tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post3940458060838361967..comments2024-03-03T07:04:39.132+13:00Comments on Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist: Michelin Pilot Road 3 - end of life reviewGeoff Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-8531262989250115382016-11-02T06:31:48.428+13:002016-11-02T06:31:48.428+13:00Thanks James! A full review of the PR4 will be ou...Thanks James! A full review of the PR4 will be out sometime this month.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-67506403370242398402016-11-02T05:26:19.489+13:002016-11-02T05:26:19.489+13:00Nice article and I really liked it.
Motorcycle Tyr...Nice article and I really liked it.<br /><a href="http://www.tyrenerd.com.au" rel="nofollow">Motorcycle Tyres Adelaide</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18305594534378667457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-67252558904067257792016-08-16T07:49:40.727+12:002016-08-16T07:49:40.727+12:00Good stuff Leith! Best wishes for a successful ou...Good stuff Leith! Best wishes for a successful outcome. I've simplified my rig since writing that article and it works just as well.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-13518755651097353772016-08-15T23:43:27.104+12:002016-08-15T23:43:27.104+12:00Hi Geoff,
thanks for that - your solution seems v...Hi Geoff,<br /><br />thanks for that - your solution seems very clever indeed! I happen to have some bits and bobs lying around from previous projects, and your concept has inspired me to see if I can improve upon your already great idea. For one, I have a bunch of 5mW line lasers just wasting away, now I am contemplating using one or two of those in my jig. Thanks so much for the inspiration! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12854101051320030443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-14075471507229057532016-08-06T10:09:16.149+12:002016-08-06T10:09:16.149+12:00Hi Leif,
Many thanks for the kind words and I hope...Hi Leif,<br />Many thanks for the kind words and I hope you enjoy your experiences with both the PR4's and the Triple! If you look at the 21st Jan 2016 post, there's a bit more on tyres. I also have PR4's on my Suzuki GSX-S 1000 and as of last week, they have now covered 8800 km and have still retained their profile and have plenty of tread.<br /><br />With respect to wheel alignment, this might help: http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2010/03/wheel-alignment-improve-your-handling.html<br /><br />Best wishes and safe riding!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-73409348114356531122016-08-06T00:27:12.924+12:002016-08-06T00:27:12.924+12:00Hi Geoff,
I came across thos page when searching ...Hi Geoff,<br /><br />I came across thos page when searching for mileage on the PR4 tyres - back on a bike for the first time in a couple of decades I was luckey enough to land on a 2011 ST with fresh PR4's fitted. Having put on a few thousand Km's in a matter of weeks I was surprised to find almost no indication of wear whatsoever, so I ventured online to see what's up. I'd like to thank you for the comprehensive write-up, it is unusual to see claims being substantiated to this level. Side note: do you have more information about your alignment method? I'd love to read more about that. :)<br /><br /><br />Many thanks,<br /><br />//LBeatonAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12854101051320030443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-78042567924564580452015-12-27T17:09:55.182+13:002015-12-27T17:09:55.182+13:00Hello Paul,
Welcome back to motorcycling, it'...Hello Paul,<br /><br />Welcome back to motorcycling, it's good for the soul! Great question! As a generalization, virtually all modern tyres have far greater grip without warming than ever tyres from my era ever did (I'm 68). It's just that they grip even more with a bit of warmth. The modern compounds increase the mechanical grip. The only tyres to watch out for in colder wet conditions are pure sport tyres which require heat for them to work properly. Any sport-touring tyre will operate efficiently across a wider range of conditions. As per the photos on this post, the Michelin PR3 and PR4 tyres have terrific wet weather performance by the design of their tread pattern as well as the compound itself. With respect to tyre release agents, they used to be oil-based but I think most of the major manufacturers use water-based compounds now - Avon certainly does.<br /><br />Enjoy your return!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-50687515126692353642015-12-27T09:42:59.781+13:002015-12-27T09:42:59.781+13:00Dear Sir,
please forgive my ignorance of modern ty...Dear Sir,<br />please forgive my ignorance of modern tyres, they scare me a little as they appear to have little to no tread, seem to need to warm up etc etc, where as when I was riding my AJS model 8, or suzuki GT550 back in the early 80s I felt very safe as the tyres had tread all over, did not require warming ie riding for a bit to get them to work (how does that work in the rain, sleet, snow etc anyway?)