Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Damaged Goods on June 17, 2012, 07:37:35 PM

Title: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Damaged Goods on June 17, 2012, 07:37:35 PM
I have a new Concours 14, I got 6200 miles out of the Bridgestone tires that came factory. Any suggestions on a high mileage tire. I would still like to have the performance, but more mileage than anything.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: So Cal Joe on June 17, 2012, 07:45:36 PM
Just like oil, many different opinions, I used Bridgestone 023 and got about 10,000 miles, now I have a 023 on the front and a Pilot Road 3 on the rear. Only a couple thousand mile on the but I think they will hold up great.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: stevewfl on June 17, 2012, 07:53:17 PM
Michelin Pilot Road 3's if a "second-best" tire isn't good enough for you (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Necron99 on June 17, 2012, 09:00:39 PM
I got more miles on a Shinko Verge 011 than on my first PR3.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: stevewfl on June 17, 2012, 09:03:48 PM
I got more miles on a Shinko Verge 011 than on my first PR3.

yeah but I opt for the soft sides and great handling/safety of a dual compound Michelin over a budget tire. 

Curious if that comparison is same roads/weather/riding conditions?  I can vary a ton of miles like that on different PR3s.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: stevewfl on June 17, 2012, 09:05:30 PM
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9334.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9334.0)

(just FYI OP), and some have got more miles out of the PR3's
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: ZG on June 17, 2012, 09:28:49 PM
PR3's.  :thumbs: :thumbs:
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Son of Pappy on June 17, 2012, 11:31:40 PM
Angels, Pireli type :D
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: C1xRider on June 18, 2012, 09:45:19 AM
From my 2010 :

Brickstones = 4897 miles.  Front shot (cupped, squared off), rear still OK for a spare.
Pirelli Angel ST's = 7307 miles.  Rear showing cords (4 plugs), front OK for a spare.
PR2's = 10804 miles.  Rear showing cords (no plugs), front cupped, down to wear bars, causing front end shimmy.
PR3's = Testing in progress, please stand by...
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: lt1 on June 18, 2012, 11:08:34 AM
It all depends on what you consider "high mileage", but I have also had good wear with the Michelin's.  Currently on my 2nd pair of PR2's - 12k on first set, 9k+ on 2nd which are just beginning to show some wear.   I have PR3's on other bikes, and will probably switch to the PR3 on the C14 when the time comes.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: leisyman on June 18, 2012, 12:21:55 PM
just put a
dunlop Roadsmart on the rear of my 08, we'll see
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Pokey on June 18, 2012, 01:49:43 PM
just put a
dunlop Roadsmart on the rear of my 08, we'll see


They are great tires, but I like the Angels all around better.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Fretka on June 18, 2012, 09:52:06 PM
Just to keep a little perspective here, I get about 1200 miles out of a Dunlop KR 449 mounted at the back of the Duc. That's $250. a pop!  Ouch  :'(
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: JS_racer on June 19, 2012, 04:07:19 AM
......... I used Bridgestone 023 and got about 10,000 miles........

 :o i get about 4000 out of my 023 rears. last was a gt in a 55 size, yep another 4000 to the bars.
not sure what the heck i do wrong, but my bike eats tires.

i can say that my 023 gt front is holding up great for me, still round, still looks and feels great. and the rear 55 gt 023 wore very nice, not flat like the 50 would so handling is good to the end.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Scaffolder on June 19, 2012, 04:38:12 AM
PR 3s or PR 3s.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Rhino on June 19, 2012, 09:07:19 AM
+1 on PR3's  Got 8635 miles out of my last rear tire and 11356 out of the front.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: stevewfl on June 19, 2012, 12:13:52 PM
^^^^ nice (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Awaz on June 19, 2012, 03:13:15 PM
Why?? No Shinko Raven? OR ........ car tire :D
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: stevewfl on June 19, 2012, 03:14:52 PM
Why?? No Shinko Raven? OR ........ car tire :D

what did you say   ;D
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Awaz on June 19, 2012, 03:16:34 PM
I was trying to  :stirpot:

Give Jim something to do instead of just sipping Martini !

Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Damaged Goods on June 19, 2012, 06:59:03 PM
Sounds like PR3's may be the way to go, thanks for all the input. I will  be posting outcome on the mileage.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 20, 2012, 04:05:20 AM
I was trying to  :stirpot:

Give Jim something to do instead of just sipping Martini !

Don't worry, there's another thread I'm watching more than this one...
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Pokey on June 20, 2012, 08:31:37 AM
Don't worry, there's another thread I'm watching more than this one...


