Thought it would be good to collect our reviews of the various tyres we use on the GTR so its easy for everyone to see what the good and bad tyres are.
Just my personal view of the tyres I've had so far on the GTR. The majority of my riding is on the motorway.
Michelin PR3
Score 9/10
Pro: Wow. Excellent grip in both dry, wet and wet & windy conditions. Brilliant and effortless turn in. Still early days yet so may adjust the rating later but currently extremely happy with these tyres. Done 600 miles so far and no complaints. Looks like this tyre warms up more quickly than the PR2s meaning more grip in colder conditions. This could be THE tyre for the GTR
Con: None as of yet
Pirelli Angel ST
Score 8/10
Pro: Sticky tyre. Holds the road well and drops in nicely
Con: Rear wore after 5000 miles
Michelin PR 2
Score 8/10
Pro: Solid stable tyre with quick turn in. Excellent wear. Rear had 10000 miles, but decided to change as was squaring off. Would have got another few thousand out of it
Con: Can be a bit squirmish at speed when the road is cold. In summer they are fine
Continental Road Attack 2
Score 4/10
Pro: Low speed turn in and handling is brilliant. Easy to scrape the pegs with these tyres.
Con: At speed, these tyres don't grip too well. I think its down to the side walls, so until there's a specific version for the GTR I'm staying away. I will try these again if Continental produce a specific version as I believe they have the potential to be the best tyre for the GTR. Towards the end of life these tyres are downright dangerous at speed. Like being on an ice skating rink
Bridestone BT021
Score 3/10
Pro: They come for free on the bike
Con: Watch the handling deteriorate after a few thousand miles. Terrible turn in
I would agree with the ratings for PR3 and BT021's
Kind regards
Steven
watch this space folr thr Z8's ;D sometime after May
Very usefull thread as not too keen on the 021's and for the first time may replace them before they are worn out. Too unpredictable when the road isn't perfect for my liking
Bt021 4000 miles out of the rear. Felt ok having had no other tyre to compare with.
Avon storm 2 ultra, 500 dry miles so far and finding overall grip way better than the bridgestones. far more sure footed on a regular route that I do. the real test will be when I get them out in the damp and rainy weather that is now upon us again.
I'm still extremely impressed with my PR3's
My original fit BT021s lasted 8,500 miles which I was very pleased with. Dry grip was good, wet grip never really gave me much confidence. Agree with LW's comments that stability and turn-in suffer quite quickly, but they rate more like a 6/10 for me. They were average tyres, not bad, not good.
Had my PR3s on for 1,000 miles now. Awesome tyres, stability, wet and dry griip, turn-in all perfect. Punctured within 100 miles through the fat part of the tread, but plugged and working fine. 8/10 from me, would be 10/10 if the rear had not puntured so easily and I had not read similar puncture stories from other PR2 and PR3 users.
Martin.
Ooh, thats 2 people on this site who have had punctures on 'New' PR3's ...... not sure what to make of that??.... it could just be really bad luck, but given 50% of the people i know who have fitted these tyres have had punctures on a new hoop...thats a very high statistic.
I'm sure its nothing...but we'll see how things progress ;D
I've just come back from having a set of PR3s fitted so I hope I'm not the 3rd!
Kevin
Pirelli Angels all the way here, even got them on my 600
Well my PR3's now have over 5000 miles on them and so far (touch wood) no punctures.
I still like them. They are a little squirmy over white lines and overbanding but it's just a little that lets you know rather than anything alarming.
Cornering grip is still awesome and wet grip astonishing, not that any of us have ridden in the wet recently. ;D 8)
The rear is squaring off in the middle but as I spend most of my riding on the M(bloody)25 that's no surprise.
Anyways, I have the 11 days off so will be going for a play at some point to see if i can even up the wear somewhat. ;) ;D
From their current condition I reckon they will match or outlast the PR2's they replaced.
Is this a subject I started? lol I can only speak for the free ones (BT021) which in my humble opinion are not brilliant. I will be changing them at the earliest opportunity for the P2 or P3's. :-)
Quote from: Norman Bates on April 13, 2011, 12:09:02 PM
Thought it would be good to collect our reviews of the various tyres we use on the GTR so its easy for everyone to see what the good and bad tyres are.
Just my personal view of the tyres I've had so far on the GTR. The majority of my riding is on the motorway.
Michelin PR3
Score 9/10
Pro: Wow. Excellent grip in both dry, wet and wet & windy conditions. Brilliant and effortless turn in. Still early days yet so may adjust the rating later but currently extremely happy with these tyres. Done 600 miles so far and no complaints. Looks like this tyre warms up more quickly than the PR2s meaning more grip in colder conditions. This could be THE tyre for the GTR
Con: None as of yet
Pirelli Angel ST
Score 8/10
Pro: Sticky tyre. Holds the road well and drops in nicely
Con: Rear wore after 5000 miles
Michelin PR 2
Score 8/10
Pro: Solid stable tyre with quick turn in. Excellent wear. Rear had 10000 miles, but decided to change as was squaring off. Would have got another few thousand out of it
Con: Can be a bit squirmish at speed when the road is cold. In summer they are fine
Continental Road Attack 2
Score 4/10
Pro: Low speed turn in and handling is brilliant. Easy to scrape the pegs with these tyres.
Con: At speed, these tyres don't grip too well. I think its down to the side walls, so until there's a specific version for the GTR I'm staying away. I will try these again if Continental produce a specific version as I believe they have the potential to be the best tyre for the GTR. Towards the end of life these tyres are downright dangerous at speed. Like being on an ice skating rink
Bridestone BT021
Score 3/10
Pro: They come for free on the bike
Con: Watch the handling deteriorate after a few thousand miles. Terrible turn in
Avon Storm 2 Ultra.
Now clocked up 1000 miles on the storms. They are showing no sign of wear as of yet, the grip and feel of them is leaps ahead of the BT021's. I find bends can be taken at a higher speed and with a higher lean angle than the oem tyres, especially on roads that I use regularly.
Have only ridden them in the dry so far, will update when I have tried them in the rain.
The Avon's didn't come out too good in a recent wet weather tyre test but not as bad as the Z8's which where completely rubbished by the tester so it will be interesting to hear your views on the Avon's when the rain arrives - which is today by most weather reports
I've done 2000 miles on the Avon storm ultra 2s and rate them as a good tyre in all conditions. I read the review in bike magazine. Can't say I agree with their opinion.
Like a lot of things tyres are a personal choice. The dealer I bought the bike from recommended the storms as he'd used them on a ZZR on a European tour last year and found them to be very good. Plus M and P in Swansea had a good deal on on them as well. If they prove to be not so good I think I will go for the Michelin PR3's having had the PR2's on a Sprint ST and found them an excellent tyre.
I have the Avon Storm 2 Ultra too done about a thousand miles and find them as good as any other Avons I have had.
One thing I noticed tho, if I took my hands off the bars they oscillated and this oscillation can be felt at a fast walking pace through the bike.
I put the front wheel (still in the bike) in the brake rollers at work and set them going. The was no damage to the wheel nor any uneven bead seating to be seen yet you could see the bike rocking back and forth as if the tyre was eliptical.
This very morning I put an email together to Avon Technical department asking if they had had any such issues and wo and behold I get this reply at LUNCHTIME......
"Dear Mr K
Avon Motorcycle Technical dept' have forwarded your email to me requesting I contact you with the proposal of replacing your front tyre.
If you find this acceptable please forward to me a postal address to which I can send out a replacement tyre, possibly your normal tyre dealer or your place of work which ever is the easiest to you.
Regards
Ken Tucker.
Customer Service Manager.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Europe Ltd."
NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL SERVICE
That is good customer service
Hi
Avon customer service is generally very good
For some reason a number of people who fitted these tyres to the CBF1000 have had similar issues, although not everybody had an issue with these tyres. I had a set of these tyres and did several thousand miles with them on my CBF1000 but I didn't have an issue with them.
Steve.
More often than not, its not what you ask for but how you go about asking.
Good result. Are you confident that that will resolve the issue?
Hmm... good service from Avon would have been to replace those rubbers
with Michelin Pilot Road 3 - right? ;D
Issue resolved, drives perfect now. No oscillations at all now.
Big up to Avon!
3000 miles on my PR3s (motorway mileage). Surprisingly, not showing signs of squaring off yet
Percorsi 2.000 km con pr3 ottime gomme per il GTR 1400,ma in rettilineo sopra i 140 km ora trovo la moto meno precisa in direzionabillità a paragone del BT 021.
_________________________________
Valerio. :(
Quote from: MGvalerio on May 28, 2011, 05:04:43 AM
Percorsi 2.000 km con pr3 ottime gomme per il GTR 1400,ma in rettilineo sopra i 140 km ora trovo la moto meno precisa in direzionabillità a paragone del BT 021.
_________________________________
Valerio. :(
Interesting. I've done 3000 miles and these tyres are the best I've had. Are you sure its not down to tyre pressure?
Pressione dei pneumatici identici come con BT 021....ANT.2,9 atm...Post. 2,9atm...Mai, in 33.000 km fatti sempre con BT 021 avvertivo detto postato prima.
_______________________
Valerio. ;D
Hi
Update on the PR3which were fitted at the beginning of an April
I have just come back from a 2,500 mile 10 day tour of the Central Massif area in France - had a fantastic time on the roads in that area which varied from open "progress" bends ;) :) to very tight technical twisties :) and more than a few hairpin bends :) :o :)
Total mileage to date is just over 4000 miles and the tyres have been absolutely excellent in terms of handling, grip and wear :) :). Despite some long distance journeys to get there and back the tyres haven't really squared off at all, no doubt helped by all the tight twisties and there is still plenty of tread left :)
We did have a bit of rain on one day but the tyres were so sure footed - not even a hint of movement.
The only problem was I lost the back end on a 90 deg right hand bend which had been recently surface dressed and the was still a lot of loose gravel on the surface - I ended up in the verge but still in an upright position :) but no tyre could have dealt with that.
Kind regards
Steven
I would hope that the pr3s are a lot better than the 2s I had pr2s on a 1250 Bandit and they felt like they were made of wood and when they wore a bit they just made the bike feel unsafe. I think it will be either road smarts, or Conti road attack 2s next for me.
Quote from: 100milesaway on May 30, 2011, 11:53:44 AM
I would hope that the pr3s are a lot better than the 2s I had pr2s on a 1250 Bandit and they felt like they were made of wood and when they wore a bit they just made the bike feel unsafe. I think it will be either road smarts, or Conti road attack 2s next for me.
Do not get the road attack 2s. Read my thread
http://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,33.0.html
different bikes suit different tyres.
Quote from: routemaster on May 30, 2011, 11:39:26 AM
The only problem was I lost the back end on a 90 deg right hand bend which had been recently surface dressed and the was still a lot of loose gravel on the surface - I ended up in the verge but still in an upright position :) but no tyre could have dealt with that.
Sounds like you got lucky there. What speed were you doing? Recently surfaced roads are a pain. I negotiated one successfully, only to get caught out by the loose gravel as I put my foot down
Steven ..... sounds just brilliant ! I am going down there myself in 3 weeks for about 7/8 days ... still have the original Bridgestones on the GTR ( nearly 4000 miles on them now ) so i hope to scrub them down a bit !
Photos of your adventure ??
Quote from: routemaster on May 30, 2011, 11:39:26 AM
The only problem was I lost the back end on a 90 deg right hand bend which had been recently surface dressed and the was still a lot of loose gravel on the surface - I ended up in the verge but still in an upright position :) but no tyre could have dealt with that.
The chap behind you wasn't so lucky......he ended 6ft up a pile of rocks, trying to hold the bike upright ???
Quote from: fatharry on June 01, 2011, 03:01:49 PM
The chap behind you wasn't so lucky......he ended 6ft up a pile of rocks, trying to hold the bike upright ???
Yeap poor old Mick wasn't so lucky or looking at it another way he was extremely lucky that he still ended up upright on top of a pile of rocks although pointing skywards but at least he did stop before hitting the tree and/or the tree branch ;)
Steve
Yesterdays run finally finished off the original BT21's it still surprises me how quickly a modern tyre can go from "plenty of miles left" to "60quid fixed penalty" 250mls in yesterdays example.
Appears to be a choice between the Angels and PR3's and went with the PR3 solely coz its newer and therefore latest technology must be better!!!!
Only done 10mls or so on them just to make sure I put the wheels back on OK and all the gizmo's still worked.
May be my imagination but the ride seems more smoothy.
Should be able to have a proper run on them over the weekend if not tomorrow to see if they are as good as everybody is saying.
I have been impressed with how good the PR3's are in both the dry and the wet :) :)
I was particularly impressed with how little if at all they have squared off after our trip to France - despite some hard riding and long trips on motorways and basically riding in a straight line on some French roads.
I noticed the Z8's on FH bike, which are newer than mine, had started to square off by the end of the French trip
Steve
Interesting stuff .... like Fred I too have looked at the Pirelli Angel St's but I am sure to go with the PR 3's at the end of the summer months in preparation, dare I say, for the winter ( !!!! ). I havn't heard anyone say a bad word against them. i will try the Angels at some stage as they too get an excellent write up and I had some Pirelli rubber on my old Jag many years ago and they were outstanding.
On my second set of ST's (3rd rear) and I can't knock them
PR3s for me all the way. Best tyre on the bike by far. STs were good, but the PR3 is in a different league
I'll be interested to hear farharry's thoughts on the Z8s as I originally intended to have them on my bike
Winston ... are the Angels duel compound ?... most of my mileage is commuting but still a varied route so I need longevity together with a bit of "stick" around the edges.
They are indeed - I did put the mileages out of them on a thread on here.
I commute and play on mine as well as tour and they are excellent.
I would recommend them, good in wet or dry
Had the day off work today so put 300mls on the new PR3's and couldn't fault them at all - stable under heavy breaking and no problem getting rid of the chicken strips in the twisties.
Only unknown is how long they will last but Michelins do tend to last longer than the equiv. Pirrelli
Couldn't beleive how many bikes where out today (mid Nth wales area) never seen so many probably over 100 many in large groups the vast majority where BMW's dont know if there is some club meeting going on
Has anyone tried Dunlop Roadsmarts on the Big K?
I used them on a 1250 Bandit and at least on that bike I thought they were very good.
Guess I'll stick with the originals for starters since money doesn't grow on trees.
Have had PR3'S on now for about 2 months, it has transformed the bike, from the original's.
A word to the wise, who ever changes the tyres, remind them that you have valve sensors on the inside of the rims.
You will find that, if they don't know, you will end up with a hand full of bits and a bill of £100.00 per wheel.
Cheers B/F.
Yeah, even though I took mine to a Kawasaki dealer I still made a point of reminding them!
PR3s all the way for me.
First day in pouring rain since the first week after I fitted the PR3s.
When new they were awesome in the wet, but after 7,000 miles of abuse, they are still awesome.
Very confidence inspiring, very surefooted, best tyres I have ever ridden on.
I reckon the rear will make 10k miles and the front 12k to 14k.
Boomer, those mileage predictions are music to my ears.
Over 5000 miles on my PR3s and only very slight squaring off (90% motorway miles)
Had the first test in the rain on Wed. Got caught in a thunderstorm that followed me all the way home. The PR3s were brilliant. Never lost traction and I was making good progress too as I needed to get to a funeral.
Looking at the amount of tread left, I'd say these tyres are going to last a long time
+1 :) I have done just over 4000 miles on my PR3's in just over two months with 75% on twisties
They are still looking very good :)
As above ... the original Bridgestones have now covered just over 4000 miles since March 3rd and only have a really small amount of smoothness on the tyre so even now giving it a bit of wellington I would expect them to last quite well ... then PR 3's ..... or I might just try those Pirelli Angels .....
Quote from: Boomer on June 06, 2011, 10:09:38 AM
PR3s all the way for me.
First day in pouring rain since the first week after I fitted the PR3s.
When new they were awesome in the wet, but after 7,000 miles of abuse, they are still awesome.
Very confidence inspiring, very surefooted, best tyres I have ever ridden on.
I reckon the rear will make 10k miles and the front 12k to 14k.
Quote from: Kevin on June 22, 2011, 11:19:07 AMThey've been on around 4k miles so not long enough for me to know how long they last but we have around 4k miles planned over the next three weeks so I'll replace them with another set before the Wolfhound Rally.
The first quote is from this thread and the second from another thread and I may have to eat my words.
I've just come back from having the GTR serviced. My first shock was when I was told the front pads have about another thousand miles in them which isn't enough for this weekend and they were only fitted at the last service. The second shock was when I was told the rear tyre is worn - about 2mm left on the RH side; after 4k miles?! :o There's loads of tread elsewhere, it's just the RH side and there is a definite step between the harder centre compound and the softer edge..
For the pads we went through the "I don't understand that, the last set lasted 7.5k are they likely to have been faulty?" conversation. For the tyre I was just puzzled. I managed to make a PR2 last 7.5k miles when we did our European End to End and 4k is no good to us at all. Then SWMBO said "TT1000" and the light dawned. I'd forgotten about that which would explain the heavy pad and tyre wear.
I'm still a bit concerned by the tyre wear though. The weather was pretty appalling so we weren't doing fast laps and I wonder how long they would have lasted if we had. If I can get one I'll have another PR3 put on tomorrow because I agree with every word Boomer said about how confidence-inspiring they are but we need good mileage out of a tyre so we may have to go back to PR2s if the next PR3 doesn't deliver.
Unfortunately the dealer didn't have any pads in stock. He's going to try to get some for tomorrow but if he can't does anyone have any idea where I can source some, preferably EBC HH, for before-09:00 delivery on Friday?
(On a more positive note, the Top Block crash bungs look really nice. A bit of a pig to fit apparently that was not helped by the English instructions we were sent were for a slightly different set but that's OK as I didn't have to do it!)
Kevin
I would say dealer is your best bet - other dealers stock them so ring around.
As for the tyre wear, I can't think of why the right side would wear more. Tyre pressure with two up riding? Incorrect suspension?
Quote from: Norman Bates on June 22, 2011, 07:47:43 PM<snip> As for the tyre wear, I can't think of why the right side would wear more. Tyre pressure with two up riding? Incorrect suspension?
27 clockwise laps of the TT circuit? There are a lot more RH bends than left.
I'll try the only other local dealer but I'm not hopeful as they didn't ever stock them when they used to service our previous GTR.
Kevin
Quote from: Kevin on June 22, 2011, 07:56:49 PM
27 clockwise laps of the TT circuit? There are a lot more RH bends than left.
Aye, that'd probably do it.
New PR3 fitted this morning (thank you Alfords, Folkestone). I'll see how that goes before making a decision as to whether we'll keep using them.
Pads due before 09:00 tomorrow ;D.
Kevin
Is the dealer replacing the pads for you?
Did you get the EBC HH ones? If so, can you let us know of your opinions. I'm currently running the OEM pads for the '10 onwards model on my 08, and whilst they are very good, they are also very expensive so I may opt for the EBC next time.
Yes. The Kawasaki dealer didn't have any and couldn't get any quickly. Alfords didn't have any stock (well they wouldn't as they are a Suzuki and Yamaha dealer) so I ordered on-line and Alfords are going to fit them for me tomorrow morning.
Yes I went for the EBC HH ones, primarily because of availability. I'll let you know how we get on.
Kevin
I've been using EBC HH's since about 28,000 miles when the OEM pads got down to about 1mm.
Now at 40,000 and they look fine.
They are a bit noisier than the OEM pads and sometimes squeak a bit when wet, but 12,000 miles in and I still like them.
How you manage to shag brake pads that fast is beyond me.
I ride is such a way as to avoid braking.
I am fast and smooth, use engine braking before using the brakes, and plan WAY ahead so that I brake less often. If I have to brake on a motorway then I get pissed off! >:(
That may also help my tyre mileage, that and the fact that I rarely get to ride twisty roads. :(
So Kevin, I guess if you want longer brake and tyre life yer gonna have to learn to ride smoother. ;)
Quote from: Boomer on June 23, 2011, 03:22:38 PM
<snip> How you manage to shag brake pads that fast is beyond me. <snip>I am fast and smooth, use engine braking before using the brakes, and plan WAY ahead so that I brake less often.<snip>
I too am a Riding God (obviously) but I suspect the fact that I ride twisty roads at every opportunity and almost all of my riding is two-up with luggage is a contributory factor in our differing wear rates.
