Pirelli Speed Demon Tire Update - Wear experience and cost

[terryk]

I purchased the 87 FJ1200 early August 2011 and immediately changed the cheap/offbrand tires to a matched set of Pirelli Speed Demons.

After ~ 9 months and 3,728 miles I replaced the worn out rear. It was absolutely time to do this.

The rear tire cost me $111 delivered. My local mechanic charges me $40 to change the tire plus $5.95 for a new valve stem and the tire disposal fee from the state.

I was not as diligent as I should have been in ensuring the tires were always aired up properly, and now plan on checking my tire pressure every two weeks.If I had been better at checking my air I may have gotten more out of the tire. But frankly I push this beast pretty hard on a regular basis and that is not a given.

I expect to get another 4,000 miles out of the front before it too gives up the ghost.

All in all, a great tire with great performance. For those who choose to preserve the bike as it came to us from the factory and therefore remain with stock rims and Bias tire technology  , Pirelli is a solid choice.

[The General]

All in all, a great tire with great performance. For those who choose to preserve the bike as it came to us from the factory and therefore remain with stock rims and Bias tire technology  , Pirelli is a solid choice.
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+1    At first I thought they were a little "Woody" on my stock FJ1 but I am pleasantly surprised with handling and mileage so far.  Doug

[andyb]

coughcoughcough

My last 17" tire lasted 6500 miles, including >75 burnouts/drag passes, and was replaced with life left...

coughcoughcough

[FeralRdr]

I've also ran the Sport Demons on my OEM '87 before switching over to Avon Azaros just this past week.  I loved the confidence inspiring feel they provided, as the bike felt so 'planted' and steady in the curves.  Going from Metzler Lasertecs, the Pirellis were definitely a whole new experience for me; one that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Though I don't have enough miles on the Azaros to make a good comparison, I can tell you that the Pirellis felt more grippy and seamed to break-in quicker.  In terms of longevity, I sadly had a computer FUBAR and lost some of my maintenance records, to include the mileage at the time of installing the Pirellis.   My best guess is that I got around 4,000 miles on the front and rear Pirellis, where as on the Metzlers I would get around 7,500 on the rear and about 12,000 on the front.  I believe that this difference in longevity is due (at least partially) to the compounds used in each tire.  The Metzlers, I believe, use a touring compound, whereas the Pirellis are constructed with a sport compound.

A few additional observations.  I mounted my Pirellis last summer, and shortly after noticed a huge increase in the amount of vibration felt in the handle bars.  I immediately suspected the tires, but just before mounting the new Pirellis, I also had a new Penske shock installed and they had adjusted the ride height by about 4 inches, so I wasn't 100% sure.  Last weekend, I switched over to a set of Avon Azaros, and the handle bar vibration dropped considerably.  Another issue I noticed using the Pirellis was fuel economy.  When I ran Metzlers, my fuel mileage was a pretty consistent 38 MPG.  After switching over to the Pirellis, my mileage dropped to a consistent 33 MPG.  Again, I suspected the Pirellis, but because of the changes in my suspension, I wasn't sure.  Last weekend after going for a test ride on the Avons, I got almost 40 MPG.  Still too early to determine an average MPG for the Avons, but so far it is a noticeable improvement.

Over all, I would sum up the Pirellis as great sport oriented tires.  They have incredible grip, and make the FJ feel so nice in the twisties that you may find your comfort zone moving to a higher level.  Unfortunately, that grip comes at the expense of longevity, fuel economy, and increased vibration.  At least that was my experience with them, and to be sure everyone's experience may vary.