Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: 2talltim on September 08, 2015, 04:24:47 PM
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Ok not looking for another full blown tire thread just want to hear from the ones that are running or have run the Bridgestone T30 GT 190-55. Ive always gone with the Angles GTs and have burnt through the last set quick (around 5000 miles) because im getting more and more comfortable throwing the connie into tight corners. So im thinking about trying out a different tire and profile to see if i can improve my mileage. Ive heard a lot of good things on reviews about this tire but not much from the C14 world. jakewilson.com has the set or $230 delivered
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plus i have a CF hugger, will the 55 rub?
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plus i have a CF hugger, will the 55 rub?
Unlikely to rub, as 190-55 is only 0.2" (2 tenths of one inch) wider on each side. ( if my math is right). I have run 55 series in the past on my C14 with no problems. I am now running a 200-50 tire, which I like even more.
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What do you specifically like about the 200-50? I think motorcycle manufacturers cut
cost by not supplying 200 series tires on bikes. I believe my ZX-12 came stock with 200
series tires
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What do you specifically like about the 200-50? I think motorcycle manufacturers cut
cost by not supplying 200 series tires on bikes. I believe my ZX-12 came stock with 200
series tires
Well, first of all, I liked the price. Front and rear were less than$250, IIRC.
But subjectively, I like the handling, turn-in to curves is less abrupt, and holding a line in a curve seems much easier, requiring fewer corrections to stay on line. Makes me less nervous in a curve, if you can imagine the feeling. But any tire discussion is mostly just a matter of opinion...and everyone has an opinion.
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Jake Wilson has the T30GT (I priced the 190/55) for $229.76 (free shipping) as of right now. That is a great price! Most shops in my area where $200+ for the rear alone, then wanted $50-100 for install!
Good news for me is my preferred mechanic has one (rear) in stock for $136. Will be installed Friday on my way to a weekend group ride.
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I think motorcycle manufacturers cut cost by not supplying 200 series tires on bikes.
It's not that man. The ideal (as in the least overall compromise) motorcycle rear tire size reportedly is 180/55. That gives you the best compromise between handling and traction on powerful bikes. Size 190 might be needed on very powerful supersports, but not on this bike IMO. It'd benefit from better handling with a 180, like the new RT has. And power and weight wise, doesn't need a 190 either. But a 200? You'd only make it steer like a tractor :). Going a bit on the extreme, try cornering one of those new cruiser bikes with a 250 tire and you'll see what I'm talking about; simple physics: the wider the rear tire, the more reluctance to turn.
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It's not that man. The ideal (as in the least overall compromise) motorcycle rear tire size reportedly is 180/55. That gives you the best compromise between handling and traction on powerful bikes. Size 190 might be needed on very powerful supersports, but not on this bike IMO. It'd benefit from better handling with a 180, like the new RT has. And power and weight wise, doesn't need a 190 either. But a 200? You'd only make it steer like a tractor :). Going a bit on the extreme, try cornering one of those new cruiser bikes with a 250 tire and you'll see what I'm talking about; simple physics: the wider the rear tire, the more reluctance to turn.
All I know is that the 200 works better for me than the 190, in either a 50 or a 55 aspect ratio. YMMV.
Like I said above, most tire threads are about opinions, and everyone has one. You may find that you prefer a 180. That's fine; I can respect that. But I like the 200. Everybody can be different.
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Thanks for the info, i pulled the trigger and going to give them a try. $229.74 for he set delivered to my door and i have a guy up the road that runs a atv repair shop and he changes my tire (when i carry the wheels in) for $10 each. So less than $250 for a set of tires is awesome.
Now i need to decide Galfer ot EBC pads...LOL
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Damn i Love jakewilson.com. Tires were delivered today at 10am. So less than 36 hours to my door from the time i placed the order.
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All I know is that the 200 works better for me than the 190, in either a 50 or a 55 aspect ratio. YMMV.
Like I said above, most tire threads are about opinions, and everyone has one. You may find that you prefer a 180. That's fine; I can respect that. But I like the 200. Everybody can be different.
