New Tires

[Rio Wil]

I have about 1000 miles on my Pirelli P4 (205-65-16) rear tire and Bridgestone rear front tire (150-70-17) and so far am loving them.  I haven't done any serious wet driving yet so can't speak to wet traction, but the bike is light, responsive and (I hate to say this) like it has new 'motorcycle tires'....  The P4 has very stiff sidewalls so I am running 36 psi with 42 psi in the Bridgestone rear front.  I am hoping for a full years riding (30K mles) on the P4 and only time will tell on the Bridgestone rear front. Will put about 10K miles on next month so that should be a good indicator of longevity. The Bridgestone is a bit noisier than the Metz 880 it replaced.

[dwreefs]

How did these tires work out for you

[Rio Wil]

Fantastic!!!!!!
They both now have just over 26K miles.  the Bridgestone Trail Wing is just ready for replacement this week.  IT is the first tire I have ever worn out the two sides before the middle.......both sides are at the wear bars (and beyond) and the middle would probably go another 3-5K miles but I won't push it.  I do notice that with that much side wear that slow speed cornering is a bit touchy, the bike wants to dive into the turn.

The Pirelli P4 is still good for another 25K miles, I don't see any issues with this tire at all and will not have any qualms about replacing it with another identical one.  In reality, it will probably be something different cause I am always looking for something better.

Both of these tires made a 28 day, 8200 mile ride to Alaska and have been in 115 deg tem-ps as well as in 30 deg wet weather with not a uncertain moment. We rode 500 miles of gravel roads in Alaske like this bike was a dirt bike.......my friend was running stock 2008 GW tires and I was constantly throttling back to let him keep up....he is a better rider on asphalt than I am so I give credit to the greater thread depth on front and the CT on the rear for the better performance on gravel..

I suspect I will go back to a stock front tire just because the huge mph error the Bridgestone induces.....makes me friggin crazy.  70 indicated is 61 actual on the roadside radar. Going back to stock front will correct the error to about 66 actual at 70 indicated.

I also think the Bridgestone on front is nosier than a stock tread pattern with smaller tread blocks.

Overall, the rear tire on front was a very positive experience and the Pirelli (or some other CT)on the rear is a given.....will never go back to a motorcycle tire, looks like this P4 is going to be worth 5 stock rears.  I was concerned that the treadwear of 780 on the P4 might mean it was too hard or might slip more easily, but have not found that to be true.  I hit free way on ramps dragging pegs (which always scares the sh*t out of me) at full throttle and  its stable as a rock.  I run 42 front and 42 rear......I have seen some posts where some guys are running 26-32 rears and that scared me to death......could actuall feel the sidewall buckling under heavy throttle  while turning  in the 25-45 mph range.

Hope this helps,,,,

[Warlock]

Fantastic!!!!!!
They both now have just over 26K miles.  the Bridgestone Trail Wing is just ready for replacement this week.  IT is the first tire I have ever worn out the two sides before the middle.......both sides are at the wear bars (and beyond) and the middle would probably go another 3-5K miles but I won't push it.  I do notice that with that much side wear that slow speed cornering is a bit touchy, the bike wants to dive into the turn.

The Pirelli P4 is still good for another 25K miles, I don't see any issues with this tire at all and will not have any qualms about replacing it with another identical one.  In reality, it will probably be something different cause I am always looking for something better.

Both of these tires made a 28 day, 8200 mile ride to Alaska and have been in 115 deg tem-ps as well as in 30 deg wet weather with not a uncertain moment. We rode 500 miles of gravel roads in Alaske like this bike was a dirt bike.......my friend was running stock 2008 GW tires and I was constantly throttling back to let him keep up....he is a better rider on asphalt than I am so I give credit to the greater thread depth on front and the CT on the rear for the better performance on gravel..

I suspect I will go back to a stock front tire just because the huge mph error the Bridgestone induces.....makes me friggin crazy.  70 indicated is 61 actual on the roadside radar. Going back to stock front will correct the error to about 66 actual at 70 indicated.

I also think the Bridgestone on front is nosier than a stock tread pattern with smaller tread blocks.

Overall, the rear tire on front was a very positive experience and the Pirelli (or some other CT)on the rear is a given.....will never go back to a motorcycle tire, looks like this P4 is going to be worth 5 stock rears.  I was concerned that the treadwear of 780 on the P4 might mean it was too hard or might slip more easily, but have not found that to be true.  I hit free way on ramps dragging pegs (which always scares the sh*t out of me) at full throttle and  its stable as a rock.  I run 42 front and 42 rear......I have seen some posts where some guys are running 26-32 rears and that scared me to death......could actuall feel the sidewall buckling under heavy throttle  while turning  in the 25-45 mph range.

