View Full Version : Another Michelin Pilot Roads Review
Bones
10-26-2005, 12:16 PM
Here's my take on the Michelin Pilot Roads.
As written:
http://webpages.charter.net/scottawilliams/tirereview.htm
As edited and published by One Wheel Drive:
http://www.onewheeldrive.net/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=361&Itemid=130
Kempo-STer
10-26-2005, 12:35 PM
Great Bones!!
Loved the article! :bow1: I've gotta order mine!
Loved your quote of Brian..(Yes Brian you got quoted!!LOL) and so was Greg!
"Brian was more economical with his words, concluding, "They're good. I like them." Prodded for more commentary, he lodged a half-hearted complaint about road noise, "They hum. Whatever." "
sherob
10-26-2005, 12:40 PM
Well done skinny one! :bow1:
Kempo-STer
10-26-2005, 12:44 PM
Well done skinny one! :bow1:
THANKS!!! Oh you're talking to Bones... :rolleyes:
Bones
10-26-2005, 01:12 PM
http://newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/arts/art/reviews/art_15_200.jpgWho you callin' skinny?
crazykz
10-26-2005, 01:29 PM
Great write up. I would like to put mine out on a cycle website that would have it but not sure where to ask.
Curt
sherob
10-26-2005, 01:30 PM
http://newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/arts/art/reviews/art_15_200.jpgWho you callin' skinny?
Uhhh, that would be tall and skinny :rolleyes:
CarSalesman
10-26-2005, 09:03 PM
Interesting article. Do the Michelin tires come in the correct size for the ST1100?
Nice write up but there is some incorrect info in the article. Now although I'm not an ego maniac, it's nice to get credit where credit is due. I'd like to point out that the Pilot Roads that you got to try out and the other free set given out were because I contacted Motorace about them. Let me explain. I worked for Motorace a few years back as the NJ/PA rep for them, this was when Motorace was the east coast distributor for Dainese. When I got my ST back in May or so I asked the group about Pilot Roads since I'd had them on my last bike and really liked them. My ST, like many others came with BT 020's and I've never been a fan of B'stones. Well I was told that Michelin has them in a warehouse about 60 fronts but no one can get them. Seemed that Michelin did make the size for the ST but never promoted them in the US so they never sold any Duh... so Michelin USA decided to discontinue their sale in the US and the last of the stock was just sitting. As several others on the list found out they were pretty much unavailable. Well since I was new here I thought gee maybe I can help out. So I called my friend Real (Yes that's really his name) at Motorace (He's the General Manager, Dave's boss) and explained to him about these front Pilot Roads and how maybe as a distributor he could call Michelin and buy them all. If Motorace (Real)could, then we would offer a special price to the group here. So to make a long story less long ,that's what happened Motorace was able to buy all the stock from Michelin, and a good price was set up for you guys. Seems that after the fact, Dave was able to convince Real to give a couple of sets away as a way of getting the word out about how good they are ( I knew that all along) and since they sold those first 60 in a jiffy(acutally it was 57) Sto and Real decided to see if they could get Michelin to bring in more, which they now have. So there you have the story of how you folks get to have the formally un-obtanium, Europe only Pilot Roads here in the US of A
STeve1300
10-26-2005, 11:13 PM
Hopefully they will be in regular supply. I hope I get to hear that "hum" sometime next summer.
Fantastic review Bones. I really enjoyed it, and your writing style. Although I recently added Metz rubber to the STeed, I'll be sure to try out the Michelins next time around. Thank you!
Bones
10-27-2005, 06:05 AM
I appreciate all the commentary, folks. Erik, thanks in particular for details about how this whole thing started.
billxp
10-27-2005, 07:05 AM
I'm sold. Just have to wear out these stock tires. :biker:
Just turned 7000 on them today so maybe if I squeeze in another 3k miles before it snows. :)
crazykz
10-27-2005, 07:08 AM
Interesting Erik. Now I heard a rumor that Motorace is no longer selling the Pilot Roads and have turned them over to someone else. Anyone know if this true?
I'm probably going to email Dave and ask him straight up.
Curt
billxp
10-27-2005, 07:18 AM
Interesting Erik. Now I heard a rumor that Motorace is no longer selling the Pilot Roads and have turned them over to someone else. Anyone know if this true?
I'm probably going to email Dave and ask him straight up.
CurtMotorace posted on Monday here LINK (http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6870&highlight=pilot+roads)
That they are available this week! Post was edited it had prices earlier. Not sure if they mean only this week? :confused:
crazykz
10-27-2005, 07:52 AM
Ok thanks. I emailed so hopefully I'll hear back. Since I have winter to get a set I'll take my time and order them BEFORE I need them.
