Road Pilot 3 for Mexico trip

[Andy D]

I bought the ST a week or so ago for a trip to Mexico (planning on dry roads/pavement). Here's a photo of the read Road Pilot 3. The narrow sipes on the centerline are a little less than 1/10th of an inch (.09") deep now. Question for the gentlemen users of this tire:

Is this tire going to last for 5000 miles? (I'm thinking it will be okay)

 

[970mike]

I would not try to go that far on that tire. I would replace it now and go on the trip with new rubber, less chance of a problem down the road. You can always use that old tire for local rides.

 

[Pop-Pop]

I doubt it. But, we would be happy to take odds on it! If u leave on fresh tires, you have fewer concerns. You can save the tire shown for a later date. Try the Bridgestones.

 

[dduelin]

What is the date code? Pilot Road 3s have been discontinued a long time. A date code older than 2015 or 16 would be a determining factor for me.

 

[Andy D]

What is the date code? Pilot Road 3s have been discontinued a long time. A date code older than 2015 or 16 would be a determining factor for me.

2013 :-(

 

[ToddC]

You need new tires and throw that one away....

JMTC

T

 

[Jjonahjamison]

I get 6000 miles out of brand new Road 5 GTs, so….. not a chance.

 

[Erdoc48]

Take a risk when out of the US? That’s a hard no from me.
Hate to ask, but with all the cartels, how safe is it to ride into Mexico and stay there?

 

[bstig60]

On a trip of that distance, particularly out of the US, I agree with others and say leave on a new set of tires. No reason to take any more chances than necessary.

 

[flyfisher]

Like they say in the brothels....rubber up....ff

 

[Williamson]

If you're wanting to get the most out of it, get another 2K or 3K or whatever, book in for a replacement at a location around that distance.

 

[Andy D]

Y'all such downers ;-(
Okay, what's the recommendation for the most long lasting, durable, hard compound, touring tire? Upright, put put, touring in hot, dry weather on not the best roads

 

[ToddC]

A new tire...!! Ha sorry.......
T

 

[dduelin]

Bridgestone T31/T32, Pirelli Angel, Michelin Pilot Road 4 or Road 5 tires all do a good job on the ST1300 and have their adherents. Even Shinko Ravens get props.

Whatever brand you pick make sure the tire selected is the GT or A spec tire for that model. These tires have slightly different construction or compounds to cope with the heavier weight and power of heavy sport touring motorcycles.

 

[Igofar]

Better to change it out on your own terms, than on the side of the road, with a tow bill, and/or a hotel bill, and a dealer charging you a stupid amount of money, then finding out their mechanic damaged something because he knew nothing about your ST.

 

[Mellow]

If you're asking us.. then, you probably already know the answer.... On a long-ish trip like that, try to eliminate the things that you'll be slapping the side of your head later when they go wrong...

Will it make it? I'd say 50/50... Will a new tire make it? 100% So, on to the next issue regarding the trip lol

 

[Andrew Shadow]

Your picture appears to show very little rubber remaining before hitting the tire wear indicator bar. If it is as it appears in this picture, there is no way that this tire will make another 5,000 miles. You would probably be lucky to get another 1,000, unless you plan to run past the tire wear indicator.

 

[Andy D]

Okay, y'all have convinced me. The reality (sad) is I'm not going "sport" touring, I'm just going touring. Probably will never go +100mph, I creep through curves and don't ride in the rain (I'll just stay in a nice hotel until it stops). My ideal tire would have like a 1.5" wide strip of hard compound rubber on the center, and whatever pattern of sipes and grooves the manufacturer designed outside of that. I want a tire that's not super sticky or soft and is most resistant to getting cut up by the occasional rock. What tire is that?

 

[dduelin]

Okay, y'all have convinced me. The reality (sad) is I'm not going "sport" touring, I'm just going touring. Probably will never go +100mph, I creep through curves and don't ride in the rain (I'll just stay in a nice hotel until it stops). My ideal tire would have like a 1.5" wide strip of hard compound rubber on the center, and whatever pattern of sipes and grooves the manufacturer designed outside of that. I want a tire that's not super sticky or soft and is most resistant to getting cut up by the occasional rock. What tire is that?

Sounds like a Metzeler 880 customer to me. The only ST owner I knew that liked them crashed his ST in the rain then blamed the tires.

 

[Andy D]

Sounds like a Metzeler 880 customer to me. The only ST owner I knew that liked them crashed his ST in the rain then blamed the tires.

does that mean you're against them, or for them?