Product Update

[ribbert]

These are the best tyres I've ever had (Metzeler 01), following a bit of low point in recent years with the previously fitted PR4's.



I don't keep records but I fitted this tyre the day before heading for the Bermagui Manshed weekend the last week of November (2500km). It went to the FJ Rally in March (5000km) and last week another trip (4000km) PLUS all the riding in between. That's got to be at least 15 or 16K. That is remarkable for a tyre that sticks like glue wet or dry and handles well right down to the canvas.

The photo was taken last week mid trip (and now has a plug in it) so new tyres this week. I could probably get another 1000km out of it but it's Winter down here and a miserable time of the year to needlessly invite roadside tyre problems and I have my last trip though the High Country (an over nighter at the Blue Duck Inn) coming up before the snow and ice close it down for the Winter. Not a time to be a cheapskate.

How much better can they get? 5 or 6 years ago I was lucky to get 6000km out of a rear tyre with grip like this.

The PR4's by contrast did not hang on as well, became squirrelly when about half worn and despite all the hype, did not last any longer than these.

IMO

Noel

[balky1]

That's great, but as I see on the official website, they are not made for standard FJ rims. Only for you guys with moded wheels. 

[Pat Conlon]

I am yet to use my puncture kit!

Jeeeze, now you've done it....

Well, see what you've done?

The Metzeler Roadtec 01 are on my list for new tyres.... if/when these PR-4's ever wear out.

I do have to say after riding 100 miles in the rain up to the WCR, the PR-4's are a damn good rain tyre.

[giantkiller]

I actually liked the pr3s better than the pr4s I have now. But looks like I will have to change over to the 01s.

[oldktmdude]

    Noel, I got about 9,600 kms out of the set of 01's that I fitted at the end of last year. Great tyres in the wet or dry. I'd agree with you that they're the best tyre that I've tried so far. Having said that, after they were worn out, I went back to the Z8's. I fitted them just before the Esk Rally, the only reason I went back to them was that they were about $100 a set cheaper than the 01's. Being a bit short of cash at the time was the deciding factor. Now that I have had a good chance to compare them back to back, again, I still think the 01's have a slight advantage over the Z8's but only just. I am certainly not sorry about the decision to revert back to the Z8's. This is the third set of Z8's I've had, they are far superior to the PR3's and PR4's in my experience. This maybe something as simple as the way I have my bike setup, the type of roads I prefer or just my riding style (if I have any).
You can not go wrong with any of the above mentioned tyres and it is my honest opinion that you would be hard pressed to find a bad tyre in this day and age (Harley type tyres excepted).
Glad you liked the 01's Noel, I'd hate to think that I led you astray.   
Regards, Pete. 

[ribbert]

    Noel, I got about 9,600 kms out of the set of 01's that I fitted at the end of last year. Great tyres in the wet or dry. I'd agree with you that they're the best tyre that I've tried so far. Having said that, after they were worn out, I went back to the Z8's. I fitted them just before the Esk Rally, the only reason I went back to them was that they were about $100 a set cheaper than the 01's. Being a bit short of cash at the time was the deciding factor. Now that I have had a good chance to compare them back to back, again, I still think the 01's have a slight advantage over the Z8's but only just. I am certainly not sorry about the decision to revert back to the Z8's. This is the third set of Z8's I've had, they are far superior to the PR3's and PR4's in my experience. This maybe something as simple as the way I have my bike setup, the type of roads I prefer or just my riding style (if I have any).
You can not go wrong with any of the above mentioned tyres and it is my honest opinion that you would be hard pressed to find a bad tyre in this day and age (Harley type tyres excepted).
Glad you liked the 01's Noel, I'd hate to think that I led you astray.   
Regards, Pete. 

Pete, I know the mileage I got from these tyres was exceptional as the conditions and roads travelled favoured high mileage and I would not expect as much from the next set. I also ran them at higher pressures than normal because of the roads I was riding. Like you, the Z8's come in as a firm second favourite.

