Pilot Road 2 - input, sources to buy?

[bpg]

MODS!  Pretty please leave this up for a while in General Discussion!

Been looking really hard at the new for '07 Michelen Pilot Road 2  

Seems like an ideal tire for me - 5 daily 50 mile commutes, 100-500 weekend miles in mountain twisties, and the occasional week+ trip that involves anything from slab to superb twisties to a rocky and gravel-ly goat path

Currently running Metz M1 up front and Z6 in the back - with this set-up I can eek a tad over 6K out of the rear tire.  Thing is, all my freeway commuting has the center worn out before the shoulders (yeah I know, swerve in traffic more, LOL! ).  The M1 up front wears pretty evenly.

I love the grip of the Z6 (no chicken strips at all, and no slippage, ever).  Much better than the original Pilot Roads that were on the bike when I bought it (lots of slippage).  

So, will the PR 2 provide more center tread mileage and still give the same great grip?

And, where are the best sources for Pilot Road 2's?  

I change my own, so online/good price is preferred..

Thanks all!!

[1KPerDay]

So, will the PR 2 provide more center tread mileage and still give the same great grip?

Probably. Buy a set and let us know.

[bpg]

shoot, I would do just that if my favoritest/most reliable online dealers (Ron Ayers & SWmoto Tire) stocked 'em, LOL!

FWIW, for comparison sake, supposedly the Z6 is very close to or the same thing as a Pirelli Diablo Strada, so swap that in for "Z6" in the first post

[ctfz1]

sw lists pr2s as this week. Have to use left menue, expensive,

[bpg]

sw lists pr2s as this week. Have to use left menue, expensive,

Damn - $159 + $14 S&H!!  

$173 shipped for the PR 2, versus $150 shipped for a Z6 from Ron Ayers..

Hmmmmmmm.....

Currently getting ~43 miles/dollar from the Z6 (at 6500 miles of life); I'd have to get at LEAST 7500 miles out of the PR 2 to break even...  

But less tire changing, LOL!

[1KPerDay]

If you're getting 6500 out of the Z6 I imagine the PR2s will last at least 7.5K for you... I get about 6-7K out of the roads and everyone says they last longer than the Z6.

[Giaka]

sw lists pr2s as this week. Have to use left menue, expensive,

http://arizonamoto.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SWMT&Category_Code=PilotRoad2

Yeap looks like the SV will get the regular PRs or something else.

[TRaGiK]

As soon as I get through my Avon Storms (another month so), I'll be buying a set.

Can't wait to try 'em out.

[ctfz1]

sw has Bridgestones 021 s 120/70 17 and 180/55 17 pair $221.90 shipped.
These are getting very good reviews.

[Powder Addict]

I'm very curious about this as well.  I got about >6k out of my Pilot Power CT2's, while I LOVE the tire, I'd like to not have to replace the tire every 6k.

[Andrew]

My local shop has them in stock (well he did yesterday )
Too bad I still have some life on my Roads. By the end of the month I will be able to give you a "how new PR2 feel" report.

[bpg]

sw has Bridgestones 021 s 120/70 17 and 180/55 17 pair $221.90 shipped.
These are getting very good reviews.

Dang!!  Haven't seen many reviews for the BT 021's in my application yet, but that's a screaming deal!  

Anyone know how the Bridgestone 021 compares to a Metz Z6 (as far as grip and longevity)??

[carlt828]

So, will the PR 2 provide more center tread mileage and still give the same great grip?

I thought it was basically the same center with softer-stickier sides.  

[ctfz1]

German magazine  rated 021 best sport touring tire in limited testing.  Riders on FZ1 and FJR Forums happy, tire greatly superior 020 or Pilot Road in feel. Mileage is still open question, is supposed to outlast 020s.
SWMototires charges $14 ship one tire, no shipping on two.
Find Pirelli Stradas less expensive Z6.

[bpg]

I thought it was basically the same center with softer-stickier sides.  

Sorry - meant to say that "compared to a Metz Z-6 rear, will the PR2 last significantly longer and provide the same (or better!!) grip"...

[bpg]

German magazine  rated 021 best sport touring tire in limited testing.  Riders on FZ1 and FJR Forums happy, tire greatly superior 020 or Pilot Road in feel. Mileage is still open question, is supposed to outlast 020s.
SWMototires charges $14 ship one tire, no shipping on two.
Find Pirelli Stradas less expensive Z6.

Well, if the BT-021's outlast the Z6/Stradas (<--which are essentially the same tire, right?), and for less $$, I think it would be a good match for my needs...

[ctfz1]

Maybe. Regional roads, air pressure run, skill, hp, weight all have influence. I like the Stradas, showed cord at 7500. An aggressive W Virginia rider says 3000-3500. Florida good, Texas bad.
Best guess I'd expect about same mileage I got on Stratas.
Wish were easy answers. Using Metzler M3s I won in contest at sportbikes.com/ good tire, waiting to see mileage.
Cost wise 021s probably next set.