Hope this helps,,,,

I run a Avon Am 126 130/90/17 rear tire on front turned backwards. My speedometer rear the same as the stock tire. JAT
http://www.jcmotors.com/p-8946-avon-am26-roadrider-general-purpose-rear-tire.aspx
David

[dwreefs]

Thanks
 
  That helps a lot have been looking at that pirelli p4 . It is available at our local tire shop for about 140 Canadian so its going on for sure.
 
   I was also looking at the roadrider cause it seems to have the front tire look . If i can get one for a decent price I am sure would get a few years out of that one. .Brigstone also has a Spitfire II rear that I have on My GL1000 that seemed good to ride on in the same size as the avon Roadrider I may have to pull it off the wing for a spin on the IS

  Hmmmm alaska and back I have been halfway there up to the top of Alberta and BC but not on the bike

[Breeze]

Just purchased the Trail Wing rear tire for the front tire replacement for the Dunlop Elite front. I took it out for a ride and was surprised at the way it handled. At first I regretted having bought the tire as a front tire, but that quickly changed after I realized that my inflator/gage was off by 5 lbs on the high side. I felt the bike diving into slow turns (5-10 mph), kinda like the front was out turning the rear. I used three other tire gages to confirm my suspicion. After adding the 5 lbs of air to it it was much better. No more diving at all, just a tad quicker. This may be due to the fact that it is 150-70 as opposed to a 150-80 or that it is new, or that the pressure needs adjusted.  This tire feels like it rolls as you turn as opposed to carving as you turn. It is smooth and as of now i am glad that I purchased it "so far" after using it for apx. 125 miles. I could see how it would like to dive after putting 25,000 miles on it. I could not believe how good it handles. I was not a believer but had to try it for myself. I HAVE NOT tried it on all surfaces nor have I had a chance to use it on wet roads. I AM NOT RECOMMENDING  this tire for anyone else. Just saying that so far" I "like it. Also keep in mind that I am still using the Dunlop Elite rear with 50% tread on it. Who knows The P4  or a similar CT may be next If this one works out to be good. I figure worst case, I will change the Trail Wing out at 12,000 miles or so if I don't like it for some reason and will be ahead by a few thousand miles over a stock front tire. If you try it don't under inflate it. I am running 39 lbs at this time and will try it at a few more lbs. and also at a few less lbs. to see the difference. Once again I am not recommending this tire or any other tire to anyone. The same people who design motorcycle tires are the same ones that work for the companies that "sell" them to us. I am positive that motorcycle tires should not be wearing out as quickly as they do. Someone, please design a motorcycle tire that lasts at least 18,000 miles. I would be willing to pay a little more to avoid the hassle of paying for or doing tire changes as often as now needed. Maybe it would eliminate the temptation to push a tire beyond it's limitations.  Just my opinion>

[X Ring]

Just purchased the Trail Wing rear tire for the front tire replacement for the Dunlop Elite front. I took it out for a ride and was surprised at the way it handled. At first I regretted having bought the tire as a front tire, but that quickly changed after I realized that my inflator/gage was off by 5 lbs on the high side. I felt the bike diving into slow turns (5-10 mph), kinda like the front was out turning the rear. I used three other tire gages to confirm my suspicion. After adding the 5 lbs of air to it it was much better. No more diving at all, just a tad quicker. This may be due to the fact that it is 150-70 as opposed to a 150-80 or that it is new, or that the pressure needs adjusted.  This tire feels like it rolls as you turn as opposed to carving as you turn. It is smooth and as of now i am glad that I purchased it "so far" after using it for apx. 125 miles. I could see how it would like to dive after putting 25,000 miles on it. I could not believe how good it handles. I was not a believer but had to try it for myself. I HAVE NOT tried it on all surfaces nor have I had a chance to use it on wet roads. I AM NOT RECOMMENDING  this tire for anyone else. Just saying that so far" I "like it. Also keep in mind that I am still using the Dunlop Elite rear with 50% tread on it. Who knows The P4  or a similar CT may be next If this one works out to be good. I figure worst case, I will change the Trail Wing out at 12,000 miles or so if I don't like it for some reason and will be ahead by a few thousand miles over a stock front tire. If you try it don't under inflate it. I am running 39 lbs at this time and will try it at a few more lbs. and also at a few less lbs. to see the difference. Once again I am not recommending this tire or any other tire to anyone. The same people who design motorcycle tires are the same ones that work for the companies that "sell" them to us. I am positive that motorcycle tires should not be wearing out as quickly as they do. Someone, please design a motorcycle tire that lasts at least 18,000 miles. I would be willing to pay a little more to avoid the hassle of paying for or doing tire changes as often as now needed. Maybe it would eliminate the temptation to push a tire beyond it's limitations.  Just my opinion>

How about some pics and a link.