<br />At the moment I am returning to riding and have done some re training, but the tyres really look unsafe......BTW something else that was not an issue years ago was being ultra careful on new tyres due to them still having releasing agent on, I would have thought the health and safety would have done something about that,<br />all the best<br />PaulAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07325863370712238597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-91140057389110391372015-04-16T11:15:24.196+12:002015-04-16T11:15:24.196+12:00Hi Anon and thanks for the kind words! I now have...Hi Anon and thanks for the kind words! I now have approximately 12,000 km on my PR4's. They've retained their shape pretty well but the jury is still out on whether they will last appreciably longer than the PR3's. They're still an excellent tyre and I think that the front PR4 is a better tyre than the PR3. It's only subjective but the front end feels a bit more "planted". I'm wondering whether the wider spacing of the sipes means that the tyre squirms fractionally less under load. The other thing is that I replaced the stuffed OEM rear shock with a better quality one just before Christmas. This should help tyre life based on experience with my Blackbird.<br /><br />Thanks for the comments - Safe riding!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-36978083470629627312015-04-16T10:57:38.406+12:002015-04-16T10:57:38.406+12:0015000 and counting on the rear pr3 on a f800s its ...15000 and counting on the rear pr3 on a f800s its not a power full bike but I,be never seen more than 8000 on a rear before. researching Whether its worth the extra £15 for the pr4 but until looking at this didn't,t realize just how much the tread had receded from the centre of the tyre, its a neat trick as the tyre still looks like it has a lot of tread and doesn't,t look squared off even though 90% of the time I ride on motorways.<br />I have been swayed by the claim of an extra 20% so in the 3000 miles (6 weeks) I,all be changing to pr4.<br />Good to see 50 years of riding doesn't reduce your enthusiasm, thanks Geoff for the great writeup.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-27144990264083216452015-01-19T23:27:33.035+13:002015-01-19T23:27:33.035+13:00Correction!! That's 21000Km, not 30K!! I have ...Correction!! That's 21000Km, not 30K!! I have 1mm left in the front and 1.5 to 2mm in the back! Over 2.5 years now.<br /><br />I did some research before buying them and they appeared with the best compromise between safety and durability. So far, I can vouch for both! I drive mostly in the city abut also in highways and even dirt or country roads (on the way to the beach).. 13000km ago I replaced my shock absorber with a new one. Might have some influence and the front fork dumpers liquid has about the same age.<br /><br />Next tyres will probably be the PR3. I've seen the new PR4, they look good and there's a 20% upgrade in durability, so they say, but saving a few bucks and still do good, might be worth to stay with the PR3.<br /><br />Awesome review Geoff.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-57143496686657554662015-01-17T09:30:35.746+13:002015-01-17T09:30:35.746+13:00I ride Suzuki Bandit S 600 95' and my PR3 tyre...I ride Suzuki Bandit S 600 95' and my PR3 tyres have been in service for the last 30000km with about 2mm left to use. I drive slow and fast sometimes and the sides are worn evenly. I did some research before buying them 3 years ago and i'm surprised how long they've last! Most of the time i'm riding solo but also with (female) passengers. So it's about 200kg + 80kg + .... they're a heck of a tyres! !!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-77237925195806843682014-10-14T07:33:38.639+13:002014-10-14T07:33:38.639+13:00Hi Nigel, thank you for the kind words. You don&#...Hi Nigel, thank you for the kind words. You don't say whether you are using a "B" load rating rear tyre on your bike but even if you are, the weight of your bike, especially 2 up, will shorten the life of your rear. A friend of mine has and ST 1300 and his PR3 rear only had a life of around 9000 km, mainly riding solo. The PR4 was released earlier this year in a range of carcass strengths and compounds to suit different weights of bikes. I now use the standard PR4 and my friend with the ST uses the PR4 GT which I believe would be the ideal replacement for your bike. Michelin claim a significant increase in tyre life from the PR4. I've only covered 5000 km on my set so far but they are every bit as good as the PR3 in terms of handling in all conditions.<br /><br />Safe riding,<br /><br />GeoffGeoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-90326340495709646682014-10-13T20:29:38.999+13:002014-10-13T20:29:38.999+13:00Hi Geoff
Great logical sensible and to the point a...Hi Geoff<br />Great logical sensible and to the point and your views and that of others appreciated. Fitted PR3's to my 2000 BMW R1100rt earlier this year pre a 5000klms round trip to the Snowy Mts and Eastern Victoria, Southern New South Wales during their wettest April in 20 years and they performed brilliantly on some of the wettest and twistiest set of roads I have encountered (and have ridden in NZ/Tassie etc). Put my trust in them and very pleased with outcomes. <br /><br />Having said that the wear at 8000klms of the rear is of some concern and not sure why. I check pressure regularly often ride two up with combined weight of of 165 kilos plus luggage and a range of straight/twisty roads (live on Kangaroo Island South Oz)?<br />Suspension good and adjust the pre-load as required. Thoughts?<br />Regards<br /><br />Nigel. Nigelhttp://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/michelin-pilot-road-3-end-of-life-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-58387157482077574822013-08-21T12:24:23.516+12:002013-08-21T12:24:23.516+12:00Hi Anon and thanks for dropping by!
