Adam30

The way my PR2s are wearing so far, its looking like this will be the longest and best wearing pair of tires ive had yet. My local dealer is doing tires really cheap; my price wouldve been $252 for the pair for the PR's. But, i had a credit coming for my second Roadsmart that went bad, so i didnt actually pay for both PR2's when i bought them. That should be a competitive price. I know that for the Bridgestone BT021's, they gave me a price of $185 for the pair. But, I decided to go with the michelins. They may ship to you; not sure. If you want their number and who to talk to, PM me.

I havent owned a set of Continentals yet, but here's what i can say about the PR's and PR2s.... Like most michelins, no front tire cupping, and thus no degrading in handling over time. Thats important to me. PR2's are wearing excellent for me; a recent 1500 mile trip, mostly freeway, and the tires have no signs of flatspotting yet. Rear included. At the current rate, I expect the current PR2's to give me the most mileage/wear out of any tire ive run so far. My previous 2 sets of original Pilot Roads got me about 7500 miles out of the rear, and the front wouldve gone 10k if not more. Again, even with those, perfectly even wear and no cupping. No wet weather issues at all, and ive ridden in plenty of downpoars, more than i cared to. But in all fairness, maybe any tire i wouldve been on wouldnt have given me an issue. Cornering/handling at lean angle is excellent and stable; better than my recent set of RoadSmarts. But, the bike does seem to feel a bit heavier in certain lower speed situations with the new michelins and with certain manuvers. Depending on how the michelins end up holding up over time, I cant see ever switching to anything else after they're worn out. That still may change, but judging by how my other michelins have been, I'll be sticking with them with no reason to change.

No problem, Yeah, just felt this would be useful info. Theres alot of people who will rave about a new set of tires about how that brand handles so much better, how it falls into turns easier, etc....when in reality its more just due to the fact that the tires are new and have replaced the old, worn out ones where handling had gradually degraded over time. It worked out convenientlly for me, as I had just rode on the roadsmarts the day before I got the Michelins put on. And my first ride on the michelins was basically my 500 mile ride to ohio, so plenty of opportunity to take in a comparison of both nearly back to back.

I dont want this to turn into a "gas mileage" thread, but ive noticed and as of this weekend, confirmed that the fuel mileage drops off quite a bit on the freeway at speeds of 70-80mph, as opposed to speeds of 60-65mph. My mileage to columbus, OH from milwaukee was about 46mpg taking hwy 30 across Indiana and part of Ohio, where speed was typically in the 65mph range. Taking the interstate home with speeds around 80, my mileage was noticably less. I didnt figure out the mileage on the trip home, but I can tell you just by noticing I got only about 170 miles to the tank, as opposed to 225 miles to the tank on the trip there. Factory hardbags were also on the bike both ways, if that makes a difference. I also have the front sprocket changed to one tooth larger than stock to keep rpms a bit lower on the freeway, since I end up doing alot of freeway miles on my trips. Just thought this all might be worth something considering you're figuring fuel mileage into the equasion.

Oh, and I shouldve mentioned. I was in a bit of rain this weekend with the new tires, although not alot. Had no issues whatsoever, but Ive really never had alot of wet issues with any of the tires Ive owned so far (Original Pilot Road, Pilot Power, Roadsmart), and with past tires Ive ridden through many storms, downpoars, etc. No, not by choice.

