Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Stubby on November 14, 2013, 07:23:18 PM
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OK here is the deal I have been asked if I wanted to do a 9000 mile trip in 12 days next May so I'm exploring my options.
With regards to tires is there a good tire for this bike that will go that far? It will be mostly Interstate stuff to do what we need to do but I don't want just a rock tire so to speak. I am running PR2/PR3 right now but just not sure I can get that kind of millage out of them.
LOL this is the first of many long distance questions to come so thanks for any help.
Dave
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The PR2 should be able to handle it no problem. I just got back from a 6000 mile trip and have a couple thousand more from commuting so I have about 8000 on my rear and it still has several thousand on it. I got the belted tire for extra weight since I had to take a lot of luggage with me as well. I personally haven't heard of anything out there that will really outlast a PR2 and handle as well as it does to. Best tire in my opinion. I hope they make them forever!
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caliconie thanks I'm pretty sure I can get that with my frount PR2 ( probley over that now with it ) its the rear I was worried about I had about 6000 on my last rear ( PR2 ) and did not dare take it on a 2500 mile trip last fall.
Just looking for options
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Sounds like a tire swap midway to me, I can't seem to get more than about 5k miles out of tires on my Connie... :-\
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Las Vegas: "Motorcycle Tire Center" www.mtclv.com (http://www.mtclv.com) will have you in and out within minutes. Tell 'em Steve from FL sent you.
Also, you want to eat at the SECOND Mexican restaurant down on the right from the shop, its in walking distance and they'll give you directions to the right one.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KLR650/KLR%20Koast%20to%20Koast/CAM00274.jpg)
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Sounds like a tire swap midway to me, I can't seem to get more than about 5k miles out of tires on my Connie... :-\
not alone there, i'm in the same boat. :(
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ZG/JS ya I know I'm hoping to find a way around that because of time constrants.
stevewfl to bad Vegas is at the start of my trip
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Start with a fresh set of your favorites, and keep them aired to 42 the whole trip.
Cycle Gear sells and mounts tires, and you could pull the wheels in their parking lot yourself if need be.
Dunlop SportMax Q2's have a high mileage compound in the center tread area, and softer sides. I was getting good tread wear, but always caught a puncture and kept me from seeing just how far I could run one.
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We all seem to get wildly varying mileage out of the tires on a C-14. But for me, 9K miles with the right tires is no problem, in fact I have gotten 16K miles out of several sets of PR2s. Those would be my suggestion for long distance riding if you are concerned about tire life. I have also gotten across the US and back comfortably on PR3s and while I did not rack up that many miles on the trip (just over 7K trip miles) the tires were not shot when I got back.
But as I said earlier, we get wildly differing mileage out of the same tires on the same bike so your mileage may be much different than mine.
Brian
OK here is the deal I have been asked if I wanted to do a 9000 mile trip in 12 days next May so I'm exploring my options.
With regards to tires is there a good tire for this bike that will go that far? It will be mostly Interstate stuff to do what we need to do but I don't want just a rock tire so to speak. I am running PR2/PR3 right now but just not sure I can get that kind of millage out of them.
LOL this is the first of many long distance questions to come so thanks for any help.
Dave
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I'm with Brian on the PR2s. Both my bikes have them. PR3s sound better, but are not. I have come close to 17,000 miles on a set. Always over 13,000 miles. I do a lot of highway riding. PR3s are not as good for mileage. 12,000 miles on one set and 9,000 on the next set..
Good luck!
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You probably know this but there are a lot of resources available for long distance riders, starting with the Iron Butt Association (no joke) as well as other organizations.
As far as setting up the C-14 specifically for distance, some of us may be able to help you out. I have done a bit of distance riding on the C-14 and there are others around who do quite a few distance rallies.
Brian
<snip>
LOL this is the first of many long distance questions to come so thanks for any help.
Dave
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I have come close to 17,000 miles on a set.
:o
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I don't get to do as much mountain riding as I would like so mine is mostly commuting but I have close to 12000 on a set of PR3s and they aren't shot yet. Close but not quite. I was hoping to last until the PR4s are available but don't think I will make it.
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Don't worry Jay, he only gets that kind of mileage 'cause his bike is not green. Green bikes eat tires much faster; you have to pay for that coolness factor somehow.