The principle...Hi Anon and thanks for dropping by!<br /><br />The principle of using a sport tyre on the front and a sport-touring tyre on the rear PROVIDED that the profiles are compatible is a good move, particularly for bikes like your 'busa or Ninja. I did exactly that on my CBR1100XX Blackbird with an Avon Storm 2 Ultra on the rear and an Avon VP2 on the front. Good to have extra front grip on a bike that pushes the front end. I have no idea how good PP's are in the rain but in NZ for the type of riding I do, a combination of cooler weather and wet roads would rule out pure sport tyres which need heat for them to grip any better than a sport touring tyre. Absolutely hated my Dunlop Qualifiers in cool, damp conditions.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-3587010928518122112013-08-20T20:22:28.879+12:002013-08-20T20:22:28.879+12:00If I had to pick a best all around street tire, fo...If I had to pick a best all around street tire, for all the bikes out there besides the fastest racers, the Pilot Road 3 probably takes the cake. But I am interested in testing the new Pilot Power 3, which seems to have better Rain Ability(like the PR3)and last a little longer then the Old Pilot Power. Even better, I want to see how a combo of Pilot Power 3 up front, Pilot Road 3 on back does, if they corner well together and if they last the same miles- wear out at the same time. If they are a good combo, good mix and match, that may very well be the best of both worlds for 600cc RR's bikes, and Liter Bikes for only street use who do not race their bikes hard. Not to mention bikes whose power is in-between like the New Ninja 1000/Z-1000 ect... and pretty much every 800cc-1200cc sport tourer out there, which is what pretty much most guys ride... <br /><br />I have:<br />1998 BMW F650, around 48HP, with PR3's front/rear.<br />2008 Suzuki Hyabusa, around 190HP, with PP3's, front/rear.<br />2013 Kawasaki Ninja 1000(same as Z-1000, only with fairings). Around 140HP. <br />Want to sell my two older bikes as I am feeling old and my neck hurts in Hyabusa and put PP3 on front PR3 on rear on my Ninja 1000. Wonder if any has thought like me and done that. Best of both worlds, in theory, imo.... But would like someone to have tested it out first, haha...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-10446202941482614772013-07-20T09:37:37.872+12:002013-07-20T09:37:37.872+12:00Darwin,
Pleased you like the PR3's. Hopefully...Darwin,<br />Pleased you like the PR3's. Hopefully, something even better will come along which has got to be good for everyone on 2 wheels, especially those who ride in all conditions.<br /><br />Yep, it's tough being retired, hehe, but we worked long hours to get there and enjoy our fun!<br />Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-59276615001662547492013-07-19T01:30:59.211+12:002013-07-19T01:30:59.211+12:00Hi Geoff, I should have added that the last two se...Hi Geoff, I should have added that the last two seasons I mentioned were actually done on the 2009 GSX1250 (Bandit.) Up the Stewart/Cassiar Hwy where it rained every day and also the muddy Dempster hwy. <br />I traded the 1250 in for a new 2011 GSX650F this March. It came with Dunlop Battle Axes. I only got 6000kms on them. Based on your article I replaced the Dunlops with with P3s. I just got back from a 2.5 day 2800km trip on the P3s (average cruising speed around 135kms) in beautiful hot dry (28C plus temps) conditions. Love the P3s. I will get back to you on their longevity. <br />You will love the train trip (I did it 40 years ago, still have vivid memories of it) as well as the Alaskan trip, road up to Nome last year on the 1250 during an extended 45 day meandering trip 'heading north' wherein I learned to 'take direction' as in whenever someone suggested 'oh your headed towards blah blah, you really must take a side trip to see x y and z" and I would. Oh Yeah its a tough life this retirement thing, but I've got to do it. All the best to you.DarwinBrandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15126171189880913769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-55214586793886254732013-07-13T09:50:42.458+12:002013-07-13T09:50:42.458+12:00Hi Darwin - thanks for dropping by!