I also suspect you may have missed the bit about a timed 1000 miles round the TT circuit and that only the soft RH side of the tyre was shagged. From the description of your riding I imagine you rarely get on the side bits and, as you say, there's not much call for braking on a motorway...
Kevin (with tongue firmly in cheek)
It's about time we had another meeting so I can take the piss in person rather than via a keyboard!
Kevin - Any pics of the Top-Block sliders fitted? I looked on your site but didn't see any. I'm on the point of buying a set, any pointers as to the difficulty in fitting?
Thank's
Richard
I'm running out of time today as we need to get going but I'll put some up on Monday.
When the front pads were removed there seemed to be a lot more than 1000 miles of normal riding left in them so they'd have probably been OK for the weekend but they're done now.
Kevin
Kevin, how did the dealer initially analyse the pads to determine how much life they had left? It's a 5 min job to inspect each one without removing the caliper.
They copper slip the pads as part of the service so I assume he looked at them then. It's my own fault for not checking myself. There's no doubt they were worn but I think they'd have lasted a lot longer than their estimate. [shrugs] No matter, they probably have to err on the side of caution in today's litigious society and the EBCs already feel better than the ones that were in there.
Kevin
Bought my second hand GTR with brand new Bridgestone BT023's fitted - complete confidence in all conditions but have just managed to get back from the Alps with the rear on TWI marks after 2,250 miles !!!!!! - the sports bike riders in the group riding brand new Pirelli's and Michelins had plenty of tread left - so Bridgestone need to get their act together because its 2's or 3's next for me - however I will be going with another rear BT 023 so I can get the mileage out of the front tyre.
The bridgestone BT023 has one tyre for heavy sport tourers and touring bikes,named GT.
This are supposed to last longer. Someone who have tried these and got some milage on them.
Fitted one rear on my ST1100,great feel on wet and dry. Have just fitted it so dont know about the milage.
After crap Bridgestones on 3 bikes now, I won't waste my money on them.
BT45's on my GGS550E were worse than the Avon RoadRunners w.r.t. wierd wear and strange handling and the "DitchFinders" were shite!
BT45's on the GTR1000 wore out faster than the Michelin 90X radials I had before them.
The BT021 front I fitted on the GTR1000 wore wierdly and was toast after 7,000 miles.
The BT021 front that came with the 1400GTR wore strangely and badly affected the handling after just 2000 miles.
I managed to keep riding on it until 7,000 when the rear wore out but I can't remember being happier to get rid of some tyres.
If you like BSs then enjoy. I wouldn't p**s on them if they were on fire. ;D
The good tyres I have had over the years were Michelin 50/50E, Michelin 89, 90X, 100X, PR2, & PR3, Metzeler MEz4 rear & MEz6 front, 33 front & 99 rear, Pirelli Diabolo Strada, Avon Azaro AV46 rear. I've had some bad Michelins, Metzelers and Avons, but have never had a good Bridgestone.
The best ever are the PR3s. They are only better than the PR2 in the wet but are head and shoulders above anything else I've ever ridden on.
Currently at 8,700 miles and the rear is nearly at the wear bars. The front has a while to go yet.
The worn centre on the rear is finally starting to affect the handling (squirmy over white lines & overbanding) so I'll probably replace it this weekend.
Should make it to 9,000 miles though. Not bad for a tyre that out grips everything in the wet and yet handles smoothly and predictably.
Yes, it may be more expensive but can't be beat for value IMHO.
Quote from: Boomer on July 13, 2011, 01:02:49 PMThe best ever are the PR3s. They are only better than the PR2 in the wet...<snip>
I think I'd agree with that but I'm still concerned about longevity. Judging from previous threads your tyre use is atypical. My second rear PR3 has now been on for around 3.75k miles and seems to be wearing at the sides again - around 3mm at the moment with a definite step between the hard centre and softer side. We have a 2.5k rally planned for the weekend after next and I hope they'll last.
A rear PR2 lasted for an 8k trip in Europe last year and I suspect the PR3s won't. While I agree that grip, especially in the wet, is very important I don't really want to be changing tyres mid-trip.
I suspect our tyre use is fairly atypical as well but I'd have hoped they'd last a bit longer due to fewer heat cycles.
Kevin
Cheers for last post boomer, suspension now sorted an only original bridgestones spoiling otherwise good machine. PR3's way to go. As tyres only had 1400 miles gonna pan em off on ebay or trade for bacon sarnie
My PR3s have done 6k now and still plenty of life left
P R 2s on my 1250 Bandit were shocking ,they felt like they were made of wood, can the 3s really be that much better?.
Quote from: 100milesaway on July 14, 2011, 09:39:27 PM
P R 2s on my 1250 Bandit were shocking ,they felt like they were made of wood, can the 3s really be that much better?.
In a word, YES!
Had PR2's on two different bikes and they where great on one bike but not so good on the other so tyres do work better on some bikes than others neither was a GTR
Done 1500mls on the PR3's now and cannot fault them for grip and feel
I had PR2's on the Yamaha XJR1300 and my Honda CB 1300 naked and CB1300's they were immensely better than what was on the bikes previously. Now with the PR3's on the GTR again there is a significant improvement.
Since you blokes made/joined this model specific forum, you've pooled ideas n experiences that not only improve your enjoyment of bike but also saves us newbies from wasting money and also getting most from our rides which leaves me with a question. Why with all their undoubted resources would Kawasaki's R&D dept come to conclusion that bridgestone was best choice to market GTR ?
Bridgestone oem tyres terrible 3550 miles out of a front Michelin PR2 are excellent! IMHO
Quote from: Therenback on July 15, 2011, 09:14:17 PM
Since you blokes made/joined this model specific forum, you've pooled ideas n experiences that not only improve your enjoyment of bike but also saves us newbies from wasting money and also getting most from our rides which leaves me with a question. Why with all their undoubted resources would Kawasaki's R&D dept come to conclusion that bridgestone was best choice to market GTR ?
Good question - I think we can only speculate as to why do bike manufacturers always put rubbish tyres on bikes when they sell them.
My local (free range) bike dealer/fixer reckons that the BT021s fitted to the GTR are 'specials' with a higher load rating, and isn't keen to deviate from them as they are the Kawasaki recommended tyre (also wants to charge £176 + fitting for a rear 'special' BT021).
Kawasaki dealer will charge £130 for a rear BT021 fitted all in. PR3s were ca £180.
The tyres for the GTR are 'special' but only in the sense that the tyres for the GTR have one of the highest speed ratings for tyres ie 'Z' rated which means the tyres have to be capable of withstanding sustained speeds in excess of 150mph.
Most tyre ratings have a maximum speed ie a 'V' rated tyres has to capable of withstanding sustained speeds up to but not exceeding 149mph. There are plenty of manufacturers who produce 'Z' rated tyres.
Steve
Quote from: routemaster on July 16, 2011, 12:59:49 AM
Good question - I think we can only speculate as to why do bike manufacturers always put rubbish tyres on bikes when they sell them.
Simply down to cost
Quote from: Bondu on July 16, 2011, 07:03:10 AM
My local (free range) bike dealer/fixer reckons that the BT021s fitted to the GTR are 'specials' with a higher load rating, and isn't keen to deviate from them as they are the Kawasaki recommended tyre (also wants to charge £176 + fitting for a rear 'special' BT021).
Kawasaki dealer will charge £130 for a rear BT021 fitted all in. PR3s were ca £180.
I was charged £240 for a pair of PR2's ride / ride out from my local Kwak dealer, they supply GTR's to the Police and they specify PR2's so if they are good enough for the boys in blue they are good enough for me.
Well I can only speak from experience, the GTR came with the standard Bridestones which although I got terriffic mileage out of them I had never a huge amount of confidence in them. We have a very tight mini roundabout near us and with the Bridgestones I couldn't keep the bike in a tight line around it, it used to drift out which is never great!
On the PR3's I often laugh to myself as I go around the roundabout, (thankfully I have a full face helmet) ;D as the bike just delivers precision steering.
I hear you on roundabout an slippin, first time thought I needed riding lessons again get me lines right. Run out o bits to add to bike, bolts to slick an replace surfaces to wax. Bugger all on the box I guess
I have about 3.7K on my GTR 2011.
off to Swiss on Friday and have decided to change the oem rear (o21) as it is already squareing off. i have had a O23 put on the rear and shall keep the O21 on the front.
i ran with O23s on my FJR and have to say how impressed i was with them especially in the wet!
I will let you know my thoughts on how the new rear was in Switz when i return
btw, I have kept the O21 to replace the rear at some point as i feel there is still some life in it but just not good enough for the planned trip
tony
My PR3 rear tyre has done 6774 miles and you could just start to see and feel it squaring off but there is still plenty of tread left.
Unfortunately I am going to have to replace it for a new one as I picked up a puncture >:( on my way down to Loomies, to meet up with FH and a few others before heading off to Bexhill on Sea to meet up with fellow Knights Templar MTC members. The puncture :( was caused by a piece of gravel >:( probably from some surface dressing that had been down for a while - talk about being unlucky as I must have just caught a sharp edge and it went through the main rubber rather than one of the grooves :( .
When riding I periodically cycle through the multi function display and spotted the rear PSI was down to 35 :o and I had to double check as I couldn't believe what I was seeing. So I stopped in a layby and checked the rear tyre and found the culprit. Fortunately I always carry a full puncture repair kit (mushroom plugs) plus a compact air compressor. Did a temporary repair and trundled back home at a steady 50mph. :( This is the second puncture I have had in nearly 12,000 miles. :(
Will sort a replacement PR3 during the week and I am fortunate that I have tyre insurance so it should only cost me a £10.
Steve
My PR3's have been ordered and booked in for fitting on Sat 20th .... can't wait ;D
routemaster, bad luck with the puncture. Extremely unlucky to have two puncture within 12k miles. Having the older model, my display is permanently on the TPS. I think you get the red light flashing if it goes below a certain PSI.
The repair kit + right angle valve stem I always carry. Which portable compressor have you got? I'm on the lookout for one that has a small form factor and can inflate a tyre within a couple of mins.
Yes have been a bit unlucky on that front but as Z rated tyres can't be repaired it has remind me the tyre insurance I took out last year has more than paid for itself :) - must remmber to renew it at the end of the month.
The first puncture I had earlier this year there was a fairly rapid loss of tyre pressure and the 2010 multi function display suddenly flashed up "Low Tyre Pressure Rear" or words to that effect in big letters all across the screen - so you couldn't really miss it, a bit like the Low Fuel warning. Today it was a gradual lose of pressure and it was only because I was cycling through the display I spotted - no doubt when it got low enough it would have flashed up the a warning on the display.
I have a tyre pressure gauge and right angled adpater in the glove box and in the pannier I carry a "Stop and Go Tire Plugger" repair kit (http://www.stopngo.com/products/Pocket-Tire-Plugger-%252d-For-All-Tubeless-Tires.html (http://www.stopngo.com/products/Pocket-Tire-Plugger-%252d-For-All-Tubeless-Tires.html)) which I bought online in the UK and the Slime Compact Air compressor (http://www.slime.com/ (http://www.slime.com/)) .
I really like the puncture repair kit and the mushroom plugs, they are very easy to use and I have had only one failure of the mushroom plug but that was easy to fix. I also really like the Slime tyre compressor, its very neat and compact and it only took a couple of minutes to inflate the tyre to the correct pressure. It comes in a nice case which contains everything and although I bought it from my from the local motorcycle tyre dealer but they are available in e-bay for around £35. I think the Slime compressor is better than the tyre compressors you normally see on the shelves.
Steve
Steve, how does this tyre insurance work and who do you have it with?
Thanks for the links Steve. I've ordered the ultra compact Slime compressor (http://www.slime.com/product/111/Power-Sport-Tire-Inflator-(%2340001).html).
Quote from: Lonewolf on August 07, 2011, 07:52:59 PM
Steve, how does this tyre insurance work and who do you have it with?
The policy is or was with AA Warranty and it cost me about £90 last year and the policy will cover the cost of a replacement tyre should you have a puncture - providing the tyre is still road legal and subject to a £10 excess. The policy allows for two punctures per year so if you had two punctures it would cost £110.
I have just been checking the AA warranty web site and there no longer seems to have Motorcycle Tyre policy but they do have one for cars but I will check when I ring them during the week to submit my claim.
Steven
That's interesting that your policy covered the cost of the tyre ..... I had one years ago that I used once on a rear puncture to my VFR, through Benetts, and it just covered the recovery to a local bike garage where they would/could fit a new tyre and or plug it .. so the policy was for the cost of recovery and I paid for a new tyre. I have to say the local garage that came out was quick and efficient ;D
The odometer showing 1650 miles,and the front tire are gone!!!!! Still some tread in the middle but down too the wear marks on the
sides,rear wheel doesn't show any wearing.This is the original BT-021 E with 42psi f/r. check the tire pressure often.
And from new it has fallen in on slow turns and made me use some force on the handlebars to countersteer so I don't end up in the wrong lane.
Driving on the main roads it handled great I thought.Thought this was normal for this bike,it was brand new :o
Put on Dunlop Roadsmarts today,and the bike are totaly transformed. Haven't tried the on main roads or highways yet,
but the handling at slow speed got soooo much better. And another thing I noticed are that it rolls with less effort.
Use the same pressure in the tires 42/psi.
The way the bike handeled with the 021's on,reminded me of my YZF1000 when i had a leak in my front tire valve.
The pressure went from 36psi down to 22psi. This where a small leak so it took some time before a become aware of it.
Did fall in on turns and ok in normal speeds,and the same wear.
Are the problems with the 021's due to wrong tire pressure? Should it have been rised?
Talked to the dealer to day,and he said that the original fittet tires on motorcycles are not the same as they we get to buy.
Have heard about it before,but when I have asked dealers about this they just shaked their heads and denied it.
Looking forward to have a longer test drive on the Dunlops
I've heard good things about the roadsmarts, so let us know how you get on. The oem tyres are good for the first few thousand. After that, dangerous imo
Odd isnt it...I hated the Briddstones that my FJR came with...so used the Avons , liked them a lot. May be it's just the GTR (that came with Bridgestones) handles better any how.They the Bridgestones .seem real good to me..Having a new one fitted tomorrow. There is hardly any sign of squaring off at all...then hardly do any M ways or big straight roads...then again nor did I with FJRs ....! I have had no issues with grip or handling what so ever.
Did a 280 miles trip today. The weather was very nice,sunshine and no wind. Drove nice and easy most of the trip.
But on my favorite back road I had to push it a bit. The roadsmarts worked great. Much easyer to hold the line through
long bends. And more flickable in tight twisties. But the best where that they where much more stable at hard breaking on
tarmac with grooves and cracks in. Like the roadsmart alot,much more feedback and confidence.Have not tried them in rain yet,
but I'm quite shure they will be good enough for my chicken speeds on wet roads ;D Hope I get a desent milage from them.
Only 6 days to my holiday starts. 2500-3800 miles depending on the routes I choose. Praying for ok weather.
Quote from: Bondu on July 16, 2011, 07:03:10 AM
My local (free range) bike dealer/fixer reckons that the BT021s fitted to the GTR are 'specials'
BT-21 E's :)
Just seen a nail embedded in my rear PR3. Over the past few weeks the rear was losing about 2 PSI per week so I checked today and saw a broken off nail embedded. It's too far in to be taken out, so its either a puncture repair, take the risk and drive with it in, or get a new tyre.
Rear has already done 7000 miles and I reckon its good for a couple thousand more. Its not worth paying the £25 quid for a repair, only to have to pay it again to fit a new tyre on. Might have to bite the bullet and put on a new tyre
Hi Norman
Sorry to hear about the puncture :( a similar mileage to mine before getting a puncture last Sunday.
The really bad news is the GTR1400 tyres has Z/ZR rated tyres and I think you will find they are the only motorcycle tyres that cannot have a permanent repair :( :( :( - or at least any tyre dealer worth it's salt will not repair them. So its a brand new tyre :( and mine cost me £157 (ride in/ride out) :( :(
You can have a temporary repair ie get you home but speed is restricted to 50mph.
Steve
personally, I'd ride the bike with a puncture repair. As the tyre as only a few thousand left under ordered a new one.
142 for the rear plus fitting
Quote from: Norman Bates on August 14, 2011, 09:15:53 PM
personally, I'd ride the bike with a puncture repair. As the tyre as only a few thousand left under ordered a new one.
142 for the rear plus fitting
It is a shame and a waste when a tyre still has good rubber on it and it has to be replaced. I had a puncture earlier this year and the tyre had only been fitted a month and had about 1000 miles on the clock >:( :( >:( I have had permanent puncture repairs before and I don't have any problems with riding a bike that has had them done, it is just ####### unfortunate that GTR has Z speed rated tyres ie speeds in excess of 150mph and there isn't or shouldn't be a dealer who values their liability insurance who would repair them - even though it is very very unlikely that we would ever get close to doing those sorts of speeds
Steve
I would never use a repaired tyre just dont think its worth the risk on a 160hp/300kg bike.
If I could repair it by the side of the road I'd do that to get home but after that I agree, straight to the shop to have it changed.
Kevin
QuoteRear has already done 7000 miles
Bloody hell ...how do you ride your bike 30mph tyre as square a a brick....Ive never got anything like that out of a Motor cycle tyre...amazing millage.
What tyre you using. I will try one next time , but dont reckon Ill get any where near that sort millage out of it.
After 7.5k on a rear PR2 on our GTR it still 3mm left in it; shame about the puncture. GS rear tyres do 10k.
Edit: I ought to add that was our European End to End (http://thewellers.net/ralliesandrides/Iron%20Butt/EE2E/EE2E.htm) so we weren't exactly hanging about.
Kevin
Quote from: Ziderman on August 15, 2011, 05:07:43 PM
Bloody hell ...how do you ride your bike 30mph tyre as square a a brick....Ive never got anything like that out of a Motor cycle tyre...amazing millage.
What tyre you using. I will try one next time , but dont reckon Ill get any where near that sort millage out of it.
Pilot Roads are dual compound tyres and have over the years and versions 2 and 3 gained a reputation for good handling, wet/dry performance and mileage. When I had the CBF1000 I had two sets of Pilot Road 2's and they both achieved around 12,000 miles. The wear on the tyre does depends on a number of factors and that includes your riding style ie smooth consistent riding
Steven
Quotewear on the tyre does depends on a number of factors and that includes your riding style ie smooth consistent riding
Yeah yeah I know that.....! But still seems an awful lot miles for one rear tyre & to be honest there all much of a muchness. But that is exceptional millage by any standard....
Quote from: Ziderman on August 15, 2011, 05:07:43 PM
Bloody hell ...how do you ride your bike 30mph tyre as square a a brick....Ive never got anything like that out of a Motor cycle tyre...amazing millage.
What tyre you using. I will try one next time , but dont reckon Ill get any where near that sort millage out of it.
PR3s and mainly motorway mileage. Still a couple of k left in them, but for the damn puncture.
Trust me, its never at 30mph
Ah ha...I see. How square is the tyre ?
I got 8,000 out of my rear PR3 and about the same from the PR2 it replaced.
They were both badly squared but not enough to seriously affect the handling.
I was caning the nads off the PR3 on a twisty route home (Crawley to Sevenoaks via Edenbridge) just 2 days before I had it replaced.
Strangely I never had any problems with the BT-021E rear but the front was positively dangerous after just 2000 miles.
I'm heavy (26Stone) and I am not gentle with it. I love hard acceleration but have to admit that I rarely use the back brake.
Still have the OEM rear pads in there at 43,500 miles. Front pads died at 25k and were replaced with EBC HH.
Looks like I may just manage 2 rears to one front but maybe not.
Have about 4mm left on the front and the rear is 2500 miles in from new.
Do ya reckon I can squeeze 5500 miles out of 3mm tread on the front?
Nah, me neither. <LOL>
Hi, No one has mentioned the Bridgestone BT-023 tyres I have had always had these fitted on all of my 5 Blackbirds with great results. Also on my ZZR1400 they transformed it from OEM BT-014 that were fitted. The Triumph Tiger 1050 I have just sold had 023 & they preformed fantastically in the wet as well as in the bends. Has anyone tried them on the GTR? :D
Doesn't the '10 model onwards come with BT023s?