I've seen you in action and one area we differ in is when on a trip or a big day ride, I don't fang it in the lower gears or from a standing start.
As Pat said, the PR4's are good in the wet (as long as they have plenty of meat on them) but I had them let go way too many times in the dry to blame the road and they were a pig when well worn. I normally change my tyres in pairs but this got out of sync with a damaged rear tyre requiring a premature change. Consequently I ran the front right down and it was awful.

Pete, I know how you ride and I'm confident you push your tyres to a 100% of their limits so I put a lot of store in your recommendation and I was not disappointed. It will be 01's for me again until the next best thing comes along. (The only previous time I have fitted the same tyres again were 3 or 4 consecutive sets of Continental Road Attack 2 GT's).

However, as you quite rightly said, we are splitting hairs between a selection of very good tyres.

IMO

Noel

[ribbert]

I am yet to use my puncture kit!

Jeeeze, now you've done it....

Well, see what you've done?

The Metzeler Roadtec 01 are on my list for new tyres.... if/when these PR-4's ever wear out.

I do have to say after riding 100 miles in the rain up to the WCR, the PR-4's are a damn good rain tyre.

I'd completely forgotten I jinxed myself 

As you say Pat, the PR4's are good in the wet.

Good luck trying to wear them out! I was starting to wonder about the same thing but punching a hole in the rear took care of that.


IMO

Noel

[oldktmdude]

   I also found that the PR4's, when half worn, were pushing (understeering) in the tighter corners; corner advisory sign speeds of 40kmh or lower. The rear seemed ok but the front had a problem. I am not sure if Alf had this same problem with the PR4's but he and I both had similar issues with the PR3"s. There is absolutely no doubting their ability in the wet as I don't think there is much between the PR4's and the 01's. At the moment I am more than happy with the Z8's and would gladly buy another set.
   On a side note, Alf and I had a brief discussion about another Manshed Day at Bermagui and thought it was a good idea. Possibly towards the end of this year or early next year. 
   Regards, Pete.

[ribbert]

   ......I also found that the PR4's, when half worn, were pushing (understeering) in the tighter corners.....
   

That was exactly what I found. The last day I rode with it was a long one through the mountains and it was like a truck, felt like it had about 10 psi in it and was hard work. First time I ever had sore arms and shoulders the next day from wrestling it into corners.

   
   On a side note, Alf and I had a brief discussion about another Manshed Day at Bermagui and thought it was a good idea. Possibly towards the end of this year or early next year. 
   Regards, Pete.

Great part of the world, terrific ride, fabulous hosts - I'M THERE!

Later this year would be better, the Rally is early next year. Last years timing was perfect, into the good weather and just before holiday madness.

Noel

[oldktmdude]

 
   On a side note, Alf and I had a brief discussion about another Manshed Day at Bermagui and thought it was a good idea. Possibly towards the end of this year or early next year. 
   Regards, Pete.

Great part of the world, terrific ride, fabulous hosts - I'M THERE!
Later this year would be better, the Rally is early next year. Last years timing was perfect, into the good weather and just before holiday madness.
Noel

We have a ride to Tassie planned for the second week of November so we'll have to see how things pan out. I'll post later on any future developing plans.
It's great to hear that you are keen Noel.
Regards, Pete.   

[Sparky84]

  We have a ride to Tassie planned for the second week of November so we'll have to see how things pan out. I'll post later on any future developing plans.
It's great to hear that you are keen Noel.
Regards, Pete.   

I'm trying to get to Tassie in the first week of November, maybe I'll have to stay for another week.
Last time I was there was for 4 weeks on a Honda 750 K2, finished my apprenticeship then gave notice and went.

Great place.

[oldktmdude]

  Alan, it would be great to catch up with you in Tassie. We are arriving there the morning of the 10th November. If you are still there we should meet up.
My apologies Noel, for hijacking your thread.

[ribbert]

  .....We have a ride to Tassie planned for the second week of November so we'll have to see how things pan out.
Regards, Pete.   

I'll be in it anytime other than school holidays and long weekends.

Noel