The one about transvestite midget clowns?
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: stevewfl on June 20, 2012, 08:52:37 AM

The one about transvestite midget clowns?



clowns...(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/eek.gif)
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: booger on June 20, 2012, 06:18:56 PM
Geez guys, ya'll need to learn how to ride.  I got 1300 miles on my first set of Bridgestone Battleaxes when I bought my Hayabusa ;)
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: bbhzx12 on June 20, 2012, 07:41:15 PM
I got about 13k out of each of my first 2 sets of Roadsmarts, will be buying a third (maybe the Roadsmart 2's). I believe I got about 6300 out of the original stones.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: gildaguz on June 21, 2012, 04:44:33 PM
13500 out of rear PR2, front still running close to 15000 here in South Florida
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Damaged Goods on June 28, 2012, 01:39:26 PM
Went with the PR2's, I can really tell a difference in ride quality. Really glad I spent the extra money, any recomendations on tire pressure? My bike shop installed with 35-37 psi.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: roger dodger on June 28, 2012, 02:21:46 PM
42/42 is SOP.  When I travel I run 44/44. (don't trust dealers @ 36) ;)
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Fretka on June 29, 2012, 12:12:50 PM
Please do keep in mind that the pressure numbers on the tire are for travel at the gross maximum weight rating.
This is because of litigation reasons and not for performance.

IMHO... 40 and above when riding alone will jar my dentures loose and makes the bike handle like ca-ca.

Fretka
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Cheesecake on June 29, 2012, 12:21:06 PM
Anybody running more than 10k on a tire should be checking to see if they are set on kilometers...
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Scaffolder on June 30, 2012, 06:09:02 AM
18,000 miles on my front PR3. I could have gone anorher 1500 miles on it.  I had the rear tire replaced twice during this time, using my road hazzard insurance. I run closer to 44 ps.i in my tires. Mostly highway miles.
10,500 on OEM. 18,000 PR3. Sitting at 28,500 miles and new tires.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Pokey on June 30, 2012, 11:19:16 AM
I just don't see how that is "safely" possible to get that mileage.......matter of fact I call bull-butter on that mileage.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Cuda on June 30, 2012, 01:16:21 PM
Anyone try a Michelin Commander 2 yet?
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: C1xRider on June 30, 2012, 06:37:08 PM
Anyone try a Michelin Commander 2 yet?

Bought one for the rear of the C10, but it's still waiting to be installed.  Wouldn't bother with it on the C14, since there are real tires that fit it (PR2, PR3, Angel ST, etc).

Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Scaffolder on June 30, 2012, 07:13:58 PM
I always get over 15,000 miles on the Michelin tires. PR3s are my favorite.
I have no reason to lie about tire mileage what so ever. I just don't do burnouts. I do have a habit of trying to fly though.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: stlheadake on July 02, 2012, 01:06:00 PM
FWIW I rode PR3s from St. Louis to Hyder Alaska, down the coast and back to the Lou nearly 8500 miles.  Fully OVER-loaded 44psi in July, temps in 112 range.  They were at the wear bars when I got home.  Then I put the Ravens back on!  :)  I run the Ravens for my daily commutes I haven't had any problems in 20K miles.  I get about 6-7K on a set.  I ride year round (once in the snow, they SUCK in the snow, and once in the mud, they REALLY SUCK in the mud!) and haven't ever been afraid or apprehensive with them. 

Why?? No Shinko Raven? OR ........ car tire :D
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Pokey on July 02, 2012, 01:18:18 PM
FWIW I rode PR3s from St. Louis to Hyder Alaska, down the coast and back to the Lou nearly 8500 miles.  Fully OVER-loaded 44psi in July, temps in 112 range.  They were at the wear bars when I got home.  Then I put the Ravens back on!  :)  I run the Ravens for my daily commutes I haven't had any problems in 20K miles.  I get about 6-7K on a set.  I ride year round (once in the snow, they SUCK in the snow, and once in the mud, they REALLY SUCK in the mud!) and haven't ever been afraid or apprehensive with them.


Nothing wrong with Shinkos "whatsoever"!!!!!
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Cuda on July 02, 2012, 08:17:47 PM
My next door neighbor runs a Harley Davidson repair / builds custom bikes.. shop

I own a landscape / tree service and do free work for him to be a good neighbor so he owes me.

If I can fit a 200/55 Commander 2 under my rear hugger I'm going to give it a try ,
 If I don't like it he can install it on a HD, I've read nothing but good reviews about them , I'll stick with  a P 3 for the front . Yes the 200  is a Radial tire not all Commander 2's are, why I don't know.
My neighbor has a high $ wheel balancer , says some of the Harley wheels are junk  :o :o


 


 
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: backoutonthehighway on July 03, 2012, 03:26:53 AM
I ran the Commanders on the Vulcan and got just under 17k miles on them - (it was a stretch on a long tour). They were into the wear bars, but no cords showing.  :o

Went to replace them and they were no longer available. Replaced them with Perilli Angels. If I keep it (mostly riding the C14 now), I'll go back to the new Commander IIs for the next change.