PR3 is the way to go
Quote from: Norman Bates on August 19, 2011, 01:04:22 PM
Doesn't the '10 model onwards come with BT023s?
I wish they had of done but mine came with BT021's
My 011 came BT21 u fitted as standard and I must be the only person on the planet who thinks they are not bad :-\ :o They dont fill me with lots of confidence in the wet, but in the dry I find them fine and I do like to have a bit of fun :D :: They have done 4000 miles now and will probably do 6000 which for such a big heavy bike is ok. I will probably replace them with Road smarts as I have had lots of good reports on them. ;D
I've seen Geoff on his BT021s an very impressive he is.
Must do that ride again sometime
I had no problems with my BT021s, now have a BT023 on the back after a puncture, no problems with this tyre either.
Mind you I haven't tried PR3s on a bike yet, so may be swayed onto them if they are 'better'
I don't think there are any truely bad top range tyres out there anymore.
PR 3's being fitted in the morning ... oh... it IS morning ... that's what happens when you work shifts !! Well then in a few hours ... booked in for 0900 hrs and then out for a quick ride about .. making the most of this warm sunny weather. Will update soon ;D
Replaced old pr3s with new today. I reckon I could have got another 2k miles at least.
Anyway, new ones are on. Made sure I greased the splines at the same time. Unfortunately didn't take pics.
Did you change front and rear?
Quote from: Lonewolf on August 20, 2011, 08:30:29 PM
Did you change front and rear?
Just the rear. The front has tons of mileage left yet
Ah ... now that's better. Both fitted and being run in over the next few days ....(http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n531/NigelCooper/photo-16.jpg)
Rusty, let us know what your professional opinion of the PR3's is wont you once you've done a few miles on them.
Will do old friend ... just been across country and up to town in the last couple of days for work, so I shall give it a while, and some wet weather before I start typing ;D
QuoteI don't think there are any truely bad top range tyres out there anymore.
Quote
Ditto.......!
Went for a run out out yesterday and did my usual toggle through of the computer thingy to check all was well and noticed the rear was only 40psi so decided to keep an eye on it and after a couple of miles it dropped to 39 so decided to do a U turn and get home and have a proper look and found a screw in the tyre. So thumbs up for the TPS in warning me that something was wrong before it became more serious.
Managed to get home safely replace the tyre and have a nice 200mile run afterwards.
Only my second puncture on a bike in 35yrs so can't complain to much but reading this forum it is yet another PR3 that has expired before its time.
It's strange how the screw embedded itself in the tyre the way it has - could make you think there's something about the tread design that makes it susceptible to picking up road debris compared to other tyres. Still fitted another PR3 though as it is such a good tyre.
At least you didn't have much thread left and needed a new one soon anyway.
Quite so .. thank goodness it wasn't newish !!
My rear PR3 got a screw in it after 50 miles. 10 minutes DIY effort with a puncture repair kit (example seller here on eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TUBELESS-PUNCTURE-REPAIR-KIT-MOTORCYCLE-ATV-QUAD-/260845612458?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3cbb9c2daa)) and it has been fine for the last 6,000 miles.
I always carry the repair kit with me everywhere, easy fix even by the roadside.
Martin.
Puncture after 50mls would really P??? me off
The fitter did offer to repair mine but I have never felt comfortable with having tyres repaired on cars or bikes always had them replaced
Have today replaced my Z8 with another Z8 on the rear. I got about 5500 miles out of it, but it is squared off, although probably has another 500 miles left in it. But I am off to France and Belgium so needed to get it sorted. I wanted a PR3 but did not have one in stock and I could not wait until it came in as I am going away.
I have been quite pleased with the Z8 as I thought 6000 miles is not bad for a rear tyre on the 1400, I have the the same on the front and that seems to be holding up very well, little wear after 4000 miles.
Will watch this blog and try to get PR3 next time by not leaving it to the last minut to get it fitted. By the way £150 for the tyre and fitting.
Some may find this interesting.
http://www.michelin.co.uk/motorcycles/michelin-pilot-road-3 (http://www.michelin.co.uk/motorcycles/michelin-pilot-road-3)
Click on the link....(Discover the Michelin Pilot Road 3) & then in the top right of the screen change the language to English and then watch the video.
I agree with the better grip on wet roads but we've had no problem wearing the things out far more quickly than we ever did PR2s. I do have to say the current one seems to be lasting longer.
- First one was completely shot at 3750 miles on the right-hand side. I suspect the IBA IOM TT1000 was responsible for that although we weren't moving particularly rapidly.
- The second one was a little less worn at 3750 miles but was changed anyway due to an upcoming rally - still definite steps between the hard centre and softer edges. This had had an easier life but was sent back to Michelin by the dealer for comment.
- The current one has been on there for around 5000 miles. It's had a much easier life than the previous two with more balance between motorway and B roads and some quite slow runs in Ireland. The step between centre and sides is still there though, particularly on the left.
Kevin
Kevin,
Maybe the PR3s are just not suited for your riding style and/or the roads you travel on?
Especially since you seem to be the only one here experiencing problems like that.
If I were you I'd try some other tyre next time.
Practically all of my riding is two-up with luggage and a lot of it is long distance. I'm pretty certain no-one else here is doing that which would explain why no-one else is experiencing the problem but I hope you're wrong as I really like these tyres; I had no problem with wear rates on PR2s.
Based on the wear pattern I have a suspicion they may need to be run at more than 42PSI for our usage and I have a call scheduled with Michelin later today to discuss it.
Kevin
That with the tyre pressure makes sense and you probably should just pump your PR3s up a bit.
Definitely cheaper than buying new tyres more often.
If the pressure is too low this usually results in more wear on the sides, and I can imagine on dual compound tyres this could result in the step you describe.
It is not unusual that higher tyre pressure especially on the rear tyre is recommended when a pillion and load is being transported. I had quite a few bikes that stated different pressures for single and pillion use on the sticker on the chain guard.
Quote from: mecki on September 23, 2011, 02:33:49 PMThat with the tyre pressure makes sense and you probably should just pump your PR3s up a bit.
It's the 'a bit' I'd like Michelin to recommend.
Kevin
Well that wasn't a very satisfactory discussion at all unfortunately.
The guy at Michelin was loathe to recommend increasing the pressure as he "didn't want to go against what Kawasaki recommend". He said it was something I could try, maybe a couple of PSI, and the implications are slightly less contact with the road and decreased braking efficiency. He agreed there was still plenty of tread left in the centre of the tyre and that it was worn on the edges then went to to say "Most tyres are designed for 1-up riding with occasional 2-up riding not the constant 2-up riding that you are doing. Someone has just brought out a tyre designed for increased weight, primarily for people with full panniers, but that's not what the PR3 was designed for.".
I confess I've never heard of anything like that before and tyre wear has never been an issue for us in the past. Perhaps Michelin ought to change their advertising to say that.
Our third rear is well on its way to needing to be changed so perhaps it's time to look for something else. I could go back to PR2s but they are nowhere near as good in the wet as PR3s so I feel that's a big step backwards. Maybe I'll have to try another brand.
Kevin
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.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/Dayoffittingrear.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/100_2823.jpg)
Same for the front.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/Dayoffittingfront.jpg)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/100_2824.jpg)
I'm not an expert on tyres but how do yours differ from these?
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:
Quote from: MichelinOur 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
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!
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on September 24, 2011, 11:24:42 AM
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
Dunlop Roadsmart and Pirelli Angel come to mind.
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.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 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=3076.15)
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.
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.
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
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!
Quote from: mecki on October 09, 2011, 03:13:04 PM
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
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!
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.
I paid £250 + fitting.
£273 fitted ... which I thought was ok ;D
I decided to give the PR3s one more go as I really like how they handle. I'm running the rear at 44PSI to see if that improves the wear rate.
Mind you, we'll be using the FJR more as the season progresses as it seems not to corrode so quickly so it might be next year before I know whether the higher pressure has made any difference.
No reply (yet?) from Michelin to my letter.
Kevin
Kevin, I inflate mine front and rear to 42psi as per the instructions but in reality they do run when warm at 45-45psi.
I'm hoping mine will last another year yet, which will probably equate to about 10k on them. ;D
[nods] As you probably gathered, I'm talking about 44PSI cold.
A year? That would be nice. The set of tyres I've just had fitted are our 4th this year on the GTR and we haven't done a huge amount of miles on it - 3750 from the first set which were fitted in April, 3750 from the second, 5k from the third (although I should have changed them 1000 miles before that as they felt 'orrid) and now these ones.
Kevin
First time out today on new tyres, unlike most of you I had Dunlop Road Smart 2s fitted, I know that you all give Pilot road 3s good press but I had road 2s on my last bike and hated them with a passion, they felt like I was riding along on two planks of wood no feedback at all and I imagine the 3s are basically the same structure so I'm trying something different. Managed 200 miles today and so far no negatives, they feel nice and compliant, the bike steers nice, and they feel very grippy. The original 021u lasted 5 thousand miles and if these do the same I will be happy. ;D
Let us know how you get on with the Roadsmarts.
I had them on my Bandit 1250 and thought they were excellent.
I was quoted £278 for a set today, but I think I'll go with the PR3s for 5 quid more.
While I was looking I saw the PR2s and PR3s and the latter seems to be a totally different animal.
Had mine done ride in ride out at AMR racing (Manor cafe) Bellerby, 259 sqid ;D
Hmm, might nearly cost 19 quid in gas to get there and back, though. :(
Quote from: mecki on October 15, 2011, 08:41:37 PM
Hmm, might nearly cost 19 quid in gas to get there and back, though. :(
The advantage being though that you will be able on route to enjoy the stunning countryside and views and scrub the tyres in on your way home. ;D
Do people still scrub in tyres? I've never noticed any difference from new to worn tyres. In the wet with new tyres I'll take it easy but otherwise it's riding as normal.
QuoteThe advantage being though that you will be able on route to enjoy the stunning countryside and views and scrub the tyres in on your way home. ;D
Stunning countryside? I doubt that since most of the way would be on the A1 from Gateshead to Richmond.
And I also don't thinks it's a good idea to scrub in the tyres on the motorway.
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on October 16, 2011, 02:58:26 PM
Do people still scrub in tyres? I've never noticed any difference from new to worn tyres. In the wet with new tyres I'll take it easy but otherwise it's riding as normal.
I think people do still scrub in tyres. Probably out of habit than anything else. One RTC I went to, husband & wife, wife riding pillion, pulled out of their drive onto a main road at Barkisland, Halifax, still in 1st gear, husband gave it a bit of throttle and just lost the back end of the machine. The bike was written off, husband had very serious injuries consisting of fractured pelvis, multiple broken ribs etc. His wife sustained serious injuries also although not as bad as her husband. They were farm owners, he couldn't work for months. Transpired the husband had just had new tyres fitted front and rear on one of his many motorcycles, perefectly dry road etc. Conclusion after investigation was that it was rider error, he failed to take into consideration the 'slippery' tyre surface, resulting in the loss of control of his machine and the injuries he sustained as a direct result of this fact. No other vehicles involved, etc.
You learn a lot from attending jobs like this. I always scrub my tyres in. ;D
Quote from: mecki on October 16, 2011, 03:16:38 PM
Stunning countryside? I doubt that since most of the way would be on the A1 from Gateshead to Richmond.
And I also don't thinks it's a good idea to scrub in the tyres on the motorway.
Speak to Geoff. He knows every possible alternative to using the motorways. unless its an island he'll find you another route!!
what's the scrubbing in period? Is it just to get rid of the release compound which is what I'm assuming makes the tyre slippy?
The are several reasons for scrubbing in new tyres.
The primary one is to remove any remaining traces of the mould release agent from the tyre surface - which these days probably isn't that much and in the dry shouldn't cause any problems but it could in the wet. The secondary reason is to get used to the tyres, a lot of people will fit tyres from a different manufacturer or a different model/type of tyre.
"Scrubbing In" is just riding the bike with some care and consideration for 50-100 miles.
There is a third reason for scrubbing in tyres - an excuse to go out on the bike - probably the best reason of all :) :)
Steve
I have always thought it was around 50 - 100 miles just to be careful and scrubb off any factory shine or stuff that isn't wanted when you are giving it some wellington !
You need enough miles to get some normal heat into the tyres, so much less in the dry of summer compared to the cold and wet of winter.
For those of us with tyre warmers ( ;D ), an hour on them is perfect for getting new tyres perfect from the first mile.
Martin.
Tyre warmers...that is just so Southerner. 8)
Quote from: Lonewolf on October 18, 2011, 10:57:36 AM
Tyre warmers...that is just so Southerner. 8)
Guilty as charged.
Besides, every tenth of a second advantange counts on that morning commute ;)
Martin
Tyre warmers? That's what the first roundabout is for isn't it?
I find that I warm,.... sorry wake up at about the same rate as the tyres warm up.
So, about 2 miles from home I am awake and ready for BANZAI mode! ;D
Just had original Bridgestones tyres changed at 7500 mile service. Rear just about worn out at 7500 miles but hopelessly squared off. Front two thirds worn out and the technician at Bolton Kawasaki explained it was out of round, which will explain the slight vibration at high speeds earlier this summer. Well spotted that man and thanks. Replaced with Michelin roadsmart 2s which I found absolutely ace on the 1200 Bandit and so far seem pretty good on the GTR. Will let you know in a couple of thousand miles.
Quote from: ChrisB on October 28, 2011, 11:04:38 PM
Just had original Bridgestones tyres changed at 7500 mile service. Rear just about worn out at 7500 miles but hopelessly squared off. Front two thirds worn out and the technician at Bolton Kawasaki explained it was out of round, which will explain the slight vibration at high speeds earlier this summer. Well spotted that man and thanks. Replaced with Michelin roadsmart 2s which I found absolutely ace on the 1200 Bandit and so far seem pretty good on the GTR. Will let you know in a couple of thousand miles.
Erm Chris dont you mean DUNLOP Roadsmart 2s ???
Well spotted Geoff.
BTW how are the Roadsmarts on the GTR?
Quote from: mecki on October 29, 2011, 07:07:18 PM
Well spotted Geoff.
BTW how are the Roadsmarts on the GTR?
So far very impressed, the original oe Bridgestones although a bit skittish in the wet were on the whole very good and lasted 5 thousand miles which I was happy with. The Dunlops feel a lot more secure in wet conditions and as you would expect with ANY modern tyre are very grippy in dry conditions, steering is unaffected and overall just appear to be a very good modern tyre that should suit most peoples needs. The only question left to answer is (How long will they last)? and of course we shall have to wait and see for the answer to that one. ;D ;)
Sorry, I should have stated Michelin Pilot Road 2. Doh!
hi guys,
had a puncture on the rear in the summer,(original tyres,1700 mls) nice big puncture hole so had a new pirelli angel on the rear,anyway sunday was brill bit of weather so off i went for the day,dark when i got home,so washed the bike off with the security lights on.
let the bike run for 10 mins to help dry,in the garage to dry off with a cloth, when checking the tyres over the front rh side is wearing quite considerable, (mileage now 3200).
having read the threads here this sounds about the tyre life to me! lol.- but,,,,,,,,,,,,
any thoughts why its wearing on the one side?? it has worn equally around an before you ask,no i dont hammer it by any means,an im only a fine weather biker!
Quote from: jenros on November 14, 2011, 09:22:43 PM
the front rh side is wearing quite considerable, (mileage now 3200).
I have found this with 3 sets of Bridgestone tyres on two different bikes, the part of the tread half an inch right of the centre line wears more because are roads are generally crowned - i.e. the lanes slope slightly down from the centre line to help with rain water run off.
Only noticeable near the end of the tyre's life though.
As an aside, I am getting a second set of PR3s on Friday. Current set has done 9,500 miles, and even though the rear is very close to being described as bald, the turn in and grip (wet or dry) is still astonishing.
Simply magnificent tyres.
Martin.
Sorry Martin, but it has nothing to do with the road crown.
Read the following article. It is quite interesting and makes a lot of sense.
http://www.rattlebars.com/tirewear/index.html (http://www.rattlebars.com/tirewear/index.html)
I agree about the PR3s. Best tyres I ever fitted to any of my bikes.
thanks mj for your reply, also boomer!!! that was intresting,never heard of that before,
cheers guys- fair play this site keeps me entertained for hours :) :) :) ;)
Can't beleive the rating of 021's 3/10. Are you sure of this, Im realy impressed with the life of em, Ok now there shot but, 8k. They come free with the bike, Kawasaki must rate them to stick em on as standard.
Rgds
PR3 after reading all the threads u'v convinced me. Now how mcu do I pay and any good fitters in the Midlands (Tamworth)
Thx
Quote from: wainyone on November 19, 2011, 09:55:11 PM
Can't beleive the rating of 021's 3/10. Are you sure of this, Im realy impressed with the life of em, Ok now there shot but, 8k. They come free with the bike, Kawasaki must rate them to stick em on as standard.
Rgds
Kawasaki rate them only in the sense they are "fit for purpose" and they have got a good deal on the price - with the emphasis on price
Quote from: routemaster on November 19, 2011, 11:52:52 PM
Kawasaki rate them only in the sense they are "fit for purpose" and they have got a good deal on the price - with the emphasis on price
Sorry to disagree but I thought they were fine, bit skittish in the wet but otherwise ok, but mine only did 5 thousand miles. :)
Quote from: 100milesaway on November 20, 2011, 04:16:02 PM
Sorry to disagree but I thought they were fine, bit skittish in the wet but otherwise ok, but mine only did 5 thousand miles. :)
Mine have done just about 4K miles and need to be replaced very soon.
I wouldn't say they were bad but I wouldn't rate them as great either.
So I'll go for PR3s next.
Good choice Mecki ... 100 milesaway ? ... you are right ... I thought the fitted tyres were ok and exactly as you say " skittish " in the rain and with a bit of wear so 5/10 from me .. ok but no more than that.
I am soooooo pleased with my PR 3's ;)
Quote from: wainyone on November 19, 2011, 10:14:39 PM
PR3 after reading all the threads u'v convinced me. Now how mcu do I pay and any good fitters in the Midlands (Tamworth)
Thx
Just had my second set fitted on Friday - £285 ride-in, ride-out. I used ProTyre in Bristol, I imagine they have an outlet in your area.
Simply stunning, astonishing tyres.
Martin.
I have to say mate .... " never 'erd of em " ... but I shall get onto Google in just a minute ! ;D
My PR 3's were fitted at the dealer ... £268 ?? or there abouts.
Don't believe this. Decided I didn't want to take the car and sit in the the traffic like yesterday. As soon as the TPS switched on, the rear tyre was at 33PSI. Took a look and a huge nail in the middle of the tyre.
This tyre only has got 3.5k on and at least that in tyre life left. WTF can't you repair 190/50 Z rated tyres? This is the second PR3 I've had go like this.
Just realised the car tyres could do with a change as well, so looking at a bill of £650 this week just on tyres :'(
Edit: Just read this:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Products/productsresults/Tyres/2009/July/jul0109-british-standarsd-for-puncture-repairs/
Does this mean the Michelin can be repaired?
Quote from: MJJ_ZX6RR on September 02, 2011, 03:59:12 PM
My rear PR3 got a screw in it after 50 miles. 10 minutes DIY effort with a puncture repair kit (example seller here on eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TUBELESS-PUNCTURE-REPAIR-KIT-MOTORCYCLE-ATV-QUAD-/260845612458?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3cbb9c2daa)) and it has been fine for the last 6,000 miles.
I always carry the repair kit with me everywhere, easy fix even by the roadside.
Martin.
Kwikasfuki, spend £15 on eBay and fix it yourself. Seriously easy, 10 minutes work. I did 9,400 miles on the repair, and it was perfect.
Martin.
I've got a repair kit with the mushroom plugs. Is that all I need?
Edit: Doh, should learn to click on links. Thanks Martin, the one on eBay I also have. Will give it a go tonight or early tomorrow morning. Still waiting for my bike shed to be built so will have to do it in the freezing cold
Pretty decent YT video of how the repair is done with these kits - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8L0PWUftEo
Martin.
Edit to say that the tyre does not have to be removed, just easiest for demo purposes in the video I guess.
Thanks Martin. You're right, it is a ten minute job.
