Disappointed in the Pilot Road 4

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by Lint, Jan 4, 2016.

  1. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I actually like everything about them, but their tread life. I ran three sets of the 3 series tires before these on two different bikes, and I got at least 10k miles out of the rear. The PR4, which supposedly lasts 20% longer is a lie. I have only gotten 7000-7500 out of the rear and it is to the wear bars in the middle. No long trips on this set, the majority of the riding has been in canyons and I still have tread on the sides. Hell, I even ran them on the track. I don't understand the middle wearing out so fast. It's not a fluke either, as Duccmann had the same issue and he weighs a lot less than I do. I understand that he was slabbing it to work, but I haven't been and if anything, the sides should be worn on my bike, not the middle. Maybe the GT will last longer, I don't know. Bummed, because they aren't cheap!

    ETA: the front tires last a long time, it's just the rear that died in its youth.
     
  2. fatshoutybloke

    fatshoutybloke New Member

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    Yes, I found the same as well compared with the PR3s I had on my 6th gen. Very impressed with the PR4s for the first half of the tread life, then they started to be less confidence-inspiring in the rain and I eventually changed them after a bit over 7000 miles for the new Bridgestone T30 EVOs as recommended by the guy at the workshop I usually use. Excellent so far but only done a little over 2000 miles on those so time will tell.
     
  3. Rumblestrip

    Rumblestrip New Member

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    Same here, as I had a set of PR4 on my Tuono. The PR3's were stellar but the PR4's lost all 'feel" at about the 6500 mile mark. Mix of commuting and some mountain fun.
    Definitely will look at options when my 6th Gen needs new kicks. Neighbor has a 4th Gen with new Pirelli Angel GT, and brags all over them, but only has about 3200 miles on them.
    Will keep checking with him for updates.
     
  4. prelude222

    prelude222 New Member

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    Great at first, started to feel greasy on corners around 5000 miles. I'm switching to Bridgestone T30 in the spring. They were excellent in the rain, but I think dry performance was sacrificed. I ride in the rain about 10%, so it isn't really that worth the extra price
     
  5. GreyVF750F

    GreyVF750F Member

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    What's your air pressure? I talked to a Dunlop tech at Elkart Lake this past year about tire pressures. The race bikes have to run around 30lbs in the races. Manufactures call for around 40lbs in street bikes. Why? Depending on your riding type there is room for adjustment. Just realize for the street, running a lower pressure than what the mfg states, you are just wearing out your tires more. Less pressure = more wear.

    So I've kept that in mind and set my tire pressures up to or close to the mfg specs and so far so good on sticking and longevity IMO.
     
  6. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    Interesting, I did not experience this with my last PR4 (Rear only) I was able to get 11,210 miles even with a repaired puncture. Although not as many miles as the PR2 rear I had prior (13,601 miles) but I did change the tire out a little early as the front (Michelin Pilot Power 3) was getting closer to needing a replacement. I also had not felt the tire get "greasy" on me but I DO (mostly with rear tire) with my PP3 sets I run on the 5 Gen. This is usually near the end of tread life anyway so that is usually my sign to slow it down some and get them replaced soon. I usually get about 5K miles out of the PP3 set.

    I would be interested in knowing how these other makes compare to the Michelins, particularly with turn in and overall wear due to mileage i.e. Center wear. So those who plan on changing, please update this thread or create a new one and let us know what you feel the differences are, good, bad or indifferent. I'm one of those types who like to stick with what works and change only if the need arises, so far I have been happy with the Michelins (PP3 & PR2/4) so I have not felt the need to change but never say never. On my 6 Gen I'm more about mileage, as this is my commuter/tourer but my 5 Gen is strictly for play time.
     
  7. Underoath87

    Underoath87 New Member

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    I have noticed that the rear tread starts melting/peeling pretty easily when riding at 85+ mph on hot roads...
     
  8. Gator

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    Lint could your track time on the tire have shortened its longevity? Hard acceleration will eat up the tire too.
     
  9. Jeff_Barrett

    Jeff_Barrett Member

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    Been very happy with the Pilot Road 2's myself ... they work well in rain or shine, early-mid-late seasons ... just don't work so well in the snow. :(
     
  10. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I thought I would update this thread with the actual mileage I got from these tires. I have at this moment, with my rear tire at the wear bars in the middle, exactly 5935 miles. That is 40% less than any of the previous three sets of the PR3 tires. What a total disappointment!

    I emailed Michelin, I'll post their reply here. I'm kind of thinking that another brand may find it's way on my bike, or at least a PR3.
     
  11. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I'm sure that has something to do with it, but I spent a lot of time running the sides of my tires, zero chicken strips, etc. I still have meat on the edges, just not the center. All of my PR3 tires wore evenly, but not these. Apparently, Duccmann has had the same experience and he has never been on the track, nor does he ride as hard as I do, so that right there tells me that there is some bullshit marketing from the boys at Michelin and I called them out on it in my email to them. I could have saved nearly $200 at the time of purchase if I would have just bought the Bridgestone T30 tires instead!
     
  12. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I called/emailed Michelin about this and the told me to run what the bike says, i.e. 42 rear, 36 front. I always have. I check it pretty regularly and air up as needed. It almost seems that the higher pressure on the rear especially seems to have contributed to the wear.
     
  13. ricky

    ricky New Member

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    wow...That's huge difference in tire life. Any chance you improved as a rider significantly and is now riding a lot harder with the PR4's than when you were on the older tires?
     
  14. RVFR

    RVFR Member

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  15. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    I have 4700 miles on the front and 5000 miles on the rear. Rear looks good, front getting scalloped and worn on either side of center. I have been working on my braking, so I think the scalloping is from early on.
     
  16. Lint

    Lint Member

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    I have thought of that and I suppose it's possible. However, as others have stated above, I'm not the only one with low miles/high wear.
     
  17. Gator

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    Seems their dual compound is not so... well dual. I only have a few thousand on a set and they are fine for now. I'll keep an eye on them.
     
  18. sunofwolf

    sunofwolf New Member

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    so the prelli angel gt is better
     
  19. Lint

    Lint Member

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    After having a long conversation with Norman Frey at Michelin, it looks like the accelerated wear is probably due to my more aggressive riding. Interestingly enough, Norm said that engine braking is a cause of rapid center wear, more so than just using the brakes or hard acceleration. I use engine braking and regular braking depending on the turn, usually both now that I think about it. Additionally, were I ride is in the canyons, so a lot of uphill, downhill, etc. I guess the personal coaching at the track really has paid dividends in my riding that are costing me in my tires and brakes. I'll have to keep an eye on those too. The track took a toll on my tires too. I wonder how? :cool:
     
  20. Lint

    Lint Member

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