:rotflmao:
I have gotten over 16K out of multiple sets of PR2's. Maybe it is the cooler temps around here- Scaffolder is in northern New England as I remember, and rides all year; I am in southern New England and also ride all year. Once the temps are below, say 55F, I think tire wear really falls down pretty low. And it does seem that those who get really short mileage out of tires live in much warmer climates; even the summers here are not that hot on average compared with the south- central and southwest US for example. Otherwise I have no idea what cause the same tire to change so much regarding wear from bike to bike and person to person. ??
Brian
:o
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BDF I will be pming you for some info. I have checked the iron butt site but not clear through it. The ride is the 48/10 I have been invited on
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Please feel free to do that. I am not an expert on all things IBA but I will help if / where I can and I think I can point you to some in the organization.
Brian
BDF I will be pming you for some info. I have checked the iron butt site but not clear through it. The ride is the 48/10 I have been invited on
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Averaging 750 miles a day does not sound like fun to me. I understand some folks ride for the miles and the challenge of doing so, but you sure will miss a lot of great places to visit unless you have already been everywhere and now just want to rack up some miles.
Higher speeds wear tires faster. Different road surfaces in different parts of the country which wear tires at different rates. How much weight you carry on the bike, as well as acceleration and braking will affect wear.
Get off caffeine and eat light. I lost 15 lbs on my last 3 week trip.
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Twowheel I agree it's not the best scenario and would not be anywhere near as fun as the 2600 mile trip I took this fall. But it would be a challenge and I would see some country that I may never get a chance to again. Besides I kind of want to see if I can do it ???
Thanks for the replys guys
Dave
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You probably know this but there are a lot of resources available for long distance riders, starting with the Iron Butt Association (no joke) as well as other organizations.
As far as setting up the C-14 specifically for distance, some of us may be able to help you out. I have done a bit of distance riding on the C-14 and there are others around who do quite a few distance rallies.
Brian
Without going to the hospital?
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Good luck on your ride Stubby my dad and I were just talking about doing the same thing unsure if and when our schedules will allow for it.
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Chris thanks it's still early in the process. Just doing a lot of fact finding at this point and this site is being a big help.
Dave
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Don't worry Jay, he only gets that kind of mileage 'cause his bike is not green. Green bikes eat tires much faster; you have to pay for that coolness factor somehow.
:rotflmao:
I have gotten over 16K out of multiple sets of PR2's. Maybe it is the cooler temps around here- Scaffolder is in northern New England as I remember, and rides all year; I am in southern New England and also ride all year. Once the temps are below, say 55F, I think tire wear really falls down pretty low. And it does seem that those who get really short mileage out of tires live in much warmer climates; even the summers here are not that hot on average compared with the south- central and southwest US for example. Otherwise I have no idea what cause the same tire to change so much regarding wear from bike to bike and person to person. ??
Brian
Agree 100%! I just rode home from work this morning at 12:30 am from New Haven Ct. to Wells Me. 210 miles. Temps were all over the place. From 28 deg.-49 deg. I don't think the tires get eaten up like crazy at these temps.
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Sometimes, sometimes not. Stop acting like that was not part of a clever idea on my part: the IBA has had CC 50's and CC 50's 'The hard way' for years. I merely added a new style ride: a CC 100 with a hospital overnight and stress test (which must be done in heated riding boots according to the CC 100 W.S.T. rules). There you have it- the whole thing was planned. And by the way, my ambulance ride attendant (E.M.T. I think they are really called) was an apprentice trainee- girl who had me as her last 'test body' before getting officially certified. So I like to think I helped the people of central PA gain a new member of a useful medical service.... even though she did run out of the ambulance screaming into the night at the end of the ride....
Brian
Without going to the hospital?
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... even though she did run out of the ambulance screaming into the night at the end of the ride....
Brian
Did you introduce her to Mr. Elkhoof?
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I have around 12,000 miles on my PR3's. Almost all of that was long distance touring. Front still looks good, the rear tire is squared, still a little life left but I'll be replacing it soon. I'm curious to see what the Pr4's are like.
I think 9,000 miles on PR3's is very doable. If you hit rain, you'll really love the PR3's.
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I have around 12,000 miles on my PR3's. Almost all of that was long distance touring. Front still looks good, the rear tire is squared, still a little life left but I'll be replacing it soon. I'm curious to see what the Pr4's are like.