Those plugs are damn sticky. One question: how much of the plug did you leave in the tyre? I've left half of it. I assume that won't be an issue.
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on December 06, 2011, 09:40:42 PM
One question: how much of the plug did you leave in the tyre? I've left half of it. I assume that won't be an issue.
Yep, half of it stays in the tyre, and gets compressed into the patch that seals on the inside. Trim off the remaining half on the outside, I imagine you have already done that.
Just keep an eye on the pressure for a day or two to assure yourself it is holding, and job's a good'un.
Martin.
Quote from: MJJ_ZX6RR on December 06, 2011, 09:43:53 PM
Trim off the remaining half on the outside, I imagine you have already done that.
Aye, did that. If I'm truthful, it took me two attempts to get it right. The first time I managed to split the plug in half when attempting to insert it into the tyre. Chucked that one away and tried with a new one. All done in the rain outside.
Actually, the other thing I noticed was that the plug came out slightly when filling the tyre with air. I trimmed it prior to filling the tyre and noticed it had come out by a couple of mm and trimmed again. I've left it overnight and will check it tomorrow morning.
I've never done a pucture repair before, do you have to take the tyre off? Isn't there a fix where you can just do it with the tyre still on the wheel?
Quote from: Lonewolf on December 07, 2011, 02:52:45 PM
I've never done a pucture repair before, do you have to take the tyre off? Isn't there a fix where you can just do it with the tyre still on the wheel?
Nope, tyre still on the wheel with the kit Kwikas and I used - see eBay link in my post a few above this. It really is stunningly simple, and effective.
Martin.
If the puncture is opposite the valve then you need to exercise caution as the TPS sensor is located there.
Know what you mean about car tyres .... 4 new tyres for Fiesta 1.4, Pirelli's, came in fitted and balanced at £245 from a local tyres place .... Halfords quoted me £360 for exactly the same kit .... WARNING ! Always shop around .. over 100 squid difference for the sake of a cheap rate phone call !!
Quote from: wainyone
Can't beleive the rating of 021's 3/10. Are you sure of this, Im realy impressed with the life of em, Ok now there shot but, 8k. They come free with the bike, Kawasaki must rate them to stick em on as standard.
Kawasaki fit the Bridgestones because Kawasaki are Japanese and Bridgestone are,... yup you guessed it.
Show me a Japanese manufacturer who fits anything other than Bridgestone or Dunlop as OEM tyres and I will be VERY surprised.
Did you get the PR3s installed Wainyone?
If so, what do you think?
I've not ridden with the BT-023s but the PR3s are head and shoulders ahead of the BT-021.
put PR3's on today, only time will tell if they better my favoured AvonST's :)
Quote from: Boomer on December 08, 2011, 11:55:58 AM
Kawasaki fit the Bridgestones because Kawasaki are Japanese and Bridgestone are,... yup you guessed it.
Show me a Japanese manufacturer who fits anything other than Bridgestone or Dunlop as OEM tyres and I will be VERY surprised.
Did you get the PR3s installed Wainyone?
If so, what do you think?
I've not ridden with the BT-023s but the PR3s are head and shoulders ahead of the BT-021.
Bridgestone motorcycle tyres & Kawasaki are both in Kobe area. Both were affected in 1995 earthquake.
After much fussing over PR3's or 023's and after getting 8k out of the 021's (yes they were a bit thin at the end...lol)
Anyhow, I have gone for the 023's as they had a pretty good write up and seemed a goot compewtetor of the the PR3's.
I will let ya all know how they do. So far (200 mls) and feel fresh, 8k? I dont think I will be getting this mileage out of them, and nor do I want to as it was a bit precarious...lol
Will be interesting to see how the BT023 compares to the BT021 :popcorn:
PR3s all the way for me. Normally I'm the first to try a new brand, but I think the PR3 is where it stops.
Well, so far so good but will be putting some miles in during the next couple of months so we shall see if the 023's live up to the write up...
Having said that, 8k out of my last was bloody spectacular (although Mr Plod may have had something to say...lol)
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on February 18, 2012, 07:32:27 PM
Will be interesting to see how the BT023 compares to the BT021 :popcorn:
PR3s all the way for me. Normally I'm the first to try a new brand, but I think the PR3 is where it stops.
Yep just like my Dunlop Roadsmart 2s the 2s even grip on ICE :eek:
Hi. I've used the Maxxis Supersport and they were rubbish. They only lasted 3,450 miles.
I've got the 023's on now and they have already done 3,500 and are showing hardly any signs of wear. They stick well, wet and dry.
Ooo someone else with 023's so we can compare. It will be interesting.
Just come up to 4500 on my BT023 great tyre would expect to get 7000 mls out of them. I agree they a great in dry & wet conditions. Used them on my blackbird as well, never had any bad moments very planted. :smartass:
Good results so for for the 023's... :clap:
Quote from: Dive1082 on February 25, 2012, 09:59:24 PM
Good results so for for the 023's... :clap:
Still early days! From what I'm hearing they do seems to be an improvement over the 021s.
The front pr3 finally went after 15k miles. The grip was there until about 13k miles. After that not very confidence inspiring.
That's good effort though ... 15K for a front tyre ... my set now have 6000 miles on and although the rear is just starting to square off, and only just I have to say , the front is still like new. 42 Psi for both the rear still has loads to go ......... :smiley:
The front PR3 on mine has done just over 12k miles which I have to say is impressive given the weight and the performance of the bike. I have noticed an un-even wear on the front but the grip is still there but will be looking to replace them very shortly.
Steve
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on April 08, 2012, 02:23:11 PM
The front pr3 finally went after 15k miles. The grip was there until about 13k miles. After that not very confidence inspiring.
pr 2s on my last gtr 57 plate changed the bike to sports bike like handling faster cornering no squaring off pr3 will be going on my 10 plate when there kput 8/10 for proad 2s
Sooooo PR3's...... on the GTR.... NICE! :gunsmilie:...on my Mates GSXR 750 NICE! (more stability)................ but... and tis a pert and well rounded :asshole: on Smartys 1250 Bandit utterly horrid :huh: odd yes!
Funny ya shud say that Mog, but I had PR2S on my 1250 Bandit and they used to scare the :shit: out of me everytime I went out, the bike handled like a flock of sheep with those things on, and they always felt like they were going to let go at any moment and send me crashing to the earths crust. I changed to Conti road attacks and it was a different bike altogether. I know lots on here have very good things to say about PR3s on their GTRs, but when it came time to change from the o e ones on my GTR I fitted Dunlop road smart 2s, and they have been fine. :smiley:!!!!!!!!!!! Tyres eh ya could talk about em forever :sleep1: :yawn:
Found a copy of " Fast Bike " in the Dentists waiting room the other day .. think it was Jan 12 issue, .. the author had a long term R6 on trial and was talking about how much cleaning it required due to every day use ... then he said that he had recently put on a set of PR 3's ... can't quote you word for word but he was stunned by the difference it made !
I would agree with everything said on the PR3's. My original B/S squared off at 4,500 miles and became quite dangerous to ride on. Cheers B/F
Probably no good on the Bandit due to the budget suspension and/or the geometry.
Little things like a half-degree change in rake can make a huge difference to how a bike feels and handles.
However, on the 1400GTR, (so far!) the PR3 is King. :banana: :banana:
Bludy ell I only get 2.5 to 3k out of a rear PR2 May have to put the flies back in !!
Crikey PG .... you DO need to get those flies back in ... otherwise its going to cost you a fortune in rubber :smiley: :smiley: !!
Hi
I have just changed the front PR3 for another one, the last one managed around 12,500 miles which I think is pretty dam good going - I don't think I have ever managed more than about 10k on any front tyre on any bike. The front had been showing signs of uneven wear along the circumference of the tyre which was affecting the handling - hence the reason for the change.
I do think the PR3's are excellent in terms of grip and handling in both the wet and dry and as for wear rate/mileage they do seem to beat everything else hands down - particularly given its on a high performance sports/tourer.
Steve
I had my PR3's put on last week.. Only done about 50 miles on them so far but have a 300 mile trip planned for this coming Monday whatever the weather providing my guide doesn't wimp out. :nono:
Quote from: Lonewolf on April 28, 2012, 11:55:04 PM
I had my PR3's put on last week.. Only done about 50 miles on them so far but have a 300 mile trip planned for this coming Monday whatever the weather providing my guide doesn't wimp out. :nono:
steve do you know if the dealer needed to remove the hugger to the change your rear tyre, or did it squeeze past?
Dave the tyres went straight on, no dramas at all.
Fitted PR3s the other week, transforms the handling :banana:
Had a long weekend away touring Normandy, round trip of 1200 miles, mostly in the rain :sad: could not fault the tyre in any way. Excellent grip all the way :clap:
Hello Kelpac ... Normandy in the rain ? Nice ! Any photos ??
Hi Rusty
Loads of boring museum photos, a couple with the bike in, will post here when I have found out how to do it??
Great roads, would have been better in the dry!! :clap:
Quote from: kelpac on May 08, 2012, 09:43:32 PM
Hi Rusty
Loads of boring museum photos, a couple with the bike in, will post here when I have found out how to do it??
Great roads, would have been better in the dry!! :clap:
If you want to post pictures click on the "Attachments and other items" link (lower left) i your 'Reply' box... Click on browse and select your chosen pictures
Its really quite straightforward
BUT as I've said before if you are stuck ask any 7-9 year old kid, and they'll show you how :mfr_lol:
Hi Rusty
Had a go at posting some pictures, attached them, pressed post, message & attachments went from the screen!!! Where I don't know!!!!
Don't know what I did wrong???
Will try again later.
Kelvin
Quote from: kelpac on May 22, 2012, 08:13:23 PM
Hi Rusty
Had a go at posting some pictures, attached them, pressed post, message & attachments went from the screen!!! Where I don't know!!!!
Don't know what I did wrong???
Will try again later.
Kelvin
Time to get that 'young un' in to show you how :mfr_lol:
I use photobucket but that isn't really as straightforward as the system on here
Anybody have a "mate" in the trade who can supply (not fit) PR3 tyres? I could do with a rear one sat in the garage ready to fit in August, best price i can find is £154 delivered.
Alan
BA ... that's a pretty good price as it is ... I would be amazed if you could get it cheaper but you never know ! Good Luck ! :wink:
Not that good. I paid £159 for my last PR3 rear and that included fitting to a loose rim.
Universal Tyres, Billericay, Essex.
Fitting the tyre is free for me anyways, one thing do you balance the rear as usual?
Alan
Right, new pr3 on the rear. Can't recall the mileage of the rear but I'm sure it wasn't that great this time.
Hi,I was quite happy with the original Bridgestones,but picked up a big rusty nail in the rear,and had some BT023 put on.As this was only yesterday,I will let you know how they perform.I had just over 3900 miles on the originals,with probably the same mileage left.As most of my mileage was touring two up,I was pleased with them.It can be difficult to gauge tyre performance from one brand to another,as riders vary so much.One riders idea of warm up,or wet performance for example,will obviously be different to the next.I think as a general guide,the opinion of other riders of the same bike should be considered,but stick with the tyre that suits your type of riding.I had some Avons on a Pan European a couple of years ago,and was delighted with them,but nobody else rated them.I always take what the press say with a pinch of salt,as I prefer to trust the feedback of real riders in the real world. cheers.
Had my third set of PR3s fitted today at 27,402 miles. £285 fitted ride-in, ride-out. Last set had done 9,400 miles.
I simply adore these tyres. Magnificent in all conditions.
On the downside, the tyre fitter could not balance the front because the front wheel bearings were so shot - the wheel was wobbling on the balancer. I'd not noticed when riding, I just thought it was the shocking chocolate discs :mfr_lol:
Martin
Martin, get some decent bearings and replace the dust seals at the same time. The stock ones seems to last about 20 - 25k miles
Just replaced the original BT O21 front with a Pirelli Angel ST at 7500 miles. Really strange wear pattern developing on the Bridgestone - sort of started to go V-shaped. :huh:
Never seen a tyre wear out that way, and it started to feel a bit twitchy going into sharper corners at speed and wobbly over 130mph. :surrender:
I had an Angel on the back for nearly 3K miles now and it felt a lot better than stock.
Unfortunately I had to do a lot of motorway (incl. Autobahn) miles all through Western Europe lately and it starts to show a bit in the middle of the tread. But I will have the chance to do a number of passes in the Alps in 2 weeks so I hope I can get it nice and round again. :yes:
RA are a nice tyre but inconsistent in quality.
First set on my GTR were superb - great handling feedback and fair longevity (5.5k on the rear if I recall rightly)
Second rear was a little vague, but second front and third rear were just mediocre.
I do like them, but just watch for this
as my rear is currently out for deep cleaning ( Ohh err Missus ) i thought id put a picture on of wear so far.
The pr3 has just done 3100 miles and is looking fantastic , my previous slip stone was toast after 4.5k. We always do 2 up touring miles . about 1600 miles were purely motorway and as such there is a very slight squaring of the tyre which you can just feel, that will round off through the rest of this year with our sunday jaunts, the tyre still looks new
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g133/neill1200/DSCF0094-1.jpg)
good job that man Vipes, I'm assuming that your opinion of the PR3 versus your previous "slipstone" favours the PR3 ?
Quote from: olde coney on July 08, 2012, 11:45:48 AM
good job that man Vipes, I'm assuming that your opinion of the PR3 versus your previous "slipstone" favours the PR3 ?
For sure, im not the kinda guy who can push a tyre so hard that would really notice the different grip levels, but in terms of its mileage potential and its even wear pattern , its a thumbs up, hell it even looks nice
What mm is there left on that PR3?
Quote from: Winston Smith on July 09, 2012, 03:34:33 PM
What mm is there left on that PR3?
just measured , dont what it was when new but at 3100 miles in its 6mm at best places and 5mm at worst
Usually about 7-8mm max when new.
5mm is excellent for the size/weight/power and two up riding.
Pity they aren't recommended for mine :sad:
Quote from: Winston Smith on July 09, 2012, 06:07:59 PM
Usually about 7-8mm max when new.
5mm is excellent for the size/weight/power and two up riding.
Pity they aren't recommended for mine :sad:
Michelin do make a tyre fer the BMW....look!!!! ..... *snigger*
Mogs they're the ones he already has on! :mfr_lol:
Ha-feckin'-Ha!
Actually, I am going down the PR3 route - Have taken some advice from a tyre expert, and I mean expert, been involved with testing at all levels, and he recommends the PR3's over everything else including OEM for all bikes!
Apparently the new Z8's are supposed to be extremely good too, but I will be mostly trying the PR3's.
Another Michelin advantage is that they are the only truly repairable Sport/Tour tyre as they are Kevlar based not steel belted.
Thanks for all the beta testing of the PR3's anyway you 1400 - ers!
I may have a look at a set of PR3's fer the Tuono next year as I'll be touring on it...I've got Dunlop Sport Smarts on at the mo...fookin superb grip.... but 1500 miles and the rear is ravaged... :oops:
Road Smart 2 are looking good Mogs.
Quote from: Mogster on July 09, 2012, 08:04:48 PM
Michelin do make a tyre fer the BMW....look!!!! ..... *snigger*
hey mogs I had summat like that on the GS I owned :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
I shall be replacing my PR3's again before the winter sets in .... ... they still have some miles left in them ( 7 1/2 000 now ) but over the last 2 weeks or so the rear has constantly been dropping to 39psi over just 2/3 days .. pump it up again, and down it goes ... cannot find ANY physical injury to the tyre body and have looked at the valve too ... all appears to be ok but the TPS says its dropping and so does the pump. A bit of a mystery. Starting to flatten in the middle too with the commuting but still plenty of spray can be seen in the mirrors when charging home the last couple of days !! :smiley:
Strange that Rusty....maybe its just buggered,
With that mileage it hasn't done too bad really
I still have the Dunlop Roadsmart 2's in the garage which I took off the GTR when I got it in March this year. I put the PR3's on and sold the Dunlops to a chap in Scotland. He paid me but still hasn't collected. If I still have them in a few months I might sell them again. Can I do that? :whistling:
I would give him a nudge Steve, and tell him that if he doesn't collect as arranged within 7 days, that you will keep his dosh and sell them to someone else....
Do it in writing so you have proof :yes:
OC ... that was the conclusion that I came to .... for some unknown reason even with some miles left in it .... it's just buggered ! :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Start charging for storage. Back date it as well
Maybe he's dead. :death:
Quote from: Winston Smith on July 16, 2012, 05:13:08 PM
Maybe he's dead. :death:
In which case you will need to address your communication to his executors :whistling:
:stupid:
Quote from: olde coney on July 16, 2012, 05:30:40 PM
In which case you will need to address your communication to his executors :whistling:
:2guns: How do you know he was executed? He could have died in his sleep :sleep1:
Coman
Good Evening,
I have been making enquiries into the price of a set of PR3s in and around the Leeds area.
Have found a place called Woosters on the A64 out of Leeds.
They are selling a pair for £239.00 thats brand new fitted free of charge to loose wheels......
That sounds reasonable to me ...but does anybody know of a better deal.?
What I have read from the website postage/delivery is also offered !
Cheers :mfr_lol:
Sidders
Quote from: sidders1400 on July 16, 2012, 10:20:26 PM
Good Evening,
I have been making enquiries into the price of a set of PR3s in and around the Leeds area.
Have found a place called Woosters on the A64 out of Leeds.
They are selling a pair for £239.00 thats brand new fitted free of charge to loose wheels......
That sounds reasonable to me ...but does anybody know of a better deal.?
What I have read from the website postage/delivery is also offered !
Cheers :mfr_lol:
Sidders
That's about right I would say
Sidders, long time no hear. I'd say that that was a very good price. I paid just over £300 for mine fitting, ride in, ride out service. Next time I'll spend more time shopping around.
Seems like a good deal sidders...make sure the fitters are aware of TPS
Off to Italy at the end of August so I just replace the Angels with PR3's today.
The Angels lasted pretty well.
Front 11000
Rear 8000
They must have been really goosed then!
My ST's lasted about 5k rear 8-9 front which I thought was good.
GT has done 4.4k and Mets Z8's were down to 2.25mm rear and 2.5mm front.
I reckon another 1500 miles max.
Binned them anyway and put a set of PR3's on today. Seem good!
The handling was pretty horrible.
Both were well squared off but legal enough to pass the mot last Thursday
A new set of PR3's being fitted Wednesday ....The rear tyre finally gave up a couple of days ago.
Enjoy the 3's - Love 'em!
Update on my findings after three lots of rubber hoops have bit the dust. I know that everyone on here raves about the pr3s, but in all honesty I really dont think that they are any better than the two previous sets. As I have stated before, I think the pr3s are probably the most expensive tyres you can buy that are suitable for the GTR, and as such I would expect them to be head and shoulders above all others, but in my opinion they are not. I will concede that regarding grip in the wet they come out top, but just like my last set (Dunlop pilot road 2s) they have squared off badly :shocked:, which takes a lot of fun out of riding the bike, as the transition from upright to banking over is very unpleasant :eek:. The tyres have done 5600 miles, and I will soon take them off as they are spoiling my pleasure on my trips out. The tyres, (as did the Dunlops) still have plenty of tread depth, but just feel horrible. So I think I will go back to square 1 and fit my recently acquired from Daz on here o e Bridgestones, and yes I know most of you dislike them, but I found them ok, but not as good as others in the wet. But out of the three sets that I have used they squared off or distorted the least, and if like me your in the twisties all day the fact that they retain their shape longer is a big plus, I have found that sometimes there is more to it than which one gives the better mileage. As you say Winston pr3s love em, But I haven't been able to love them for long enough. Dont know what to try next. Any suggestions? :smiley:
The 16 came with Metzeler Roadtec Z8's as OEM
Brilliant tyre which, had it not been for the praise laid on the PR3 I would have got again.
Very neutral tyre, great in the wet too.
I would certainly place them on a par with the PR3's
I am still very happy with the Pirellis.
I've now done 5.5K on the rear and even though a lot of that was on the motorway I can't say they've squared off much at all.
Whatever Winston says about them, mine say Made in Germany on the side and are great.
