Pilot Road 2s for Sprint ST

[Poweranger]

It's time for a tire change. I am going to try the Pilot Road 2. I am wondering if I should get the "B" version for the Sprint? Is the only difference the sidewall stiffness? Or is the compound different also? I do not ride much two up. I do generally have the hard bags loaded up commuting back and forth to work though. Should I spend the extra money for the B version or will the standard version work ok on the Sprint? I am thinking the standard version would be fine since the Sprint is not a tank like the FJR and some of the other larger sport touring bikes.

[BobW]

I ran two sets of the "regular" PR2's on my 06 sprint with great wear and handling while carrying me and camping gear at 250LBS. If you were running extended periods of  high speed, maximum load and hot temps I would opt for the heavier carcass on the "B" rated tire, but I seriously doubt you'd need it as long as you run proper tire pressure (on any quality sport/touring offering). The "B" is listed for bikes like a BMW which has a huge weight rating and many Euro Countries have very strict OEM and approved replacement options regulations. Other bikes like the FJR are also listed with special ratings and they too are heavier and more powerful. The original Brickstone 020nn tires on my Sprint were actually a different profile and softer compound than "standard" 020's, but you could still run a non "nn" 020 (that tire has an amazing number of alpha-numeric options). Bottom line is buy what gives you peace of mind/confidence as long as it is rated as good or better than the OEM offerings and monitor it from there. As our bikes age there will will always be newer/better options than could be had when it was built so a quick comparison of the specs will give you your best options. BTW, the use of B, E or NN, etc., is not universal from tire company to company, one may have a "B" and another "E" for the same special application or not any designator at all based on many veriables.

Cheers

[Poweranger]

Thanks BobW.

[falconati]

Just get the standard.  I did, and put 8k on my ST3 before they were used up.

[Poweranger]

Just get the standard.  I did, and put 8k on my ST3 before they were used up.

I put the standards on today. So far they seem like an improvement over the stock BT021s.