Michelin Pilot Road 2s make this bike

[cookie]

I know there are a number of tire threads but I have to tell you the title says it all.
I just installed my third set of tires: Bridgestone OE tire mile 1, Metzler Z6 @ 6300, Michelin Pilot Road 2 @ 13010. This tire absolutely makes this bike a different machine.
The guy that installed them said this is the only tire he uses (he has the same bike, 08 RT). Something about a neutral tire??.
All I know is they are whisper quiet and counter steering into a turn, I just have all the confidence. I am able to roll in and out of a turn as smooth silk, I don't know how else to describe it other than I will never buy another brand!!
Thanks for listening.
Jeff

 

[brianm]

I would have to agree! I just put a set on 200 miles ago (this past week) and absolutely found the bike much more responsive in the corners (I ride the Ortega HWY 74 a lot for fun) and very smooth and quiet on the freeway. Great tires for the RT. Had the Bridgestones on and they were a bit noisy and hard.

 

[texanrt]

Good to know because I'm changing from Metzlers Interacts to Michelin PR2s for my next set. My RT came original with Bridgestone BT020 which gave me good enough service but the mileage was poor for two-up riding. I tried the Bridgestone BT021 (dual compound) and didn't like the way the sides wore faster than the center causing a "V" wear pattern that affected the handling.

The interacts have been okay but the rear was worn flat by 6,000 miles, which isn't too bad considering lots of our RT riding is two-up. The interacts are loud when worn -- my front has 6,000 miles and howls fairly loud depending upon the road surface.

 

[RTGirl]

I had PR2s on my last bike and loved them. When it is time to change tires on the RT, I am going back to them. I had over 14,000 on my last bike when I changed them out simply because I was going on a long trip and didn't think they would last for the duration. They probably had another 1,000 or so left on them though. Good choice and glad for the report on how they work with the RT.

 

[roborider]

I tried the Bridgestone BT021 (dual compound) and didn't like the way the sides wore faster than the center causing a "V" wear pattern that affected the handling.

I had that same problem with the PR2s I tried. The center had lots of meat but I wore the sides out, causing a "pointed" tire that was very hard to use in steep angle turns. Dual compound is great unless you ride twisties exclusively, as I do.

I just wore out my front Z6 in 2800 miles (edges, center was OK). So I'm now hunting for a great sporty tire with a bit more longevity. I can live with 5000 miles since I can then change tires, oil, and final drive oil all at the same time which is convenient. I will give Avons a try next time.

 

[glurkus]

I was looking for more mileage between tire changes on my '07 RT, so after two sets of Metzelers, I just switched over to PR 2's. The difference seems to me that the Metzelers were stickier in the corners than the PRs. Also, the PR 2's seem to be more slippery on tar snakes. I have yet to ride in the rain with the RP 2's, but it will be interesting to see if they grip as well as the Metzelers did.

 

[steveaikens]

I was looking for more mileage between tire changes on my '07 RT, so after two sets of Metzelers, I just switched over to PR 2's. The difference seems to me that the Metzelers were stickier in the corners than the PRs. Also, the PR 2's seem to be more slippery on tar snakes. I have yet to ride in the rain with the RP 2's, but it will be interesting to see if they grip as well as the Metzelers did.

I have Z6's on my RT. Horrible on tar snakes. Just got back from CO last weekend and was surprised not to find washers sucked outta my seat.!!.

I had PR2's on my R11RT-P that ate them like candy adn my seat remains washer-free.

 

[glurkus]

Steve,
That is interesting. Shows that tire performance can be subjective.

 

[Harrington]

I'm on my 3rd set. My only gripe would be on tire pressure. They stick great for me with a 36/40 psi setup. I'd like to run a 38/42 setup to save the rims from our crappy roads. At 38/42 they will occassionally slip on me. Sometimes it's the front and sometimes it's the rear. I can't recall it ever happening at the lower pressure setting.

 

[PiddleFart]

PR2 slip

Interesting post, I tried the PR2's and didn't care for them because they tended to slip out on me. I ran them at 38/42 and never even considered running at a different PSI. I may have to try them again at the lower setting. I got great mileage out of them but they weren't confidence inspiring.

I'm running Roadsmarts now and so far I like Them. I did 3500 miles on them last week and they arent cupping or squaring off yet.

 

[_RockZ_]

everytime I go from a shot tire to a good tire I am always surprised at how they handle but I agree with you the Michelin's are my favorite,wish i had more twisties

 

[mneblett]

Interesting post, I tried the PR2's and didn't care for them because they tended to slip out on me. I ran them at 38/42 and never even considered running at a different PSI. I may have to try them again at the lower setting. I got great mileage out of them but they weren't confidence inspiring.

I'm running Roadsmarts now and so far I like Them. I did 3500 miles on them last week and they arent cupping or squaring off yet.

I run my PR2's at 35/39 and have not yet encountered any slip -- quite happy with them. Much more neutral handling than the OE tires. This is my first set, so mileage is TBD.

 

[pffog]

........... At 38/42 they will occassionally slip on me. Sometimes it's the front and sometimes it's the rear. I can't recall it ever happening at the lower pressure setting.

I went through my 1st set this spring in the twisties of NC, worn ALL the way to the edge, in fact the "2CT" and arrows at the edge of the tread are partially worn off, and the only slip was in visible (after I hit it ) sand/gravel. Stuck like glue dry and wet. I want to try a set of the new M5 Metzelers, but was VERY happy with the PR2's

 

[MAYLETT]

Just last week I switched from the original front tire and a Metzeler rear tire to a set of Pilot Road 2s, and have already put about 300 miles on them.

You guys must have an ultra-sensitive ability to feel the road or, more likely, I'm just unusually numb to the nuances of it all. After 150-miles of breaking them in, I've put on an additional 150 miles with no holding back, and honestly, I can't tell much, if any, difference in how they handle. I just hope they wear well.

 

[glurkus]

My dealer told me to run the RP 2's at 40F/42R I was running the Z6's at 38/42. I'll let a little air out and see what happens.

 

[cookie]

The dealer suggested 40f/42r? that is very interesting. I have always used the owners manual whish states: 32/36f 36/42r depending on load. I generally run at the high end say 34f 40r and have not experienced that slip yet.

 

[texanrt]

So I'm at the dealer today.....

and there are four brand new 2010 R1200RTs sitting on the showroom floor -- every one shod with Metzeler Interact Z6 tires.

 

[SPOKESMAN]

and there are four brand new 2010 R1200RTs sitting on the showroom floor -- every one shod with Metzeler Interact Z6 tires.

Are regular Z6's, i.e. not Z6 Interacts, history?

 

[roborider]

Z6 interact replaced the regular Z6. I don't like the interacts and am looking for a new tire. However, it will be a while since I bought 4 sets and have them waiting in my shop.

 

[rglassma]

I went from Road Smarts to PR2s on my '05 RT 3000 miles ago and wouldn't go back. I see no real wear on the tires. They handle like a dream.. Since I live in Colorado, I am in the twisties all the time.. No slippage detected even when running 38f/42r ..

The Road Smarts got me between 5000 - 6500 miles per set. I am hoping to get over 10K out of the PR2s. We shall see. So far, so good !!