I think 9,000 miles on PR3's is very doable. If you hit rain, you'll really love the PR3's.
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Mine went to garbage after 6000
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If you stop letting your cat ride the bike, you may get better mileage out of them.
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I got 8200 miles out of the stock Bridgestone front tire and 10,000 out of the rear. That was a lot of highway miles and twisty mountain riding. Correct air pressure is your friend. I did a little less on my Angels. I'm on PR3s at the moment.
On a long trip, you can get decent mileage out of a tire as long as you have the proper air pressure. Oh, and be sure use synthetic oil and keep your bright lights on during the day. :thumbs:
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No but I did tell a short version of 'The Cat Joke (TM)' on the ride.
The ambulance driver DID see Mr. Elkhoof while he was getting my top box and electronic gear off the bike (bless his heart!). He came back and said he got everything that seemed removable but he didn't want to handle that 'animal thing' next to the aux. fuel tank.
Brian
Did you introduce her to Mr. Elkhoof?
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MY riding habits have not allowed me to even get to close to 9000 miles on a tire. Maybe if i stayed on the freeway at 50 MPH with panniers empty putting my weight on the front as much as possible would allow me to get close :-X
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Thanks for all the insight now to sift through it this winter. A little snow here today :(
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Thanks for all the insight now to sift through it this winter. A little snow here today :(
Snow? Well in that case, put a car snow tire on. :thumbs:
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MY riding habits have not allowed me to even get to close to 9000 miles on a tire. Maybe if i stayed on the freeway at 50 MPH with panniers empty putting my weight on the front as much as possible would allow me to get close :-X
Thank You. At least I know that I 'm not the only one :D
BTW Did not get that joke about the cat ? :o
Guess there is a quite number of senior citizens on this forum that's why such huge mileages. ;D
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Thank You. At least I know that I 'm not the only one :D
BTW Did not get that joke about the cat ? :o
Guess there is a quite number of senior citizens on this forum that's why such huge mileages. ;D
You don't have to ride like a senior citizen to get good tire mileage. The biggest thing I have seen from others who got low mileage is under-inflation. All my tires have been worn to the edge with no chicken strips. True, hard acceleration will wear a rear tire quicker, but on a long highway trip, that won't be a factor, even with backroads. SO on a 9,000 mile trip, a tire will most likely give more mileage than other types of riding.
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Radial or Bias-ply snow tire? Just gotta tuck that tidbit of information away for future reference. ;) ;) :chugbeer:
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You don't have to ride like a senior citizen to get good tire mileage. The biggest thing I have seen from others who got low mileage is under-inflation. All my tires have been worn to the edge with no chicken strips. True, hard acceleration will wear a rear tire quicker, but on a long highway trip, that won't be a factor, even with backroads. SO on a 9,000 mile trip, a tire will most likely give more mileage than other types of riding.
I'm all over my tire pressure because I care about turning (39-42 PSI on C14, 34-36 on sportbikes, track 24-26).
But on my X-country super slab rides I've never been able to squeeze 9K. Please tell me the secret, what air pressure gives up the mad mileage for you? :D
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I'm all over my tire pressure because I care about turning (39-42 PSI on C14, 34-36 on sportbikes, track 24-26).
But on my X-country super slab rides I've never been able to squeeze 9K. Please tell me the secret, what air pressure gives up the mad mileage for you? :D
42 does it for me on the C14. I didn't get 10,000 miles out of my Angels but did out of my stock Stones, I hated every mile of the Bridgestones but I got 10,000 out of the rear. On my RC51 I varied the pressure more just as you do. The C14 is a heavy bike though so I stick to the recommended pressure. As long as you aren't stopping and starting, there should be very little wear. Getting into a twisty road helps distribute the wear to the sides more. ;)
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:o
He must trailer the bike a lot, LOL.
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I'm scratching my head how some of you are getting anything north of 6000 out of the rear and I'm light, and pack light too. I don't do full-throttle clutch-drop starts or do burnouts. About the only thing I do is run a pretty good clip on the highways when traffic/LEO allow, and like to push it in twisty roads. I'm seeing belts around the 7K mark in the rear on PR2.
Mich PR2 are my favorite touring tire ever!!!! Sadly, I hear its being discontinued to make room for PR4's which are due soon, if not already.
