Michelin Pilot Road 3 & General Maintenance

I just picked up my new tires today. I went with the Michelin Pilot Road 3. I haven't heard anything bad about them, so I thought I'd give them a try. The tread pattern is pretty unique, so I've uploaded a couple of photos. I'd be interested to hear any feedback regarding these tires if you've got any to share.



Last winter was the big one for updates (OEM Hard Cases, PCV, Heli Bars, Sargent Seat, Zero Gravity ST Windscreen). This winter is just going to be the new tires, air filter, oil / filter and changing the clutch / brake fluid.

 

I tried them and didn't care for them. The front tire seemed noisy to me. Next set was PR2s and I liked them better. When I get a new bike I want to try the roadsmart 2s. I really liked the original roadsmarts but 3800 miles is not enough. The PR3s got 6400 miles on them.


P.S. If I remember correctly the sipes should be opposite when on the bike. Doesn't look right but follow the arrows.

 

I went through two sets of pr2, switched to the pr3 and found no recognizable difference in how they behaved or handled for my riding, most of which was on wet roads. I switched back to the pr2 as they were about $30.00 each cheaper here. If they were the same price, I would likely have stuck with the 3's but like I said, no noticeable difference while riding. If you were riding more aggressively in the rain, there may be a slight improvement in traction. I can't speak from experience on this point. I won't say just how fast I rode with these but lets just say, I did cover lots of territory in little time on the freeway every time I worked late into the morning.

I am not 100% sure, but I think the only difference between these two tires is that the 3's have that extra tread groove carved into them. Sipes if that's what they are called. I am pretty sure the dual rubber compound is the same in the two. Someone in the know can pipe up if I am wrong.

If you have the time, here is a Motorcycle Safety News write-up comparing the pr3 with pretty much just the Michelin 2CT's. From what I could see in that article, they only say that there is a claim to better cornering due to softer rubber on the cornering sections and more durable in the center. Well the PR2's also have that. They do not say better than what. They also say that the PR3's use "scientifically tested" grooves to disperse water in the rain. Well all sipes do just that. I suspect that the additional sipes of the 3's are likely scientifically better that the 2's but to what degree? They do not go there. The basic tread pattern on the 3's is the same as the 2's but with additional sipes.

First look: Michelin Pilot Road 3 | Motorcycle Safety News
Michelin Pilot Road 3 road test review | Motorcycle Safety News

For what that is worth. Take this, digest it, crack a beer and have a good night.

PS,

Take the stickers off before you ride.ound:ound:ound:

 

I was thinking the same thing when I picked them up, but the arrows on the tires do line up with the rims, so I don't know what to think. It does look backward, but I'm trusting the arrows! I'd be very happy if I get 6400 miles out of them.

 

Honestly, I never compared the PR3s to the PR2s. I assumed that the PR3 was the lastest version of the tire so I went with it. I did compare them to my old tires (BT-020) and the biggest thing I liked about them is that they say they have very good cold weather traction. My old tires did not and I spend many mornings in the spring and fall commuting to work in 30 degree weather. With the old tires, you could feel the bike slip underneath you which is not very encouraging.

I thought that if I left the stickers on, then I would not long go faster, but gain MPG

 

Yes follow the arrows. But what I meant was on the bike the sipes are backwards from back to front. I read that this was because the backs evacuate water during acceleration and the fronts during deceleration. The arrows are right. Sorry I was so unclear.

 

Funny that you mentioned this, a fellow rider, who was arriving to work as I got to his office noticed the sipes on the front and pointed that out to me that they were backwards for water displacement. I knew they were on correctly (via rotation arrows), but it never dawned on me the reason the sipes were opposing front to back.

 

You can always re-apply the stickers on your fairings somewhere like the racers do. That will really make your bike fast!

 

No problem. How are you doing with your recovery?

 

Ribs are OK. Shoulder is not good. Thumb fracture OK. Go for MRI on L5 fracture and hip Wednesday. Still out of work. Something will have to be done about Mid back/shoulder pain before I can return. Good news is I can't do dishes or vacume. Any reaching bending forward kills me. I couldn't ride now if you gave me the new honda 1000cc V4 that only weighs 400lbs. I hope something will set me straight fairly easily.

Thanks for asking.

Hope you like your new tires. Tell me if you think the front is noisy or was I always crazy?

 

Love mine with no complaints. Even after hitting the canyons with 50 and below weather.... no problem

 

I just put some roadsmart 2s on my 98. I went with them because the shop I buy from has a special on them and I was hoping to get more mileage out of the pilot powers I have been using. I have only done one ride so far so all I can comment on is handling. The pp have spoiled me. . Big sweepers are fine but transitions are slow and take more force to keep on line. If I get a lot more miles out of these I can live with the handling but I think I will go back to michelins either way.

 

Glad to hear you're making progress. It takes time so don't get discouraged. I've been there. I'll let you know about the front. I'll definitely take the noise if the cold weather handling is what they say it is.