ST1300 Rear Tire Choice for Longevity Over Traction & Front End Wandering

[staggart]

Forgive me for I know not what I do. Yes, a tire question (right up there with oil). Yet here I am, an experienced motorcycle rider asking for tire advice. I have many years off-road experience but almost none on the road and certainly none with a big, heavy, powerful bike like the ST1300. So, please be gentle.

I recently put a new Continental Contimotion on the rear and it's shot after 2500 miles. I do not ride particularly hard or aggressive but I do ride on very mixed backroads, lost of chip seal, etc. I could really use some advice on which tires have longer wear characteristics. I am not really concerned at all with super-traction, track use. etc. I don't ride in the rain. When I do tire research I can't find any write-ups on tire wear, expected mileage, etc. Most of the manufacturers just say things like "extended" wear. Compared to what?

And, on the subject of tires, my bike "wanders", doing small S turns on the freeway. I assume this is probably the front tire, since none of my other bikes do this. It currently has a Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT with maybe 50% wear. Is this a known problem with this tire or worse with the ST1300? I run the recommended 42PSI both front and rear. I weigh 190 and carry no luggage.

Many thanks.

 

[dduelin]

Welcome!

Oh boy. The definition of wandering is somewhat subjective so some will say the ST1300 is as steady as a freight train and others will say they can hardly keep it between the lines and can't wait to sell the dangerous thing. The reality is somewhere close to the former but it's not a bullet train by any means. The ST isn't as stable at highway speeds as many bikes and is sensitive to tire wear, pressure, suspension wear and suspension settings. My own experience has been to make sure the rear shock preloader actually works and put in enough preload to keep rider sag at a minimum, say under 36 mm and run tires at 40 psi and above. I personally ran much less than 36 mm sag on the rear but I'm light at 150 lbs and I could put in enough preload to achieve 24-30 mm sag. Heavier riders can't. My ST13 needed steering head bearings at just under 100,000 miles and this helped the high speed weave called the Pan Weave that some bikes exhibit at near and above triple digit speeds.

The Michelin series of rear Pilot Road tires tends to give some of the longer reported mileages, the Bridgestone T31 somewhat less but still three or four times as what the Contimotion gave you. The current Michelin offering is the Road 5. I'd skip the PR4 and go straight to the Road 5. Both Michelin and Bridgestone offerings are tires many ST1300 riders like and use. I have no experience with them but the Pirelli Angel GTs are reportedly a good choice. In any tire choice it's important to get the GT spec model tire, they have features to give longer wear on big heavy powerful sport tourers.

 

[Steve398]

I'm on my second set of Angel GT's, great in the wet and a very comfortable tyre and I prefer them to PR4's. The last ones lasted about 6k with a fair amount of motorway use touring 2-up in Europe.

The ST is very particular on tyre pressures so run the recommended 42/42 psi pressures at all times, and a mixture of tyres is never a good thing so stay with matching front/rears whenever possible. As dduelin suggested there may be many reasons your Pan is mishandling, from those mentioned to worn/slack head bearings and a thousand things in between. Your thread will bear LOTS of suggestions!

 

[Jjonahjamison]

I recently put a new Continental Contimotion on the rear and it's shot after 2500 miles. I do not ride particularly hard or aggressive but I do ride on very mixed backroads, lost of chip seal, etc. I could really use some advice on which tires have longer wear characteristics. I am not really concerned at all with super-traction, track use. etc. I don't ride in the rain. When I do tire research I can't find any write-ups on tire wear, expected mileage, etc. Most of the manufacturers just say things like "extended" wear. Compared to what?

I tried the Contimotion ONCE. It was gone in about 4,000 km, so yeah, about 2,500 miles. And it went from looking fine to cords showing in a heartbeat. It was less than half the price of a PR4, but certainly not as good value. I don’t commute, so my miles are pretty much all spirited road trip/twisties. And I never get more than 10,000 km/6,000 miles out of a rear.

