Cronut vs. Berliner: Tire Review/ Comparo -Michelin PR3 vs. Metzeler Z8

Discussion in '6th Generation 2002-2013' started by Zetec2000, Nov 11, 2013.

  1. Zetec2000

    Zetec2000 New Member

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    Since I'm not crazy enough to start an oil or chain lube thread, i thought I'd stoke the fires of discusssion on the other perennial favorite: Tires.

    Ultimately, your donut of choice makes a big difference in your happiness on the VFR, and I'll offer my thoughts to help clarify or confuse your decision as appropriate.

    I'm going to go ahead and assume that many of you are using, or have considered, one of the two premium tire options for the VFR800 that are widely available in the States:
    A. Metzeler Z8 Interac
    B. Michelin Pilot Road 3

    For those of you who remember my review of the Z8, I stand behind it, and still consider the Z8 to be an Excellent tire. Now that I have fitted the Pilot Road 3's, I can give my initial opinion on the two head to head.

    Berliner - Metzeler Z8 Interac - As I said in my initial and follow up reviews of the Metzeler, the tire is great - Sticky, durable and planted in corners. It excels in sweeping corners and devours highway miles. Great in the wet and it inspires confidence in the twisties - if you're willing to work for it. Whether it is profile or construction, even when new, the Metzelers require a bit of muscle to turn in for big lean angles. Once there, they stick like crazy.
    Wet road performance is impressive, the rubber compound really digs in on damp tarmac. Thus far, I've avoided the need to ride in sustained standing water that might overwhelm the tread pattern.

    Cronut - Michelin Pilot Road 3 - Also a standout. Slightly more forgiving of the SoCal highway chop (concrete freeway slabs that don't quite line up) than the Z8, the tradeoff comes with a bit of superslab squirrliness. This is not the same 'groove tracking' that I noted for the Metzelers, but is more a sense of vagueness in the straightline feel of the tire.
    Sweepers are good, and the tight corner turn-in is superlative. I was amazed. The VFR feels about 30 lbs lighter. Direction changes are easier and turn in is more controlled.
    I've not had them in the full wet yet, but the reviews I've read otherwise seem to favor the Metzeler here in the damp, with the Pilot taking an edge in deep standing water.

    Takeaways:
    Highway - Michelin is more comfortable, but a little wobbly. The Metzeler is more planted, and feels glued to the road.
    Sweepers (HWY 2 or 33) - Both tires are excellent, all the way to the edge. Use either with confidence. I prefer the Metzeler here.
    Super tight corners (Mulholland Snake) - Here the edge goes to the Michelin.
    Wet - TBD
    Wear - TBD

    Verdict: If you are spending A LOT of time in the tightest twisties, the PR3 would be my recommendation. Highway and big sweepers, go for the Metzeler. If you are mixing it up, go with the one you think is prettier. Both are excellent, and both are right at home on the VFR.
     
  2. Peuty

    Peuty New Member

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    Just put a set of the Metzelers on my Gen6. Best thing I have ever done.
     
  3. Camp

    Camp New Member

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    Thanks, solidified my Metzeler bent. Had them on some heavy early 90's bikes and loved them. So that's where I'm going.
     
  4. Boosh63

    Boosh63 Member

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    I purchased my 08 a couple months ago and it was fitted with PR3's... I am no longer a Bridgestone man.

    Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk
     
  5. Camp

    Camp New Member

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    Have a week home at the end of this month and will be putting the Metzelers on. Waiting on a DMr cartridge kit and shock too, :)
     
  6. OZ VFR

    OZ VFR Member

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    There is nothing wrong with the Z8, far from it. I ran them for a few years and liked them a lot.
    But keep in mind they came out in 2010 (PR3 about the same, they’re up to 5’s now).
    That’s a long time ago in motorcycle tyres.
    The original post is from 2013.
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2019
  7. Boosh63

    Boosh63 Member

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    There seem to be a ton of PR3 for sale.

    Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk
     
  8. Camp

    Camp New Member

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    Well, I can say with authority that the Metzelers are great in the wet. SINCE it's done NOTHING but rain since I put them on... Sheeeze!
     
  9. wiremanjon

    wiremanjon New Member

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    You're going to make a YouTube video or pictures and keep us informed on the install and your feelings as to the pro's and cons of your upgrades with DMR? Cause that'd be awesome. Just saying.
    P.S. I hear great things about the Roadtec 01's
     
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