Michelin Pilot Road 2 tires

[BlurredMirrors]

Originally Posted by Luke

I got ~7k out of the rear IRC. It will be interesting to see how the PR2s hold up.

I would expect at least 7k for you on the PR2. I had around that on a bigger bike, before I swapped for PR3. I actually prefer the 2s for feel, unless you ride in the wet a lot. I'm not surprised to hear your effusive comments re those PR2s, I developed an irrational attachment to mine, and just started to push the bike into roundabouts and corners harder and harder.
Thanks.
Interesting comment re the unsprung weights of those wheels!

[Boomer1911A1]

Any other observations out there about the 140 vs 150 rear difference? I know when I was forced by circumstances to go from the stock 180 to a trendy 190 on the back of my FZ1, the diff was noticable. Not huge, but it definitely took a smidge more effort to tip the bike into corners. (And now I've got a 60-profile front instead of the stock 70 and that's REALLY messing me up. Got some new buns on order from Cyclegear in the original sizes.)

Also, I'm toying with the idea of going with Shinko 006 Podiums for the Baby CBR. But they may be bias-ply. What are the IRC stockers? Radials or BPs?

[CBlackR]

Originally Posted by Boomer1911A1

Any other observations out there about the 140 vs 150 rear difference? I know when I was forced by circumstances to go from the stock 180 to a trendy 190 on the back of my FZ1, the diff was noticable. Not huge, but it definitely took a smidge more effort to tip the bike into corners. (And now I've got a 60-profile front instead of the stock 70 and that's REALLY messing me up. Got some new buns on order from Cyclegear in the original sizes.)

Also, I'm toying with the idea of going with Shinko 006 Podiums for the Baby CBR. But they may be bias-ply. What are the IRC stockers? Radials or BPs?

BP's

[ronjr009]

Have had 2 sets of Michelins on my v-strom. Both blew away the stock Metzler Tourances. I love the PR3's. Excellent Confidence inspiring grip and wear. I will get 8,000 miles out of the back as I'm at 7400 with some wear left and the front is in excellent shape and looks to go between 10-12 thousand. Not a sport tire but probably the best grip you can get in a street tire that is designed to have some longevity. I've only got 300 miles on my CBR and I've not really pushed it yet. But living in the East Tennessee Mountains and close to Deal's Gap, I like to have good grip and confidence in my tires. I'll be looking at a set of PR3's or PR2's when I go to replace them for the first time.

[l8r]

I got a set of PR2's installed yesterday. I must say they felt a little bit greasy when i left the shop, but i took them over about 5 miles of gravel/dirt roads and when i got back on the highway they felt better (i've got about 60 on them now).

I think they will be an upgrade over the tires that came on the bike new (which i got 10,000 miles out of).

I do have a question though (to Luke and/or any others running these tires)... It says on the sidewall that they can be inflated to 42psi. The guy who installed these for me is *very* conscientious about such things, but he only inflated them to 30psi. That's a pretty big difference; i topped them off to 42psi this morning before leaving for work.

What pressure do you run your PR2's at ?? Could i expect better grip/mileage at a lower or higher pressure.

Thanks in advance!!!

[ronjr009]

l8r, you'll get a lot of different answers on tire pressure. A lot of people like to go a littler higher than what the lower reccomendation is. I tend to run mine about about 10 percent higher than what is recommended. I feel like tire wear improves as it keeps the tire temps down thus helping to reduce wear compared to lower air pressure and it should help to maximize the fuel economy as well. I looked at the manual and it states 29 for the front and 29 for the rear or 33 if over 200 lbs of added weight. I would probably run mine at 32 for the front and between 33-35 for the back depending on my weight load. I wouldn't want to go any higher with the CBR pressures as it is a fairly light bike for fear of reducing the tire's ability to grip the pavement. On my V-Strom, I run 36psi front and 40 back as it is a good bit heavier than my CBR and this is with the Pilot Road 3's.

(Side Note)I just got back from Honda for my 600 mile service ($280.00.... OUCH!) $175.00 of that is for checking the valves. They noticed a staple in my front tire. I've already got a pilot road 3 on order. I'll probably stick one on the back in the spring so I'll have a matching set. Then it will be onward to Deal's Gap to have a little fun on the DRAGON!

[Luke]

I'm running 30psi in the rear and 29psi in the front. Seem to be a good compromise - very comfortable to ride, turns in nice and stable and is ok even with ~120 lbs on the pillion (my daughter).

I love these tires, they'll be the next set as well.

Luke

[Metalstorm]

I run 30 rear and 29 front in my sport demons as well. I too think it seems to be the best compromise.