 

[staggart]

The ST isn't as stable at highway speeds as many bikes and is sensitive to tire wear, pressure, suspension wear and suspension settings. My own experience has been to make sure the rear shock preloader actually works and put in enough preload to keep rider sag at a minimum, say under 36 mm and run tires at 40 psi and above. I personally ran much less than 36 mm sag on the rear but I'm light at 150 lbs and I could put in enough preload to achieve 24-30 mm sag. Heavier riders can't. My ST13 needed steering head bearings at just under 100,000 miles and this helped the high speed weave called the Pan Weave that some bikes exhibit at near and above triple digit speeds.

Thanks - I will check pre-load/SAG. My bike has 16K miles (it's an 05). I should have been a bit more clear on the "wandering". This is a very light, subtle thing - sort of like a wind buffeting effect, not the perilous head-shake thing from triple-digit speeds. It happens pretty much at all speeds from 35 up. I've put about 5k miles on the bike and, while it could be my imagination, it seems like it's worse since I bought it. In those 5K miles, I changed to the contimotion tire and wore it out - maybe just the slight lowering of the rear has exacerbated the wandering. Someone else suggested matched tires so I will go that way eventually but I have two other new rears I have to go through first.

 

[dduelin]

Thanks - I will check pre-load/SAG. My bike has 16K miles (it's an 05). I should have been a bit more clear on the "wandering". This is a very light, subtle thing - sort of like a wind buffeting effect, not the perilous head-shake thing from triple-digit speeds. It happens pretty much at all speeds from 35 up. I've put about 5k miles on the bike and, while it could be my imagination, it seems like it's worse since I bought it. In those 5K miles, I changed to the contimotion tire and wore it out - maybe just the slight lowering of the rear has exacerbated the wandering. Someone else suggested matched tires so I will go that way eventually but I have two other new rears I have to go through first.

I knew what you probably meant. I call it the ST’s “happy feet”. It’s typically not dangerous as described and most of us get used it.

 

[CYYJ]

Hi, and welcome to our forum community!

I agree with the suggestion that David (@dduelin ) made in post #2 above, to check the pre-load on the rear tire. You may not be aware that the pre-load adjuster (the big knob on the left side) needs regular service and refilling... the fluid in the assembly that supplies the preload has a habit of mysteriously disappearing. Have a look at this post, which provides excellent instructions about how to service (refill) the preload adjuster: ST1300 - Pre-load Fluid Replacement.

There is also a rebound damper adjustment that you should investigate and adjust. There is a video on YouTube that explains how to do this, here is a link to a post here containing that video: ST1300 - Setting rear shock rebound adj [VIDEO].

So far as tires go, that subject ranks right up there with religion & politics here in the forum - everyone has their own opinion. Personally, I use the Michelin PR GT series of tires - used to be the PR4 GT, I think now there is a PR 5 GT. I have been happy with them so far as handling and tread life is concerned - typically, I get about 7,000 miles from a back tire, and up to 10,000 from a front. For you, I think the biggest concern is maintaining a matched set of tires on the bike - if you elect to run (for example) a Goodyear tire on the front and a Firestone tire on the rear, you might have undesirable results (especially considering that neither Goodyear or Firestone make tires suitable for the ST 1300 ).

What about inflation pressures? Honda recommends 42 PSI. Do you have an accurate (meaning, a $20) tire gauge?

Michael

 

[staggart]

What about inflation pressures? Honda recommends 42 PSI. Do you have an accurate (meaning, a $20) tire gauge

Yes, I have a good tire pressure gauge and always run right at 42 front and rear. I use the BMW tire gauge which I think is a superb device at a great value.

Thanks for all the great input and the warm welcome. Since I first posted, I saw a few other tire released threads here on the forum that I missed during the first search.

 

[caldercay]

I should have been a bit more clear on the "wandering". This is a very light, subtle thing - sort of like a wind buffeting effect,

It's the windscreen causing that.

 

[staggart]

It's the windscreen causing that.

I don't think so. I change the windscreen from full down to full up and it makes zero difference. It's not the bars moving back and forth per-se but the track of the bike S turning.

 

[etalors]

You may not be aware that the pre-load adjuster (the big knob on the left side) needs regular service and refilling... the fluid in the assembly that supplies the preload has a habit of mysteriously disappearing.

Where does it say that the preload adjuster needs "regular service and refilling". I changed the fluid on my 04 this year for the first time since it rolled of the assembly line. All the fluid was still there.

