Is the GT version tire REALLY necessary???

[Al Gully]

If you want to know how much natural rubber is in your new tire, it's 5%.
Stick with GT's and your ride will be uneventful, don't ask me how I know.

 

[CYYJ]

I just priced the Road 5 GTs at Chap Moto, $477 that will increase the cost of a tire change $150

If the GT tire lasts longer, which is "for sure" in my experience, then you will come out ahead (at the very least) and probably wind up spending less in the long run.

I've always run Michelin GTs on my ST 1300. They last "forever" relative to the non-GT sport oriented Metzeler tires I use on my ST 1100.

Michael

 

[NTausch]

I just priced the Road 5 GTs at Chap Moto, $477 that will increase the cost of a tire change $150

So. Figure maybe 8000 miles that you’ll get out of set. That’s less than 2 cents a mile. Works for me.

 

[cjames431]

So. Figure maybe 8000 miles that you’ll get out of set. That’s less than 2 cents a mile. Works for me.

Wow, I got 13k on the rear and 15k on the front when I changed them.

 

[Al st1100]

If the GT tire lasts longer, which is "for sure" in my experience, then you will come out ahead (at the very least) and probably wind up spending less in the long run.

I've always run Michelin GTs on my ST 1300. They last "forever" relative to the non-GT sport oriented Metzeler tires I use on my ST 1100.

Michael

You can't compare a Metzeler to a michelin. Michelins are known for their mileage. Now if you stated you compared the mileage of a Michelin GT and non GT then that would be a perfect test

 

[Weaselinsuit]

Given the size of the contact patch of the tire on the road and that the tire is essentially what keeps you upright (granted in concert with a variety of factors/inputs but the rubber is pretty much the major one) I don't mind spending a bit more on them. Peace of mind/confidence heading into a corner is worth it.

 

[kiltman]

Sometimes I wonder if we overthink this. To what end do riders here push to the extremes what the ST’s are capable of doing on a regular basis?
I have tried to get the GT model for both front and rear, but my supplier could only deliver the front tire in the GT version I have been running this combo for the past 7 years with no I’ll effect. Here I will admit to a mistake in my tire size…I have been running a lower profile in the rear, instead of a 70, I’ve been running a 60, again have been doing that for the past 7 years. ( my sidewall is 96mm instead of 106mm) I will order the proper size on my next order.
I sometimes push my comfort zone, I can,and have ground the pegs on corners and the bike remains firm to the ground and no indication of loosing the line. The Bridgestone Battleaxe T32’s are a great tire, I’m pleased with the performance I’m not sure if I would be able to tell the difference between the handling characteristics between a GT or regular tire. I’m rarely on the same road twice under the exact same conditions to tell the difference…

 

[dwalby]

So. Figure maybe 8000 miles that you’ll get out of set. That’s less than 2 cents a mile. Works for me.

except that its actually 6 cents per mile, which is significantly more than what motorcycle tires used to cost, and was the point he was trying to make.

 

[NTausch]

except that its actually 6 cents per mile, which is significantly more than what motorcycle tires used to cost, and was the point he was trying to make.

Yes at $480. I was talking about the increase. Even at 6 cents. Still good.

 

[Catmandu2]

always the GT, or HWM, or A-spec for me. And always mounted and balanced under my supervision. And always do my own wheel R&R. Moto tires are kind of important,,,, CAt'

 

[larryg]

RevZilla has had pretty good prices in the past; not sure what they're up to now.

Revzilla isn't what it used to be, since merging with Cycle Gear.
Suggestion ; Check these guys:

ATV Parts, ATV Tires, Dirt Bike Parts, Motocross Gear, Motorcycle parts and Motorcycle Tires | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC is your one-stop shop for motocross, ADV, UTV, ATV, dirt bike and street bike gear. We carry parts, accessories, riding gear, tires, oil and more.

www.rockymountainatvmc.com

I've bought my last several tires there - they've always beat Revzilla on price for me.
And tires usually show up at my door in two days.

 

[Sadlsor]

I'll just say that the

Suggestion ; Check these guys: I've bought my last several tires there - they've always beat Revzilla on price for me.

Rocky Mountain is one of the main suppliers to most dealerships; you almost always see the parts counter with Rocky Mtn. catalogs in their binder rack.