Maybe he bought a cheaper set that was made in China? :mfr_lol:
I don't ride much in the rain but when I got caught in a thunderstorm while negotiating the Galibier pass and the limestone made the surface
look like it was covered with soapy water they were still confidence inspiring. Rear is good for at least another 1 -2K and I'm going to buy an Angel ST again. :yes:
Th first set of ST's were excellent. It was the lack of consistency that caused me the issue. They are very good and have good longevity. Second set weren't as good and lacked 'feel'. Would still use them though.
My PR3s have now done about 1700 miles since I had them fitted last month, and they are great...a big thumbs up from me [/b]
My PR3s are no more, good in the wet, good in the dry, but have done what all bike tyres seem to do, ie squared off and deformed really badly. So they had to go as they made the bike feel awful. I have fitted some oe Bridgestones, I know lots of you hate them but I think they are ok, slightly iffy in the wet but generally not bad. I dont think I will be fitting the PR3s again as I think they are expensive without being any better than other manufacturers offerings. All in all not impressed at all. :sad:
Oh how I had forgotten what a new set of tyres feels like !!! ... transforms everything ... when you tip into the corner it goes without any effort .. and when you pull out the other side it comes with you .. oh if only I could afford to change my tyres every few months !! :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Just to give my opinion on the PR3's.
Like others here my GTR came with BT021's which lasted for 3000 mls before the front went a funny shape so I changed them for the PR3's.
Now done 5100 on them and the rear looks fine. Not squared off and the front still has the same profile as when I bought it.
I recon the rear will do another 1000 miles on the current route I ride so will be happy with the milage.
Never had a problem with grip in the wet and in the dry probly never got anywhere near the limits of the tyre.
I'll definately have the same again.
The first set of PR3's I had on my other GTR reached 8-9 k and still looked and performed well.
Quote from: Lonewolf on September 12, 2012, 02:03:26 PM
The first set of PR3's I had on my other GTR reached 8-9 k and still looked and performed well.
On a bike ridden with care, compassion and respect :clap:
Quote from: olde coney on September 12, 2012, 03:54:01 PM
On a bike ridden with care, compassion and respect :clap:
At 5mph :whistling:
Don't let them take the piss Steve .... DO SOMETHING !!!!!!!!! :gun_bandana:
yeah ...SPEED UP STEVE.. :mfr_lol:
I dont why I put up with all this grief, I've only just found out the bike has more than one gear, now it's all systems go! :mfr_lol:
The stocked are not bad but not good. i don't feel good in a high speed run. will keep watching your valuable posts
Bugger!
Had to stop on the way home as the low pressure warning was showing on the display: 19 psi.
Original Bridgestone BT21 on at the moment with only 2700 miles.
Just inspected the rear tyre and there is a dirty great big screw head visible in the centre of the tyre.
Also pulled out a panel nail that was about 8mm long (screw left in).
Been reading this thread with great interest and will be looking at the PR3 as a set to replace.
Guess I'm going to have to find the best part of £300 for this but having read this thread I'm confident it will be money well spent.
Anyone know of a ride in ride out service near Leamington Spa, Warwickshire?
Cheers,
Has anyone experienced the unusual pressure loss on the PR3's ( mostly front tyre ) ??
Nearly 1 Bar loss per week. The rear about 0.5 Bar per week.
Deon
Quote from: Deon on October 29, 2012, 07:54:49 AM
Has anyone experienced the unusual pressure loss on the PR3's ( mostly front tyre ) ??
Nearly 1 Bar loss per week. The rear about 0.5 Bar per week.
Deon
funny you should mention pressure loss. my rear tyre started to loose approx 5 psi a week, checked the tyre for nails and the valve stem for leaks but everything seem fine. so I was completely baffled because the front never lost any pressure neither did my zx6r. so when I replaced my rear tyre I got a mate to do it for me at our work shop, he is a experienced motorycycle mechanic tyre fitter, told him there was tyre sensors fitted which he already knew and as done many times before. he also knew that you must let the air out slowly by pushing the core in, he also knew not to break the bead by the valve, and I watch him do it and he was very carefull yet when he removed the tyre the valve stem was loose in the wheel rim :sad: it had snapped off. but the first thing he asked me was the tyre loosing pressure because when he looked at the snapped valve stem it looked like it had been chaffering where it tightens against the inside of the wheel rim. this could explain the pressure loss :angry: anyway it cost me £250.00 to have a new sensor fitted and programmed to the e.c.u. this may not be your problem but checked your stem valve just incase its a bit loose :smiley:
Just checked them now ( by hand ) from the outside and they seem fine. Is there a nut on the inside that could be loose as there is no nut on the outside.
Deon
Quote from: Deon on October 29, 2012, 09:57:05 AM
Just checked them now ( by hand ) from the outside and they seem fine. Is there a nut on the inside that could be loose as there is no nut on the outside.
Deon
yes they tighten from the inside, they only need to be slightly loose and the centrifugal force causes the them to chaffer against the rim. if your loosing pressure then get your tyres check out. I use to loose approx 5 p.s.i over 5 to 7 days which is unexceptable. you said you are losing 1 bar which is approx 14.5 p.s.i. that is alot of pressure to loose over any time. I would say 0.5 bar which is over 7 p.s.i is still way much to loose over a week. I assume you are checking the pressure when cold..! best get both front and rear tyres checked for safety reasons :yes:
Bike has to go back to dealer to replace front TPS, so will get them to check it then. I am not impressed with the quality levels of the GTR. Bike is 18 months old ( 12 000 Km's ) and the rear TPS had to be replaced about a month ago and now the front one is shot as well. Reading I get on dash : FRT .................. KPA. On the Rear TPS I got a battery low warning but not on the front one this time so I assume it is toast.
These things are expensive to replace once the bike is out of warranty.
Deon
Quote from: Deon on October 29, 2012, 02:20:10 PM
Bike has to go back to dealer to replace front TPS, so will get them to check it then. I am not impressed with the quality levels of the GTR. Bike is 18 months old ( 12 000 Km's ) and the rear TPS had to be replaced about a month ago and now the front one is shot as well. Reading I get on dash : FRT .................. KPA. On the Rear TPS I got a battery low warning but not on the front one this time so I assume it is toast.
These things are expensive to replace once the bike is out of warranty.
Deon
I telephoned kawasaki customer services, telling them about the snapped sensor. also explained it was loosing pressure but did not know the sensor was loose. they said the can't do anythink about that because a kawasaki dealer did not replace the tyre. fair enough I thought, got me by the short and curlys here..! :grin: but did ask them what was the expected life of the tyre sensor batteries, they said they should last 4 years, they also said if any tyre sensor battery was to fail before 3 years they would replace under warranty, I should also imagine after 3 years and under 4 years they may as a gesture of good will pay half the cost. but I agree the tyre semsors are very bad design. why the hell they didn't design the sensor to take replaceable batteries or why the hell they put the batteries in the tyre in the first place beats the hell out of me. can only assume its a money making idea to line their own and the dealers pockets. but having said that.. except for the tyre sensor I replaced "which may or not of been a fault" I've had no trouble with my 2010 model. if my tyre sensors fail before 4 years I will expect kawasaki to be true to their word and replace the sensor under warranty, if they don't they will defo feel my "wrath" and I will point out to them, by palming me off and telling me "porkies" they will loose more than they gain in lost sales.. Ho! :yes:.. by the time I've finished slagging them off to all and sundry.. :smiley:
I have read on this forum and others that Kawasaki will replace sensors up to 5 years and I am sure that they will honour that commitment in the UK and the USA.
However, I can promise you that down here in SA, this will certainly not happen !!!
The dealer did fit my new tyres so that is not an issue. Will take it in this week IF they have TPS in stock, otherwise a 3 month wait to "back order" from Japan.
Deon
Quote from: Deon on October 30, 2012, 04:55:52 AM
I have read on this forum and others that Kawasaki will replace sensors up to 5 years and I am sure that they will honour that commitment in the UK and the USA.
However, I can promise you that down here in SA, this will certainly not happen !!!
The dealer did fit my new tyres so that is not an issue. Will take it in this week IF they have TPS in stock, otherwise a 3 month wait to "back order" from Japan.
Deon
Just had the same comment from a guy over on ADVrider... 5 years on sensors :yes:
My bike went in to have a new front TPS fitted on Wednesday. The new TPS came with a new valve. Just as well ! My old valve was corroded ( right where the rubber o-ring is on the inside of the rim. This was perhaps the reason why I was losing so much pressure all the time.
Anyway, have pumped to correct pressure again and will monitor. Perhaps a tip for something to look at if you have the same pressure loss problem.
Deon
hi guys, my pirelli angels, front tyre still pretty good,,,rear tyre`s done 5300mls,need a new one now,,,only dry use for me an caught out in the rain a few times,,dont ride hard,nice n steady for me,,,quite happy with them thou in general. Was going to go for metzlers,,only as i had two sets on my vfr an they were doing 5500mls on the rear-but always had new tyres front n back at the same time. So do i stick with the angels again or the pilots??? :whistling:
@jenros,
PR3's for sure !! Excellent in wet or dry conditions and very good mileage. I will not fit another tyre at the moment.
I have also been "experimenting" with the tyre pressures. 2.9 Bar recommended but I have found better grip at 2.7 Bar.
Deon
Just bought the FJR, so I can't say what works for me best on this bike. The standard tyres (BT021's) are, well, crap in the wet. I've got 6000km on clock now and already noticing it's not tipping in as well as when I first got it. I'm getting PR3's next. My other bike (not yet sold) is a 2003 FJR, and the best tyre I found for that was also the PR3 (got about 12000K on the last set!). Similar weight, so it's a good indicator. Many of my Ulysses colleagues also swear by them. I'm in Oz, and found two incarnations of Pirelli (Angel ST and Diablo Corsa) wore too quickly here (2000km only on the Corsa!), but hell they stick. I'm not a track bandit and want good wear, so give me the PR3 any day!. Interesting: A lot of BMW owners here still stick with the manufacturer's recommendation of Metzeler, not understanding that it's only Germany where you must stick with the bike manufacturer's spec tyre.
My bad!. My previous post should have said 'Just bought the GTR'. Please don't bag me!......
I have the Pirelli Road Angels on mine but its personal choice
Quote from: hurricane on March 06, 2013, 10:15:38 AM
My bad!. My previous post should have said 'Just bought the GTR'. Please don't bag me!......
Welcome and congratulations on the new GTR. I thought for a mo you were in the wrong forum :mfr_lol:
Quote from: hurricane on March 06, 2013, 10:15:38 AM
My bad!. My previous post should have said 'Just bought the GTR'. Please don't bag me!......
Freudian Slip methinks Hurricane....no harm done :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
PR3s are the way to go :yes:
Quote from: olde coney on March 06, 2013, 03:08:08 PM
PR3s are the way to go :yes:
That may be right for the UK where it is always cold, wet and miserable but I heard that in hot climates like California or Australia those PR3s tend to fall to bits.
Quote from: mecki on March 06, 2013, 03:22:21 PM
That may be right for the UK where it is always cold, wet and miserable but I heard that in hot climates like California or Australia those PR3s tend to fall to bits.
Absolutely not. We also have very hot climate down here in SA and this is certainly not the case. I have done 7 500 Km's with my PR3's and they are still going strong. In fact, I would say because of the hot climate, they actually work better than in colder climates. At the moment, no better tyre on the market in my opinion.
Deon
Hear, hear. :agree: .
The PR3s don't survive very well in South-Central USA. In other hot places they do pretty well.
This is because of a combination of heat and atrociously abrasive road surfaces.
Seems to hold for Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma & Kansas.
Many of those who live there are only getting 3500 miles out of a rear, but that is still better than they get with any other Radial ST tyre.
As a a consequence there is a big community of "Dark Siders" in the USA.
"Dark Siders?" I hear you ask. Well, they fit CAR tyres to the rear of their motorcycles.
Now those last a lot better but the handling and feel is quite different.
I rode a Dark Side GTR1000 briefly back in the late 90s in Florida.
Fine for most US roads, but I wouldn't want to try it in UK rain & traffic.
:no: I am sorry but I do not agree !
There are so many reasons why it is wrong to put a car tyre on a bike. There cannot be a valid reason to put one on.
Deon
darksiders !!
.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LxZ4Mi3rR3Q/SNoIuFbPq9I/AAAAAAAANfM/q3VkMGFaaJ0/s400/img_6386.jpg)
.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RzV6QsbRr3w/TZQeZ5ks4JI/AAAAAAAAmWs/Yz7-3GvXwvg/s1600/img_0809.jpg)
.
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0tO9Mz3dM_c/S7aLQeDV6YI/AAAAAAAABWc/wNlOKbBJ-pk/s800/07%20-%20Darkside.jpg)
.
(http://www.r1200gs.info/forum/attachments/tires-tyres/864d1315226111-1-word-bmwtire.jpg)
.
You pays yer money and takes yer choice.
Would probably be illegal here in the EU.
Having ridden one I wouldn't do it, but some people seem to like it.
pilot road 3 every time bt021 oe fitment are rubbish
Darksiders!. :wacko: Not for me.... Handling must be crap. Though I was out on a run with a few guys a month ago, and one was a darksider on a Triumph Rocket 3. Didn't seem to worry him, as he can ride well enough... In fact, better than well enough. Was in Germany last July and stayed with a Ulyssian there. He uses car tyres (wait - is a SMART a car?) on his GS with sidecar, and it works well for him particularly in the winter - more grip and all that.
I can see that it would be an option to use them on a bike with sidecar :yes:
OK, so everyone is raging about the PR3s since beginning of last year. The title should be changed to "The PR3 Review Thread" :whistling:
My BT023s require replacement after about 10,000Kms and I just asked my not-so-local Kwak dealer if he can stick a pair of PR3s on. He can't get Michelin so no, he can't. I need to decide how hard to try and get a pair.
I rarely ride out in the rain... and I know the PR3s are supposed to be excellent in wet weather but for almost exclusive dry weather riding, is it worth it? Are there any other GOOD options for someone like me who doesn't ride too hard, but am quite heavy and do looong rides in the summer through Italy, France and Spain, two up with half a ton of luggage?
The bike has done 19,400Kms and I have only changed the tyres once. Whatever the stock ones were I thought they were great right up until I changed them for the BT023s. That changed everything! Now, though, the rear is pretty square but the front isn't too bad.
If I change to another type, I'd obviously change both, but I honestly can't decide what to do. Heeeeelp!
Ros
I hear that the BT023's are OK.
You could try the PR2's if you don't ride in the wet much.
Pirelli Angel GTs
Metzeler Z8s
Dunlop Roadsmart 2s
All good tyres.
Just for all round use in the UK, and anywhere else that it rains occasionally, the PR3s are the canine danglies.
:shit: :shit: :shit: :shit:
:shit: BT021 :shit:
:shit: :shit: :shit: :shit:
Quote from: Boomer on April 04, 2013, 01:29:24 PM
I hear that the BT023's are OK.
You could try the PR2's if you don't ride in the wet much.
Pirelli Angel GTs
Metzeler Z8s
Dunlop Roadsmart 2s
All good tyres.
Just for all round use in the UK, and anywhere else that it rains occasionally, the PR3s are the canine danglies.
:shit: :shit: :shit: :shit:
:shit: BT021 :shit:
:shit: :shit: :shit: :shit:
Funny old world, I tried Dunlop Roadsmarts, not bad but didn't last too long. Then I put some PR3s on after many on here raved about them, but was quite shocked at how badly they deformed, after 5 thousand miles with loads of tread left they were f :censored: Everyone else rates them, and yet I found them truly shocking. So shock horror :eek: Whilst most on here slag the BT021 off, I like them for the kind of biking I do I think they are good. And for me and in my experience of the other 2 sets they are a better tyre. Like I said funny old world :yes:
Well, I just ordered my second Pirelli Angel ST for the rear since the first one finally needs replacing after over 8000 miles.
I am going for a 190/55 this time even though I was quite pleased with the performance of the 190/50. I'll let you know if the 55 really improves cornering.
I was quoted £118 for it, which sounds like a good price to me.
BTW the BT021 only lasted just over 4000 miles on the rear and the front was a really weird shape after about 6500 so I replaced that one with an Angel ST as well.
I just found out that there is also a GT version out now that supposedly lasts 15% longer than the ST.
Anyone had any experience with that one?
Quote from: mecki on April 16, 2013, 04:33:24 PM
I am going for a 190/70 55 this time
DAMN!!! A 55" rear wheel. Gonna look like a reverse Penny Farthing. :mfr_lol:
I think you meant a 190/55-17.
Thanks Boomer, of course I meant to write 190/55ZR 17 and have it now corrected.
Quote from: mecki on April 16, 2013, 04:33:24 PM
BTW the BT021 only lasted just over 4000 miles on the rear and the front was a really weird shape after about 6500 so I replaced that one with an Angel ST as well
- same here. The stock front was a crazy shape. The rear flatted in the center early into its life.
- am also on the STs front and rear. Brilliant tyre , amazing dry grip (and I never push in the wet).
- the GT is dual compound , which may please those who do alot of highway miles.
.
...55 profile will lower the front and make it more directional stability. Tried by 55 profile in relation to testing Bridgestone BT23GT and there was absolutely no improvement in terms of changes of direction. I could feel an improved comfort due to the increased profile - that's it!
Incidentally - the best tires are Michelin Pilot Road 3
(end of story) :-)
"Visor Down" have just yesterday put on their website a write up on the PA Gt's ... look pretty good to me .. might just try them next time .... :rolleyes:
Just picked up my BT023s... I hate riding new tyres in the rain grrrr :death:
Ros
Quote from: Ros on April 23, 2013, 02:52:13 PM
Just picked up my BT023s... I hate riding new tyres in the rain grrrr :death:
Ros
Please let us know how you get on with them Ros.
Deon
Well the sun popped out today so went out for lunch...
The BT023s are the same as my last set so, no surprise that once scrubbed in a bit the precision was right back there again! Superb! I'm not going too hard on them just yet though but basically I'm as happy as I was last time! This time, i'll count the KMs properly and see how long they really last.
One thing that I do notice, and did also in the beginning on the last set i got, is that in the slower corners, like roundabouts etc, the bike tends to want to 'fall into' the corner. I seem to remember that this sensation disappears after a few hundred kms. They could just be slipping about a bit, i guess
Ros
Quote from: Ros on April 24, 2013, 02:12:04 PM
One thing that I do notice, and did also in the beginning on the last set i got, is that in the slower corners, like roundabouts etc, the bike tends to want to 'fall into' the corner. I seem to remember that this sensation disappears after a few hundred kms. They could just be slipping about a bit, i guess
Ros
I got the same feeling with my PR3's when I first got the bike.. It was fitted with the Tyres just before I got it....
Don't notice it now. :cool:
Quote from: Ros on April 24, 2013, 02:12:04 PM
One thing that I do notice, and did also in the beginning on the last set i got, is that in the slower corners, like roundabouts etc, the bike tends to want to 'fall into' the corner. I seem to remember that this sensation disappears after a few hundred kms. They could just be slipping about a bit, i guess
Ros
I noticed the same with the new 190/55 Angel ST I had put on yesterday.
First I thought, 'Wow, it really turn so much easier!'
But now I think it has to do with me having gotten used to the old squared off tyre requiring more force to turn that I just over-steered.
Getting used to the different behaviour of the bike with a new tyre is also part of the scrubbing-in process, I guess.
I think you're right. In fact, it's 25°C today, a bank holiday, so I might just plonk the missus on the back and go for a scrub....
:yes:
My 3rd set of PR3s are about to be replaced, got 10k out of this set. Still monumentally magnificent tyres.
As I have a garage full of racebike scrubs in the right size (mainly Dunlop Sportsmarts and Metzler Z8s), I will be spooning some of these on for the summer and back to PR3s for the rainy season. Don't think I will be getting 10k out of sticky road tyres :mfr_lol:
Martin.
I have got to replace my rear 023 this week because it has squared off after about 5k miles (since I have been commuting). The consensus seems to be that the PR3 is the best tyre but I have an 021 on the front, although with only a few thousand left on it. Can I put a PR3 on the rear with an 021 on the front? All views welcome
my brdgestone squared off at 4.5k and i put a pr3 on the rear and its done 4.5 and still looks new. i had the brdgestone still on the front and it was fine, did a tour through the alps and felt posative, ive now replaced my front with a pr3 at 9k miles and that now makes the bike feel a bit better again. i always mix my tyres until i get both tyres matching, never had an issue.