Marty

[Tim R]

Hi,
  Thought I might ad a post here since it is back at the top of the forum. I went over to the dark side myself last fall with General Altimax (205-60-16) and liked it from the start. I put on a Bridgestone rear front tire (150-70-17) this spring and now have about 4k on the rear and 3.5K on the front, all seems good so far. Longest single trip was a little over a week ago when we rode out to Sturgis a week early of the rally for some peaceful riding in the hills of South Dakota. Put on about 1400 total and had no troubles at all riding the hills which is about as good as it gets here. I ride two up most of the time and pull a trailer out and back, not a sign of cupping or any of that, that I had when using MC tire on the rear. I am a convert. Still out on the Bridgestone rear on the front as I am not real crazy about the speedo being off so much, but I find myself driving by the tach anyway so may not be a real big deal.

Yes I am wondering if this entitles me to 2 cookies?

[Breeze]

To X Ring, here is a link for the tire and one of the best prices available. I bought the 150-70-17 V rated tire. It is the one BMW used on their dual-sport. I'll post a picture of mine in a few days. There is a good photo on the link if that is good enough                     http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/29/393/14704/ITEM/Bridgestone-TW152-Trail-Wing-Dual-Sport-Rear-Tire.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

[Breeze]

Just purchased the Trail Wing rear tire for the front tire replacement for the Dunlop Elite front. I took it out for a ride and was surprised at the way it handled. At first I regretted having bought the tire as a front tire, but that quickly changed after I realized that my inflator/gage was off by 5 lbs on the high side. I felt the bike diving into slow turns (5-10 mph), kinda like the front was out turning the rear. I used three other tire gages to confirm my suspicion. After adding the 5 lbs of air to it it was much better. No more diving at all, just a tad quicker. This may be due to the fact that it is 150-70 as opposed to a 150-80 or that it is new, or that the pressure needs adjusted.  This tire feels like it rolls as you turn as opposed to carving as you turn. It is smooth and as of now i am glad that I purchased it "so far" after using it for apx. 125 miles. I could see how it would like to dive after putting 25,000 miles on it. I could not believe how good it handles. I was not a believer but had to try it for myself. I HAVE NOT tried it on all surfaces nor have I had a chance to use it on wet roads. I AM NOT RECOMMENDING  this tire for anyone else. Just saying that so far" I "like it. Also keep in mind that I am still using the Dunlop Elite rear with 50% tread on it. Who knows The P4  or a similar CT may be next If this one works out to be good. I figure worst case, I will change the Trail Wing out at 12,000 miles or so if I don't like it for some reason and will be ahead by a few thousand miles over a stock front tire. If you try it don't under inflate it. I am running 39 lbs at this time and will try it at a few more lbs. and also at a few less lbs. to see the difference. Once again I am not recommending this tire or any other tire to anyone. The same people who design motorcycle tires are the same ones that work for the companies that "sell" them to us. I am positive that motorcycle tires should not be wearing out as quickly as they do. Someone, please design a motorcycle tire that lasts at least 18,000 miles. I would be willing to pay a little more to avoid the hassle of paying for or doing tire changes as often as now needed. Maybe it would eliminate the temptation to push a tire beyond it's limitations.  Just my opinion>

How about some pics and a link.                                                                                                   I am trying to post a pic of my tire on my bike. Send a PM and I will send you a pic to your email. The link is above.

Marty

[Breeze]

Here is a pic of it on my bike

[Rio Wil]

Hey Breeze.....I was gonna post a follow-up on my P4 but it occurs that the reply I sent you would do nicely.....mind sharing that write up with the list.....

