Michelin RP4 on front and RP4GT on rear ?

Hi Guys,

I'm new to this forum and in keen for some help.
Just purcheased a VFR '97 wich hasn't been ride foar some years (8-10). It has only 20K and brought her back to life ( replaced the carbs because it wouldn't cold start - the mechanic couldn't find the exact fault on the original ones ). Anyway, now I am in the process of buying new tires, planing for a long Eurotrip in the summer with my future wife

I heard only good things about Michelin Road Pilot series from my fellow bikers and I realy want the latest series - PR4. But I am very dissapointed that for my bike 17/60/17 I can find only the PR4 GT one.

So, my question is: will it make any difference if I'll put PR4 in the front with a PR4 GT on the back ?

I am not a fast driver, prefer long and safety drives ( this is why I want the best tires also).

Any opinion is much appreciated.

PS: I'm from Romania, 31 years old. I started riding 5 years ago with a '91 GS 500 ( awesome bike) but wanted to have that torque on low RPM's, had enough of the 500 .

Thanks

 

No ... the only difference between the non-GT and the GT tires are that the GT are designed to handle a heavier load.

If your wife is riding pillion, it may even be a good choice to run the GT on the back since it's usually the rear that wears down first. I typically change 1 front tire for every 2 rear.

 

I was thinking that if GTs are made for heavy loads (which will not be my case) it wouldn't have the same grip as the non GTs.

 

It has nothing to do with grip ... it has to do with load ratings.

 

Being constructed for heavy duties I'm thinking that they have a different/harder compact

 

It's the carcass under the tread that is stiffer ("harder"), it's not the compound that touches the road that's "harder".

 

My understanding of the GT's simply means a sturdier sidewall construction.

 

Maybe this will help...(From Michelin's Website)

Michelin's patented new 2AT Dual Angle Technology is a revolutionary design architecture for motorcycle tires that delivers the stiffness you need for heavier touring bikes, and the comfort you desire for the long ride. MICHELIN 2AT uniquely combines elements of both bias and radial tire designs during the manufacturing process in order to deliver the best of both worlds: the extra load carrying capacity of bias and the riding please of a radial.

 

fancy speak for stiffer carcass.

" Based closely on the regular Pilot Road 4, the GT beefs up its sidewall stiffness to handle the additional weight and forces a full size high performance touring bike dishes out."

 

And what I said in post #6 :wink:

 

Thanks for your answers guys, it realy appreciated.

New dilemma: Went today on my local Moto shop, theyadvised me to buy the PR3s. They are actualy friends of me, they wouldn''t try to sell me some tires left in deposit. Dot 2016 front and 2015 back.
What do you think? Also another friend advised me from his experience to try the PR3s better then PR4s.

 

The 4's are supposed to be better in the rain.

 

Personally I don't think you can wrong with either model, but as Gator said, PR4 has more sipes for better rain grip properties

 

Thanks guys, still undecided. But luckily I have 2 more weeks to decide, rang all tyres sellers here in RO and they don't have neiver RP3 or RP4 GT rear in stock ( Easter coming in 2 weeks + the biggest moto exhibition this weekend.

This Friday I have to go and register my byke on the RO auto register. They have to check my motor series. Do you happen to have at hand a JPEG or a link for me to know and pint point to them ? '94 model.

Thanks again !

 

Both are good tires. The 3 series has a flatter profile, but in my opinion, lasts longer. The PR4 is a very good tire, but may not last as long, if you ride aggressively. I've had both and no complaints from either.

 

good to know the pr4 are good tires-I am still breaking mine in-it takes at least 100 miles.