Curt
Kempo-STer
10-27-2005, 07:54 AM
I'm sold. Just have to wear out these stock tires. :biker:
Just turned 7000 on them today so maybe if I squeeze in another 3k miles before it snows. :)
Or it rains!!! :p: Sorry Bill, couldn't help elbowing you in the ribs...Just teasin you.. Hee hee..
call and ask 1-800-628-4040 my guess is that they decided to buy a quantity of the fronts from Michelin since the first batch did so well. And again Pilot Roads are my favorite sport touring tire.. Fact when I wear out the Pilot Powers that came on my KS I may do the Roads.. looks as though I'll only get about 4K miles on the Powers but man do they stick!
Motorace1
10-27-2005, 01:09 PM
The tires are in the States, sitting in the Chicago warehouse. They were due in Tuesday with our Spring dating orders but for seem reason never made the truck. We took in 4100 tires Monday and Tuesday!
I will honor the deal for those who asked and have been in contact with me about these tires - $237.00 shipped. However - I am pushing distribution off to two companies who have expressed interest.
www.sporttour.com
www.amotostuff.com
These two will stock this tire and have placed orders for them. They are waiting for me, and I'm waiting for Michelin.
As a distributor, I cannot sell current product direct to the customer since by design I sell direct to dealers. This creates a conflict. Ebay and such I could get away with since the 120/70-18 front was discontinued. Not anymore.
Michelin will stock and support this tire until the Road is replaced. And this will not happen for a few years.
Medicine Bear
10-27-2005, 01:56 PM
I guess I'm setting myself up for this but since I'm new to a bike that handles as well as the ST I'm going to ask anyway.
I bought my '03 ST used and the bike was on its second set of B'stones. The back tire is obviously not going to last near as long as the front tire, maybe another 1000 miles. You guys have convinced me to try the Pilot Roads. So here's the question:
Should I go ahead and get a set or just replace the rear tire? The front tire has a whole lot of life left (I'm guessing maybe 4-5000 miles) but I'm a little uncomfortable about (a) two different brands on the bike and (b) new on the rear and used on the front.
Your comments would be greatly appreciated.
Fred :03biker:
Fred,
IMO you will find the greatest benefit in handling from the front change... there are many here more techy than I who may give more scientific reasons. Spend the cash, you can't take it with you :p:
I guess I'm setting myself up for this but since I'm new to a bike that handles as well as the ST I'm going to ask anyway.
I bought my '03 ST used and the bike was on its second set of B'stones. The back tire is obviously not going to last near as long as the front tire, maybe another 1000 miles. You guys have convinced me to try the Pilot Roads. So here's the question:
Should I go ahead and get a set or just replace the rear tire? The front tire has a whole lot of life left (I'm guessing maybe 4-5000 miles) but I'm a little uncomfortable about (a) two different brands on the bike and (b) new on the rear and used on the front.
Your comments would be greatly appreciated.
Fred :03biker:
naturally wired
10-27-2005, 02:09 PM
The tires are made to work as a set, for rain plus the front is like night and day better then the oem tires... I would replace the set if money isnt a problem here ...also you cannt put a price on safety ....... and that pilot road front in my opinion is a lot safer way to go :cool:
Bones
10-27-2005, 03:41 PM
I'm with GRN and Naturally Wired. If cash isn't an issue, go with two new. It's a drop in the bucket compared to what the bike costs.
crazykz
10-27-2005, 04:10 PM
I'm with them too. If you can afford it drop the cash and get both. IMO one of the big benfits of the Roads is the front tire and the way it changes the handling.
Curt
farblue1
10-27-2005, 09:40 PM
Ditto on the handling of the front tire ... along with the rear . I SwiTched from the STock Dunlops and am STill amazed at the improvment in handling . These tires fit the ST like a fine glove . The single beST upgrade you can make on this bike :cool: The only bummer is winter is coming which will cut down riding time juST a little around here :(
STill enjoying the ride
Dan :04biker:
Medicine Bear
10-27-2005, 10:26 PM
Thanks, you guys! Looks like two new ones for me. I still have quite a bit of good weather left to ride in.
Fred :03biker:
Thanks, you guys! Looks like two new ones for me. I still have quite a bit of good weather left to ride in.
Fred :03biker:
Oh, sure... rub it in!
:(
Enjoy Fred, I think the change these tires make will really amaze you... at least they do on the faster :04biker: ones! ;)
Got 4100 miles on the Battlaxes. They already howl pretty good in the corners. I reckon I'll grind on them some more before I replace them.