I have kept with the 200/50 on my ZX12R from day one. It does take a bit more effort to get it to lean it over, but nothing too bad. I made this choice, just to keep that extra little bit of rubber to handle the power. I find that the Connie corners exactly the way I like it with the 190/50, so I will be sticking with that when I change tires.
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Had a zx12 about 5yrs ago and for me it had the 200 section tyre for grip on the edge but getting it to turn was harder than with a 190 section lets face it most people who have a wide tyre is just to make it look good imho
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Ok not looking for another full blown tire thread just want to hear from the ones that are running or have run the Bridgestone T30 GT 190-55. Ive always gone with the Angles GTs and have burnt through the last set quick (around 5000 miles) because im getting more and more comfortable throwing the connie into tight corners. So im thinking about trying out a different tire and profile to see if i can improve my mileage. Ive heard a lot of good things on reviews about this tire but not much from the C14 world. jakewilson.com has the set or $230 delivered
Keep us updated on the how well the Bridgestone's workout. I just ordered (about a 2 weeks ago) a set of the Pirelli Angel GT 'A' Spec's for $270 delivered.
When you had the Angel GT's were they the 'A' Spec's? The 'A' Spec's are supposed to last much longer than than the standard GT's. I guess I'll find out when I have these mounted. They're sitting in the corner waiting for my Pilot Road 4 GT's to wear out!
I have read really good things about the Pirelli Angel GT 'A' Spec's...I hope I experience the positive things being said about them!
I'm always looking for a good tire that doesn't cost what the Pilot Road 4 GT's cost (aren't we all)! Pilot Road 4 GT's cost me $550.00 mounted! I ride everyday and put 20,000-25,000 miles per year on my bike so that makes the Pilot Road 4 GT's really expensive!
Please let me know how the Bridgestone T30's work out and what kind of mileage you get from them and I will post my experience with the Angel GT 'A' Spec's once I know how well they perform, both in handling and mileage.
BTW, I ran the 190-55 on my bike with my last set of Pilot Road 4 GT's and didn't notice enough of a difference to do it again. The claim was it makes the bike more "nimble" and helps it corner better. I can throw the bike into corners just as well with either the 190-50 or 55's so for me it doesn't matter. If you have a hard time "flat footing" it at stops the 55's will make it a little more difficult. I was fine with it but I have heard from those with shorter legs that it was a problem...just sayin'.
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Ok so i have them mounted and yes i can tell a huge difference in how it turns into a corner. Im actually cutting my corners way short now because im used to throwing that big bear into them and now i dont need to. so ill need to adjust my riding style now. Only did about 10 miles on my test ride but so far they feel nice.
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Keep us updated on the how well the Bridgestone's workout. I just ordered (about a 2 weeks ago) a set of the Pirelli Angel GT 'A' Spec's for $270 delivered.
When you had the Angel GT's were they the 'A' Spec's? The 'A' Spec's are supposed to last much longer than than the standard GT's. I guess I'll find out when I have these mounted. They're sitting in the corner waiting for my Pilot Road 4 GT's to wear out!
I have read really good things about the Pirelli Angel GT 'A' Spec's...I hope I experience the positive things being said about them!
I'm always looking for a good tire that doesn't cost what the Pilot Road 4 GT's cost (aren't we all)! Pilot Road 4 GT's cost me $550.00 mounted! I ride everyday and put 20,000-25,000 miles per year on my bike so that makes the Pilot Road 4 GT's really expensive!
Please let me know how the Bridgestone T30's work out and what kind of mileage you get from them and I will post my experience with the Angel GT 'A' Spec's once I know how well they perform, both in handling and mileage.
BTW, I ran the 190-55 on my bike with my last set of Pilot Road 4 GT's and didn't notice enough of a difference to do it again. The claim was it makes the bike more "nimble" and helps it corner better. I can throw the bike into corners just as well with either the 190-50 or 55's so for me it doesn't matter. If you have a hard time "flat footing" it at stops the 55's will make it a little more difficult. I was fine with it but I have heard from those with shorter legs that it was a problem...just sayin'.
yes i was running the A spec. I love the way the Angles felt just and wore for the most part just testing the waters for now, i may go back to them
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posted this in the other thread too....