As some of you might have read, I recently had my second front Roadsmart sent in for warranty, due to poor/abnormal wear which started to become noticable on the second one after about 1500 miles, and the first one sent in at around 4000 miles for the same thing, what was thought to be separation. Last week, for my replacement tire, I obviously opted to NOT replace it with another Roadsmart, so the dealer used the tire credit towards a set of PR2's.....which is what I originally wanted but were on backorder in spring. So, Ive had the opportunity to ride the PR2's directly after riding on the Roadsmarts, which only had about 1500 miles on them, which i felt was close enough to new to make a decent comparison, without the case of the michelins feeling different just because they were new. I road to the Honda Homecoming in Ohio this weekend, about 500 miles each way and a few hundred miles of riding while i was there. About 1500 for the weekend....exactly what my last roadsmart had when the second tire wear issue started. First of all, the Michelins are wearing absolutely perfect thus far. 2/3 of this weekends miles were slab, and there is no indication whatsoever, front or rear, of any hint of flat spotting yet. No cupping or anything abnormal on the front at all at this mileage, which with the dunlop is when the wear issue started to become visibly noticeable, on both my first and second tire. For handling, the Michelin was noticably different as soon as I left my parking lot after having them put on....it really jumped out at you. The front end felt very very different, with the bike wanting to fall easier but only after a certain point/lean angle. Keep in mind again, that the previous dunlop didnt have a lot of miles on, and after replacing two dunlops within just a couple months, i am able to recall what they were like when new, as well as riding on them the day before installing the michelins. The PR is very different. But with the Michelins on the highway, especially in windy conditions, the front of the bike felt more "loose". Not a straightline stability or wandering issue, but more of just a twichyness only with windgusts, dirty air off of semi's, and doing anything sudden with the bars. I might have to say that the Dunlop was more stable overall on the freeway. Cornering is notably different with the michelin. At certain speeds and when doing certain things and manuvers the bike feels almost heavier at certain times with the PR's compared to the dunlops. But, when going through almost any turn leaned over, the Michelin just keeps the bike in it's line, whereas I remember the dunlop requiring more "correction" and adjustment while leaned, even though the dunlop kind of made the bike feel more flickable in most situations. Overall, I think I like the Dunlop in cetain situations because the bike overall felt a bit lighter depending on what you were doing with it. But, the Michelins look like they'll be wearing great, which is what my past experiences have been. With both longevity and wear quality. And they're definately more stable when leaned over. The reason I wanted the PR2s is that I felt that I wouldnt have cupping or other wear issues, and that handling wouldnt degrade as well. This has been my experience with 3 sets of the original PR's, and Pilot Powers on my RC. I also like the new PR's stability in corners/leaning; very noticable over the dunlops. Im thinking that "heavy" feeling at certain times wiht the michelins will be just something i'll adapt to, as well as that little bit of uneasiness on the freeway in certain situations. My rear dunlop was at about 7k miles last week when i put the PR's on, so i cant complain about that. The front wouldve easily done 10k or more if the wear issue hadnt kept popping up. But, im already seeing less flatspotting with the michelin if any at all so far, at the same mileage as what I remember the dunlops starting to flatten out at. If I hadnt had the credit from the front Dunlop, the PR2s wouldve run me $252 from my dealer, plus installation at $20/tire. I originally paid $236 for the roadsmarts. The $20-30 difference is easily worth it to me so far. In terms of wear, wear quality and cornering stability, the Michelins, like the other michelins ive owned make it easily worth the extra $$. Considering my recent tire experiences this summer, I dont think Im going to anything else anytime soon.

To follow up with this thread incase some of you didnt see my post in my other thread from last week, the official word from Honda is that the velocity stacks are to be both short in front and both tall in the rear.

I do know that dynamically balancing is a better method, especially in automotive applications. But the same theory would apply to cycle tires, but dont feel they're as sensitive to it because of the overall width of the wheel/tire compared to a car's. Many tire people will correctly tell you that with static balancing, you're really only balancing the tire/wheel 50%, which is right. I just think that with the narrow width of a cycle tire, dynamically balancing isnt quite as necessary although I would still prefer it over static. And it doesnt take that much longer. Whether you have or have not "had a problem" from balancing a certain way over another isnt really a good indication of which method is acceptable. All the time, I have people come in with wheels on their cars that only want them statically balanced, just so there's no weights showing on the cosmetic outside of the wheel. Sometimes it ends up ok with no vibration, and sometimes they dont. A wheel could still be out of balance and you just dont feel it, or it can only be at a certain speed range, etc. The overall improved quality of today's tires, both bike and auto, doesnt compensate for having to balance or not. There are some that you could get away with not balancing at all and end up with no vibration, but it doesnt mean its not there. Each tire is different, so if you got lucky on one set you cant assume that balancing isnt needed period. In different bike tires ive had mounted from different shops, ive seen that some were done statically and some dynamically. No, i couldnt tell a difference. The only time i had a vibration issue was my last set of PR's i had mounted in Portland at a smaller shop; from the get go i had a vibration over 75mph. The tire was statically balanced in that case, but the vibration was more likely due to incorrect setup of their machine, maybe a bad tire, or just plain incorrect weight placement. Or their machine couldve been due for a calibration. I think on a narrow wheel like our cycle wheels, you can get away with static easier than when on a wide car wheel, and run less of a risk of noticing a vibration. But given the choice, Id easily rather have them done dynamically. On a car or bike wheel or whatever.

I think that's part of the issue, is I think that many others who are reporting no issues with their Roadsmarts simply maybe dont have the mileage yet to see any issues. I doubt that ALL of them will have front wearing issues, but now that Ive got about 6k miles on between my last front and this one, I might just happen to be noticing it a little quicker and sooner. Itll be interesting to watch over the next couple months in anything comes up with anyone elses. But I do remember my dealer guy saying that either their supplier or Dunlop themselves did say they were having issues with these...

