The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Justin B. on November 25, 2012, 08:56:42 PM

Title: I Hate Tire Manufacturers
Post by: Justin B. on November 25, 2012, 08:56:42 PM
[rant mode]
I had the front tire on my '04 R1150RT develop "warts" on the tread surface and upon researching these particular Dunlop Sportmax D205 tires it seems they are a bias ply version which it appears has been discontinued.  Dunlop was no help concerning what would be their best tire to match up with my almost new rear tire - all they said was it's best not to mix and match so I would need to buy two tires.  Last time I ever give Dunlop any of my money!

Since I had to buy all new rubber I opted to go with a set of Z rated Michelin Pilot Road 3 tires for $299 and change.  :P  They should be here this week...
[/rant mode]
Title: Re: I Hate Tire Manufacturers
Post by: Bob_Roller on November 25, 2012, 09:07:23 PM
My '02 oilhead came with Michelin Pilot Road tires, I'm currently on my second replacement set .

No issues with them in 45,000 miles .

The last rear tire lasted around 23,000 miles .
Title: Re: I Hate Tire Manufacturers
Post by: Justin B. on November 26, 2012, 12:12:26 PM
Everything I looked at gave them stellar reviews.  I'm just irritated at having to replace an almost new rear tire!
Title: Re: I Hate Tire Manufacturers
Post by: Bob_Roller on November 26, 2012, 02:03:07 PM
It seems odd to me that you had a bias ply tire on the bike .
Title: Re: I Hate Tire Manufacturers
Post by: tvrla on November 26, 2012, 03:46:16 PM
Quote
The last rear tire lasted around 23,000 miles .

 :o

Did I hear you right???? 23K on a rear tire!!!???
Title: Re: I Hate Tire Manufacturers
Post by: Bob_Roller on November 26, 2012, 03:57:50 PM
I know it's hard to believe, the tire was installed around mid January, '07, replaced first week of June, '12 .

I think the mileage was 22,800 .

Only thing I did different, was run higher tire pressures, did the same to the front, but got the usual mileage out of it, around 13,000 miles .

It wasn't an old tire when it was installed, it was about 4 months old when I got it .

Probably never be able to duplicate it again !!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: I Hate Tire Manufacturers
Post by: Justin B. on November 26, 2012, 05:36:34 PM
Bob, it is apparently a "Cop thing" as the tire sticker in the radio box calls them out...
Title: Re: I Hate Tire Manufacturers
Post by: Bengt_Phorqs on November 26, 2012, 05:55:20 PM
Michelin PR3's... you have chosen wisely grasshopper.

and Bob, 23k on a rear?  How much do you weigh, about 27 pounds?  Holy Cow, I can't get much more than 6k on my oilheads before they begin to start cupping and I'm running about 40F/38R.  That's what most of the guys in the local BMW club are also running.  Amazing!
Title: Re: I Hate Tire Manufacturers
Post by: nhmaf on December 01, 2012, 08:22:37 PM
I used Dunlop 205s on my  Kawasaki Concours in the past, as they were among the few models available inthe proper size for my odd front wheel.   But, I was never happy with their lack of longevity, and have long given up on them, quite happy with my Avons now.  I have heard from numerous people who are running Michelin Pilots that they do last quite a long while - and they also stick pretty well too despite their longevity.
Title: Re: I Hate Tire Manufacturers
Post by: Justin B. on December 02, 2012, 07:25:46 PM
My tires got here over the weekend and I'm going to try installing them this week.  I bought on of the big "mount/demount" bars from No-Mar  after watching their YouTube videos.  Their tire changers are very similar to the HF changer I have so hopefully it will make the job "less vile"...