Thanks Viper. That's given me the confidence I need to give it a go. I'm going to Middlesbrough though; not quite the Alps!
Just ordered as set of PR3's for fitting tomorrow - about to go touring the Alps and the Bridgestones are very squared off at 4.5k miles. Front probably has about another 2k left in it but will change to be 'on the safe side' with the grossglockner as part of our tour. Just hope this weather holds.... :yes: :yes:
Quote from: PCPeteUK on July 08, 2013, 09:38:04 AM
Just ordered as set of PR3's for fitting tomorrow - about to go touring the Alps and the Bridgestones are very squared off at 4.5k miles. Front probably has about another 2k left in it but will change to be 'on the safe side' with the grossglockner as part of our tour. Just hope this weather holds.... :yes: :yes:
good choice Pete.. Thats my next set... Have a great time away :clap:
Thanks Debs - not going until 25th - will be in Bournemouth Thursday if you fancy a coffee about 4 ish?
The next question is where to get them. All my local places don't have stock and I can't find anywhere online that has them. Sorry for being dumb.
I've been buying my tyres for different bikes online at www.mandp.co.uk and then get them fitted by my local bike mechanic.
I've just bought and had fitted ContiMotions (only £130) plus fitting. I had these on a 1200 Bandit last year and they were fine in all weathers. Hope they will be just as good on my GTR.
Quote from: Phill_York on July 08, 2013, 11:47:33 AM
The next question is where to get them. All my local places don't have stock and I can't find anywhere online that has them. Sorry for being dumb.
If you plan to have the tyres fitted by a specialist remember to remind them that your bike has TPS (Tyre Pressure Sensors) which are located inside the rims on the valves, they are prone to being damaged during tyre removal/replacement if care is not taken , and at a replacement cost in excess of £200 each its worth exercising caution
Also you may find that a tyre fitment specialist wont fit tyres supplied elsewhere, its not always the case, but can be a stumbling block in some places.
Most tyre places tend to keep a limited stock/range of tyres but most of them should be able to place an order for delivery for either the following day or the day after. When I book in my bike with the motorcycle tyre place I always use they can get tyres for the following day. So unless there is a stock problem with the wholesaler or the manufacturer, which can happen occassionally, then the garages should have the tyres you want within a day or so.
I would have thought any garage would be eager for the business so I can't understand why they wouldn't make the effort of trying to obtain the tyres you want.
Kind regards
Steve
Quote from: Phill_York on July 08, 2013, 11:47:33 AM
The next question is where to get them. All my local places don't have stock and I can't find anywhere online that has them. Sorry for being dumb.
Quote from: PCPeteUK on July 08, 2013, 09:38:04 AM
Just ordered as set of PR3's for fitting tomorrow - about to go touring the Alps and the Bridgestones are very squared off at 4.5k miles. Front probably has about another 2k left in it but will change to be 'on the safe side' with the grossglockner as part of our tour. Just hope this weather holds.... :yes: :yes:
All fitted yesterday - oh the joys of working from home - working in Bournemouth tomorrow so will get a chance to scrub them in then :wink:
I had an 021 on the front and an 023 on the rear. They were on the bike when I got them but the rear was new I think. I needed both replacing after 5k miles as they had both squared off badly. My PR3s have made the bike feel completely different; it turns in much easier. It's so different, I thought I had lost the back end a couple of times. I have my Rospa retest and Advanced tutor assessment tomorrow so maybe it wasn't a good idea to get new tyres a couple of days before but illegal ones were a worse idea. At least it gives me an excuse if I don't do well :help:
good luck for tomorrow Phil...
Just been to the dealers [ Wheels of Peterborough ] and had a pair of PR3's fitted.
Original Bridgestone was SQUARE after 5,500 miles, front was OK, but was not sure if it would mix the PR3.
For what it's worth stick to a pair of the same and you can't go wrong ! :yes:
I asked Rusty to give me his opinion of my rear PR3 when we were on the last leg of our Scottish trip recently. The tyre has now done well in excess of 9k miles and Rusty's verdict was....... :punk: sweet. Plenty of life left in it.
I bought my second hand 2010 gtr with 021's fitted.
my feet touch down whilst cornering so no complaints on stickiness.
but 2000 miles later I'm guessing i am half way through wear.
I wont get 4000 miles but then again can you have a sticky tyre that lasts unless you ride it on closed throttle?
as i like to throw the bike around would the pr3's still be a good choice? i don't ride in the wet but if caught out i corner as fast as a push bike so wont "need" wet grip
The grip of the PR3's in either wet and dry conditions is very very good - providing you aren't course doing stupidly insane speeds
Kind regards
Steve
Quote from: aljaxon on July 21, 2013, 10:42:07 AM
I bought my second hand 2010 gtr with 021's fitted.
my feet touch down whilst cornering so no complaints on stickiness.
but 2000 miles later I'm guessing i am half way through wear.
I wont get 4000 miles but then again can you have a sticky tyre that lasts unless you ride it on closed throttle?
as i like to throw the bike around would the pr3's still be a good choice? i don't ride in the wet but if caught out i corner as fast as a push bike so wont "need" wet grip
Well, if you regard the BT 021s as 'sticky' then you won't be disappointed with any other tyre because BT 021s are :shit: in comparison.
If you want longevity and excellent cornering then try an Angel GT or PR3 190/55 next time.
On ride back to Devon on A303 I stopped off at Micheldever Tyres near Andover and they put on another BT023. I was going to go for a PR3 but front isnt near limit yet and will buy as a pair.
I chose the BT-23 as it was brand new when I bought the bike and was borderline legal 11000 miles later ! I needed to replace brake pads as well so I opted for them to do it as well.
All in it came to just over £210.00 - cant say fairer than that - plus by the time I got home the tyres were scrubbed and pads broken in.
:mfr_lol: lads not really a review more a request for help. I have become separated from my owners manual etc and just need to check what pressures I should be on ? Thanks in advance
Quote from: Buck99 on November 23, 2013, 04:50:48 PM
:mfr_lol: lads not really a review more a request for help. I have become separated from my owners manual etc and just need to check what pressures I should be on ? Thanks in advance
42psi both tyres
Cheers buddy
That's inflate to 42psi, which potentially means you'll be running at 44psi approx when they are nice and warm. Sounds a lot but its fine.
got pirrelli road angels on my gtr, :biker3: brill grip in wet or dry, :gunsmilie: feels good whether your pushin it hard or just pootling about, :scooter: :biker3: down side is---- not very good milage out of them, :help: 1500 miles on the back tyre n it was squared off, need more milage out of em :ohplease:.....
Unless you're drag racing them they shouldn't do that
What is your style of riding?
If you are throttle happy in a straight line then that would account for the wear pattern.
Are you overinflating as that would also square a tyre prematurely.
I swore by the Pirelli's and got in the region of 6 to 7.5k from a rear.
I would rate them second only to to PR3's
1,500 miles big_un? Wow.
I have Angel GTs on mine and they have done 9,800 miles so far. Still look fine for another 1, maybe 2k too. Most of my miles are upright motorway commuting.
Great tyres. Not quite as astonishing in the wet as the PR3s, but damn close and seem to be lasting longer - two sets of PR3s have lasted 9k each for me.
I am simply astounded how good motorbike tyres are these days. I use D211GP sticky road tyres on my track bike and put in better times than slicks managed 10 years ago. The wet grip from PR3s/AngelGTs is not a million miles away from race wets either.
Martin.
Need a new pair of boots for my lady and am looking at pr4. Has anyone tried them yet, I know there won't be many with high mileage since they are new but wondering about handling etc. Have metzlers on ATM since have only got her last month and they were on it but are flat spotting slightly.
Cheers
Ski
Ski ... Go back a few pages and I think you will agree the consensus here is that the 3's and now the 4's are quite simply fantastic tyres ..... Get some :yes:
I had PR4's fitted a couple of weeks back. Had a 200 mile run on them yesterday. Varying conditions, light rain, dry roads, very wet areas of run off of rain from the fields. My last experience of the pilot roads was the PR2's on a triumph sprint st and they were good in all conditions. The PR4's yesterday seem to offer outstanding grip in all conditions. Certainly a good way better than the Avon Storm 2 ultras they have replaced.
Is it ok to mix a rear PR3 with a front PR4 or should I just buy a new front PR3 and use them till they are dead?
That could be an expensive mistake if it doesn't feel right when riding.......cant see why it would make any difference, but not something I would do...PR3 s are perfectly fine.
By the time you've worn them out PR5s will be out :mfr_lol: :whistling:
Ant, you're probably right on both counts, PR3's seem the sensible option front and back and considering I've had the 3's on two years virtually, I could be one of the first members to try out the 5's! :mfr_lol:
First day of proper riding with the PR4s. All dry weather riding at the moment and these are just as good if not better than the PR3s. Hard to tell at the moment for definate as the PR3s these replaced were well worn, but from memory the inital ride on the PR4s was better than on the PR3s.
with my bt021's after a brisk ride i got all bobbles and bits hanging off like track day tyres which shows, if pushed they are quite get sticky.maybe thats why they dont last long?
do the pr3/4/5's or angel gt's also do this if pushed hard?
Asif, did you go for the GT version?
I've fitted the GT version of the PR4.
Quote from: pembsgtr on March 19, 2014, 08:01:37 AM
I've fitted the GT version of the PR4.
Did to.
100% satisfied after 400 km on both dry and wet roads. Stability. ease to turn in. dry and wet grip (as far as I have dared to try on rather cold and sandy roads). Top notch tire in my book. :clap:
Quote from: shaggs147 on March 19, 2014, 12:26:52 AM
Asif, did you go for the GT version?
Yup. Tried it out in the wet yesterday as well. Well impressed. I would say they are better than the pr3s. Amazing grip.
I had a new front PR3 put on last week and while I was there I picked up a brochure on the PR4's which they also had in stock and said they were selling at the same price as the 3's.
For anyone contemplating a set of 4's this is what they are all about.
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/EPSON004_zpsd0d55928.jpg) (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/Jaffa_Cake101/media/Fingers/EPSON004_zpsd0d55928.jpg.html)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/EPSON003_zpsf5bb719b.jpg) (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/Jaffa_Cake101/media/Fingers/EPSON003_zpsf5bb719b.jpg.html)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/EPSON002_zps9a65c4ce.jpg) (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/Jaffa_Cake101/media/Fingers/EPSON002_zps9a65c4ce.jpg.html)
(http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s139/Jaffa_Cake101/Fingers/EPSON001_zps6fad8ef9.jpg) (http://s151.photobucket.com/user/Jaffa_Cake101/media/Fingers/EPSON001_zps6fad8ef9.jpg.html)
I shall be getting the PR4 GT version next, don't need them right now but if any of you need them and we found get a group purchase sorted I am in, I can store mine until ready.
Alan
So how much are they a set ? :popcorn:
Quote from: Ant on March 19, 2014, 06:44:04 PM
So how much are they a set ? :popcorn:
Somewhere in the region of £250, give or take a few quid.
ive run odd tyres on all my bikes over the years on and off and never had an issue. On the gtr I replaced the rearoriginal bridgestone with a pr3 and ran the front original bridgestone for a further 3k miles until I replaced that with a pr3. I never felt any problem through that time.
I was advised by folk on here not to mix the 3's with the 4's and the tyre place also said the same thing, otherwise I would have done it.
Quote from: aljaxon on March 18, 2014, 11:34:54 PM
with my bt021's after a brisk ride i got all bobbles and bits hanging off like track day tyres which shows, if pushed they are quite get sticky.maybe thats why they dont last long?
do the pr3/4/5's or angel gt's also do this if pushed hard?
Push any bike hard and tyres don't last long....I never get more than 5k out of a rear, my current PR3 is on 2500 miles and i doubt it will be going to Monaco with me in a few weeks......
Quote from: The Wolf on March 19, 2014, 08:59:18 PM
I was advised by folk on here not to mix the 3's with the 4's and the tyre place also said the same thing, otherwise I would have done it.
The regular PR4 doesn't come in 170 width, so I called Michelin and asked if there were any problems with running a PR3 rear and a PR4 front on my brothers ZRX1100. The answer was "no problem at all".
http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=430716
reading that thread i am tempted to fit a pr4 or angel gt to the rear and leave the barely worn bt021 on the front
would i be ok?
edit just read someone did that previous page so im gonna go for the pr4gt.
now to find a cheap supplier?
O.K. after finally pushing it to the limit I've now bitten the bullet and thrown a pair of PR4 Gt's on. I got a £25 money back online from the manufacturer. Ooooh baby they really are the dogs whatsits for the first 500 miles great handling in the rain maybe we'll get some great weather for me to enjoy them properly !!!!! only time will tell how they fair against the old PR3's which were awesome!!!!
Quote from: sixshotdave on April 07, 2014, 08:49:55 PM
O.K. after finally pushing it to the limit I've now bitten the bullet and thrown a pair of PR4 Gt's on. I got a £25 money back online from the manufacturer. Ooooh baby they really are the dogs whatsits for the first 500 miles great handling in the rain maybe we'll get some great weather for me to enjoy them properly !!!!! only time will tell how they fair against the old PR3's which were awesome!!!!
The grip in the dry is amazing. I have to say, these are better than the PR3s which I didn't think was possible
Now that I've put on a few thousand miles on these, I can give a better view.
Firstly, getting my rear seized preload sorted and set correctly according to my weight has made a huge difference. Makes you think how some bad reviews of tyres are down the the suspension setup.
Wet or dry, these tyres stick to the road. Road through some torrential rain this week and the tyres didn't miss a beat. One of the turnings off the motorway is almost a 360 degree turn and I had the bike leant over as much as I do in the dry, and it was stable. They don't seem to be squaring off as badly either.
Just had my front tyre replaced with a PR4 (not the GT). We'll see how I get on with the non-GT.
The PR3 it replaces had 10,700 miles on it and was bald on the right side but plenty of tread elsewhere.
To be fair it does spend more time on the right side of the tyre what with roundabouts and the M23 to M25 sliproad.
Lets see how well the PR4 does. Was going to go for a little test ride but it's :censored: pissing it down here right now.
Whoops, now it's Thundering!!! I think I made the right descision!
Time to go watch the Thunderstorm :banana: :clap: :popcorn:
I think you should have gone for the GT version but time will tell, I could be wrong.
PS, the photo above of your tyre has just sent a shiver down my spine. :mfr_lol: It's well :censored: .
im just about to fit a pr4 to my rear ahead of our euro tour, ive kept all my old tyres and one day will post a side by side comparison of milage and tread wear
Well after being out now in traditional tyre testing weathers over the last few weeks I'm damn impressed.
I spent the time making sure the suspension is set up right as it was way off (thanks Kwikasfuki for the nudge).
We've had 8 to 21 degree temperatures with driving rain and light drizzle and at know time did i feel that i wasn't in control.
Tried the bridgstones not fun in the wet, Tried the PR3s thought they were great
Hail the PR4 GT's :punk: feeling very smug :mfr_lol:
Just put a new PR4 GT on the rear with the exiting PR3 on the front.
Bike feels a bit higher and turns quicker (could just be new tyre syndrome :wink: ), but no adverse affects of mixing.
Quote from: STX1300man on May 30, 2014, 08:34:59 PM
Just put a new PR4 GT on the rear with the exiting PR3 on the front.
Bike feels a bit higher and turns quicker (could just be new tyre syndrome :wink: ), but no adverse affects of mixing.
Hmm, unusual, 250 miles in and tyre is working nicely. Not riding any different but with the PR3 I had 2-3 mm of unused round the edge with the PR4GT there's about a 10mm. Must try harder!
fitted a pr4 gt to the rear and left the bt21 on the front and experienced no major handling probs apart from recently as the front has worn.
I daren't push my bike in the wet like some do so cant comment about the grip etc on my recent wet trip
the front bt 21as its worn into a v is now following lines in tarmac ridges or overlaps of new resurfacing etc and is a bit unnerving
the bt21s gripped the road almost as good as the bt16 pros on my sportsbike
Just recently fitted Pirelli Angel GT's, standard sizes. £202 fitted and balanced from Cupar Motorcycles in Fife.
So far...turn in is slightly slower in the dry than the standard tyres but is very predictable and smooth, a constant rate of turn in, probably hardly noticeable. Far more predictable than the O.E. You can ground the pegs with no bum clenchers in the dry, if you want...... :clap:
In the wet they are great, predictable and no hairy slides unless you really push it, like any good wet tyre.
Wear wise, only done 1500 miles so far and hardly any wear. Main commute is A road which is in the main straight ish. No signs of early square off. Tread pattern is cool as well if you like that! :wink:
Would recommend these tyres. :clap:
Hi
just had Avon 3D Storm fitted front and back at local tyrefinder by a guy who rides a ZZR1400 he uses them and so do a lot of the ZZR boys apparently, what a difference, its like a different bike, steering a lot more responsive, and feels rock solid in corners so far.
Hi
Just thought I'd stick in a word for Bridgestone BT023's, bought my bike with clapped out 021's on it and fitted the 023's about 1200 miles ago. Absolutely brilliant, nice handling and no probs. (so far) on following ridges or 'white lining', OK in the wet, but then I am a wimp and always adjust my style down a bit in the wet!
Happy riding!
Hi I had on the BT023 on before the Avons just give me a more predictable behaviour and very good grip :tank:
Hi No 73 would that tyre finder guy be an itallian named gentleman.if so i know him well.im in redruth.ive just got my 14 it still has origonal rubber,it makes the bike fall into corners and feel really heavy. cant wait to swap em for avons.
Hi Yes its Carmelo, known him for thirty odd years, knows his trade and even made a few phone calls to various people and general opinion is the Avon is the way to go, I have done several trips in very heavy rain now and they are good in my humble opinion they are way ahead of BT023 when it comes to steering response and feedback
Quote from: STX1300man on June 01, 2014, 02:53:45 PM
Hmm, unusual, 250 miles in and tyre is working nicely. Not riding any different but with the PR3 I had 2-3 mm of unused round the edge with the PR4GT there's about a 10mm. Must try harder!
That's exactly what I found; it's worth paying the little extra though for the GT compound, given that it's a really heavy bike. The handling is just so nice - For you guys still using the Bridgestones, BT21 or BT23, do yourselves a favour and move on up to this next level - twice the range, much more feel to the bike. BTW, I've also gone to a slightly different profile on the rear - I'm using the 190/55ZR17, rather than the standard 190/50ZR17. It gives me a little more safety margin on the edge (I've got a 5mm chicken strip now, from 3mm on the 190/50), and it seems to have also brought in the accuracy of the speedo a bit. 100km/h on the dial is 100kmh on the GPS, where previously there was about 2km/h difference.
just swapped a BT023 rear in for a T30. the 023 was reasonably square when i had it, I got rid of all the chicken strips and triangled them. They did like to spin up and step out a bit when pushed hard but the traction control is a nice safety net.
only done 7 wet miles on the T30 ( i have never ever had a new tyre put on in the dry! just my luck)
any one in striking distance of Wheelock in cheshire needs to use F&B tyres. phone Steve on 01270760795 works out of his garage at home and is amazing. ride in ride out top notch service.
T30 now has 0mm chicken strips and doesn't feel like i've reached the limit. only had the one spin up in the wet in 2nd. i'm happy with that.
certainly inspires confidence. some feathering starting of extreme lean angles but that shows me its gripping!
happy with this tyre.
now.... if only i can get a good screen....
I tried in my bike BT'021....BT'023....PR'3 ....and , for me , are not really good :no:
Now i have Pirelli Angel GT (with specific letter "A" for the rear tyre, for heavy bike) and i'm very satisfied, excellent stability in blends :yes:
This is the second train of Pirelli Angel GT.......with the first i've done 12'000km(arround 7450 miles)
Try it guys ! :punk:
Had a light 15k service today (at 16k) - will wait for 24k before doing valve shims and plugs I think to give me time to save up :).
I got advisory's on front/rear tyres (and front pads but he had none in stock so will do myself)
I have booked my steed in on Friday at my favourite type place (Ride in Tyres in Reading) for front PR3 to be replaced - done 11655 on it to date so I think it has done really well. Rear has currently done 5841 and has loads of meat still on it so will ask what the tyre fitter says about it needing replacing.