[Breeze]

NO PROBLEM,HERE GOES:  Hi Breeze....
There are several folks out there with more ct miles than me, but I have some opinions that I suapect are common to everyone that runs a ct. I have about 70K miles on two tires, the first was a Falken 512 205-65-16 and the second is a Pirelli P4 205-65-16.  I stayed with 65 profile because I wanted to decrease the cruising rpm at 70 mph.  The 65 profile is just a bit taller and reduces rpm by about 200-250 at 70 mph.
Lots of folks use the 60 and even 55 profile but the 55 increases 70 mph rpm about 200-250.
I suspect that all ct guys would like to have a quality 195-65-16 or even a 185-65-16 if such a thing was made, a narrower tire to minimize the low speed tracking issue with more tread depth would make me very happy. I ride about 35-40K per year and with a normal bike tire that would equal about 3-4 tires per year and it looks like the P4 is going to do 45-50 K, it has 40 on it now and still decent tread depth.
Lots of guys like to stay with a treadwear number in the 300-400 range, I think the Falken was about 400 or so and the P4 is 780.  I was cautious that the much greater treadwear number would sacrifice traction and be slippery on aggressive cornering....I haven't found that to be a issue.  I have several thousand miles in rain with no concerns, that said, I do exercise caution in rain and don't ride as tho its dry pavement, I probably reduce wet speeds by 10% or so from dry conditions.  I also ran this tire about 500 miles on gravel roads in Alaska last year with no issues, as a matter of fact, I could maintain greater speed than my riding partner on a GW with stock tires.
So what would I buy when this P4 wears out.  If I can find a 195 width in a 65 profile that is a quality tire AND I want the grooves in the tire to be as close to the center portion of the tire as possible and I want the outside edge of the tire to be as wide as possible to put lots of rubber on the ground when cornering. This is a crude example of what I mean:     ________|__|________  
                                                                    rubber    groove  rubber

and not this:                                               ___|_____________|___
                                                                       widely spaced grooves    

This was one reason to choose the Pirelli P4, even tho the outer edges of rubber are not symmetrical, I am not sure I can tell any difference in cornering.  There seems to be only 3-4 brands/models of tires that all the guys are running and I think I am the only one using the P4, which is getting hard to find now I think.

So my next tire would likely be a P4 if I can't find a tire with a more rounded cross-section and I can still find one. This one I now have had a 3 year old date code on it but it seems to be properly stored in the shop and was not exceptionally hard.  The P4 does have relatively stiff side walls which I like. I really like the wet and dry weather traction as well as the much more useful rear braking action without locking up the rear.  I didn't notice any substantial rake angle issues by having a bit more height on the rear so I made no changes to the front fork height.  The biggest drawback to going ct is the tendency of the tire to toss the bike around a bit at parking lot or less speeds while encountering uneven pavement.  Imagine a  rut running parallel to the bike travel and one half of the rear is on the high side of the rut and the the other half of the tire is unsupported.  The bike will want to fall towards the unsupported side, once you are used to this it is not a issue. It also take a bit more pressure on the handlebars in curves that the mc tires, but that is not even noticed any more.  I run 42 psi in this tire and at this point (40K miles) the center tread is worn down about .020 more than the outside edges. (outside edges are about .185 and the center is about .165 thousandths left)

So my motivation for a ct is:
-Last as long as 3-5 regular  mc tires.
-Greater wet/dry traction
-65 profile lowers cruise rpm
-Soaks up bumps better because of 65 profile height    

[Breeze]

I do have a rear tire on the front, but have never had a CT on the rear. I love the rear/front tire. Is the CT for the rear similar to the behavior differences as say going from a 200 rear t0 a 260 rear tire? I have done that and it was no problem. Could anyone answer this Q. Thanks

[Ricky-D]

I do have a rear tire on the front, but have never had a CT on the rear. I love the rear/front tire. Is the CT for the rear similar to the behavior differences as say going from a 200 rear t0 a 260 rear tire? I have done that and it was no problem. Could anyone answer this Q. Thanks

Yes, it is similar.

The differences encountered from going to a car tire on the rear from a motorcycle tire are easily adapted to, are not that severe, and are in some instances an improvement over the motorcycle tire.

The fire suit is already on!

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[Breeze]

Thanks for the info. I still would like to know which Ct is best, or at least better than most for the Valk rear. No one seems to want to reveal their personal" winner". Maybe we should pole all Darksiders.....   Or Just ask Charley Sheen. I'm sure he would have some input on a winner.   lol

[Ricky-D]

Thanks for the info. I still would like to know which Ct is best, or at least better than most for the Valk rear. No one seems to want to reveal their personal" winner". Maybe we should pole all Darksiders.....   Or Just ask Charley Sheen. I'm sure he would have some input on a winner.   lol

There is no consensus on that issue.

It is just like the "what oil" question.

Myself I like the inexpensive car tire from the group of tire treads I like the best. 

I use the tread pattern of the car tire to eliminate, to end up with the few I choose from.

My choice has been the 205/55/16 for the best selection of tires. H or Z rated.

The other sizes do not afford that many choices. (205/60/16 and 205/65/16)

The 55 series is a little smaller than the stock m/c tire in diameter.

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