New Front Shoe

hootmon · October 31, 2014, 09:11:37 AM

I just replaced my front tire - again..

I had a Michelin Road Pilot 3 - I got about 11.5K out of the tire (Probably should have been changed about 10.5K.
Great traction out of the tire.. Actually wore out on the left side before the middle (Dual compound tire) which I'm a little surprised, since I live in Flat Florida... (left side due to crowned roads)
Only draw back to the tire is its an 70 instead of an 80, So it throws your Odometer off (indicates you are going faster than you are and adds more miles to the odometer..) So I probably got about 10k out of the tire. You also have to remember a shorter tire goes round more often, so that also increases the wear over a taller tire..

I replaced it with the Michelin Road Pilot 4 - supposed to give 20% more wear mileage.. We shall see..

I got the tire from RockyMountain ATV for $123 - shipped.. Retail is over $200

I have nothing against Metz tires, but they are more $$$ for sure and I actually like the Michelin better (except that its a shorter tire)..

TLRam1 · October 31, 2014, 01:04:08 PM

So this Michelin Road Pilot 4 is a 70 series also? Why this over the Dunlop, are you not getting like mileage out of the Dunlop front?

hootmon · October 31, 2014, 06:56:57 PM

Much stickier...
1990's design vs. 2013 design

Smoked U · October 31, 2014, 10:40:20 PM

Interesting tread pattern. Radial cuts. Looks like a snake belly.

hootmon · November 01, 2014, 01:04:20 AM

To Terry's question about the Dunlop K555 tire..
If Honda was to design a Magna for 2015, would it be the same as the 1994 version? (2004 - 2003 were all the same design).. No?? They would modify the design because of the technology changes since 1994, right? Fuel Injection? ABS brakes? Improved materials in the motor?
If they did not update the bike, you would be disappointed, wouldn't you?

Well, Motorcycle Tire technology has also changed a lot in the past 20 years.. So, just because I ride a 1994 bike, does that mean I should continue to ride on a 20 year old tire design? Some changes: Compound chemistry, tread design, siping (Wet Surface Management), Multiple tire compounds in one tire (harder compound in the middle (longer tire life), softer compounds on the tire edges (better grip in cornering))

For those that are interested.. Here are a few videos...

17% better braking over competitors on wet road (That's about 3 car lengths) .
24% better on slick surfaces like road paint.
I know it doesn't rain in Texas, but boy it sure does here in Florida!

P3 vs P4

P4 Michelin Video

Greg's Garage

TLRam1 · November 04, 2014, 01:23:51 AM

You made some convincing points.

1. The front Dunlop I change 1 to every two rear tires, mileage would say would be close.

2. Do you know the circumference compared to the stock tire?

3. With the center made of harder compound, is the center of the Michelin grip about the same as the Dunlop in your opinion.

What are you running on the rear?

hootmon · November 04, 2014, 05:06:52 AM

Quote from: TLRam1 on November 04, 2014, 01:23:51 AM
You made some convincing points.

1. The front Dunlop I change 1 to every two rear tires, mileage would say would be close.

2. Do you know the circumference compared to the stock tire?
I think if you Google it, there is a calculator for that.. the tire size is 120/70 zr17

3. With the center made of harder compound, is the center of the Michelin grip about the same as the Dunlop in your opinion.
Nope.. the center is a "Medium" compound. The Michelin has better grip, and then 10 times better in the rain

What are you running on the rear?
Michelin Commander II - It's about the same as other M/C tires in my opinion.. Not happy with rain performance.. I'll likely go back to a car tire since they don't make a Pilot tire to fit the rear.

Jerry G Turner · January 18, 2015, 08:03:40 AM

After close review of your picture of your front tire I detected there was no picture of sea foam in it anywhere. You have been busted.

hootmon · January 18, 2015, 12:42:29 PM

Quote from: Jerry G Turner on January 18, 2015, 08:03:40 AM
After close review of your picture of your front tire I detected there was no picture of sea foam in it anywhere. You have been busted.

Everybody knows I balance my tires by adding a coupled ounces of seafoam in my tires...

TLRam1 · January 18, 2015, 11:51:52 PM

Quote from: Jerry G Turner on January 18, 2015, 08:03:40 AM
After close review of your picture of your front tire I detected there was no picture of sea foam in it anywhere. You have been busted.

Good catch Jerry!

TLRam1 · January 28, 2015, 11:37:59 PM

Glad to see you trying out different tires and giving us unslanted reviews.

hootmon · January 29, 2015, 05:36:13 AM

Quote from: TLRam1 on January 28, 2015, 11:37:59 PM
Glad to see you trying out different tires and giving us unslanted reviews.

2nd Michelin Pilot on the front... Very happy with them (other than they throw your Speedo off because they are shorter tires)

Rear tire.. Another Story... I have a Michelin Commander II... Not as happy with it... It's fine when it's dry... Not so much when it's wet....
I'll have to figure out what to do next for the rear..