 

[Kevcules]

The wandering you're having makes me think of low tire inflation, but you're good at 42lbs. Then, it could be the tires that you have on now. Was the wandering always there even after changing tires before , or is this your first set with that problem? Every tire installed could possibly have a defect causing the wandering that you notice. Changing especially the front should give you some answers.
Checking the rear shock preload and damping is a good idea suggested by Dduelin. When set properly, it plants the bike better and that helps drivability.
I'm an average rider as well, driving similar roads as you are. When it was my first time changing tires last year, I went with the Bridgestone GT T31. They were significantly less expensive than the Micheline PR4 at the time. They handle just fine for me and I'm curious to see how long they last. I think they are a good all around, well priced tire.....Good luck

 

[STumped]

Forgive me for I know not what I do. Yes, a tire question (right up there with oil). Yet here I am, an experienced motorcycle rider asking for tire advice. I have many years off-road experience but almost none on the road and certainly none with a big, heavy, powerful bike like the ST1300. So, please be gentle.

I recently put a new Continental Contimotion on the rear and it's shot after 2500 miles. I do not ride particularly hard or aggressive but I do ride on very mixed backroads, lost of chip seal, etc. I could really use some advice on which tires have longer wear characteristics. I am not really concerned at all with super-traction, track use. etc. I don't ride in the rain. When I do tire research I can't find any write-ups on tire wear, expected mileage, etc. Most of the manufacturers just say things like "extended" wear. Compared to what?

And, on the subject of tires, my bike "wanders", doing small S turns on the freeway. I assume this is probably the front tire, since none of my other bikes do this. It currently has a Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT with maybe 50% wear. Is this a known problem with this tire or worse with the ST1300? I run the recommended 42PSI both front and rear. I weigh 190 and carry no luggage.

Many thanks.

I can't help you with the wandering but if you are looking for the best bang for your buck on tires check out the Shinko Raven 009 for the rear (they don't make the front tire in the size needed for the ST1300).

I also tried the Conti Motion rear tire once when I was new to the ST and got similar wear. Never again. The Shinko Raven typically gets about 10,000 miles before I reach the wear bars and they handle very well for me.

 

[Bmacleod]

OP, you say the tire(s) have 50% wear. Is there any odd wear patterns, such as cupping or feathering. This can be an indicator of an underlying problem, or that the tires were run low on air in the past. Sometimes odd wear patterns can cause issues even after the underlying problem is fixed. Myself, I never had any luck with the PR4's, mainly the front. I switched to a Metzeler Z8 and couldnt be happier, night and day difference TO ME . I stressed TO ME, because each rider has a different taste in tires, much like oil.

 

[caldercay]

I change the windscreen from full down to full up and it makes zero difference.

It always has for me ... full up and it's like a sail, twitching the front. The sensation doesn't bother me anymore, but if I pay attention, it's there. I've always likened it to riding on glass.

There's even a thread where folks built custom angle brackets to change the angle of the windscreen, which helped. I built a pair, but with my second ST, I didn't bother.

Windscreen Mod Article Thank you! | Windshields

https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?7767-ST1300-Screen-Mod I have a two fold purpose for this post. 1. To say thank you to those who contributed to the Windscreen mod Article linked above. 2. To share my SUBJECTIVE OPINION/EXPERIENCE with this mod. I'm 6'3 and purchased my '07'...

www.st-owners.com

 

[OkieRider]

Bridgestone T31 GT here. Everyone has their preferences, since tires distinctly blow from either a performance or longevity standpoint. I won't metzler which ones I'm not fond of because I don't want to derail the thread into a brand battle.

In general, the bike has insufficient front end bias. You really need good rear preload and don't sit bolt upright. It likes you to sit forward and lean forward. Not crazy like chest on the tank, it doesn't take much to make a huge difference.

 

[spiderman302]

If you go double darkside and run 26 psi tire pressure, all of the above mentioned problems go away. A few weeks ago tried to get my bike to wobble, weave or oscillate at 90 mph and it would not do it. My bike is as stable as a rock. The lower pressure and wider track of the CT on back and a rear tire on the front makes the bike uber stable. Skinny, hard tires make the bike sensitive as well as bounce like a basket ball. I would not run low pressure with the standard M/C tires but with the stronger CT and rear MC up front at 26 psi makes the beast feel like you are floating down the road. All those little bumps and cracks in the road disappears. She sticks like glue in the twisties too. With your chip seal roads you will get less than 40k miles on a CT and less than 25k miles on the front DD tire. YMMV. I have only 142K miles on my ST1300.

