| Author | Message | ||
     Mikef5000 |
I know a handful of folks run the pilot roads, can anyone comment on tread wear between the pilot road 1, 2, and 3? For the rears, the 1 is about $117, the 2 is $150, and the 3 is $170. I'm trying to decide whether of not the newer versions last drastically longer to justify the additional cost. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
And the follow up question, is it worth paying the additional $25 for the 'B' models? They are recommended for much heavier bikes or 2-up riding. Seems to me that this implies it's harder rubber, which should last longer? Why oh why is there 5 options available if I want a pilot road rear tire? | ||
| Hughlysses |
I've run the PR1's (on my S3) and PR3's (on my Uly). IIRC, the PR1 is a single compound tire. The PR2 and PR3 are dual-compound designs (harder rubber in the center than on the shoulders). The rear PR1 definitely wore noticeably "flatter" than the PR3 has in similar mileage. I've also read that the PR2 and PR3 use the same rubber compounds, just the tread patterns are different. The PR3 is supposed to be better than the PR2 in the wet. So theoretically, the PR2 and PR3 should last about the same. I'd also say the B model isn't worth paying for. A friend of mine (and former Badwebber) bought a new set of PR2's for his BMW sport-tourer for an Alaska trip a couple of years ago, and he called the Michelin factory to see what they recommended. They said the B model wasn't necessary or recommended for his bike. I believe the difference is heavier construction of the tire "carcass", rather than harder or thicker rubber. | ||
| Rwven |
Following a 75 mph rear flat, due to what I believe to be a piece of sharp gravel, in my original PR2 I opted for a "B" model. While plugging the tire I was somewhat taken aback by how thin the carcass of the standard model was. I do a lot of loaded up long distance and two-up riding so I considered the few extra dollars to be cheap insurance. | ||
| Etennuly |
I have run several PR II rear tires. They are good for over 10,000 miles for me, wherein I was not able to get over 6,000 on a Sync or a D616. Wet grip was always good even near bald IMHO. I plan to stick with them if the only difference to the PR III is tread pattern. | ||
| Prior |
I'm running the PR2'B' on the Uly now and have been very happy with the tire. I've got about 4k on them (which is pathetic since that's all I rode last year), and the rear still looks great. Overall feel is good, whether wet or dry. It isn't the best on gravel since it's a pure street tire and I won't even talk about mud... | ||
| Mark_weiss |
The "B" is for "belted construction". There is an extra belt (or two) running around the tire's circumference. This limits radial distortion. The belting is needed for heavily loaded tires which have to be run near their maximum rated pressure. | ||
| Uly_man |
The Pilot Road 2s (2CT) was the last set of rubber I had on my 06 bike and I would have got 10k miles to the wear bars. Even in cold weather they warm up fast, give great feedback/road feel, bed in fast from new, dont flat off (mine had not at 8k miles), a perfect profile for the Uly, handle great in any road situation and no drama in the wet either. I had heard all the (and many, many of them) reports on this rubber and was not sure about it as had it all before. But it is all true. They are an outstanding set of rubber and I can not fault them in any way. Apart from they can cost a little more than some. The best price here is £200 a pair so you are getting a great deal. I use the normal road grade (whatever that is) and its great. The 2s (2CTs) or better are the ones you want not the 1s because, as said they are a totaly different tire. Modern tires are graded for weight/speed and all that worry about any of that stuff has long since gone. As long as you do not exceed those numbers you will have no problems. I had Scorps on my 06 bike and they are on my 2010 bike now. They are good and last well but the 2CTs make the Uly handle MUCH better in the bends for the same miles. This rubber and a good suspension setup really brings out the best in a Uly. I have a set here just waiting to be fitted. | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
I've put almost 10K on my PR2's. They started to flat spot within the past 1K miles. I've been very happy with the performance, but unless I start losing weight at the same rate my co-pilot son continues to grow and gain weight, the XT will be more heavily loaded in 2012 than it was in 2011. The net difference in price between "B" and "non B" is nominal. For peace of mind, I'll spring for the "B". | ||
| Tootal |
I believe that extra wrap of belt is to stiffen the side walls for heavier bikes. Metzeler does this on tires for big Harleys which I use. You don't really need the stiffer sidewalls on a Uly. It will most likely ride harder with the stiff sidewall. | ||
| Slowride |
Mike, I run the PR3's on my ST1300 (780+lbs) with the "B" rating. I ride that bike like I stole it. I get my knee down in corners and wring it's neck whenever I get the chance. By far the best tire I ever ran. I have 4500 miles on the PR3's on the ST and I have just now started to square em a bit. Similarly, I ran the PR 1 & 2's on my Uly's. Those were not "B" rated. I would typically get about 6-7k miles on the rear. Wet traction was great and road feel was outstanding. They transition from left to right with out effort and hold the line in long sweepers like they are on rails. | ||
| Road_kill |
Using PR's on my Uly for about three years. PR's turn in just a bit slower than the Pirelli's, but man are they stable. On the open highway, I have found no better tire. In the twisties, they work very well. Off road, they stink (wander, slip, and slide) compared to D616 or Scorps - no surprise. On the back, my first PR2 was spent at 11k miles. As Slowride told me in Suches, when they get near the end, they wear much quicker - so true. The second PR2 has about 8k on it and still running strong. Note: I ride like grandma compared to Slowride. Your mileage will, of course, vary depending riding style. On the front, replaced my first PR2 at 16k miles. Probably would have made 20k but I had a big trip planned (5k+) and didn't want to run out of rubber while on the road. Put on a PR3 front and now have 7k+ miles on it - looks great. PR3's seem to be a bit better in the rain compared to the PR2's - as advertised. All in all - great tires. Worth the extra $ for me. | ||
