Author Topic: Almost time for a new rear tire...  (Read 1078 times)

Gavin

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Almost time for a new rear tire...
« on: July 01, 2014, 07:03:44 PM »
So I'm around 7200 miles (or 12000 km for our friends using metric...which is like everybody else in the world)...and my rear tire is almost to the wear bar....

I figure it's about time for a new tire.

So...questions.

What tire?

What size? I hear that slightly narrower might be better?

The front is fine, but I usually change out front and back at the same time...should I just change the back or go for both?

Thanks

Gavin

(no local dealer yet, but I'm sure any local shop can change a tire :) )


00049 (AKA SopFu)

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2014, 09:05:22 PM »
I went with Pilot Road 3s, and dropped to a 170 in the back with no issues. No noticeable change in range, either. I'll probably stick with the narrower tire going forward just because in theory it'll provide better acceleration and efficiency.
'03 SV650
'13 Empulse #49
Wheaton, IL

Shinysideup

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2014, 10:02:35 PM »
I suppose it depends on how you intend to ride: soft rubber and possibly a bit narrower in the rear for fast turns.

Me... I chose one that I've liked on the last three bikes I've owned: Michelin Pilot Road, which is now up to version 4, but I have PR 3's. I find they grip well enough for any g-force I throw at them, do well in the rain (the sipes seem to really work and not just make the marketing guys happy), and at 16K miles they've already outlasted the original tires and have at least half their tread left. Despite the harder compound in the center, the rear tire (at 9K miles) is starting to flatten out, but then I mostly commute on them with 2/3 of the miles on the freeway in relatively straight lines.

(Digression: there was a guy on the the BMW forum I used to frequent that would reshape his aging rear tires with a belt sander. I've never bothered, though I can tell the difference in feeling as the tire rolls off those shoulders and on the the still-rounded sides, but it's easy to get used to and makes the new tires feel really really good!)

I know the experts say to change tires to the same brand and model and both at the same time. I've never listened to them. Maybe the eBoz can tell a difference, but I haven't been able to. I've read the arguments about different profiles having different handling characteristics which can be at odds with each other, but my butt remains blissfully ignorant as I mix and match and just run 'em to the wear bars. But then I used to run my old car tires until they were canvas!

I pretty much change out the front tire at the same time as every other rear tire.

Next change, I plan to install aftermarket 45-degree tire valves so I can actually get my pump head on and off without leaving a black stripe from the brake rotor on the back of my hand.

Let us know what you pick and how you like them.

Gavin

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2014, 10:32:17 PM »
Thanks!


Comparing the Road Pilot and the conti sport attack 2 that come on the 2014 Empulse...

Finding a lot of 160 or 180 widths...nothing so far on 170.

I would love to try 160....but not sure if my rims can do that size....

G


Well...amazon has everything....I should have known...

http://www.amazon.com/Michelin-Pilot-Motorcycle-Sport-Touring/dp/B005J88CMG
Or
http://www.amazon.com/Continental-ContiRoad-Attack-Touring-Motorcycle/dp/B005J92BU4
« Last Edit: July 01, 2014, 10:37:27 PM by Gavin »

Jeff

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2014, 11:06:36 PM »
I went with the Pilot Road 4, after logging well over 10,000 miles on my Pilot Road 3s.  Including a trackday, several burnouts, and me acting like a general idiot with the throttle.

Also, great wet-weather performance.


Brammofan

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2014, 12:28:00 PM »
Just remember...
Step #1 before removing your old tire:

The Brammoforum Wiki is still active: http://www.brammoforum.com/wiki

Gavin

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2014, 01:17:40 PM »
ha, maybe...

I will likely go with the Pilot 4...but those Conti's look wicked cool...I just don't know how long that rubber will last...I like to get a year from my tires, or more...

Rain isn't an issue here...I wonder which does better in cool and snow?

Gavin

Shinysideup

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2014, 07:18:14 PM »
If you got snow, you got wet roads and the PR4 is really good in the wet. They DO have cool and snow in Europe too!

If you want mileage, the PR4's win that one too.

Wicked cool looks? I guess the Conti's win for you, but I like the tread pattern on the PR's.

Jeff

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #8 on: July 03, 2014, 01:05:35 AM »
Oh don't worry -- here is the last hurrah of the PR3s:


Shinysideup

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #9 on: July 03, 2014, 10:54:02 AM »
Hey Jeff - Hope you didn't inhale!

Gavin

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #10 on: July 04, 2014, 11:24:21 PM »
So I can't find the Pilot Road 3 in 170...I can find the Pilot Road 4 GT in 170...

Should I go 170 GT or just stick with 180?

Can these rims go 170?

Thx

G

Shinysideup

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Re: Almost time for a new rear tire...
« Reply #11 on: July 05, 2014, 02:08:46 AM »
Gavin - I know diddly about smaller sizes (I'm more concerned about the largest contact patch I can get!) But this may be an answer for fitment:

I went with Pilot Road 3s, and dropped to a 170 in the back with no issues.