| Author | Message | ||
     Johnod |
Need new rubber, what are you guys running? I would like a high mileage tire, maybe a dual compound. Also who is a good online supplier? Thanks | ||
| 4speeder |
I'm running Pirelli Diablo Rosso II rubber on my S2 and my Guzzi. I really like these tires. They are lightweight for less gyro effect, and transition from upright to their sides so smooth its crazy. The rear on the guzzi is ready for replacement at 4,200 miles. The S2 has 1,800 on it and still looks pretty good. I've ridden on the street for 42 years and I like these tires better than the Dunlops, Metzlers, and Bridgestones I've ridden on. They probably don't meet your need for a high mileage tire, but they might be a consideration. It's good to check the weights of the tires you are considering. Some are really heavy and will turn your nimble S2 into a sluggish steerer. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Everything I have runs a Michelin PR2 or PR3 (Pilot Road 2 or 3). Same basic tire, the numbers are the revision/generation. Dual compound, excellent treadwear, excellent transitions, amazing siping (I've ridden in 1" standing water with no issues). There's also a PR4 now, same treadwear qualities, but designed to have more of a racer's soft-tire "scrub" feel to it. Haven't tried it yet. May throw a set on the 1125 when I finally kill the oddball rear I bought coming home from a "yeah...that tire'll make it through the trip" road trip. My local metric shop gives me a stout discount so I shop local. | ||
| S2forever |
My mileages; Rear: Dunlop 204: ~7,000 miles Pirelli Diablo Rosso 2: < 3,500 miles Michelin Pilot road 3: ~7,000 miles Front: Probably need a new one for every 2 rears | ||
| Mhlunsford |
I am running pilot 4 gt on my m2 and will be getting another set from revzilla for the s2 shortly. There spendy but they should last and they handle well. | ||
| Airbozo |
I have the PR4's on my S3T and they are going to last a while based on what I've seen. I have over 4k on them with little signs of wear other than some cupping. Coming from a set of Conti Road Attacks, the PR4's seem a little squirrely to me. Great on the highway, but on the twisties they give me too many butt-pucker moments. I do tend to ride hard through the mountains though. Almost feels like the steering neck is loose, but that has all been checked. Same with the wheel bearings. The bike didn't feel this way with the PR 2's so I don't know what to think. | ||
| Ratbuell |
2 things: 1. the PR4 uses a silicone compound - it is designed to give excellent tread life like the earlier PRs, but allow for a track-day "scrub" feel. It is a much more "in-tune-with-the-road" feeling. 2. If you're getting cupping, your pressures are too low. Which doesn't help the feel issues you are experiencing. The PR2's on my S2, I run 38/40 solo, 40/42 2-up. No cups, damn near 10k miles on 'em. Run higher pressure than you would on a single compound - the softer shoulders will take up the slack. | ||
| Airbozo |
Thanks Ratbuell, I did not verify this week, but my pressure has been a consistent 40. I thought the sidewalls on these PR4's were supposed to be harder than others for 2 up riding? | ||
| Ratbuell |
If any part of the 4 is "harder", it would likely be the center section. That's the hard part, for tread life. Confirmed. Some excellent information here: http://www.ridermagazine.com/gear/michelin-pilot-r oad-4-sport-touring-tires-review.htm/ | ||
| Airbozo |
Killer information. Thanks. The pressure was low. I've been checking it weekly and it's been a consistent 40psi (only had to add air a couple of times since September), but they told me the front was at 36 and the rear 38. Just had the bike in for service and to check the neck bearings. They didn't find any issues with any of the bearings (front or rear wheels and neck), but they re torqued everything just in case. The mechanic seems to think it was the steering neck bolts not being tight, but we'll see. I also confirmed I have the GT versions. Since it has dried out in my area (Bear Creek), I'll be riding again after a week off. I'll post back if they feel different. It's not that the wet roads would stop me from riding, it's the mud flowing across the road. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I've learned that multiple gauges are the key. And oddly enough... the cheap-ass Slime digital gauge that I got at wally world for like $3? one of the most accurate in the toolbox. I keep the one GOOD analog (expen$ive) gauge in the garage, and use it for baseline reference. The budget plastic Slime toy? Is actually close enough and consistent enough that it lives in the saddlebag, for whenever I'm not at home. Just be consistent with the tool you use, and the time you check it (i.e. dead cold / after a short ride / after a long ride / whatever - I always check dead cold)...and you can build your own data curve. | ||
| Airbozo |
Didn't get a chance to use my 2 gauges on the tires this morning. Had to trailer the bike home since I had no ride to pick it up and completely forgot to check this morning. It did feel a lot better on the ride in this morning. Not sure if it was the tire pressure or them re-torquing the neck and wheel bearings. I'll try to check before I head home to compare my readings with theirs. All in all I can say these tires have lived up to the promise of better mileage. Have over 4k on them with little signs of wear. That's a first for me. Even the mechanic mentioned It's been a while since I got new ones (I was changing 3-4 times a year). |