| Zane |
These are RP2's with just under 7,000 miles. They are mounted on my '09 XT and driven mildly 95% of the time. I've never ridden the bike with anything but RP2's so I'm not a good one to comment on grip compared to something else. I will say these have bee wearing like iron. Rear Tire  Front Tire  PS Don't get on my case about the chicken strip. Most of those miles were in Florida where there are no curves. | ||
| Tootal |
Florida and Illinois, 11 curves in 318 miles, according to the t-shirt!  We got Etennuly, Slowride, Road Kill and myself on here. All of a sudden my mind goes to clear mason jars after a day of twisties!   | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Sounds good guys. Here's what I'm gathering: The difference between the PR1 and PR2 is substantial (1 compound versus dual combound), and worth the extra cost ($24 per set). The difference between the PR2 and PR3 is not substantial, and probably not worth the extra cost ($35 per set). The difference between the standard and B model is in the belting, NOT the rubber. The jury is still out as to whether they actually last any longer. So again, probably not worth the extra cost ($20 per set). BTW: I generally pull good mileage out of tires. I got about 10k out of Diablo Stradas, and 12k out of Scorpion Trails. But I also put a lot of miles on this thing (13k a year), so I want the best treadlife I can get. | ||
| Slowride |
Mike - it's easy to pull good mileage out of a tire when you weigh a buck n quarter!  | ||
| Slowride |
Tootal - mmmm clear liquid in mason jars!!! Clear liquid in mason jars with fruit... even better  | ||
| Road_kill |
Oh no ... I think I'm having flashbacks. I feel like building a bonfire in the backyard tonight and stare at mason jars. Man I miss T.W.O. ... gotta get back to north Georgia again soon ... come on spring! | ||
| Barkbuster |
Currently running Angles after taking off some pr2`s . Had a 190/50 and only got 6k. But half that tires life was 2-up.Also the b construction is only in the 180/55 size. The rear Angle I`m running now is the E construction original on 2010`s. I had an unused front Angle so got this to match it. When there done the Michelin's are going back on but probably go with the 180 in the b construction. The angles do turn in quicker but once leaned over require more effort to hold your line and stand up in trail-braking situations. The pr2`s were much friendlier leaned over on the brakes and more neutral on turn in | ||
| Uly_man |
The PR1s are the old original design. Still plenty of them around but not sure if they still make them anymore. One of the main things we EU riders have is many more bends and in the UK roundabouts. I am not sure if you have them in the US and only seen one in France. They can freak people out if your not used to them but are fun once you do. I call it "roundabout-surfing". The idea is to go round as fast as you can and try to get your knee down. The cops do not like it much though but so what. I can see the point of miles on rubber and need it myself. In the past I have NEVER had more than 5k on mine and to get close to 10k on the PR2s was just astounding. Many a time in the past I could see, from "day-to-day" my tires wearing down. Not with the PR2s though and (my number one bug on a good handling bike) they do not square off with normal riding. For whatever the reason I find they are perfect on a Uly and I just love them. The profile is just steep enough to enhance the chassie/suspension of the bike without making it feel unstable. A road tire and not for off road work though. | ||
| Motorbike |
I call it "roundabout-surfing". The idea is to go round as fast as you can and try to get your knee down. The cops do not like it much though but so what. Uly man, that's funny! We actually do have a few around here and every time I ride through one I make about 3 loops. I will probably never get my knee down though unless I'm about to crash. Too old for that! They are fun though and I've never been stopped for making too many circles yet. My wife and daughters hate riding with me when I hit a roundabout with the minivan. Somehow, it's just not the same! Thanks. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
We have roundabouts here too, but I wouldn't dare attempt to ride fast in there; other folks apparently can't figure them out. I'm constantly finding people stopped or going the wrong way in those things. We have a whole "Roundabout Users Guide" webpage: http://www.fceo.co.franklin.oh.us/RoundaboutLink/r oundabout_user_guide.htm Pitiful! | ||
| Motorbike |
There is a brand new roundabout a half mile from the place I work. It is on a road that is not very busy yet because the area is undeveloped. That is really fun because I'm usually the only one using it. Very smooth blacktop surface but not a very big circle. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
The roundabouts near me are all very prominently posted as 20 mph. At the entrances and in the roundabout itself. Even at 25, the circles are large enough that lean angle is only moderate. I regularly notice nearby law enforcement personnel... | ||
| Uly_man |
I see that roundabouts have become a little more normal in the US? Well you gave us the Denver boot, Big Macs, ICBMs and that "bad head in a can" Bud-u-crap. Fair exchange etc? Buells, Bogart, Liberty ships, Glen Miller, Whopper (with cheese), Wild Turkey (dont ask), the BIG BLOCK Shelby Mach One Mustang, American Dad and the SR-71. Very nice. Thank you. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I see that roundabouts have become a little more normal in the US? I guess they're sort of rare but not by any means unknown. I know of at least 2 or 3 old, small, southern towns where traffic circles (the other name for them) are located in the middle of town, with the town hall in the middle of the circle. I've noticed locally that roundabouts do seem to be coming into vogue, apparently as a traffic speed control feature, in new housing developments. They fail miserably in that regard when it comes to motorcycles.  |
