Whats the best tyre choice?

Thanks guys you gave me plenty to think about, as it happens mymchanic is fitting a pair of metzs on so will havee to see how I get on with them, will keep you all posted on that one hoping to be using my bike sometime this week, maybe tomorrow if the weather allows it! Going through a bit of a wet patch at the moment, I don't do rain!!

 

Michelin pilot road 4s are good for commuting. I used Pirelli Angel GT's on my hayabusa with good luck, even in the corners. Never got quite used to the Michelin profile, but they do work well in all weather.

 

Still liking the T30 Evo tires. 400ish on them now.

 

*grumble*

Starting to think about new shoes for the Silver Surfer myself ... I've now owned 3 sets of Michelin PR2's between my two '02 VFRs. I like them, but I keep hearing great things about the PR3 and PR4 models. I've never had a problem with the PR2s in the rain, but then again, I haven't ridden the PR3 or PR4 in the rain for comparison.

My tires are starting to square off (my commute is really flat and very few curves) and I'm getting scalloping on the front (seems common with the PR2 front for me). Lots of tread on them still, though - but I hae a full 5 weeks of solid commuting before the trip (140 km / 87 miles round trip daily). I'd hate to have to replace the tires in the middle of a trip and not have control over cost / where I buy them from.

I will likely purchase a new set in the next 2 weeks, put them on the bike, and save the old tires for when these wear out while waiting for another set.


... decision decisions ...

 

You missing a 0 there bro? Because thats not a bragging number

 

Been doing some research here this evening ... here's what I think I'm narrowing it down to:

Metzeler Roadtec 01
Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact
Bridgestone T-30 EVO

I can get the Metzeler Roadtec Z8's for almost the same price as a set of Michelin PR2s.

I can get the T-30 EVO less than both those tires, almost a $50 difference for a set vs. the others and they get stellar reviews.

The Metzeler Roadtec 01's are getting stellar reviews but are going to cost me some significant coin ... even more than a set of Michelin PR4's.

Any thoughts on these tires / experience comparison in terms of feel, grip, and longevity (if you've tried more than 1 of these)?

... or do I stick with the PR2s???

 

PR4's are awesome in the rain. Can't comment on other brands.

 

@Anne Marie ... I've never had issue in the rain with the PR2. Never once did they make me concerned.

I'm really leaning towards trying a set of Bridgestone T-30 EVO's. I hear they are quicker turning and every bit as good in the rain.

 

My T30EVO are very confident in the rain.

 

I love riding in the rain, ever since I got myself a good set of motorcycle rain gear.

Makes all the difference when you stay warm and dry.

 

On my 6 Gen (commuter/tourer) I never liked the PR2 front and when I went to a new set of tires after the PR2 set wore out, I went with a PP3 front, PR2 rear combo and surprisingly they wear pretty evenly front/rear. After that set wore out, I went with a PP3/PR4 combo and similarly, even wear front/rear. So far I am really happy with this combo and on my second PP3/PR4 combo and so far both mileage and grip are fine. As far as the turn in and yanking and banking, it's never disappointed. As with all things motorcycle related, YMMV (literally)

 

Thanks, OOTV!

I was considering the mix / match for tire options. How did the PP's perform in the rain though?

 

Just an aside: I admittedly know zero about motorcycle tires but I see that the recommendations tend to match the relatively quality for car tires. For my car I am not a Michelin fan as they make hard rubber and high mileage tires, which is too large of a compromise against grip. (I'm sure for bikes it is a different story.) I see Jeff's recommendation for Bridgestone and think that for my car today I have Blizzaks for winter and Potenzas for summer. Both are the pinnacle of grip among the current tires available for my car.

 

I didn't realize how well traveled some of our tire experts were until I read this whole thread. Riding in Turkey has been on my bucket list for years. Just thought I'd share that.

 

Well, I haven't recommended the Bridgestone's, but my research indicates that they're a highly regarded sport touring tire.

I love my Michelin Pilot Road 2's - but I want to try something different so I have a comparison. Right now, it's between the T30 EVO (Bridgestone) and the Roadtec Z08 Interact.

 

"Knight;512340]Just an aside: I admittedly know zero about motorcycle tires...."

Ain't that the truth. E Plurbus Unum