Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 Gt thread
Reading Tire wear and proper suspension setup will help ensure the maximum tire life and performance. I just had my second PR4 GT Front tire and third PR4 GT rear tire. So I'm getting a good season out of a rear tire at my current conditions. The rear tires, both PR4 GT suffered from "cupping". This is primarily due to improper tire pressure, usually low. Checking and adjusting tire pressure often, once A day at least. After watching the video in this thread (states Michelin tires are very pressure sensitive, even at .5 to 1 psi change). I might invest in the FOBO tire pressure monitor system (look in for sale/group buy area). I ran BT020, BT023, BT030 and felt like I was not getting good mileage out of them 5K at best. Think I had a 3.5K I there too, not related to tire pressure issues. I switched to the PR4s and they ware well, but I got lax on checking tire pressure, should be able to get close to 10K on them.
A few things to consider:
? ST1300 is considerably under sprung from factory. According to RaceTech's website the ST1300 is sprung for its curb weight. I had my suspension over hauled and I haven't looked back. It was a significant change for me.
? I am 300+ lbs. but ride mostly without passengers and little to no cargo.
? I ride aggressive in the turns and on the straights... Someone said enthusiastically...Yeah, that's me.
? Moderate to heavy braking and acceleration in/out of corners will play a factor on tire wear. Smooth transitions will help maintain your contact patch (area of tire making contact with the road/surface) and tire life,etc.
I agree aggressive throttle operation will also have an impact on tire ware.
Conclusions I've come to:
? Make sure your suspension is setup properly, as best as you can for the type of riding you do. If you can afford it, have your suspension upgraded with the proper springs.
? check your tire pressure regularly.
? after 5K miles on motorcycle tires on a street/performance bike , the tire profile will be worn down the middle more than the sides... Handling is compromised when the tire profile is worn down. As much as we want to think of ours selves as racers .... Unless your going to track days, and track days only, legal street riding lends to more wear in the center of the tire.
? dual compound tires softer compound used on the edges, handle great but the soft compounds will be less forgiving when something isn't right.
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