The tyre review thread

[Lonewolf]

Kevin, obviously I haven't seen your tyres but its disappointing that they aren't meeting the grade. Winston Smith asked me recently how many miles I'd done on my PR3's and I thought I'd done about 3k on them since I had them fitted on 1st April but I've found the receipt on which I wrote the mileage at swap over and it seems that I've actually done closer to 5k on the new PR3's.

This is the rear on the day of fitting and the second pic is one I took today with 5k on it.





Same for the front.





I'm not an expert on tyres but how do yours differ from these?

[Kevin]

Do you clean your tyres as well?!

I'm not sure whether you'll see the problem in a photo but I've attached a couple anyway. I've tried to highlight one of the pronounced steps in the second photo but it really needs a 3D image. I'll also quote from Michelin's letter that arrived yesterday and is what prompted my call to them, as their summary of the condition is accurate:

Our tyre examination specialists have completed their investigation and find that the tread has worn abnormally in that the leading edge of each tread blocks (sic) is sharply defined with the trailing edge excessively worn resembling saw teeth. This type pf abnormal, rapid wear can normally be attributed to the tyre having run with insufficient inflation pressure for the load carried. Unfortunately the tyre is unsuitable for further use (K comment: really?!)

This tyre has done similar mileage to yours, i.e. around 5k. I probably should have changed it before the recent German rally but I knew a lot of that would be autobahn so I left it on; it was fine but needs changing now.

Kevin

[Kwikasfuki]

I'm surprised Michelin would confess to the tyre not being designed for two up riding.. Looks like you need to try a different tyre or go back to the pr2s.

LW, you need to open the throttle a bit more!

[Kevin]

I'm surprised Michelin would confess to the tyre not being designed for two up riding.. <snip>

Me too. As I said earlier I've never heard of such a thing and was somewhat lost for words as to how to respond to him. I've written Michelin a letter telling them of my surprise and suggesting they change their advertising to clearly explain this limitation. To be honest I suspect he was grasping for straws but he is supposed to be one of their specialists so ought to know what he's talking about. If I'd known that was going to be said I'd have recorded the conversation because I'm betting they'll tell me I 'misunderstood'.

I probably should have made clear that Michelin's letter referred to a tyre that was sent to them after we'd run 3750 miles on it not the one that's currently on the bike.

Kevin

[mecki]

Dunlop Roadsmart and Pirelli Angel come to mind.

[Andy]

Anyone tried a 55 profile rear? http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2012-bmw-k1600gt-vs-2011-kawasaki-concours-14-abs-video-91105.html?page=3

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3076.15

[Martin#30]

Thought I'd put a little update on here. I've done 7,500 on my PR3s now, and they are going to need changing soon. Maybe another 1,000 miles in them, but I may not chance it as winter is closing in.

I still cannot think of anything negative about these tyres. They are simply stunning. Dry grip, wet grip, longevity, even the way they handle squared off is very good. Magnificent tyres.

By way of comparison, the OEM bridgestones lasted 8,500 miles for me bit the last 2,000 miles or so were pretty nasty with a very nervous turn in as you tranistioned over the squared off shoulders. Dry grip between Bridestones and Michelins was comparable, the PR3 wet grip is a whole new level.

Anyone debating about getting PR3s, just do it.

Martin.

[mecki]

I don't know how and where you guys ride your bikes but I've just managed to do 3750 miles on the original Bridgestones and have only 3mm thread left on the rear.  So I should get another couple of 100 miles out of them before I have to swap tyres for the first time. I guess if I get 4500 I can call myself lucky. The front still has a bit more but I will change both together anyway.
How can anyone get double the mileage out of the same tyres on the same bike? Must be boring as hell. ;D
Squaring? I don't know, the rear isn't perfectly round any more but I haven't noticed any handling deterioration at all.
The symptoms described sound like prolonged rides with too low tyre pressure or endless miles at constant speed on motorways to me.

[Rusty]

I think Mecki the symptoms you describe are about right ... I get about 7500 miles out of my tyres and that is mostly commuting, but the roads vary from standard dual carriageway to twisty turny single roads so there is a bit of both there for me to play with. TP's for me are 42 front and back and that works well ... I replaced the original Bridgestones at just under 7000 and they had a bit left but they were starting to get skitty and the squaring off was terrible when pitching into a decent bend so they had to go. The PR3's are very very good indeed and I look forward to using them throughout the winter.  ;D

[mecki]

Well, maybe I accelerate a bit harder out of corners so that the sides get worn out more.
Thus the tyre is still round even with only 3mm thread left. ;D
Furthermore I just love leaning the bike over so I don't take the ideal line but the one with maximum lean (i.e. stay on the inside of left-handers).
And since I hate taking risks and going faster than being able to stop within the stretch of road I can actually see I may slow down more going into blind corners than a lot of folks, but once I can see again where I'm going and everything is clear I give her stick.
So where other riders may go through corners faster because they rely on the assumption that there just won't be an obstacle since there wasn't one yesterday and the day before, I slow down (more tyre wear), go around the corner until I see that it was a waste of time to slow down and the road actually continues as it did yesterday and the day before but since I am now travelling at maybe 40 mph instead of 60 I hit the throttle while still leaning.
And I tend to warm the tyres up by weaving at low speed every now and then too.
Looks like this riding style may wear the tyres out more evenly but also more quickly. :(
But I think it is more FUN!

[Kwikasfuki]

But I think it is more FUN!

Mecki, you and fun?! I thought I was reading the wrong post there  ;D

I echo what Martin says about the PR3s. Simply fantastic. The only time I've ever felt them properly squirm is in the wet, strong winds and at triple digit speed.

If they are producing PR4s then they need to stick like super glue to beat the PR3s

[Lonewolf]

The PR3's are most definately due out in 2013. Have to agree with mecki on this one, I also go into corners slower than most will as I dont like to take it for granted that I will find things as they were on a previous occasion when I rode through. Complacancy can be dangerous!

[mecki]

According to their website Michelin PR3s are currently on special at M&S Newcastle, so I'll check out the prices later this week.
Seems a good idea to get them on before it gets even wetter and colder.

[Lonewolf]

I paid £250 + fitting.

[Rusty]

£273 fitted ... which I thought was ok  ;D