Well my try at the T30 GT. Love the 55 profile swear it takes 200 lbs away from the bike, they gripped awesome and performed well. The problem was i wore the edges out on the rear in 2700 miles. The below pics are after my trip to the mountians of TN, NC, VA and WV. there's about 1000 slab miles and 1700 2 lane twisty road miles on these and ive worn out the edges to the wear bars. The center looks like i could go another 4000 slab on them but not much left on the sides. Pressure always at 42 (checked every morning) most of the miles were after I emptied my bags at the hotel. The front is wearing great, nice even wear and id expect another 5000 to 6000 out of it. Not sure where to go from here, like to make a suspension adjustment to try another rear, mainly to keep a matching set on the bike. As well as the pre mature wear i was also getting feathering at the rear of the tread sipes. Now I'm fairly quick on the old heavy gal and I'm dragging peg and other hard parts when I'm giving her hell so i know this is just a result of heavy bike, heavy rider and weekend on the sickest twisty roads in america but would like to try and prolong the tire life on the next go round.
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I didn't get the miles from my first set either, but I wore the center more than the edges. Symptom of living in farm country with very few fun roads close to home.
Cost per mile was about the same as the more expensive PR4's that I got more miles from. A draw for me.
I did replace the rear with another T30 about 2000 miles ago. The front is still in great shape.
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The rear looked like a slick at little over 3100 miles. I managed to get another one for $115 just so I can get the mileage out of the front but looks like ill never buy another set. Next go round Ill pay the price for the PR4s I guess.
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Thanks for the info, i pulled the trigger and going to give them a try. $229.74 for he set delivered to my door and i have a guy up the road that runs a atv repair shop and he changes my tire (when i carry the wheels in) for $10 each. So less than $250 for a set of tires is awesome.
Now i need to decide Galfer ot EBC pads...LOL
Hey Tim,
I totally agree with ya about JW! I just ordered and received my 4th set from them.
Great prices, great service, fast/free delivery. Can't beat 'em!
I went with EBC pads last brake job. Several had posted how noisey they are... and they're not kidding! Drove me crazy enough I considered switching to something else for the first 5k miles, but now they're finally quieting down some. They stop great, though!
I wanted to go Galfer, but saved some $$ and went EBC. Planning to go Galfer rotors and pads next time, though.
This tire set, (out of sheer frustration with PR4GT's) I went back to PR2's, and this will be my first set using the 180/55 rear. Several guys told me they've been running the 180/55 w/ good results.
I'm looking for the best bang for the buck... longevity, handling, cost. I loved the PR2's, but I'm a 55 rear size lover over the 50. (And, of course, they dropped the 190/55ZR17 PR2.) So, figured I'd give these a shot. $250 for the set.
I babied this set of PR4GT's, and not only did not get the 20% more mileage they bragged about, I didn't get anywhere close to the PR2's life. I liked their handling and performance ok, but didn't feel they're worth $350/ set.
Let us know how the 'Stones hold up for ya. Interested to hear.
Ride safe!
Bob
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Bob,
How come you went with the pilot 2 and not the pilot 3? Is the GT version only available in the pr4?
Im all for saving some money. So I'm curious about the mileage capabilities on these older series and the wet traction.
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Hi Nicole,
I read a lot of reports about the 3's, but haven't tried them myself yet.
I've heard they're good rain tires, but most that have tried them told me they weren't much better, otherwise, than the 2's, and a lot of folks experienced weird cupping from the fronts.
They're not much cheaper than the 4's or 4GT's right now, either. So price was a big factor for me in the decision.
I have run several sets of 2's, in all kinds of road and weather conditions, including lots of rain.
2's don't have the sipes, but they work just as well in the rain for me. I've never had any moments where I felt hydroplaning, or loss of road feel with them.
They're great tires, longest lasting I've experienced on a C14 so far.
It was all about bang for the buck. I just couldn't get as good a deal on the 3's.
If their price were to come down, I'd definitely try them.
The "GT" term only applies to the PR4GT's, as far as I know. Prior to the 4's, they've only been known as the 3's or 2's. I'm still trying to get the difference between the 4 and the 4GT straight!
(So far, I don't think even Michelin can explain why the GT's are supposed to be the "better" tire for our bikes over the 4's.)
Bob
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Good info, thanks Bob.