Kempo-STer
10-28-2005, 09:28 AM
Got 4100 miles on the Battlaxes. They already howl pretty good in the corners. I reckon I'll grind on them some more before I replace them.
12,500 on the OEMs and I'm in need. (not to mention a rear tire thats is plugged :eek: )
Gonna order a set of Pilots next pay day.
Kempo-STer
10-28-2005, 10:23 AM
The tires are in the States, sitting in the Chicago warehouse. They were due in Tuesday with our Spring dating orders but for seem reason never made the truck. We took in 4100 tires Monday and Tuesday!
I will honor the deal for those who asked and have been in contact with me about these tires - $237.00 shipped. However - I am pushing distribution off to two companies who have expressed interest.
www.sporttour.com
www.amotostuff.com
These two will stock this tire and have placed orders for them. They are waiting for me, and I'm waiting for Michelin.
As a distributor, I cannot sell current product direct to the customer since by design I sell direct to dealers. This creates a conflict. Ebay and such I could get away with since the 120/70-18 front was discontinued. Not anymore.
Michelin will stock and support this tire until the Road is replaced. And this will not happen for a few years.
Dave I would like to order a set but have to wait until 11/4. Contact you then?
12,500 on the OEMs
:22yikes: Really?
Kempo-STer
10-28-2005, 12:04 PM
:22yikes: Really?
Yup..
They really are not TOO bad..But with the plug in them and the mileage..It plays in my mind and is beginning to affect my cornering and my appraoch to cornering. Much more conservative.
MidLife
10-28-2005, 01:59 PM
Reading this post, do I understand correctly that the Dunlops on the 03 I just purchased is on the very bottom of the list of choice tires?
NormanPCN
10-28-2005, 02:47 PM
Reading this post, do I understand correctly that the Dunlops on the 03 I just purchased is on the very bottom of the list of choice tires?
That is my vote. Hated the front D220.
NormanPCN
10-28-2005, 02:52 PM
As a distributor, I cannot sell current product direct to the customer since by design I sell direct to dealers. This creates a conflict. Ebay and such I could get away with since the 120/70-18 front was discontinued. Not anymore.
Michelin will stock and support this tire until the Road is replaced. And this will not happen for a few years.
Can my local tire dealer purchase tires from Motorace? In other words, if I walk into my dealer and say I what these tires... where would they order them from. This obviously all centers around the front as the rear is generally available.
crazykz
10-28-2005, 03:02 PM
Can my local tire dealer purchase tires from Motorace? In other words, if I walk into my dealer and say I what these tires... where would they order them from. This obviously all centers around the front as the rear is generally available.
Not sure you can walk in and buy them in too many places. This is what I got from Motorace:
I will be pushing them through an on-line retailer. Being a distributor, I
cannot sell direct - too many hassles!
http://www.sporttour.com/
http://www.amotostuff.com
They will be stocking the tires. They have placed orders and will have stock
hopefully within 10 days. Michelin has 100 18" fronts for us In Chicago but
did not put them on the Monday and Tuesday trucks like we asked.
I also posted that SWMotoTires (http://www.swmototires.com) will have them in, in a couple weeks and are taking preorders as of today.
Curt
Reading this post, do I understand correctly that the Dunlops on the 03 I just purchased is on the very bottom of the list of choice tires?
Yet another hugely subjective detail (and I thought fly fishing gear was bad...), but for my taste and riding style yes, off the list, not an option. I tend to spend a lot of time on the outside thirds of my tread, and I don't find them to be good for that. If you are more of a by the book tourer with 2" chicken strips, they will most likely satisfy your needs quite well.
Bones
10-28-2005, 08:55 PM
Yet another hugely subjective detail (and I thought fly fishing gear was bad...), but for my taste and riding style yes, off the list, not an option. I tend to spend a lot of time on the outside thirds of my tread, and I don't find them to be good for that. If you are more of a by the book tourer with 2" chicken strips, they will most likely satisfy your needs quite well.
Having spent several hundred miles riding #2 to GRN, I can attest to the narrow nature of his chicken strips. (Of course I could have passed him with my speedier silver ST, but it's not good form to pass the point man. :rolleyes: )
I have not had Dunlops on my ST, but given my experience with Dunlops as OEM fitments on two previous bikes, I wouldn't (and didn't) buy them as replacement tires. Thus far, of the three brands I've had on my '03 ST, the Michelins get the nod by a wide margin.
vBulletin® v3.7.3, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.