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I'm scratching my head how some of you are getting anything north of 6000 out of the rear and I'm light, and pack light too. I don't do full-throttle clutch-drop starts or do burnouts. About the only thing I do is run a pretty good clip on the highways when traffic/LEO allow, and like to push it in twisty roads. I'm seeing belts around the 7K mark in the rear on PR2.
Mich PR2 are my favorite touring tire ever!!!! Sadly, I hear its being discontinued to make room for PR4's which are due soon, if not already.
I still wouldn't complain about 7,000 miles on this bike. Of course I would never want to see belts on any tire on any vehicle.
(http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-shocked016.gif) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
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I'm scratching my head how some of you are getting anything north of 6000 out of the rear and I'm light, and pack light too. I don't do full-throttle clutch-drop starts or do burnouts. About the only thing I do is run a pretty good clip on the highways when traffic/LEO allow, and like to push it in twisty roads. I'm seeing belts around the 7K mark in the rear on PR2.
Mich PR2 are my favorite touring tire ever!!!! Sadly, I hear its being discontinued to make room for PR4's which are due soon, if not already.
Me too! My faves were PR2's with an average of 2500-2700 miles on the rear, (yes I use the twisty thing on the handlebars) switched to PR3's, very very happy, just broke 4000 on rear and just showing the TWI's.
I ride it like a 1400, if I wanted to get 10000+ miles out of the rear I would be riding a Honda CX500!!!!!
No burn outs, lots of high speed riding and tires (both) at 36psi, fcuk 42! too harsh for me.
My 2cents....
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And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE dont ever use SHINKO's, cheap cheap, and you'll realize that as you start your slide and your lovely shiny bike on the ground.
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And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE dont ever use SHINKO's, cheap cheap, and you'll realize that as you start your slide and your lovely shiny bike on the ground.
Which shinkos did you try, and did you warm them up before throwing the bike over on its side?
I run the shinko raven 009s on my Versys and Mean Streak, and even do gravel roads on the Versys. No complaints.
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I love how people that hear you get over 15,000 miles on a tire think you ride like an old lady. I do most of my riding on the highway. I very seldom slow down to 80, and when I do it is usually a cop sighting. After about 4 years of commuting to work and back and 100,000 C-14 miles. I have only had about six other riders that'll run at my pace. And only one that left me, ZX-14, because he passes people on the outside breakdown lane on an off ramp. I don't do that. I hit 100 mph every commute. Not the whole ride, but I flirt with it a lot.
You guys getting under 5,000 miles must ride like my wife. Gas, gas, gas, brake, brake, brake. Absolute full throttle take offs and stoppies at every light. Or my roads must be as smooth as butter.
Go figure and I am the one that keeps getting stuck with warped rotors. Three sets warped in under 10,000 miles. I haven't even taken the time for the third change out. These rotors are crap. Looking for a better solution.
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And PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE dont ever use SHINKO's, cheap cheap, and you'll realize that as you start your slide and your lovely shiny bike on the ground.
great for rolling burnouts though (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/badteeth.gif)
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Yeah, I get that a lot too. The great thing about being older (over 40) is that testosterone levels drop sufficiently that I don't care :-) It is a great time in life, at least for me, not a kid anymore and not quite dead yet. That narrow zone between road rage and adult diapers.
:rotflmao:
But about the tires:I have often wondered if compression braking might have something to do with short rear tire life. I did go through one phase on my C-14 where I consciously used a lot more engine braking, by downshifting a lot sooner than I normally would, and I did get pretty short (for me anyway) life out of that rear tire. I know "one in a row" does not make any kind of data but still, it seems that a lot of people do use much more engine braking than I do and I wonder hwo much of a contributing factor that is to rear tire wear?
Brian
I love how people that hear you get over 15,000 miles on a tire think you ride like an old lady. I do most of my riding on the highway. I very seldom slow down to 80, and when I do it is usually a cop sighting. After about 4 years of commuting to work and back and 100,000 C-14 miles. I have only had about six other riders that'll run at my pace. And only one that left me, ZX-14, because he passes people on the outside breakdown lane on an off ramp. I don't do that. I hit 100 mph every commute. Not the whole ride, but I flirt with it a lot.