I have just over 8k miles on the OEMs now (running 42 to 43 psi front and rear) - and they are down to the wearbars, cupped, flat, and ready to be changed to the PR3's that were delivered last week. Looking forward to seeing how they ride!

Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Cheesecake on July 03, 2012, 04:35:08 PM
I got more miles on a Shinko Verge 011 than on my first PR3.
No more Verge for me. I am taking a pair off right now. Both down to the wear markers at 3500. I get 10k out of PR2's, which I am going back to.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Damaged Goods on July 04, 2012, 06:09:42 PM
This is why I did not go with the Shinko's
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Cuda on July 04, 2012, 08:18:37 PM
Is that one of those mud tires , should give you good traction off road :o
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: stlheadake on July 06, 2012, 01:00:47 AM
I haven't tried the Verge.  I run the Raven's.  I haven't had one hiccup, not one issue with mine.  I think I could/would get a few more miles out of the PR2s or 3s(never tried them), but the price difference is amazing!  I don't really know the difference between the two Raven or Verge, but I do know mine work....
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: dolomoto on July 09, 2012, 08:18:31 AM
I just don't see how that is "safely" possible to get that mileage.......matter of fact I call bull-butter on that mileage.

My tire mileage:

0-4415 stock bridgestones (they were 50% worn, I just didn't like them)
4415-18001: rear PR2 (13586 miles)
4415-22700: front PR2 (18285 miles)
@ 35000: f/r PR2 (16999 miles rear, 12300 front; changed both 'cause I was headed on a cc trip)
35000-45988: f/r PR3 (10988 miles; changed early on another cc trip)
45988-present (56xxx) same PR3s. Front looks great, rear about 60% worn

Front brakes go about 30000 miles, I just changed the original rear pads at 56000 miles. I also get  mid 40's mpg and have gotten over 300 miles to a few tanks when I needed to.

(http://dolomoto.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/HNBAS-Tour-2010/IMG0162/1049574682_WB5df-L.jpg)



YMMV.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: backoutonthehighway on July 15, 2012, 11:23:24 AM
I ran the Commanders on the Vulcan and got just under 17k miles on them - (it was a stretch on a long tour). They were into the wear bars, but no cords showing.  :o

Went to replace them and they were no longer available. Replaced them with Perilli Angels. If I keep it (mostly riding the C14 now), I'll go back to the new Commander IIs for the next change.

I have just over 8k miles on the OEMs now (running 42 to 43 psi front and rear) - and they are down to the wearbars, cupped, flat, and ready to be changed to the PR3's that were delivered last week. Looking forward to seeing how they ride!

For the love of all things holy! These PR3's are amazing. Its like riding a different bike - turn in is effortless, feels super sticky in the leans, my smile just got bigger. If the tread lasts as long as the OEM's they'll have an evangelist.  ;D
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: freebird6 on August 15, 2012, 03:18:47 PM
On the way to work I felt like the last few days I had noticed a serious change in the way the bike handled so I called around INdy to find a replacement for my PR3 as I am headed to the Moto GP this weekend then have to haul my SO 2 up over to Columbus OH to get her car. Had put the pair on the week before St Patricks Day and immediately headed to Nashville for the NCAA tourney then to St Louis the next weekend.  Installed at 16.9K and pulled into http://www.flatoutmotorcycles.com/ (http://www.flatoutmotorcycles.com/)on east washington in Indy at 28.8K. Tire was fine till this last weekend when I noticed it getting a little hinky. 268 Out the door, they have a standing policy to take tire swaps in and get them done. I was gone in 28 minutes.

Old tire 12.1K miles

(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/431046_10151015007390098_1703123871_n.jpg)

New TIre

(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/246958_10151015008315098_343377506_n.jpg)

Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: dolomoto on September 08, 2012, 08:03:56 AM
It's time for another set of PR3's. This set has 14,727 miles on them. The front will go close to 20k.

Sadly, I've not done much sport riding on this set which is highly abnormal for me.

(http://dolomoto.smugmug.com/Other/misc-photos-I-posted-to-the/i-tz3L558/0/L/IMG1295-L.jpg)
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Cuda on September 08, 2012, 10:11:18 AM
That is WILD for being such a great rain tire and that kind of wear , best of both worlds. I just installed P3's 55rear ,  If I get 9,000 I will be happy.
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: Pokey on September 08, 2012, 10:25:59 AM
How in the hell is that kind of mileage possible, roads made of silk? :o
Title: Re: High Mileage tires?
Post by: B.D.F. on September 08, 2012, 11:36:27 AM
Try putting your fob in your other pocket....

I have gotten 15K miles out of numerous sets of PR2s. Not so much with PR3s though- I changed the first rear tire at 6,500 miles because I it was more than 1/2 worn and I did not want ride it across the country and back. The front PR3 is coming to the end of its life- still has tread and I am still using it but the tread is thin; that tire has 14,000 miles on it.

Brian

How in the hell is that kind of mileage possible, roads made of silk? :o