Time for another tire thread - don't blame me, it's those b'tard manufacturers

[andyoutandabout]

peeps, well I thought I really had this tire thing down. Love those Michelin road pilot 3s, so another set please. Wait a mint, looks like those sods at Michelin have discontinued the 170/60
Maybe I'll treat myself to some road pilot 4s then. Works out only a few bucks more.
Would you believe it, no 170/60 in that model either.
Yet more research reveals no problem on putting a 160/60 on my 5 inch rim.
Fond as I was of my 120/70, 170/60 - is it really that different with a 120/70, 160/60 ?
Seems if I insist on these pr3 or Pr4s then I have no choice but to fit a 160.
Somehow this feels like a step backwards?
Your thoughts welcomed as always.
Andy

[andyoutandabout]

After a few more hours on Google I find that the pr4 does come in 170/60, but it's called the pr4 gt which is angled at heavier bikes. As for the pr3, seems that some on line stores do still carry a 170/60, just not my favorite supplier - motorcycle superstore who are usually super about having all things.
So, I'll probably get some more pr3s unless someone chimes in raving about the pr4s.
Or perhaps a different brand???
Andy

[oldktmdude]

So, I'll probably get some more pr3s unless someone chimes in raving about the pr4s.
Or perhaps a different brand???
Andy

Andy, I've used both PR3's and PR4's and like both very much. I prefer the 4's but the best tyre that I have used so far are the Metzeler Roadtec Z8's. Good milage, great handling in both wet and dry conditions. Highly recommended!  Regards, Pete. 

[ribbert]

.......but it's called the pr4 gt which is angled at heavier bikes.
Or perhaps a different brand???
Andy

I have read very good things about the Z8's and keep threatening to try one but when it's come to the crunch the last couple of times, I buckled and went with the same tyre again.

Anyway, you mention the GT version like it's a bad thing, they are not Gold Wing or Harley tyres. My last two tyres have been the GT version of what I had previously been using and it was the release of that tyre that stopped me trying the Z8. 


The GT variants I believe are the same tyre, same compound but with a stiffer carcass, they look the same, they stick the same. I have noticed a definite increase in mileage without suffering any performance loss. The FJ comes in at the low end of the weight range they are recommended for.

I have a 5" rim and have always run 180/55's, never occurred to me to run anything else.

Most modern sports and sports/touring tyres are great but the one thing I like most about mine (Conti RA2GT's) is the soft to hard compound it achieved by heat during manufacture giving a smooth and progressive transition from one to the other, this means I don't get the funny wear pattern associated with most dual compound tyres but I get the same effect. The slick type profile of the front also improves the FJ's turn in dramatically and does not make it as heavy when the tyres are well worn.

I always replace my tyres in pairs and go through about  1.5 - 2 sets a year. I have tried many tyres and there are many I haven't tried but at the moment, these are my favourites. I might give those Z8's a go shortly. I will probably need tyres for the Rally.

This is one of the few items where personal recommendations are not much good unless you happen to have been through 15 sets of tyres in the last 6 months and can offer a comparison between them.

IMHO any of the Sports/Touring tyres from the big brands these days are going to be better than us or our bikes.

Noel

[X-Ray]

Which reminds me I really have to get a new rear tyre before Grafton, this time a good dual compound job that won't wear out in 3000ks!  You're coming to Grafton Noel, excellent !

[ribbert]

Which reminds me I really have to get a new rear tyre before Grafton, this time a good dual compound job that won't wear out in 3000ks!  You're coming to Grafton Noel, excellent !

What wore out in 3000kms?

Noel

[ken65]

Ive seen Ray ride and he's lucky to get that.  He's crazy.

[X-Ray]

Me?, I'm a pussycat rider Ken! (shit you make me laugh!!)

That damn Dunlop Roadsmart II I put on the rear before the Jindabyne trip last year Noel. it was very worn/flat spotted when I got home, (approx 3300kms). Very uneven wear and it certainly wasn't up to the task of a lot of straight highway plus luggage on the FJ. I'm leaning towards the Pirelli GTa tyres at the moment, very good reports for the tourers amongst us.

[ribbert]

Me?, I'm a pussycat rider Ken! (shit you make me laugh!!)

That damn Dunlop Roadsmart II I put on the rear before the Jindabyne trip last year Noel. it was very worn/flat spotted when I got home, (approx 3300kms). Very uneven wear and it certainly wasn't up to the task of a lot of straight highway plus luggage on the FJ. I'm leaning towards the Pirelli GTa tyres at the moment, very good reports for the tourers amongst us.

I don't remember anything I liked about Roadsmarts.

Noel

[ribbert]

You might find this interesting Ray.

http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/reviews/2013/road/pirelli-angel-gt-long-term-tyre-test-37799

Noel

[FJ_Hooligan]

I don't remember anything I liked about Roadsmarts.
Noel

I'm with you Noel.  The "sport touring" Roadsmart  tires I tried were the worst wearing tires I have ever run.  The fronts never lasted more that about 3500 miles.  I switched to "sport" Michelin Pilot Power and actually get better mileage.  Never buying a Roadsmart again.

[X-Ray]

Actually, now that I've checked, the OLD tyre was a Dunlop Roadsmart. The current one that has gone square and developed waves in it is a Dunlop Sportmax GPR200. Thats the one I won't be getting again,  

Some good reports from FJR1300 riders on the Angels. Might just make this crummy back tyre last a bit longer then replace front and back as a set. Still plenty of tread left on the front at the moment.

[~JM~]

Anyone have any experience with the Avon RoadRiders on an FJ? http://www.avonmotorcycle.com

I have been very pleased with their performance on my mid-size (250-500cc) bikes. Just wonder how well they hold up under FJ power & size?

Thank you.

[Mark Olson]

After a few more hours on Google I find that the pr4 does come in 170/60, but it's called the pr4 gt which is angled at heavier bikes. As for the pr3, seems that some on line stores do still carry a 170/60, just not my favorite supplier - motorcycle superstore who are usually super about having all things.
So, I'll probably get some more pr3s unless someone chimes in raving about the pr4s.
Or perhaps a different brand???
Andy

Hey Andy , what did you get ?

You know you need the soft compound tires the way you ride . I have always been happy with the pilot power up front and the pr3 on the back.  I burn thru 2 front tires to 1 back tire. 

[X-Ray]

Anyone have any experience with the Avon RoadRiders on an FJ? http://www.avonmotorcycle.com

I have been very pleased with their performance on my mid-size (250-500cc) bikes. Just wonder how well they hold up under FJ power & size?

Thank you.

On the Avon site they recommend the Storm2 or Storm3d, if you still have the original size FJ rear wheel. I think that's where I got caught out with the Dunlop GPR200, they just couldn't last with the FJ weight etc and were better suited for a lighter bike. There should be some reviews around on the Avons to help with your decision ,