Dealer just called, $252 for the Michelins. Think i might go that route....if he can get them in time..

That's the BT021. He showed me an employees CBR who put them on just before his ride to Vegas and back, and it is astounding how well they wore, and whats still left on them. But, i still have mixed feelings about them. Im really wanting the michelins; i dont feel like "trying" anything else that I dont know i'll be totally happy with.....like the dunlops. My dealer has changed their philosophy on tire sales; they're selling cheap so they can just get the tire business as opposed to people buying online. Works for me. So, i'm awaiting the price on the michelins here shortly. And keep in mind too, is that i'll only be paying for the rear tire, as the front will be credited as they're going to try and warranty my current one...

Thanks BR. Yeah, that's what im hoping for, but for the moment im kind of at the mercy on which ones we can get sooner for my trip this weekend. He quoted me a price of $180 for the Bridgestones believe it or not, lol. But, i told him to keep looking just to see what the Michelins will run me, and that that's what Id prefer. I should be hearing back shortly...

Well, in my last post I apparently spoke too soon. Now having maybe 1700 miles on the replacement front tire, i noticed yesterday that it's beginning to slightly do the same thing. its not as noticable yet as in my initial pics and post, but the tire doesnt have as many miles on it yet either. Im going to ohio friday for the homecoming, and me and the dealer are working on what we can obtain quickly as far as a replacement. My dealer has already ruled out the dunlops obviously. Since this tire has been installed, ive been even more anal about keeping the pressures at 36/42 daily. My riding has been about 60% straight roads and the rest twisties. We're looking at BT021's or Pilot Road 2's. Im just looking for something with mileage capability. It might depend on what they can get me the quickest, considering im leaving thursday night... what a pain.

Yeah, i like the tires overall too. I didnt want this thread to come across like the problem i had was something to be expected of these tires, especially since it did end up being just basically a defect....which can end up happening with any tire. The only thing that'll be interesting to watch as others put more miles on these is if any more issues do come up. I only say that now, just because my parts guy seemed to indicate that Dunlop has had issues already wiht these. Not sure what kind of issues though. My replacement tire with about 1500 miles on it is doing very well so far, so im thinking my last one was in fact an isolated defect. But learning the indications lately that maybe issues like this arent so isolated has me checking the tires condition more closely and more often. But at this point, i cant complain with the current one im running...

Due to the questionable quality of the new RoadSmarts, my dude up at the dealer last night were talking tires a bit. He mentioned the 021's, and brought me out to the employee parking lot and showed me a guy's 1000rr that just got back from Vegas on his, and he put the 021's on before he left because of price. His round trip and some local riding after came to about 5200 miles. What he showed me was the minimal flatspotting on the rear tire even considering all the slab riding on the trip, and the front barely looked worn, and no cupping at all. Rear probably had 40% or so left to go. Going off of this, he mentioned the 021 as a possible alternative for me next time, especially considering he'd sell me a set of 021's for $195. Depending on how my replacement Roadsmart does this time around, I may have to try those....

Oh, hey....just saw you're in Kenosha... Im in Cedarburg, and Cedar Creek Motorsports is who I use. Since they caught onto everyone buying their tires online and just using them for the mounting and balancing, they changed their pricing on tires so they can make the tire sale even if their profit is lower. As a dealer in general they're so-so, but for what i use them for (tires, misc parts, etc), theyve been good. I always bring my wheels in to have them mounted. But I know they charge the same either on or off the bike for mounting/balancing. The guy i usually talk to in the parts department said that they get better pricing on average on Dunlops, so they've got a bit more room to move on price. But also, he gave me a price on the Bridgestone 021's last night since we were talkin about tires. $195 for the pair, which I felt was super reasonable especially for a dealer. If you were to buy tires from them, give Corey a call in the parts dept, and tell him Adam told you to call. He's the one i always deal with.

I was at my dealer for a bit last night, inquiring about having them order me a fresh rear Roadsmart, as mine should be worn out by the end of the month likely. In talking to the original guy i bought the tires from, i asked him if he had any trouble sending my front tire in under warranty, because the dude in service was saying they wouldnt take it most likely beecause of "me neglecting the tire pressure". His reply was "of course they took it back.....Dunlop's been having tons of problems with those things...."

