the new Michelin PR4's arrived and mounted up

[Debs]

Cheers thank you, bike looks lovely

You can also get them here..

http://www.speedycom.co.uk/shop/product.php?productid=18809

[Hrcblade]

Thank you

[frenchbiker]

So ZG, it has been two weeks, what are your first comments about the PR4 handlings? Did you get the chance to ride yet?

[ZG]

So ZG, it has been two weeks, what are your first comments about the PR4 handlings? Did you get the chance to ride yet?

I've put about 400 miles on them, so far so good and I like them, nothing too aggressive yet though as most of the good twisty roads have a ton of gravel on them due to the icy weather every now and then this time of year here in the PNW.

[frenchbiker]

Ok, good to know, any noticeable handling difference on wet?

[ZG]

Ok, good to know, any noticeable handling difference on wet?

Nothing earth shattering yet over my PR3's (that I ran for 2 sets), but I also haven't ridden too hard yet up in the twisties, mostly just commuting to work this time of year but I do take the scenic route to the office which does have some nice elevation changes and turns in it, but again so much gravel out this time of year I don't get too aggressive in the turns during the PNW winter...

[bacaruda]

Ordered a set today. PR4 GT ,120/70 + 190/55. (Michelin don't have the regular PR4 in 170 width for my brothers ZRX 1100 and the GT would be to stiff for that bike, so he got a 120/70 PR4 front and a 170/60 PR3 rear). So next weekend there will be tire/oil/battery/steering + wheel bearing changing party on our rides with some help from beer and whiskey. Won't be able to give ane feedback until april. (Riding season is definitely over in Sweden now, sub zero temperature in the whole country 24/7, brrrrr  )

[Hans]

Wow... You should keep the rear 50. profile! I don't think you'll be happy with 55. profile!

[bacaruda]

Wow... You should keep the rear 50. profile! I don't think you'll be happy with 55. profile!

Why not? A raised rear end = less rake, That  together with a higher profile will make the steer-in quicker. Theres a lot of GTr1400 running with 55 profiles and the pilots of those seem happy.    I rotated the excentric chain adjuster 180 degree on my rex to raise the rear+ slightly longer ohlin shocks resulting in a significant higher rear with much quicker steering response. The only thing thats worrying me is that my newly purchased hugger won't fit under the higher profile tire. Time and a lot of maintenace-beer will tell.

[Hans]

Because my experience tells me that it does not actually produce good results on GTR 1400. Last year I had a long test run with Bridgestone and PR3, where I had mounted 55 profile. Control and management in high speed (driving straight - autobahn) seemed very loose (speed over 160km/h). Swing Drive (Alps) required a lot of adjustment to get the best line. I should generally work intensively with steering.

On the other hand - and positive - when the speed was reduced and there was co-driver and outings mounted, it was far better comfort due to the higher profile.

It will be interesting to hear your experience .....

[bacaruda]

Hmm.
Interesting point. Of all the threads on zggtr.org, no one (of the ones I found) mention trouble with high speed stability with 55 profile. 
Other than hugger fitting and slightly higher seat I havent realy seen any negative opinions. You didn't mention this yourself in your tire test reports in previous threads, Hans.
Well, I might stall the order on my rear tire and take a second thought. Would be interesting to hear ZG:s thoughts on this matter.
50 or 55 profile on PR4?

[ZG]

Hmm.
Interesting point. Of all the threads on zggtr.org, no one (of the ones I found) mention trouble with high speed stability with 55 profile. 
Other than hugger fitting and slightly higher seat I havent realy seen any negative opinions. You didn't mention this yourself in your tire test reports in previous threads, Hans.
Well, I might stall the order on my rear tire and take a second thought. Would be interesting to hear ZG:s thoughts on this matter.
50 or 55 profile on PR4?

I've always ran a 50 rear, but with this set I'm trying out the 55 rear. No issues with my rear hugger fitting, it did raise the seat a little though, which isn't great for me as I am on the shorter side. I haven't noticed any issues with high speed stability at all with the 55 so far. 

[pembsgtr]

PR4 GT's fitted yesterday replacing Avon Storm 2 ultras, If the PR4 are an improvement on PR2's I ran on a Triumph Sprint 1050 they should be awesome.

[bacaruda]

My set of PR4:s awaits rims at my rubber-dealer. I managed to change my order to 190/50 instead of 190/55. As an engineer I learned to only change one parameter at a time while testing. Presently my GTR has worn-out OEM-Bridgestone-chong-shop-wothless-squared-out crap tyre, so I need a better reference before I put on 55-profile. Start with a set of 50-profile and then try a  55-profile of the same brand and type (PR4 GT).

[bacaruda]

11000 miles on the PR4 GT 190/50 made me a believer. (was kind of in love with Pilot Road even before. lol) Fantastic tire but needs a replacement. Gonna get my rear TPS replaced under warranty next week and might do the change at the same time. hope my new set will arrive from germany in time.
I stated earlier that I was going to try a 55-profile next, but I like the behaviour of the big lump so much that I think I will stay with 50 profile. Stable as a rock and still quick enough for me in the twisties. The rear is pretty worn out, but 11000 miles (major part of it heavy loaded) ... Im impressed. Great rubber.