Michelin PR4 GT tires

Getting close to needing a new rear tire and since I don't particularly like the original BT021 stones I will change both tires. Been looking at the Michelin PR-4 or PR-4GT. Called Michelin's US help line and they recommend the GT version on the VFR 1200 since it's load rating is a better match for the big VFR's weight than the standard PR-4's load rating. What I am looking for is not just good tread wear but tires that turn in better than the stones. Anybody have any input on the Michelin's (PR-3, PR-4, PR-4GT) on the VFR 1200??

 

Curious they recommended the PR4 GT when their online tire selector recommends the standard version, are you heavy, do you tour two up regularly ?

I've had my standard PR4s on for about 5,000kms and even laden recently for a 4 day tour found they have great all round competence and excellent in all conditions and can recommend them for the VFR

Dry tight twisties, tick, maybe not quite as fast as pure sports tires on flip flopping but they are good on transitions with neutral linear turnin and noticeably better than their previous slow PR3s, ripply road surfaces tick, they have good compliance and very predictable, wet slippery conditions, tick, these tires will amaze you offering you full confidence with seemingly no difference in feel whether its pouring rain or very cold, in fact on tour its usually the only time I lead even my friends on sports bikes shod with the Angel GTs, the only thing I can't verify at this time is wear but with 5,000kms so far they're still looking very good so hope to get at least 12,000kms out of them.

 

Thanks for the reply John. I weigh 210 pounds dressed. I never ride a passenger on the VFR and the bike has no luggage. It is used exclusively for day trips or shorter rides on back roads. Good to hear the positive feedback on handling both wet & dry.

 

Mine are on an gen5 VFR800 you're on a VFR1200, best go with their PR4GT recommendation, don't think they'd disappoint you. ☺

 

Agree with John, I've had PR4s on the gen 6 for about 12 months now and so far am very happy. I've heard very good things about wet weather grip and longevity and these appear correct from my experience. The PR4 GTs are for heavy bikes which I assume the VFR1200 just sneaks into

 

I installed a set of PR4's (not GT version) and you're description is dead on. Love these tires, so much better than the OEM stones. I will switch to the PR4 GT version on my FJR 1300 next tire change.

 

gt tires ride hard

 

I've had both the PR3's and PR4's on my 2010.
The PR3's got almost 9K miles before needing replacement......9,000 miles!! I was very happy with them.
I only have 2K miles on my PR4's but the only thing I have to complain about is the higher profile. This changes turn dynamics (quick) and they also look a bit narrower (call me crazy...)

Anyway, both are great but the next set I'm going back to PR3's as the rain and cold weather performance were awesome but not as impressive as the tread life.

BTW....I ride hard and half those miles were on the back roads of the WV mountains where I go to have fun.

Good luck.

 

I'm in the same boat ...I tried the PR4s but found I prefer the PR3 (my favorite tire on the V12). I will not that I never felt the need to go to the stiffer GT version, the standard Pilot Road handles this bike just great!

...only I seem to get about 2800 - 3200 miles out of a set (damn canyon roads).

 

I looked at that when i bought the tires for my bike and both the regular and the gt are rated 58w in front and 73w in the rear. I don't know what the difference between the two are

 

The difference is that the plys in the GT are laid out similarly to that of a bias ply tire for more rigidity, but they claim the advanced dual compounds used provide similar traction performance as a radial tire. I can't honestly speak to how they feel, as I've never run the GT version of either the PR3 or PR4, but I've found I prefer the profile of the PR3 (front, the rears are the same profile), and never had any issues with the rigidity of either tire in the non-GT format.

...maybe I'll try the GTs out to see if they feel significantly different, and if that does anything to prolong the life of the tire.

 

Michelin PR4 GT are great tires. Have them on mine, rides great.

If you need new tires, go for them, they are simply good.

 

Agreed... Have the GT's on mine. I can't compare to the regular PS4's, but the GT's are great, even when fully loaded for a trip. And, yes, they are light years ahead of the stockers... Transforms the bike.

 

Unless you live somewhere where it rains regularly, if you want a tire that turns in quickly I'd consider the Pirelli Angel GTs.

 

I must have used the wrong search terms, damn internet!