 

[Sidekick]

I can't help you with the wandering but if you are looking for the best bang for your buck on tires check out the Shinko Raven 009 for the rear (they don't make the front tire in the size needed for the ST1300).

I also tried the Conti Motion rear tire once when I was new to the ST and got similar wear. Never again. The Shinko Raven typically gets about 10,000 miles before I reach the wear bars and they handle very well for me.

Forgive me for I know not what I do. Yes, a tire question (right up there with oil). Yet here I am, an experienced motorcycle rider asking for tire advice. I have many years off-road experience but almost none on the road and certainly none with a big, heavy, powerful bike like the ST1300. So, please be gentle.

I recently put a new Continental Contimotion on the rear and it's shot after 2500 miles. I do not ride particularly hard or aggressive but I do ride on very mixed backroads, lost of chip seal, etc. I could really use some advice on which tires have longer wear characteristics. I am not really concerned at all with super-traction, track use. etc. I don't ride in the rain. When I do tire research I can't find any write-ups on tire wear, expected mileage, etc. Most of the manufacturers just say things like "extended" wear. Compared to what?

And, on the subject of tires, my bike "wanders", doing small S turns on the freeway. I assume this is probably the front tire, since none of my other bikes do this. It currently has a Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT with maybe 50% wear. Is this a known problem with this tire or worse with the ST1300? I run the recommended 42PSI both front and rear. I weigh 190 and carry no luggage.

Many thanks.

I use the Shinko 011 Verge Radial Front 120/70ZR18 Motorcycle Tire and I love it. Good grip, very sharp, no wandering, good on wet, and they last for ever,10,000 miles ...
I did use the Verge few times on the back also, and they last at least 5,000 miles.
Nevertheless, I appreciate the Pilot 4 better on the back, they handle better for my taste, but they don't last more than the Verge, and they are pricey !
A set of Shinko Verge is less than $200, that sound good to me !
Surprisingly, the mix of brands works pretty well in my case.
One thing I have learned is that a good front wheel alignment is crucial and not so easy to set.
Last thing, avoid the top case, even empty.
Its makes the ST hard to keep at speed or you need a passenger to regain some stability with it.

 

[drtyrrel]

I can't help you with the wandering but if you are looking for the best bang for your buck on tires check out the Shinko Raven 009 for the rear (they don't make the front tire in the size needed for the ST1300).

I also tried the Conti Motion rear tire once when I was new to the ST and got similar wear. Never again. The Shinko Raven typically gets about 10,000 miles before I reach the wear bars and they handle very well for me.

Hey STumped what do you use for a front tire? I used Verges on both and was thinking about trying a Raven on the rear.

 

[jfheath]

My one venture away from Bridgestones to the Dunlop recommended, was not a happy one.
The BT020 F rated is a good solid performer, but wears the centre faster than the shoulders.
My current choice is the T31 GT which has much more even wear, is a nicer ride, grips well and seems to be lasting longer than the 020.
I only ever got 5k miles from the 020. Fully loaded 2 up touring, rough road surfaces here in the uk.

The first rides on the ST 1300 can feel twitchy if the rear pre-load is set too high. It steepens then angle of the front forks with the road, which quickens the steering. I know the correct way of measuring this is as @dduelin described above, but my criteria is a little more primative. I wind it up a few notches before going touring and if the speed bump at the end of the road results in a squawk from my pillion, as the suspension bottoms out, it needs a bit more ! Important to increase the damping to suit the heavier load. Without that, the bike will wallow in the fast bends.

Having a top box without a pillion to smooth out the airflow, can seriously affect the behaviour of the back end - something that will vary with the wind speed and direction. Raising the screen creates more turbulence behind, which can make this effect worse.

The fluid in the preload adjuster doesn't affect the suspension. But if it has lost fluid, you cannot add the same amount of preload. The tell-tale sign is the number of clicks the adjuster has to be turned before any resistance is felt.