 

[dduelin]

I'll just say that the

Rocky Mountain is one of the main suppliers to most dealerships; you almost always see the parts counter with Rocky Mtn. catalogs in their binder rack.

I think you are thinking of Tucker Powersports formerly known as Tucker Rocky. Tucker is one of the largest wholesale suppliers to the powersports industry. Both dealers and etailers buy from Tucker. Companies like Rocky Mountain ATV buy from Tucker and their largest competitor Western Power Sports. Tucker and WPS drop ship inventory from their regional warehouses for Rocky Mountain ATV and quite often the tires that UPS deliver to our homes still have the Tucker or WPS SKU sticker on them.

Rocky Mountain ATV was a go-to for me when I was in the Bridgestone camp but for Michelin and since I’m usually buying from MotoSport.com.

 

[tnbill]

Just ordered a set of tires for my st. Revzilla was the most expensive. Went with chaparral, they was the best price without splitting up the order.

 

[dduelin]

I just priced the Road 5 GTs at Chap Moto, $477 that will increase the cost of a tire change $150

The same R5GT combo at MotoSport.com is $15 cheaper. At $402 net they aren't cheap but play like a sport, pay like a sport and they are a premium high traction all weather tire.

Michelin Road 5 GT Tire Combo | MotoSport (Legacy URL)

Shop MotoSport for great service and the best price on Michelin Road 5 GT Tire Combo. Make your next ride your best ride at MotoSport! Orders over $79 ship free.

www.motosport.com

 

[dlim]

I bought the new Michelin Road 6 GT for the rear in 180/55/17, and the regular Michelin road 6 120/70/18 for the front. The load rating for the rear in the GT version and the stiffer sidewall for the extra weight of the bike helped make the decision. They also dont make a GT Road 6 in the stock 170/60/17 size, and based on what I've read here and conversations with several different shops, the difference in height and width (170 vs 180) is not something that would be noticed by most riders, unless possibly you track the bike. For most street riders/commuters, you won't noticed a difference between 170 vs 180 tire width. I don't push the bike that hard. I decided to go with the 180 and get the advantages of the GT version. The tire composition is also identical in the GT and non GT versions so theres no difference in performance. I hear this tire is pretty amazing and getting great reviews. Thanks for all the input.

 

[Catmandu2]

I decided to go with the 180 and get the advantages of the GT version.

All my rear tires have been 180zr55 dual ply (gt,hwm,a-spec) for the past 4 years now. I am quite happy with the sizing. So good choice,,, imho,,, CAt'

 

[cjames431]

The same R5GT combo at MotoSport.com is $15 cheaper. At $402 net they aren't cheap but play like a sport, pay like a sport and they are a premium high traction all weather tire.

Michelin Road 5 GT Tire Combo | MotoSport (Legacy URL)

Shop MotoSport for great service and the best price on Michelin Road 5 GT Tire Combo. Make your next ride your best ride at MotoSport! Orders over $79 ship free.

www.motosport.com

I have noticed a slight cost increase each time I have purchased tires but not a 30% increase. I have only been running PR4s so that also has helped in consistent costs.

 

[dduelin]

I have noticed a slight cost increase each time I have purchased tires but not a 30% increase. I have only been running PR4s so that also has helped in consistent costs.

PR4GT set is about $395 today at MotoSport. Where are you getting PR4GTs today for $327?

 

[Weaselinsuit]

I bought the new Michelin Road 6 GT for the rear in 180/55/17, and the regular Michelin road 6 120/70/18 for the front. The load rating for the rear in the GT version and the stiffer sidewall for the extra weight of the bike helped make the decision. They also dont make a GT Road 6 in the stock 170/60/17 size, and based on what I've read here and conversations with several different shops, the difference in height and width (170 vs 180) is not something that would be noticed by most riders, unless possibly you track the bike. For most street riders/commuters, you won't noticed a difference between 170 vs 180 tire width. I don't push the bike that hard. I decided to go with the 180 and get the advantages of the GT version. The tire composition is also identical in the GT and non GT versions so theres no difference in performance. I hear this tire is pretty amazing and getting great reviews. Thanks for all the input.

I'll be curious to hear how you like the 6GT