I recently put the Michelin Pilot Road 2s on my bike and have ridden them for about 5,000 mi. now. They are amazing!
First, I have never ridden a tire that requires less steering input. The ST takes no effort to drop into a turn and straighten out again. The real danger is applying too much input because these tires can't wait to change direction. Especially when they were new, the bike felt like it was "falling" into the turn and it was a bit unnerving. But over time, the tires settled down.
Second, the softer compound on the sides of the tires makes them real sticky in the turns. Without even trying, I'm noticing far steeper lean angles, higher cornering speed and a solid, confidence-inspiring grip in the turns. It is a real pleasure to roll off the center of the tire onto its side, because you can really feel the extra grip when you lean and corner.
Although I only have about 5,000 mi. on these "new" tires, tire wear seems to be pretty good. Usually, by 5000 mi. I am at the end of the useful life of a tire. But the PR2s are just beginning to show some wear and appear to have plenty of life left in them. I am not close to the wear bars and the rear tire has not flattened out yet.
In terms of tread wear, I was pleased to see pretty even wear across the tire. I am guessing that's because of two factors: One, the center line is made of a harder, longer-lasting compound that holds up well on the highway, and two,
I ride a lot more on the softer side compound because of the way the bike likes to lean in the turns. The result is a more even wear pattern.
Unlike my mild weather riding here in SoCal, on my recent road trip I rode through the desert (106 degrees) and through torrential rains. The tires held so well in the rain that I had to keep reminding my self to slow down. No slips or surprises.
I really love these tires and they will definitely be my first choice when it comes time to replace them. I just got back from a 3,000 road trip through lots of highway and twisty mountain riding and they performed well in every way.
The only negative I can report is actually one of the tire's attributes. When these tires are new, they feel a bit squirrely and take some getting used to. Once, when I was standing flat-footed at a stop light, it felt like the wind was going to knock me over. But after a little breaking in, you learn to appreciate how little effort is required to initiate a turn.
Highly Recommended.
Mandel.
First, I have never ridden a tire that requires less steering input. The ST takes no effort to drop into a turn and straighten out again. The real danger is applying too much input because these tires can't wait to change direction. Especially when they were new, the bike felt like it was "falling" into the turn and it was a bit unnerving. But over time, the tires settled down.
Second, the softer compound on the sides of the tires makes them real sticky in the turns. Without even trying, I'm noticing far steeper lean angles, higher cornering speed and a solid, confidence-inspiring grip in the turns. It is a real pleasure to roll off the center of the tire onto its side, because you can really feel the extra grip when you lean and corner.
Although I only have about 5,000 mi. on these "new" tires, tire wear seems to be pretty good. Usually, by 5000 mi. I am at the end of the useful life of a tire. But the PR2s are just beginning to show some wear and appear to have plenty of life left in them. I am not close to the wear bars and the rear tire has not flattened out yet.
In terms of tread wear, I was pleased to see pretty even wear across the tire. I am guessing that's because of two factors: One, the center line is made of a harder, longer-lasting compound that holds up well on the highway, and two,
I ride a lot more on the softer side compound because of the way the bike likes to lean in the turns. The result is a more even wear pattern.
Unlike my mild weather riding here in SoCal, on my recent road trip I rode through the desert (106 degrees) and through torrential rains. The tires held so well in the rain that I had to keep reminding my self to slow down. No slips or surprises.
I really love these tires and they will definitely be my first choice when it comes time to replace them. I just got back from a 3,000 road trip through lots of highway and twisty mountain riding and they performed well in every way.
The only negative I can report is actually one of the tire's attributes. When these tires are new, they feel a bit squirrely and take some getting used to. Once, when I was standing flat-footed at a stop light, it felt like the wind was going to knock me over. But after a little breaking in, you learn to appreciate how little effort is required to initiate a turn.
Highly Recommended.
Mandel.
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