Yeah, my last two sets were the original PR's. They worked well for me....but a good percentage of my riding around here is only limited twisties, and not usually the type you can push hard due to gravel, etc. If I were in an area where I could push the tires more, I probably wouldve noticed its shortcomings. But from a mileage and wear quality standpoint (which is how I judge my tire experiences around here), the original PR's always wore even for me, rain performance was good, and they seemed to last long enough for me. However the rear Roadsmart looks like it'll go about 7500 miles or maybe more; i'll find out in the next week or two. The front replacement dunlop seems to be wearing well so far at this point. Judging by the car business and automotive tires, Ive seen just about every manufacturer have its defects, and with tires sometimes that defect doesnt become apparent for many many miles. Michelins got em too, although even with automotive applications they are one of the better ones from what Ive seen. But with Michelin, you do pay more $$ for it. But with all this, keep in mind that sometimes a separation can come from a bad bump or impact of some sort out on the road, which even couldve been the case with mine. That ride in and to CO took me through various different types of roads, construction, etc. I do remember hitting a couple bad ones.

Im presently at about 1500 miles on the new front, with no signs of any similar abnormal wear like the last one, and besides the dreaded possibility of the famous dunlop cupping that may develop, im pretty confident i wont see a wear pattern like the last one had again. I do agree that it was likely a separation issue and not just simply cupping. In dunlops defense, any tire can develop a tread separation...its just something that is either present as a defect from day one, or can happen from an impact of some sort on the road. Either one is a possiblity in my case. So if it was just a defect, then im not worried about it....all tire manufacturers have their defects. Im actually happy to learn it was a defect as opposed to it just being characteristic of the tire, which im learning that its not. If that's the case and this next front tire ends up wearing well, then Id actually have no problems purchasing this particular dunlop model again. I do find the handling acceptable, and the rate of wear seems to be great. Its looking like I'll get about 7k miles or so out of the rear tire, which is about what i got with the PR's previously. So for the time being im being especially anal about my tire pressures just so I can really accurately evaluate the replacement front tire's performance and wear. But at this point its looking ok.

That's correct; the CC company will do the conversion automatically. Some overseas sites will have a conversion calculator to use on their site....I think David Silver does. Then you can see what you'll be paying in American $$.

I can understand your frustration with this situation....items that are backordered during the prime riding season can annoy the heck out of you. I get just as frustrated. But like others said...try David Silver spares in the UK. They're almost half the price through them, and could probably have them to your door in a week, assuming of course that they're available over there. What you just have to keep in mind is that it's most likely not honda's fault. It could be the supplier/manufacturer of the bags jerking Honda around, or they're simply just sold out which makes most people in any part of the chain kind of helpless as to getting you some. If they're not around, they're not around. Im sure honda isnt wasting any time at looking at the situation, as its potential sales that they're losing. Customer service with any corporation is always hit or miss. Yes, they're supposed to be representatives of the company, but what you really have to remember is they're still individuals....some may actualy care about helping and some just wont, and are only there waiting for 5:00 to roll around. I think customer service is always the weakest part of the experience of buying from any manufacturer. Ive rarely experienced or heard of anyone whos experienced a real, caring experience with any customer service rep. With the bags, all i could suggest is go to it and look around. If you're willing to buy used, then check the obvious places like Ebay, Craigslist, forums like these, etc. And check into anyplace overseas that you can find; you'll probably get a much better price anyways.

This is how i mounted my GPS, is with the tank bolt method. Yes, after you get longer bolts it works perfectly. But, the only thing I did was shave the tank-side edge of the mount's base, as when mounted it sat really close to the lip on the tank. Probably didnt have to do it, but just wanted a bit more clearance there.

For what it might be worth to you or anyone, lately ive noticed a bit of the same thing in certain conditions at highway speeds. I have an MRA adjustable touring screen. I like anything with adjustability, but ive noticed the same thing.....if i move my head out beyond the screen's protection, the air is smooth and much quieter. Ive had a few windscreens on my '02 since ive gotten it, and i swear i dont remember wind noise being an issue before....but maybe i just wasnt concerned with it. I have the stock screen still, the MRA, and the Honda Touring Screen from the European market. Sometime soon, i was going to install each one quickly and go out and try them out back to back, which should really indicate which one is best (for me). By the way, Im 6' 2". If anyone's interested, i can post my findings here, as it could help others who are similar to my size. Im not interested in a smaller screen or cutting at this point as I like the rain protection at times, but moreso finding the one that ends up being quietest and still offers protection. Also I should add, after my accident last august I did end up riding the bike one afternoon without any screen on it at all. At speeds above 70mph, the pressure of the wind pushing back on my helmet was extremely noticable, to the point where i was eager to get some kind of screen back on the bike soon.