Kawasaki 1400 GTR

1400 GTR - All Models => 1400GTR Discussion => Topic started by: patrick on April 09, 2011, 05:28:26 PM

Title: Tyre question
Post by: patrick on April 09, 2011, 05:28:26 PM
I have found that PR2's on the GTR have worn out on the right hand outer side of the tread after 5000 miles My CBF 1000  PR2's did the same at slightly higher mileage.

I'm not a small guy (19 st) and carry pillion alot.

Any suggestions on this? 

TP is set at 44 F&R.. would raising the rear pressure help.

Photo is attached.

Mate of mine is using Pirelli Angels on his FJR (he's a much  lighter guy than me!) and gets about 5.5K miles.

Your comments are most welcome


Patrick


Title: Re: Tyre question
Post by: Lonewolf on April 09, 2011, 07:54:29 PM
Strange if it has only worn on one side, how about you ask your local bike dealer to speak with their /or a Michelin Rep or perhaps contact them direct. 

It may well be that Michelin have had other similiar feedback and may be able to offer you a solution. Just a thought.
Title: Re: Tyre question
Post by: routemaster on April 09, 2011, 10:27:45 PM
Hi Patrick

I do find it strange that it has worn on one side, particularly as you have had a similar experience on the CBF. As you know I had two sets of PR2's on the CBF and the wear was fairly even across the width of the tyre.

Increasing the tyre pressure isn't recommended as it will affect the the performance, handling and the wear of the tyre. I noticed you said that the TPS says 44psi, when you measure the tyre when cold with a gauge does it read 42psi?

As Lonewolf suggested I would talk to your local dealer and ask them to speak to Mitchelin but also contact them direct to see if they have any ideas or suggestions.

Kind regards

Steven
Title: Re: Tyre question
Post by: Rusty on April 10, 2011, 01:03:55 PM
Hello Patrick ...I  can't imagine that the tyres are at fault in any way ... especially as it happened on your other bike too ! 19 stone and a pillion will effect wear without doubt at all so i would think it's simply a load and lean variant ... do you lean or sit slightly to the right, lots of roundabouts to the right, does your pillion sit to the right a bit ? It's a fair bit of weight ...in excess of 30 stone for any rear wheel and tyre to deal with is a lot so 5000 miles I would think is pretty good in the circumstances. Keep us posted.
Title: Re: Tyre question
Post by: patrick on April 11, 2011, 07:37:39 AM
To be honest, that was my thougt too.. a lot of weight!!

I'll just replace the tyreand analyse my position on the bike
Title: Re: Tyre question
Post by: Lonewolf on April 11, 2011, 08:06:18 AM
It still wouldn't hurt to speak to a Michelin rep. They may be able to recommend a more robust tyre. It may well be that you have to compromise your more favoured tyre for a more sturdy tyre unless you can live with frequent tyre changes.
Title: Re: Tyre question
Post by: patrick on April 16, 2011, 10:08:57 PM
Got my new PR2's today and with the back tyre off the bike it was clear how worn it was ( well squared off) and now the bike tunrns in again like a dream.
Title: Re: Tyre question
Post by: Lonewolf on April 17, 2011, 02:47:13 AM
Quote from: patrick on April 16, 2011, 10:08:57 PM
Got my new PR2's today and with the back tyre off the bike it was clear how worn it was ( well squared off) and now the bike tunrns in again like a dream.

Any reason why you didnt give the PR3's a go or are you sold on the PR2's?
Title: Re: Tyre question
Post by: patrick on April 17, 2011, 09:04:49 PM
When I rang midweek the I told the tyre shop I was going in on Sat for PR2's.

I then decided to get the 3's  but alas  they had ordered the 2'sand had no 3's in stock.

Been out today and normal cornering confidence is restored.
Title: Re: Tyre question
Post by: Lonewolf on April 18, 2011, 02:51:16 AM
Maybe next time then eh?
Title: Re: Tyre question
Post by: Boomer on April 18, 2011, 02:53:58 PM
Mine normally wear like that as well, but on both sides.
The tyres hit the wear bars in the centre and about 2" either side of the centre at about the same time.
I spend a lot of time on motorways and am pretty sure the "side" wear is from high speed bendy sliproads.
I do the M23/M25 sliproads every day, one on the right side of the tyre, the other on the left side.
I am 26 Stone so maybe weight is also a factor.

Don't forget that the PR2/3 has softer rubber on the sides so will wear faster there.
A friend never gets his PR2's to wear out in the middle but he's a SunnySunday so rarely rides in a straight line for very long.
They still last way longer than the Pilot Powers he used to use and grip just as well.