Well Still running Avon 3D storms, 1500 miles across northern Spain through Pyrenees and had one slide when I hit loose gravel, tyres were excellent in rain or shine, and three thousand miles in they have a fair bit of tread left, and I am not the gentlest of riders lol
by way of update. Just swapped out my Rear T30 for another at 4700 miles.
Nearly ready for my Tyre change. Think I am going with Pirelli GTs (A). A couple more weeks of miles left on the stock tyres. Any last minute advice on my choice and / or equivalents based on your experiences ?
Definitely Angels. Brilliant.
Angels are great BUT my 1st choice has to be PR4's GT ,,,,IMO!!!
Kenny :devil2:
Well the 3D Avons are wearing really well. well adv on MOt on front tyre, its def more worn than back, so replacing them both shortly, (approx. 5,000 miles currently) which includes a lot of twisty bits, reckon theres about 500 miles left in front and about 1500 in back tyre
My Stock tyres BT021's that I am waiting to change from are still going.
They have 10,058 miles on at the mo' and still going. This is incredible wear IMO, so although I was thinking of changing to Angel GTs, I am not so sure now, as I have not read anywhere that they are returning 10k plus miles.
Thoughts please
On my previous bike, ZZR1100, Angel ST's returned 13,000miles, then Angel GT's fitted, 12500miles.
Best tyres I've had, excellent grip in wet or dry and squared off really slowly considering I was working in London from Colchester.
Standard tyres on my GTR still, 11,000miles, looking forward to putting GT's on for summer trips...... :banana:
GT's are the way to go.
Got 12K miles out of the Michelin Road pilot 4GT rear. That's mainly on twisty B roads, some A and no motorway. There was still about 0.4mm to the legal 1.00mm but it was starting to squirm a bit (still OK but messes with your head).
Sounds good :punk:
Just fitted Michelin PR 4 GTs after the original fitment Bridgestone became too unpleasant after 9000kms, the front was worn very unevenly! It feels like riding a different bike, so much more enjoyable, would definitely recommend.
I'm sure that there are so many 'new' tyres available that are better than the OEM choice, and any new tyre will feel better than the knackered old rubber that it replaces, good to hear that your bike has been re-born :yes:
I recall having PR3s fitted to a previous GTR and they were light years better than the OEM ones, it was also interesting to note that the PR3 carcasses when compared were more flexible than the OEM option and much lighter :smiley:
I wonder how many members on here have changed the OEM tyres for another make before the original ones were worn out ?
The Bridgestones on my 2013 were truly awful. Swapped them for PR4GTs after a few months which have now done 8000. I'm going to change to the new Metzeler Roadtec01 HWM tyres next month. Metzeler have kindly asked me to try out a set and it would be rude not to help them out
Quote from: Burchy on February 07, 2016, 11:47:26 AM
The Bridgestones on my 2013 were truly awful. Swapped them for PR4GTs after a few months which have now done 8000. I'm going to change to the new Metzeler Roadtec01 HWM tyres next month. Metzeler have kindly asked me to try out a set and it would be rude not to help them out
Interesting Burchy I hadn't heard of these tyres till now, the reports suggest that they are a very good all rounder tyre, the HWN (Heavy Weight Motorcycle) option could be just what the doctor ordered for the GTR
Looking forward to your report,
It's good to see that you weren't being rude by refusing their offer :mfr_lol:
:grin: :grin: its come through being active on KRC. The PR chappie for Pirelli/Metzeler used to do some work for Kawasaki and got my name from KRC
Quote from: Burchy on February 07, 2016, 04:20:59 PM
:grin: :grin: its come through being active on KRC. The PR chappie for Pirelli/Metzeler used to do some work for Kawasaki and got my name from KRC
:sweet:
Choices, choices...
I've run BattlAx's on my last 3 bikes, and been more than happy with them.
When I bought the GTR it came with BattlAx's fitted, and the rear BT021 (which was getting low when I got the bike) was replaced with a BT023. 5000-odd miles later (including a trip round Spain & Portugal) that is about 50% worn. As I say, I've had no complaints.
In June, a friend and I are on a mammoth road trip (on our bikes) to Nordkapp, North Norway, to see the midnight sun. It's about a 5000 mile round trip, and I don't want to return on bald tyres.
It seems Pirelli Angel GTs and Michelin Pilot Road 4s are the tyre of choice by many GTR1400 riders. So... which should I get? :ohplease:
All advice/comments welcome :smiley:
Cheers
Paul B.
Imo pr4's are the way ahead ,ensure if you buy them they are the GT version which has a harder centre strip and softer edges
...however either tyre get great reviews
Enjoy your trip l love Norway ,,,be safe
Kenny :devil2:
great sounding trip Paul I'm sure you will enjoy it :yes:
Christmas came early for me this week.. My 2nd set of PR4 GT's.
£188 from www.motoblouz.co.uk with free delivery. They came from the Michelin factory in Holland and was in a box with large bubble strips round them for protection.. :mfr_lol:
Fitting next week for £65.. :banana:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/12718256_233882576947498_2536316754291220563_n_zpscxzmoihr.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/12718256_233882576947498_2536316754291220563_n_zpscxzmoihr.jpg.html)
So that's 2 votes for PR4s so far. Thank you Kenneth & Debs :smiley:
That's a good price too, so thanks again Debs :smiley:
Cheers
Paul B.
Yep a very good price Debs :clap:
I got loads of punctures on the pr3s so won't touch Michelinn again. Angel Gts all the way for me.
Quote from: PRD on February 27, 2016, 12:12:51 PM
I got loads of punctures on the pr3s so won't touch Michelin again. Angel Gts all the way for me.
You must be unlucky as I've never had one.. :banana:
The PR3 and puncture thing is a bit of a mystery.
There are a number of reported punctures with PR3s, myself included, and yet others swear by them,
I found this report which mentions correct inflation levels and potential punctures
http://www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/learn-share/care-guide/guide-for-tyre-pressure
And again on this forum thread,....can it be that these tyres really are puncture prone or is it just that riders are now more concious of the performance of the PR3 (which is a very popular tyre) and maybe its their popularity that make them appear more puncture prone, I know in my case a nail penetrated the rear tyre on my GTR, whether or not the same nail would have similarly penetrated another make of tyre in the same way at the same location is anybodies guess
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/2-general-kawasaki-versys-discussions/21484-second-rear-puncture-pilot-road-3-summer.html
I had more punctures in PR 3's than in all my years of motorcycling. May be I'm unlucky
But never had one since on same roads with the angeLs. Obviously any tyre can be punctured
But it was an awful lot and one of the tyres had done only 500 miles so it was really expensive. So for me it's a no no.
fwiw, Angel GT won MCN's "Tyre of the Year Award" in 2013 and the PR4 won it in 2014.
http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/gb/en/news/2013/09/18/new-pirelli-angel-gt-sport-touring-tyre-wins-mcn-%E2%80%98tyre-of-the-year%E2%80%99-award/ (http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/gb/en/news/2013/09/18/new-pirelli-angel-gt-sport-touring-tyre-wins-mcn-%E2%80%98tyre-of-the-year%E2%80%99-award/)
http://moto.michelin.co.uk/news/michelin-scoops-mcn-tyre-of-the-year-award (http://moto.michelin.co.uk/news/michelin-scoops-mcn-tyre-of-the-year-award)
2015, it went to some Metzeler rubber, which seems to be designed as much for the track as the roads. Or maybe I'm just reading between the lines wrongly.
http://www.tyrepress.com/2015/10/motorcycle-news-makes-metzeler-racetec-rr-its-2015-tyre-of-the-year/ (http://www.tyrepress.com/2015/10/motorcycle-news-makes-metzeler-racetec-rr-its-2015-tyre-of-the-year/)
Cheers
Paul B.
This may be of interest. Demon Tweeks offer freefit on most Michelins either on to a wheel or ride in ride out.
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycle/road-tyres/michelin-pilot-road-4-gt
The offer is via Michelin so may be available through other dealers as well.
Thanks Chris. I'll do some digging to see if any local places are doing free fitting.
I was toying with the idea of getting a mobile fitter who specialises in bikes (friend of a friend kinda thing) and change the TPS batteries at the same time. It'd just mean having a hot soldering iron ready for when the tyre is off! :smiley:
Cheers,
Paul B.
I went through 5 sets of PR4s in 15 months in 2014 / 15 on the GTR / FJR and Busa. Not one puncture.
But I do change them before I get anywhere near the wear marks, they are the only things to touch the road so never run them to the limit.
Paul B, if you remove your wheels, its usually £20 - £25 fitting, you pay extra for the wheel removal....and id never let anyone other than a motorbike dealer take your wheels out and put back in, unless your there to watch.
I had one well know tyre dealer put my front PR4 tyre on the wrong way round when I couldn't get my usual guy..........obviously I ended up with free fitting when I noticed the mistake when putting the wheel back in. Unfortunately the di@k didn't rebalance the wheel, so I never use tyre dealers now.
Quote from: Debs on February 27, 2016, 10:24:29 AM
Christmas came early for me this week.. My 2nd set of PR4 GT's.
£188 from www.motoblouz.co.uk with free delivery. They came from the Michelin factory in Holland and was in a box with large bubble strips round them for protection.. :mfr_lol:
Fitting next week for £65.. :banana:
(http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y411/bikergirl1400/12718256_233882576947498_2536316754291220563_n_zpscxzmoihr.jpg) (http://s1273.photobucket.com/user/bikergirl1400/media/12718256_233882576947498_2536316754291220563_n_zpscxzmoihr.jpg.html)
Debs, how's the tyres doing ?
For those interested to hear whats happening on the "Dark Side" of tyre use I have just had a pair of Michelin Annekee's fitted ... strange looking but given the thumbs up by a lot of Gsers. Only done 200 miles or so and nothing in the wet yet but they feel good and robust. I was happy with the Continental Road Attacks but just fancied trying some thing else ... will let you know more in a while ..... :cool:
Quote from: Rusty on April 03, 2016, 09:54:43 PM
For those interested to hear whats happening on the "Dark Side" of tyre use I have just had a pair of Michelin Annekee's fitted ... strange looking but given the thumbs up by a lot of Gsers. Only done 200 miles or so and nothing in the wet yet but they feel good and robust. I was happy with the Continental Road Attacks but just fancied trying some thing else ... will let you know more in a while ..... :cool:
TKC 70s are another option for you to consider next time Rusty :yes:
Thanks Roger .... I shall look them up .. ta. :yes:
Quote from: Rusty on April 06, 2016, 03:38:00 PM
Thanks Roger .... I shall look them up .. ta. :yes:
I had them fitted to my Super Ten, and must say they were superb and good , no, very good in the wet, very quick warm up, sticky in the dry, long lasting, (I had 4000 miles on mine and they looked good for another 10,000) they are also good for lighter off road conditions
BTW I'm not on commission :mfr_lol:
Just had a pair of PR4's fitted and now rid of the Bridgestones that came on the bike.
I have to say compared to the ST the GTR was great but these PR4's have made it even better! I know :smiley: didn't think it was possible. :clap:
Much more responsive and as they scrubbed in the confidence grew, the Bridgestones never made me feel that secure.
Looking forward to trying them on wet roads. :banana:
Quote from: Tony on April 18, 2016, 01:42:46 PMLooking forward to trying them on wet roads. :banana:
You won't be disappointed. It's witchcraft I tell you! Best tyre I've ever ridden on wet or dry. Best tyre in the wet by a coutry mile!
Quote from: Tony on April 18, 2016, 01:42:46 PM
Just had a pair of PR4's fitted and now rid of the Bridgestones that came on the bike.
I have to say compared to the ST the GTR was great but these PR4's have made it even better! I know :smiley: didn't think it was possible. :clap:
:agree:
Mine came with a pair of MAXXIS on from DK - scary stuff! :shit: tyres!
Done 5K on me PR4's now, no issues or worries, quality rubber that suits my riding style. :yes:
Might regret this, but hey-Ho .... http://youtu.be/EzcgeHLZMvw
That's thrown a spanner in the works lol
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Quote from: shaggs147 on April 18, 2016, 09:39:50 PM
That's thrown a spanner in the works lol
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
mmmm, just what I was thinking :yes:
Quote from: shaggs147 on April 18, 2016, 09:39:50 PM
That's thrown a spanner in the works lol
Not really. A few miles on fresh tyres checking out their sporting prowess is hardly a test of Sport Touring tyres. Look at the pics of the tyres after they've been reviewed ... hardly scrubbed in.
As usual MCN reviewing with a sporting slant when these tyres are purchased for real world everyday use. Mileage, value for money, stability, comfort, resistance to tramlining etc. etc. Not how much of a nanosecond I can chop off a change in direction.
And relax :smiley:
Good point!
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I had a new VFR800 for the day while my tyres were fitted and the PR4's would be completely different animal on that. beside, i'm not sure i would notice 90% of the handling detail he does :no:
:biker3:
Got a pair of PR4s fitted yesterday, and did my best to scrub them in this morning.
Completely different feel to the bike compared to the BT023s that were on there. Much smoother roll into and out of corners, is the best way I can describe it.
As for the rest of the real world performance measurements (wet grip, longevity, puncture resistance, etc) well, time will tell.
Cheers
Paul B.
Pireli Angels on mine at the moment and they seem ok. I have always been a fan of the RP3 and latterly the RP4 and the RP4 was going to be my next replacements, however I have been hearing really good things about the new Dunlop Roadsmart 111, so might give them a go next time around.
Quote from: iamkwackers on May 24, 2016, 08:25:44 PM
Pireli Angels on mine at the moment and they seem ok. I have always been a fan of the RP3 and latterly the RP4 and the RP4 was going to be my next replacements, however I have been hearing really good things about the new Dunlop Roadsmart 111, so might give them a go next time around.
the RP3 is new to the market and reports suggest that it could be the new tyre of choice, :yes:
Quotethe RP3 is new to the market and reports suggest that it could be the new tyre of choice, :yes:
Not that new surely?.... the RP4 was introduced to supersede the RP3 in the litre and above class bike. The RP4 GT version would be the correct choice for the 1400 GTR providing you are happy with a slightly slower turn in than some of the other brands, In my mind the Dunlop Roadsmart 3 is going to give me a slightly quicker turn in and all the other attributes of longevity and good grip in all conditions, having said that, tyre choice really is a very personal preference choice :yes:
Quote from: iamkwackers on May 25, 2016, 07:00:01 PM
Not that new surely?.... the RP4 was introduced to supersede the RP3 in the litre and above class bike. The RP4 GT version would be the correct choice for the 1400 GTR providing you are happy with a slightly slower turn in than some of the other brands, In my mind the Dunlop Roadsmart 3 is going to give me a slightly quicker turn in and all the other attributes of longevity and good grip in all conditions, having said that, tyre choice really is a very personal preference choice :yes:
typo error on my part it should have been RS3 not RP3 ~ sorry for the confusion
The Dunlop RS3 was introduced in March 2016
Tyre choice is of course a personal preference, reports will always express their own opinion :yes:
[quotetypo error on my part it should have been RS3 not RP3 ~ sorry for the confusion
][/quote]
Aah, ok that makes sense.... yep agree that all the reports seem to suggest it will be the tyre of choice in the near future. The Pirelli Angels currently fitted should last me long enough for the RS3 to have been properly evaluated in real world terms. Still top of my list at the moment :punk:
Typo error ~ I'll have to put my fat fingers on a diet :mfr_lol:
I find the pie and a pint diet works for me :mfr_lol:
Syd, He's Yorkshire. Thats standard fodder up there. Ee bye gum. Remember the trip to Theakstons and The Green Dragon. Pies and Pints all round :mfr_lol:
Nothing wrong with pie. It's my favorite food group.
Mo, I do remember the trip to Theakstons Brewery and The Green Dragon.....fond memories indeed, the Pie and Mushy peas were delicious and the pints of ale weren't that bad either.....oh, did I mention chips :mfr_lol:
Michelin RP4s
Just completed 5 days touring in Wales on the new tyres and they are just brilliant. We had all the extremes of weather that Wales could throw at us and the RP4s gave me confidence at all times, sure footed and responsive. Very pleased.
And no punctures!!
Interested to see how many miles i get out of them now :grin:
Punctures will come!
Just posted some on the GTR pic thread mate.
Quote from: PRD on May 26, 2016, 03:03:17 PM
Punctures will come!
you old cynic :whistling:
Quote from: PRD on May 26, 2016, 03:03:17 PM
Punctures will come!
You're such an optimist! :banana:
early days will provide feedback later :yes:
(http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n326/oldeconey/2016-07-01%2015.10.49_zpsh770tdo1.jpg)
Just about to replace my PR4 front with a PR4GT.
Got 11k miles out of this one and am getting 8k mile out of the rears.
The current front tyre is heavily worn on the right side but still feels neutral when chucking it through the twisties.
Have never had a tyre that still felt good when pretty much worn out.
Better than PR3, massively better than Bridgeshite 021s.
Better yet, zero punctures on both sets of PR3s (2 rears, 3 fronts) and PR4s (on 2nd rear and 1st front)
I reckon PRD must ride through building sites or live near a screw factory :banana: :mfr_lol:
:mfr_lol:
I suffered a puncture on my Green GTR fitted with PR3s , truth is that it was a substantial nail which would have penetrated a bloody tractor tyre :smiley:
I'm looking forward to even better performance and longevity from these PR4 GTs
12K from the first rear PR4 GT and the second is going to just get to 10K.
The first front got 10.5K and this one seems to be heading for similar.
Brilliant tyre, wet or dry, but especially impressive in the wet compared all I've ridden on over the years.
had a run out today and have now got about 100 miles on my PR4 GTs, the difference beteeen them and the OEM Bridgestone tyres is very noticeable, I've only ridden them in the dry so far but the bike feels to turn easier and lighter.
I'm sure they will last too
Agreed, OC. The difference is really noticeable.
Just done 5000 miles on a pair of brand new PR4 GTs. Not once did they give me cause for concern even when there was an inch of water on the road during a storm deluge.
Also, no sign of squaring off, given that it was all motorway/major roads.
Cheers
Paul B.
Quote from: O.C. on July 03, 2016, 08:22:20 PM
had a run out today and have now got about 100 miles on my PR4 GTs, the difference beteeen them and the OEM Bridgestone tyres is very noticeable, I've only ridden them in the dry so far but the bike feels to turn easier and lighter.
I'm sure they will last too
[/quote
You wait til you try them in the wet. Brill!
Hi
When I bought the trike it had a std front tyre, and I wore it out in about 1500 miles, fitted a new one the same and got the same result.
Then after a lot of reading and some luck I fitted a Michelin Pilot Activ Rear, in reverse rotation, 130/70-17, works well and has done over 4000 miles, and now it's flattened off and worn to the point there is very little tread in the middle it grips even better, but it will need changing soon, and Michelin have stopped making my size :-/ , unless it comes from the USA......
As I understand it, it's a Bias Ply, dual compound tyre.
What's my best option as an alternative?
Richard
Quote from: Richard on July 03, 2016, 11:34:02 PM
Hi
When I bought the trike it had a std front tyre, and I wore it out in about 1500 miles, fitted a new one the same and got the same result.
Then after a lot of reading and some luck I fitted a Michelin Pilot Activ Rear, in reverse rotation, 130/70-17, works well and has done over 4000 miles, and now it's flattened off and worn to the point there is very little tread in the middle it grips even better, but it will need changing soon, and Michelin have stopped making my size :-/ , unless it comes from the USA......
As I understand it, it's a Bias Ply, dual compound tyre.
What's my best option as an alternative?
Richard
What I know about trikes isn't worth knowing, but I'd have thought that *any* front tyre would be prone to squaring off as trikes don't really lean round corners.
I could be wrong and often am.
You could do worse than trying a PR4 GT... :smiley:
Cheers
Paul B.
Hi Richard, I guess that the requirements for trike tyres is going to be somewhat different to that of a bike, as such I have no idea what would be good for mileage and performance
I came across these links which might or might not help. good luck and let us know how you get on,
https://forum.motorcyclenews.com/topic/52061/front-tyre-for-trike/3
http://www.mankymonkeymotors.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=11329.0
You will be better off with a long life bias belted front motorcycle tyre.
If you want tyre life try the Metzeler ME880 in 120/70-B17.
The ideal would be a car tyre but not sure if you can get one that will fit.
The problem with trike front tyres is that you are pushing them sideways a lot of the time.