You sure need...Hi Darwin - thanks for dropping by!<br /><br />You sure need decent tyres with the loads you pull and especially on the Wet Coast! My wife and I will be there in 2014, staying with relatives on V.I, doing the Rockies train trip and an Alaskan cruise.Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-14429437305440188122013-07-13T02:23:18.721+12:002013-07-13T02:23:18.721+12:00Ultimately it's the man not the machine... I m...Ultimately it's the man not the machine... I mean tire :-) I ride p2s the milage for long distance touring varies I carry a 40 dog on back (in a mounted kennel)plus my camping gear on a Suzuki GSX560F and my rear tires go before my front ones even though standard wisdom has it that with this bike it's the front tire which wear quicker. I'm 63 years old, having a ball. Did 45,000 kms a year 2 years in a row. Gonna top that this year. Most of my riding now is on the secondary roads of the west coast of Canada and up and down the Rocky Mountains. I particularly like riding through the high mountain passes of the Continental divideDarwinBrandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15126171189880913769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-89277796885334529362013-07-10T09:55:57.181+12:002013-07-10T09:55:57.181+12:00Thanks Anon!
I had Michelin 90X on my 'bird to...Thanks Anon!<br />I had Michelin 90X on my 'bird too - no grip at all!<br /><br />The B spec PR3 was built specifically for heavier, powerful bikes with stronger carcass construction. You may not notice on the interstates but when you push on in the twisties, I'd bet the ordinary PR3 will squirm around under load. Really important to keep the front and rear tyre pressures up to 42psi. There's no downside to the B spec PR3!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-33850357784302170362013-07-10T03:57:21.261+12:002013-07-10T03:57:21.261+12:00GREAT BLOG!!!
I have been running the Michelin fo...GREAT BLOG!!!<br /><br />I have been running the Michelin food chain on my Blackbird since the 90X Macadam, 100X, HPX, Roads, Road 2's and am now getting ready to order a 3rd set of Road 3's (over 100,000 miles on my Blackbird). I found that the PR3's wear significantly better on the 'bird than the 2's and have just started noticing that notorious front tire warpage on the 3's again creating a bit of "buzz" in the handlebar so it's replacement time. I have over 10,000 (miles) on this set and the rear still looks very round. I ride all types of roads as I am a distance rider, with a significant portion of my riding being high speed interstate travel. I have never owned a better wet-weather tire by the way. <br /><br />I would be pleased to hear any further comment(s) on the "B" spec vs. the standard as I have never tried the "B". I run with about 40 pounds of luggage and I weigh in at 240 lbs. I am wandering if the "B" is worth trying. I don't want to mess up a good thing however. Any advice is appreciated!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-78802541427212466022013-06-26T22:56:29.809+12:002013-06-26T22:56:29.809+12:00Many thanks - being an anal engineer, it's fac...Many thanks - being an anal engineer, it's facts all the way - drives my wife nuts :-).<br /><br />Thank you for dropping by!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-4294401960769289342013-06-26T20:06:28.265+12:002013-06-26T20:06:28.265+12:00Great article Geoff - Michelin tyres are pretty we...Great article Geoff - Michelin tyres are pretty well known for being one of the best for cyclists and it's great to see you discussing the facts rather than mis-informed opinions.ATS Michelin Tyreshttp://www.atseuromaster.co.uk/michelin-tyres.htmnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4341114511830074977.post-31451475132003869082013-06-11T14:07:02.385+12:002013-06-11T14:07:02.385+12:00Mark,
Thanks for the kind words. Having spent a f...Mark,<br />Thanks for the kind words. Having spent a fantastic 2 weeks in Tassie earlier this year (sadly by car), I know what you mean! My training role with IAM means I have to ride in all conditions so that's why the PR3 suits so well. If you've seen the latest blog post, one of my IAM close mates has a K1300R so I'm reasonably familiar with them. I suspect that like my old Blackbird, the steering geometry on the K1300 is relatively conservative. The combination of the front end "pushing" a bit and decent countersteering effort is the most likely cause of flats on the side if your tyre pressures are correct.<br /><br />Thanks for dropping by!Geoff Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05041523109817248619noreply@blogger.com