything very well, from wet motorway riding to scratching through dry mountain roads. Front grip and confidence are particularly good and there was plenty of life in them when I swapped for the next set of rubber…

• Find the Bridgestone S23 at Demon Tweeks

Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa

Used for 2147 miles including a two-up trip to Belgium, two-day trackday at Spa, two patchy-wet two-up laps of the Nürburgring in Germany and a Donington Park trackday

For this trip I needed something to keep me shiny side up at one the world’s formidable tracks (Spa) in searing heat, plus a couple of laps around one of the most dangerous (the Ring) in the same two days. They needed to last the journey there and back, too.

The Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsas are rivals to the OE Michelins, but are a big step better. They don’t need tyre warmers, but warm up fast and feel as grippy as Super Corsas for most riding. They’re superb on the road, rain or shine and plusher than the Bridgestones. I wore out the sticky edges before the harder compound middle of the tyre. 

• Find the Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa at Demon Tweeks

Metzeler Sportec M9 RR

Used for 3695 miles, including two-up trip to Dolomites, Tuscany and South of France

I wanted a sports-touring tyre for this final fling of the year, but they don’t make them for the KTM’s 200/55 x 17 rear. I went for another all-round sports tyre instead. The Metzeler M9 RRs are similar to the S23s in terms of outright performance and confidence, but have a slightly softer, more plugged-in ride. They squared-off a lot sooner, though. 

• Find the Metzeler M9 RR at Demon Tweeks

And the winner is…

Pirelli’s Diablo Rosso IV Corsa: outstanding road and track grip, easy to get on with and decent wearing, given their performance. 

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