Hi
Thanks for the replies.
As has been said, only the centre of the tyre wear, because the trike doesn't lean in the corners.
From lots of reading a rear bias belted works best, because they use harder compound rubber, and they have twice the depth of tread to start with.
My question is, since the Michelin Pilot Activ is no longer available in my size what other model or make is an equivalent?
Thanks
Richard
Look what the nice people at Metzeler/Pirelli sent me to try out: -
Quote from: Burchy on July 05, 2016, 07:38:20 PM
Look what the nice people at Metzeler/Pirelli sent me to try out: -
That's very nice of them! Even better if they'd sent you the HW versions :smiley:
Cheers
Paul B.
They are the HWM versions. The rear has an extra layer in the carcase
Sweet! :punk:
Cheers
Paul B.
Quote from: Burchy on July 05, 2016, 07:38:20 PM
Look what the nice people at Metzeler/Pirelli sent me to try out: -
I,m interested already.Looking forward to your thoughts on these tyres. Currently running Pirelli GT "A' spec tyres.
Reading this with interest. I have Angel GT's fitted to the gtr but am still getting used to the bike so can't really fully comment, good grip 2 up in the dry.
Concerning PR4's I also have an unfaired Suzuki sv1000n that I bought new in 2005. I ride to the German SV meeting in early August, last year was a 7hr ride from Calais in torrential rain.
It was probably the worst ride I have had in nearly 40 years of riding. Sticking to the inside lane of the autobahns which are heavily trenched by the trucks and were what seemed 6" deep in standing water the PR4's only lost grip a couple of times in what were really dreadful conditions. My last tourer (Guzzi) had BT23's on but everything is going to get Pirellis going forward because of the performance in the wet. Coming back in glorious sunshine on the Sunday I did the same journey in 5 hours and made full use of the unrestricted autobahns. Really great tyre.
I agree ,the Pirelli Angel "A" are an outstanding tyre in both wet and dry conditions.Last October on a 450km ride in torrential rain their performance was outstanding,handled as though one was riding in dry conditions,no slip or slides when banking into corners.
Once this set wear out they will replaced with the same.
I have been singing their praises for ages. Some people though are obsessed with pr3/4's. Not as good.
:agree:
+1
I've just been quoted £240 for P Angel ST front and rear fitted. As on bike now and £350 for GT's . The bike handles beautifully fully loaded wet or dry. Only really worth changing to GT's IF I were to get significantly more miles from them.....
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Just had a set of the new Avon Spirits fitted, £268 all in fitted to the bike.
Not scrubbed in yet but first impressions are good, feel much less wooden than the Bridgestones which were on the bike when I bought her.
Fingers crossed they'll be as good as the Stoms 2's & 3Ds which I've been using over the last 7 or 8 years
Any updates on this? I had PR4's on my Z1000 and thought they were fantastic, anyone tried them on the GTR?
Quote from: Bearded Dew Drop on June 19, 2017, 04:04:26 PM
Any updates on this? I had PR4's on my Z1000 and thought they were fantastic, anyone tried them on the GTR?
yep.....me.....and they were fantastic in dry or wet plus they warmed up very quickly.
I can't comment on their longevity as I changed the bike after 2500 or so miles with them, and shortly after the dreaded rear puncture , others will be along now I'm sure :whistling:
BTW mine were the GT version
P R stands for puncture regularly!
Funny how we all interpret tyres and their feedback differently ? For my GTR the Road Pilots were simply stunning in all areas and now I have moved to the dark side the Michelin Annekee 3,s are fantastic and I have had them fitted twice, which is most unusual for me as I always like to try something else !
Quote from: Rusty on June 28, 2017, 08:49:00 PM
Funny how we all interpret tyres and their feedback differently ? For my GTR the Road Pilots were simply stunning in all areas and now I have moved to the dark side the Michelin Annekee 3,s are fantastic and I have had them fitted twice, which is most unusual for me as I always like to try something else !
All I will say is "TKC 70 " awesome tyres :clap:
Pirelli Angel GT have travelled approx 12500 kms,nearly worn down to the indicators on the front,rear not worn as much.Excellent tyres in all conditions IMHO.
The majority of riding is on longer trips with the GTR fully laden.
Question:Has any body tried the new Metzler Roadtec 01 HWM on their GTR1400?
Interested in feedback regarding noise,handling in dry and wet conditions.
Possible replacement for the Angels?
Angels are great was going to try mew metzeler
But lot more pricey and from same factory so kept to Angels.
Quote from: PRD on May 14, 2017, 06:00:49 PM
I have been singing their praises for ages. Some people though are obsessed with pr3/4's. Not as good.
the pr3's were ok,i then tried the pr4,the front tyre from a cold start felt as if i had a flat tyre, never again,the pr3/4's are good as a puncture magnet,'ll stick with the angel's.cheer's PRD for giving me the heads up,'m very confident with the ANGEL'S fitted.
Found some interesting information and reports on the Metzler Roadtec 01 on the BMW forum.
Seems to be some concern about the amount of "siren" type noise which the front tyres create,and where the front tyres are made in some versions.
Some of the BMW riders don't rate these tyres to highly apparently. http://www.k1600forum.com/forum/bmw-k1600-suspension-setup-tires-wheels/125809-metzeler-roadtec-01-a.html
At this point in time I thing I will stick with the Pirelli Angel GT "A" spec again.May not last as long as the PR4 Michelin or the Metzler but it appears they make the GTR 1400 handle better,no noise and create complete confidence in any conditions in my experience.
Also don't need to go to the 55 profile to make the GTR 1400 turn in easily,and handle like a sports bike weighing far less than it actually does.
Mr Smokin ... I have recently returned from a week in Spain with some work colleagues and Mr Bruce Smart ( to be found on social media under the name of TeaPotOne .. please take a look on FB etc he is a RTW biker and good friend so I unashamedly promote him where ever I can !! ) was given a set of 01,s to try out. He rides a 17 plate GS and a few days before we left he spent 6 days doing a tour of the UK with a brand new set of these tyres.
In his first VLOG he was impressed and liked them a lot ... sadly after the UK AND a week of spirited riding in the sun the tyres were shagged ... I cannot be sure of the milage but only a few thousand miles and they were truly worn out. I saw them for myself. Nice tyres and good in the wet but just simply didn't last very long :sad:
If I had held onto my GTR before defecting to the dark side I would have tried the Angels ... they were next on my list.
Let us know how you are getting on :yes:
Thank you Mr Rusty for that interesting information,that only adds to my thoughts towards refitting Angels.How many miles do think the Metzlers would have covered?
The current information on "sports/touring " tyres seems to indicate,PR4 are the best for stopping in the wet and longevity , seem to puncture easily according to some,tend to scallop on the front tyres, not so good as dry handing tyres compared to some apparently,BT 30 are average in the wet,a little better handling in the dry compared to BT30,longevity variable.
Metzler Roadtec 01 have some good reports,some bad,some say noisey,good in the wet and dry,longevity variable apparently,./The jury is still out on final decision at this stage due to the new ness of this tyre.
Pirelli Angel GT,excellent dry weather and good wet weather handling,quiet,no weird wearing front or back,tyre life seems average.
Seem to suit some bikes better than others and some riders better than others which I guess can be said about all the tyres in this category.
The GTR 1400 is a different bike to ride with Pirelli Angel GT "A" spec tyres,seems to convert it to a full sports bike which makes it easy for the rider to handle on sweepers,round a bouts,corners and over all on longer journeys when fully laden in terms of reducing rider fatigue from my experience.
Interested in feedback from others regarding this statement.
I used to use pr3's but had so many punctures could not afford to use them. Converted to angels find them brilliant in all conditions and after several sets no punctures. That will probably change now!!
I bought a A8F back in May which was fitted with Avon Storm Ultra, the Avons were 2/3rds worn and felt a little weird. After a rear puncture replaced with Metzler Roadtec 01's which are a massive improvement. Handling and steering are excellent, very confident wet or dry with quick warm up. No siren noise mentioned in a earlier post. Coming up to a 1000 miles with no noticeable drop in performance or wear - not cheap but highly recommended.
PRD ... so you liked the Angels ? I never got around to fitting them but like you have heard first hand reports that they are very good ! :yes:
Hi folks, if someone has mentioned the Michelin PR4 GTs please accept my apologies. The GT version has a stiffer carcass apparently. This means the tyre is stiffer. This may not mean much to you slim folks, but I'm no lightweight, nor is my good lady.We ride with a 5 man tent, and a ridiculous amount of gear when we go to rallies. (Ask Knightraider :) )There is a noticeable difference between the PR4s and the GT version. You still get the great grip and good mileage, but the bike feels even more secure. With the 4s I was getting a bit of a squirm from the rear tyre under heavy (and I mean heavy) acceleration and quick changes in direction. The GTs have eradicated this. Bear in mind I'm talking about 1st and 2nd gear romps around the countryside pushing the boundaries of the legal speed limit. If you ride more sedately this will never be an issue. Regards, JR
The Pirelli Angel GT's have now travelled 14,348 kms, still have tread left.
I can feel and see that the rear is starting to square off on the OEM tyres from Kawasaki, I'm off to France in a few weeks (Just for a week) and it was my plan to replace the rear with another OEM to maximise the life out of the front OEM.
Money is tight at the moment, so I'd rather not cough for front and rear of a different manufacturer unless it was necessary.
The OEM seems okay but isnt wearing as well as a dual compound would. Most of the riding will be two up with luggage.
I switched to PR3's on my old ZZR and feel was different until I got used to them and then felt nice and planted, a bit worried about the higher than expected punctures though.
The most recent posts seem to suggest Michelin PR4 GTs, I'm not a sylph like creature either and would prefer a stiffer tyre, oo-er missus.
I'm still not fully decided yet on the rear whether to go with just the rear OEM or swap out both for something with more lengevity/feel?.
Any help always welcome.
Perelli Angels GT. Don't puncture as readily as michelins and just as good. But get the 'a' one designed for heavy bikes.
Can we mix tyres these days or is that still a no no?
Quote from: Tay on May 30, 2018, 11:16:08 PM
Can we mix tyres these days or is that still a no no?
You can mix makes of tyre, there is no reason or legal standpoint preventing a mix of say Dunlop front and Michelin rear as long as they are the correct size and rating for the bike.
The perfect match is the same make front and rear as each manufacturer uses slightly different profiles, belt tension and rubber compounds to create optimum footprint and grip when used as a matched pair. :smiley:
Quote from: Robbieben on June 01, 2018, 01:14:08 PM
You can mix makes of tyre, there is no reason or legal standpoint preventing a mix of say Dunlop front and Michelin rear as long as they are the correct size and rating for the bike.
The perfect match is the same make front and rear as each manufacturer uses slightly different profiles, belt tension and rubber compounds to create optimum footprint and grip when used as a matched pair. :smiley:
Great, thanks for that.
Just popped into Alf's in Worthing to check and they mentioned the same, make sure the ratings were the same 73W, ZR etc.
I was in the process of trying to save money so had considered getting a new Battlax rear as its was quite grippy and ok in the wet, however seems the BT021 is hard to get now. I then tried to get the Pirelli Angel GT (A) but Alf's could only get a front with the A rating. Even if I went with that one I couldnt get the tyre changed with the Bike for a bit as they are solidly booked.. so thats a bit borked.
So I just got the Angel GT (A) off eBay for delivery next Tuesday and West Sussex Motorcycle Hire will fit/balance it loose wheel for £12+vat.
That should give me a chance to run it through a few heat cycles before my trip to France.
Smokin ... you have done well with 14k on those Angel GT's ! :yes: :yes:
I'm obsessed with tyres; only bit of the bike that touches the road. I fitted Avon Storm 3D X-M and am very impressed. I've had Avons on lighter bikes in the past but they handle the GTR really, really well and are great value.
They compare really well against the Michelin and Bridgestones
Just my opinion.
Quote from: Moffat5310 on July 04, 2018, 05:15:25 PM
I'm obsessed with tyres; only bit of the bike that touches the road. I fitted Avon Storm 3D X-M and am very impressed. I've had Avons on lighter bikes in the past but they handle the GTR really, really well and are great value.
They compare really well against the Michelin and Bridgestones
Just my opinion.
Going to try a set of Continental Road Attack 3 GT version,if the price is right ,otherwise Angels will go back on.
Probably wont get the same kms out of the rear,reason ECU has been upgraded to the Mountain Runner flash,as a consequence there is buckets of low down/mid range and top end power on tap now which I have no doubt will increase tyre rear wear.
But time will tell.
Quote from: Moffat5310 on July 04, 2018, 05:15:25 PM
I'm obsessed with tyres; only bit of the bike that touches the road. I fitted Avon Storm 3D X-M and am very impressed. I've had Avons on lighter bikes in the past but they handle the GTR really, really well and are great value.
They compare really well against the Michelin and Bridgestones
Just my opinion.
I've been a big fan of the AVon Storms starting with the Storm 2 then latterly the Storm 3DXM (although accidentally fitted Ultras once, grippy but wore out a lot quicker lol) for many years and many miles on ST1100's & CBR1100s.
I'm currently running the Avon Spirits (replacement for the 3D XM which is now, according to a chap I know who happens to be a area rep for Avon,officially classed as "entry level" but still damn good) on the GTR and just love them
The Mountain Runner flash will actually increase your tyre mileage slightly.
I've had it's predecessor the Decel Flash for 2 years and my PR4s lasted 9k on the rear.
Back from France after the Angel GT's were fitted, nice and stable, worked nicely in the dry and the one occasion where it actually rained, well, 'spit' for 5 mins.
Other than the front end trying to fold on some loose grit and having a bit of a sphincter moment tyres worked great.
Thats good to hear ! :yes:
I am a big fan of Avon having moved away from Michelin. The new Avon Spirit tyres are excellent and really speed up the steering of a long heavy bike. I have previously had the Avon X-M and loved those but the Spirits are better again.
I hated the standard tyres on my newly purchased second hand 2016 GTR 1400, the bike had to be muscled in to corners but to be fair was rock steady once in to the turn. The GTR being a heavy bike made me decide to go back to Michelin and the Road 5 GT which were finally available from last month. The tyres have transformed the bike and it feels fairly nimble when on the move and drops in to and out of the corners with no effort. How long they will last, time will tell but initially impressions are very good.
On my second set of 5's not GT's tho.
Most riding is 2 up, went to Lakes Maggiore and Guarda this year, went to Norcapp last year.
I love these tyres.
Reasonable life and they stick like shit to a blanket.
I can throw the bike about and having ridden in cloud bursts and a whole day of torrential heavy rain riding from Bergen to Kristiansand (two up fully loaded) can guarantee their wet weather performance.
Sounds like you cover some miles Ray, a credit to you.
I prefer the Angel gT's I find them excellent and now am on the mk 2's. I used to get a lot of punctures with Michelin's.
Quote from: PRD on October 10, 2019, 07:45:03 PM
I prefer the Angel gT's I find them excellent and now am on the mk 2's. I used to get a lot of punctures with Michelin's.
Strange that you should say that Peter, the only two punctures I had were with PR4 and then PR5 both times on a GTR..... BUT the tyres are superb to ride
:yes:
Hello!
Has anyone experienced the Mitas Touring Force? I only read good things about them. I just ordered a pair and I'm very curious how they feel on the road!
I used to use their Sport Force+ on all my bikes, Local dealer was an agent for them, first ive heard about this Touring force range, will speak to my mate who owns the Garage and get a truthfull review. i used to get all their Mitas at xtremely low cost prior to touring europe and came home with genuine reviews for the company...
That will be interesting.
Quote from: l.u.v on April 14, 2020, 08:05:19 AM
Hello!
Has anyone experienced the Mitas Touring Force?
Today I mounted the new shoes, with 190/55 on the back. They fit perfectly, after only 100 km they look great. I will be back with more details after several miles..
Hi, just bought my first gtr1400 which needs new tyres and I keep reading this thread and I still don't know what to go for.. If I go for the Pirelli, do I need the a spec tyres or are the standard gt tyres ok..?? or is another make better..? I never knew it was so difficult to choose a set of tyres.. p
Try the Michelin PR5's if you want to stick to the road like shit. Just be aware that they are a softer compound than some other makes, but unlike others with the speed rating you will need, these tyres can be confidently repaired if required because I believe they have a kevlar compound.
well fubar isn'ta very flattering forum name (I just googled it) :mfr_lol: welcome along
There are popular threads on every forum such as seats, screens, oil and tyres, TBH there are no 'bad' tyres and any one of the ones that are recommended on here will be very good on your bike, personally I would choose PR5s :yes:
Might give them a go, I presume its the gt spec tyre not the standard..?
Correct, GT spec is generally for heavier touring bikes :yes:
https://www.michelin.co.uk/motorbike/tyres/michelin-road-5-gt
Yes definitely the GT version, any tyre fitter who suggests you could save a few quid by giving the standard ones a try, is a fool.
On Pirelli GT the A spec is for The hevier GTR type bikes :yes:
No mention of road pilot 4s ? My choice of tyre for the last few changes. ? Thoughts pls
Rob
Quote from: bobbyspit on December 23, 2020, 02:41:28 PM
No mention of road pilot 4s ? My choice of tyre for the last few changes. ? Thoughts pls
Rob
Yep PR4 is another excellent option... now superseded by PR5s I think
I like the PR4 in non-GT format. Currently on my 3rd set and love 'em.
Predictable, grippy as :censored:, great in the wet, and I get 10k rear 12k front to the wear bars with mixed riding.
Now I am only riding for fun, I expect that to drop somewhat.
They cope quite admirably with my corpulent morbidity (30 Stone) on top of the Fat Ninja.
I've not tried the GT as every time I go to get new tyres, they are "out of stock".
This last time I wanted to try the PR5-GT, but again, out of stock.
Maybe next time.
Road Pilots are lovely. Having said that I have just fitted a set of Conti Road Attacks just to see what they are like. Good so far and when we all meet in Scotland they should be nicely broken in. Michelin Annakee 3's were nice on the GS too. Sometimes I shall put the same tyres back on (when I say that I mean a man who knows what he's doing does it for me !) but there are SO many out there I like to try them and to be honest I have never got on a bike and gone "Bloody Hell .. these are awful or these dont feel right" I just ride it :smiley:
As you know I've just ordered some Road Pilots from BMW for the GS. They did say there was a shortage of them at the moment so whether that is just they are struggling to get them or there is a world wide shortage, I do not know. I'm going to do some searching myself and if I can get some elsewhere at a cheaper price then that's what I shall do. The current tyres which are also Road pilots have done over 6k miles and by the time we get to Scotland they'll be nearing 7k plus an expected 1k in Scotland, so I think 8k will be pushing it a bit as they are squaring off a bit.
Michelin road 5 pair £295 from mytyres.co.uk
In stock at the moment.
I get most of my tyres from them.
Steve, I fitted PR5 GT's to the K1300GT around a year ago, to replace the PR4 GT's that were on when I bought it.
They do seem to be very good and suit the bike well, however I don't suppose that there are any deals to be had on price as the GT's particularly always seem to be short supply. Having said that, I'm about to buy a rear tyre for the old Honda CB750 ready to fit at the end of the summer, as tyres for classics have been difficult to obtain for a couple of years now. I know many that have bought any tyre in the correct size, simply to keep riding!
The PR5 GT's for the BMW came out at £430.00 dealer fitted, so not cheap but about the average now, I think. So far I've covered some 4,500 miles with them, and there is little sign of wear as yet.
one for PRD, i had ROAD ANGEL GT's fitted, i was well happy with them, i then ordered a new pair and the dealers ordered the wrong size rear tyre so i had to go for metzeler roadtec 01's,as that's all they had in stock at the time, no choice to be honest, i've covered 6,000 mile's on them and there may be a little more, the rear has just started to square off, in all fairness not a bad wearing tyre at all, i have decided to go back with the Pirelli tyres so i have ordered a pair of PIRELLI ANGEL GT 2's. i'm sure i will be happy with them.
I've just changed from a set of Angel GT11 to Road 5's.
I got around 7000 miles out of those Pirelli's, let's see how the Michelins do.
The Road 5 is like the Roadsmart, you get more smiles than miles and unbelievable wet grip.
A month on Michelin 6 GT tyres and wow! Grip is insane in dry conditions (not tried wet yet). Don't know how Michelin keep doing it.