[bpg]

'zactly - all I can do is try 'em..  Actually going to leave the M1 up front - it delivers KILLER traction and longevity for a heav(ier) bike being thrashed in the NC mountains...

[Jules]

The PR 2CT was released in Australia quite a bit earlier than in the US. At present they are quite difficult to find in certain sizes. I needed a 180/55 and had to wait 3 weeks, although 190's were available at some shops. I just had one fitted on the rear of my VFR800 yesterday so can't comment yet re performance. FWIW I'm running the single compound P Power on the front so it will be interesting to see how that combo works out.
Here is a link to Michelin's PR 2CT product info  http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/affich.jsp?codeRubrique=2092004104045&codePage=2092004104045_13032007105938&lang=EN

[bpg]

The PR 2CT was released in Australia quite a bit earlier than in the US. At present they are quite difficult to find in certain sizes. I needed a 180/55 and had to wait 3 weeks, although 190's were available at some shops. I just had one fitted on the rear of my VFR800 yesterday so can't comment yet re performance. FWIW I'm running the single compound P Power on the front so it will be interesting to see how that combo works out.

That's probably the same combo I would run.. however, since the cheapest I can find them is $170+, I'll wait until Michelin comes off their high horse to sample them.  They'd need to get some SERIOUS mileage on my fat old bike and still provide the grip of a Z6 to make it worth it at this point.

I actually went with the Bridgestone B-021 rear for now, will see how it works with a 1/2-used Metz M1 front and go from there..

[Jules]

Unfortunately we pay a great deal more for our tires, I guess because the volumes are small compared to the US. The recommended retail price for my 180/55 x 17 was AUD$279, converting that to US$ = $231. So by my standards you are getting a good deal! Spring has just started in the Southern Hemisphere so my main riding season is just beginning - I will post re performance and longevity in the next few months.

My blog http://jcpearce.blogspot.com/

[bpg]

Damn - in that case I won't tell you how much the BT-021 set me back - let's just say it was over $100USD less than your PR2..

Do keep us posted with how they work out!

thx!

[throttlemeister]

That's probably the same combo I would run.. however, since the cheapest I can find them is $170+, I'll wait until Michelin comes off their high horse to sample them.  They'd need to get some SERIOUS mileage on my fat old bike and still provide the grip of a Z6 to make it worth it at this point.

Totally useless, unless you like to use 2 fronts to 1 rear. I am on my second set of MPR2 and they wear very equal. Front tires are by design softer than their rear counterparts. For the MPR2, the soft part on the rear is the hard part on the front. I would guess the soft part of the front is about similar to the MPP.

[bpg]

Totally useless, unless you like to use 2 fronts to 1 rear. I am on my second set of MPR2 and they wear very equal. Front tires are by design softer than their rear counterparts. For the MPR2, the soft part on the rear is the hard part on the front. I would guess the soft part of the front is about similar to the MPP.

Again (see other thread) - that's fine on paper and all, but thus far that has not been the case - at least for this application..  Plenty of guys run Pilot Road rears and Pilot Power fronts on Blackbirds, and their front Powers will easily last as long as or a bit longer than the rear Roads , while getting KILLER grip from the Powers up front.  The Powers wear out very evenly in these cases (unless they're in FL! )

So in that case the PR2 makes sense in the rear for keeping the same center tread (overall) mileage of a regular Road with more side grip, but may as well keep a regular Power up front.

[carlt828]

Plenty of guys run Pilot Road rears and Pilot Power fronts on Blackbirds, and their front Powers will easily last as long as or a bit longer than the rear Roads , while getting KILLER grip from the Powers up front.

So in that case the PR2 makes sense in the rear for keeping the same center tread (overall) mileage of a regular Road with more side grip, but may as well keep a regular Power up front.

  That's the combo I run on my ZRX. I get a couple of thousand extra miles off the front and am quite happy with the grip.   I recently ran an 021 rear. It was a good tire, very good grip and I pushed it pretty hard on a couple of rides. That said, I'm looking forward to try the PR2.

Fwiw, I had a bear of a time taking off the 021, much more than other tires I've replaced (I spoon on between 4~5 rears a year - tire changer in my garage   ).

[bpg]

...(I spoon on between 4~5 rears a year - tire changer in my garage   ).

I feel your pain, LOL, drag the Harbor Freight tire changer out about every 3-4 months myself

Glad to hear you liked the BT-021 - let us know if the the PR2 in the rear is worth the extra $50!!

[bpg]

Totally useless, unless you like to use 2 fronts to 1 rear. I am on my second set of MPR2 and they wear very equal. Front tires are by design softer than their rear counterparts. For the MPR2, the soft part on the rear is the hard part on the front. I would guess the soft part of the front is about similar to the MPP.

BTW, any feedback on the PR2?  Obviously you like 'em - how long did they last, what's your riding style, etc?  Thanks!

[throttlemeister]

BTW, any feedback on the PR2?  Obviously you like 'em - how long did they last, what's your riding style, etc?  Thanks!

