So I got the 97 ZX11 in April. The tires were the stock Batlax's from the factory. the DOT stamp confirmed the manufacturing year 97. With only 3905 miles on it the front looked perfectly fine. The rear was basically bald. 1100 miles later the rear tire started to come apart. The rubber gave through to threads and it was about to blow.

I ordered a Pilot Road from MCsuperstore - $134. Once delivered I got busy with my Harbor Freight tire mounting stand. 2 hours later I was done. The tire looks great and rides excellent. Another 1000 miles after the tire and it still looks new. Rides great and grips the road with no complaints. I'm surprised at how well it does in when wet also. Then again I'm used to riding Harleys for the last 6 years. The stock Dunlops on those bikes last forever but man do they suck when wet. Anyhow I'm very happy with the Pilot Road tires. Very happy and plan on getting them matching front in the next month or so.

 

I normally prefer to swap out both tires as a set. Especially since you are running the stock 1997 front tire.

 

I'll be swapping out the front soon. Riding on such an old tire does worry me but after a very close inspection there seems to be no visible cracking anywhere. Regardless, I'm not going to risk it and will be getting a new pilot road for the front soon.

 

im a die hard pilot power fan im still running the stock tire on my 09 for now but cant wait to swap them out to let the knee dragging begin always giggle a little in my helmet as i hear the little michlin man screeming in my ear as i wear him off the side of the tire

 

I'm a big fan of the Michelin tires. On the ZRX, I run a Pilot Road on the back and a Pilot Power on the front. I have never had issues running this configuration and I do ride agressively in the twisty stiff. The ZX11 came with some new Shinko Stealth 003 that are ok but I think I'll swap in some Michelins once they wear out. The Shinkos take longer to warm up, though when I was out pushing them, it was cold at 10,000 feet up.