Michelin Pilot Road 3's

[punyXpress]

Mike, have you read this: -->
http://geoffjames.blogspot.co.nz/201...progress.html.

All sorts of info there, including VFR, apart from which it's a good read.

[Luckypants]

Right so it seems that there is a 'B' tyre with stiffer sidewalls. I'm pretty certain that my rear is not the B version. The stepping effect I was seeing on the edges of the tread at the rear is caused by the sidewall squishing about apparently, something that was helped by upping the pressure. I'm thinking I need the B type tyre on a 200kg bike with pillion 90% of the time.

So any of the tyre / suspension guru's on here care to comment on the above statement?

Anyone know any technical stuff about Michelin tyres to tell me if I need the B tyre or more air?

FWIW When I had BT-023 on previous VFR, it needed a special version for heavy bikes - same as was spec'd for Blackbirds/Busa/Pan-European etc.

[punyXpress]

Worth contacting Geoff James in NZ or even m. Bibendum himself, Mike?

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by specialone

There are two ratings for weight of bikes though isn't there?

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Didn't know that there were more than one load index for them, so I checked..

http://www.michelin.co.uk/motorcycle...n-pilot-road-3

Looks like the 190 section tyre has two versions with different load indexes, but the 180 my bike takes all have the same load index. I'll be discussing it with the tyre fitter though, seeing as there seems to be three tyres listed on that table in 180 section and they all have the same numbers....

Bit more information on this. Michelin do an A-type and B-type tyre for 190 and 180 section rears. The b-type has an extra sidewall ply and so is stiffer, but has the same load index as the A-type. Michelin recommend the B-type tyre for pillion / luggage work. I would guess it's a good idea on heavier bikes too.

I now have the B-tyre fitted (180/55 17) as I do 95% of my riding 2-up now, so lets see if it makes a difference to wear etc.

[dyzio]

Is this common knowledge at the fitters or was it difficult for you to find the A/B type tyres?

[Luckypants]

Certainly was not when I had original rear fitted. I used Buckley tyres and they do know their stuff, they fitted a more expensive version of a BT-025 to my previous VFR because the standard one was not strong enough, so they certainly know not all tyres are the same.

Now I know about the B-tyre, it was easy enough to order one. As far as I can tell from the tyre size websites etc the B-type is not widely mentioned. Michelin to not mention it on their tyre guide for the VFR....

Just to add my 2pence.

I've gone through 1 front and 2 rears of the PR3 and its a step backwards after the PR2 - It wears quicker and has no better grip.

The splices thing looks daft and only helps a small bit with really heavy rain. If i was going for an all weather tyre again it would be the PR2

The Dunlops Sportmax's will have to do for now.

[5hort5]

What are the standard PSI for front and rear or PR3's on an SV pointy? Can't seem to find the info. I have been running mine at 32/36 but not sure if that's good or bad. They feel fine but I was just wondering if that was the general consensus or if that was way lower than others?

I run 33F, 36R on the PR3s. Seems fine to me. I think that's the recommended pressures for the SV

[rictus01]

anyone done any decent mileage on these yet. give me some idea what you'd get from a rear ?

Cheers Mark.