First set lasted about 6,000 miles; riding style is aggressive. Front was gone when the rear was gone. They have plenty grip under any condition. Only downside of them is (and you will read this in tests too) they are a bit twitchy under extreme lean angles.

EDIT:
For the post that has since been deleted, the rubber compounts for the MPR2.

[miles]

Throttle, have you run Pilot Powers on the same bike as you had the PR2 set on?  I'd love to hear an apples/apples comparison.  My favorite tires are the Pilot POwers, but I would love tires that lasted more than 2000 before they are toast.  If the PR2 fronts have the same stick as PP fronts, and the rear almost as good, I might be willing to try a set.
For what it's worth, when I have no tread left on the rear I'm usually showing solid wear bars on front, too.  I haven't ever switched out just the rear.


miles

[throttlemeister]

Not on the same bike (don't have this bike that long yet), but I have on previous bikes (FJR & VFR).

PP v MPR2:
- Quicker turn-in (to be expected due to shape of the PP)
- More stable at high lean angles (due to MPR2 being nervous then)
- Comparable grip at medium to high tire temps (in regards to street riding, not medium to high at track!)
- Less grip at low tire temps
- Wears about 30% faster

My next tire will probably be the PP 2CT, basically due to the nervousness at high lean angles which is pretty annoying at the roads I frequent - LOTS of hairpins. Relatively low speed + high lean angle + nervous behavior don't go together really well.

[Baz]

Requiring new rubber on the FJR, so I will await some of your reports!

[throttlemeister]

Well, all I can say with regards to the FJR is to NOT take the Pilot Powers. Their sidewalls are way too soft for sports tires like the PP and will garantee highspeed instability.

[cookie99]

Another Aussie here and from the same state Victoria as Jules.

I ride a Yamaha FZ1 with 100,000 kilometers on the clock so I do some miles.

My favorite combo to date is PR rear and PP front. I tried PP front and rear but did not like the great grip of the PP rear. STRANGE, I am! Having raced for many years I like a bit of drift from the rear tyre but great grip from the front and I got the drift from the rear PR (plus wear) and the great grip from the front PP.

I am adding a 1250 Bandit to the stable next week which will be used for two up touring so we will start from scratch with tyres here, so any advice from boys that ride heavy here will be much appreciated.

Cheers

[TRaGiK]

Damn - $159 + $14 S&H!!  

Their new price listed is $169 for a rear.

They now priced those tires out of...well...what I was willing to pay.

I'll try something else til they come off their high priced horse...

[bpg]

Their new price listed is $169 for a rear.

They now priced those tires out of...well...what I was willing to pay.

I'll try something else til they come off their high priced horse...

Noticed that as well... WTF - new product prices usually come down, not go up as time goes on

If I could get well over 7.5K miles out of them on an XX, it'd be worth it..  I'm just not willing to bid in to be a guinea pig at $170 + S&H

[Mr Sunshine]

Remember guys the Euro to US dollar is very strong so for those of us in the US stuff you buy from Europe *will* cost more.  

For race tires Michelin is going to raise pricesed something like 10%.

[Kootenanny]

EDIT:
For the post that has since been deleted, the rubber compounts for the MPR2.

I deleted my post after going to the Michelin site and seeing that exact graphic.  Interesting--I'm positive the Pirelli Corsa IIIs (the only other dual-compound tire I know of) only has dual compounds on the rear tire--the front is a single compound (which makes sense--I know that my front tires never wear as much in the center as they do on the sides).

[TRaGiK]

Remember guys the Euro to US dollar is very strong so for those of us in the US stuff you buy from Europe *will* cost more.  

For race tires Michelin is going to raise pricesed something like 10%.

Might be, but until their prices are competitive with everyone else's, I won't be buying Michelin. Especially since I have no complaints with the Avon's I'm currently running.

[throttlemeister]

I deleted my post after going to the Michelin site and seeing that exact graphic.  Interesting--I'm positive the Pirelli Corsa IIIs (the only other dual-compound tire I know of) only has dual compounds on the rear tire--the front is a single compound (which makes sense--I know that my front tires never wear as much in the center as they do on the sides).

Other dual compound tires include:
Michelin Pilot Power 2CT
Pirelli Diablo Corsa III
Dunlop Qualifier RR and Sportmax GP Racer (successor of the D209RR)
Bridgestone BT021 (Bridgestone has had dual compound tires for the last decade orso)

For the MPR2 it works really well, also at the front. I am always hard on the fronts, and when I return from the mountains my front will typically be worn at the sides due to braking and turning. With the MPR2 after 3,000 miles of mountain playing, the front is still round and shaped like new, without any accelerated wear anywhere.

[ctfz1]

Some reports 021 fronts softer, only last as long as rears.

[Mr Sunshine]

Some reports 021 fronts softer, only last as long as rears.

Or less....ask GreenCh440 about that.

[bpg]

Or less....ask GreenCh440 about that.

Well, hopefully they work with a Metz M-1 front (which gave me 10K+ slip-free miles so far!).  For my bike, that's friggin' incredible...