Experience with (B) or (E) spec tires?

[Jetpilot5]

I'll be getting my first set of new tires for the FJR soon and for the first time I've got a bike that's heavy enough to consider using a Michelin (B) spec or Pirelli (E) spec rear tire.  I have no experience at all with these and was wondering if they are worth the extra money.  It's about a $40 price difference and if it gets me another couple thousand miles I'll get the heavier tire, if it's a wash with the standard version I won't spend the money.  I don't think load will be a factor as I never ride two up, at most it's me (210lbs) and some stuff in the side cases.

[Cablebandit]

They are designed for the heavier ST bikes since they use the same size tire as featherweight sport bikes.  You may not carry a passenger but the bike itself is several hundred pounds more than the sport bike that uses the same size tire.  I guess what I'm saying is who knows?  I've read of guys that use the lower rating with no problems.  The only way to really tell is try it yourself.

[Jetpilot5]

Guess what I'm saying is that I ran Pirelli Angel ST's on my K1200S and got around 6,000 miles out of a set.  I would be fine with that on the FJR.  The FJR is 80lbs heavier but doesn't make as much power.  If I can get 6,000 miles out of standard set that's the way I'll go, but I don't want to only get 4,000 miles when I could have gotten more by getting the heavier tire.  Likewise, if I could get 8,000 out of a (B) spec tire it would also be worth the extra money.

I understand it's going to depend on how and where you ride but was hoping for some feedback from FJR, ST1300, K1300GT, C14 owners etc on what they have found after running through several sets.

[Cablebandit]

The C14 runs the land barge 190 series tires so they are all heavy duty in that size.  

[Jetpilot5]

The C14 runs the land barge 190 series tires so they are all heavy duty in that size.  

All the Pilot Road 2 and 3 (B) spec tires are 180/55 and same goes for the (E) spec Pirelli Angel ST.  The 190 tire is available in the standard version.  I'm sure you could get the OEM tire through a dealer though.

[Cablebandit]

Right.  I'm saying the B or E spec is only on the 180 size tires because they are stock size for featherweight Supersport bikes as well as land yachts like the FJR.  

Pretty much everything running a 190 series tire is already a heavy pig so they don't need to make a "lightweight" and "heavyweight" model.  

[Jetpilot5]

The 2012 Yamaha R1, 2012 ZX-10R, 2012 Honda CBR1000RR and BMW S1000RR all use a 190 rear tire.  Of course, the Angel ST and the Pilot Road series aren't really aimed at those bikes so maybe they are built for the heavy bikes.  Interesting that they aren't designated as such though.

[Prubert]

I have run the Angel ST and the Z6 (Z8) on my FJR and I have never put on the 'heavy weight' spec rear.   The tires responded/wore fine and I didn't have an issue in the 44K miles that I have used them.

I would vote for No, don't get the B or E tires.

[SLK50]

  B and E spec tires have an additional ply resulting
in a thicker carcass. This provides a stiffer sidewall,
allowing greater load capacity. The thicker carcass
necessitates a thinner tread as both tires are made
in the same mold. Thinner tread = less mileage.

I currently have over 5K on my Angels, non-E,
at least half two-up, towing a trailer. I expect to get
about 2K more out of them before they're done.
I was pleased enough that I just ordered two more sets.

[UHOH]

 Likewise, if I could get 8,000 out of a (B) spec tire it would also be worth the extra money.

 was hoping for some feedback from FJR, ST1300, K1300GT, C14 owners etc on what they have found after running through several sets.

FJR here, usually solo rider, little commuting - mostly day / overnight trips.
I would get 5500-6000 out of the single rubber compound tires.    
I've never had the heavier duty rear tire.


Completing now my second dual compound rear experience:
1) first was PR2 changed at 7200 (probably would have made 8000).   Good tire.   Was pretty flat when changed, as I recall.
2) current rear is Avon Storm 2 - now at 8200 is long in the tooth - but overall pleased (& have photos).


 normal duty rear tire, my bike.  



5700 miles; FJR1300; Avon Storm 2.  Was so impressed that I took a photo.  



8100 miles; Storm 2.   Somehow it doesn't look quite as good in person as it does in this photo.



 So the normal duty dual compound tire gets me the miles you are wanting.   Can save the $40.  Hope this helps.
BTW, I've another Avon waiting in the garage.

[AzItLies]

Another tire to consider would be the Bridgestone BT023 GT. The GT spec stands for Grand Touring... heavier bikes.


This link is a review of that tire on the FJR


My front has about 6k and rear is about 5k. Both still look new. Very little flat spot, I do a lot of swerving though, to be seen, practice, avoid flat spots, etc. No strips on the rear, a little on the front. Only time I've felt a slip was in a parking lot on the painted stripes, touching the pegs lightly in a tight oval. Caught right back up after the slight slide.

A real B to get on though... very stiff sidewalls.

[Jetpilot5]

  B and E spec tires have an additional ply resulting
in a thicker carcass. This provides a stiffer sidewall,
allowing greater load capacity. The thicker carcass
necessitates a thinner tread as both tires are made
in the same mold. Thinner tread = less mileage.

I currently have over 5K on my Angels, non-E,
at least half two-up, towing a trailer. I expect to get
about 2K more out of them before they're done.
I was pleased enough that I just ordered two more sets.

I've never heard this explanation before, but it makes perfect sense.  I'll be ordering a set of the standard Angel ST's shortly.  Thanks!

[Cablebandit]

  B and E spec tires have an additional ply resulting
in a thicker carcass. This provides a stiffer sidewall,
allowing greater load capacity. The thicker carcass
necessitates a thinner tread as both tires are made
in the same mold. Thinner tread = less mileage.

Not so fast.....

I just spoke to Michelin and here is the answer from the source.

The "B", in this case, spec tire differs from the "regular" tire in one way only.  Sidewall stiffness.  There is an extra stiffener added to the sidewall of the "B" spec tire so that that sidewall doesn't deflect as much as the "regular" tire.  All other aspects of the tire are identical.  They have the same load ratings and tread depth.

[county]

I would think with the FJR one would want the sturdiest tire available.