You guys getting under 5,000 miles must ride like my wife. Gas, gas, gas, brake, brake, brake. Absolute full throttle take offs and stoppies at every light. Or my roads must be as smooth as butter.
Go figure and I am the one that keeps getting stuck with warped rotors. Three sets warped in under 10,000 miles. I haven't even taken the time for the third change out. These rotors are crap. Looking for a better solution.
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I love how people that hear you get over 15,000 miles on a tire think you ride like an old lady. I do most of my riding on the highway. I very seldom slow down to 80, and when I do it is usually a cop sighting. After about 4 years of commuting to work and back and 100,000 C-14 miles. I have only had about six other riders that'll run at my pace. And only one that left me, ZX-14, because he passes people on the outside breakdown lane on an off ramp. I don't do that. I hit 100 mph every commute. Not the whole ride, but I flirt with it a lot.
You guys getting under 5,000 miles must ride like my wife. Gas, gas, gas, brake, brake, brake. Absolute full throttle take offs and stoppies at every light. Or my roads must be as smooth as butter.
Go figure and I am the one that keeps getting stuck with warped rotors. Three sets warped in under 10,000 miles. I haven't even taken the time for the third change out. These rotors are crap. Looking for a better solution.
:thumbs:
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But about the tires:I have often wondered if compression braking might have something to do with short rear tire life. I did go through one phase on my C-14 where I consciously used a lot more engine braking, by downshifting a lot sooner than I normally would, and I did get pretty short (for me anyway) life out of that rear tire. I know "one in a row" does not make any kind of data but still, it seems that a lot of people do use much more engine braking than I do and I wonder hwo much of a contributing factor that is to rear tire wear?
Brian
Are you considering engine braking with a slipper clutch a modulating skid that is 'prematurely' wearing out tires?
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Er, no! :-) Not that much compression braking! Just normal, riding with a passenger who did not ask 'why are you stopping so hard' breaking.
I do not remember ever engaging the slipper on my C-14 but I can say with certainty that I just am not hard enough on it and do not use high enough RPM that I have engaged it with any frequency.
Brian
Are you considering engine braking with a slipper clutch a modulating skid that is 'prematurely' wearing out tires?
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:o Never?
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Yeah, I get that a lot too. The great thing about being older (over 40) is that testosterone levels drop sufficiently that I don't care :-) It is a great time in life, at least for me, not a kid anymore and not quite dead yet. That narrow zone between road rage and adult diapers.
:rotflmao:
But about the tires:I have often wondered if compression braking might have something to do with short rear tire life. I did go through one phase on my C-14 where I consciously used a lot more engine braking, by downshifting a lot sooner than I normally would, and I did get pretty short (for me anyway) life out of that rear tire. I know "one in a row" does not make any kind of data but still, it seems that a lot of people do use much more engine braking than I do and I wonder hwo much of a contributing factor that is to rear tire wear?
Brian
I have always believed compression braking does cause a little more wear. The way I look at it, when downshifting to engine brake, we usually aren't hitting the front brake, it is a lot like using only the rear brake. All the bike's momentum is being slowed by just the rear tire. Since weight shifts forward under braking, the tire can slip more. Most of us don't brake with just the rear brake, most of the braking is done with the front brake. The rear won't skid much while braking with the front and rear since we usually don't apply the rear brake hard enough for that to happen. If we are downshifting to engine brake, it is usually for longer distances than we would use the rear brake only, which for me is never unless I am doing parking lot maneuvers. I use the rear brake whenever I brake, but with the exception of the aforementioned parking lot or slow maneuver situations, I am also using the front brake. The longer distance under engine braking would wear the tire faster than when it is simply free wheeling or being braked in conjunction with the front brake since both front and rear tires are taking the braking force. I also believe the momentum of the rear wheel can overcome the braking force of the rear brake more easily than it can overcome the rotational mass of the engine under compression braking.
I have seen the effects of this at times. I have engine braked while exiting a freeway, rather aggressively, and once stopped I have seen the telltale shreds of rubber on the rear tire. I have been able to replicate this over and over. It doesn't happen when I brake normally with both front and rear brakes. It is easier to control the brake than it is compression braking. Engine braking is fun though. What was always strange was going from a four stroke to something like a Honda RS125 or RS250, two stroke race bikes, no engine braking. Very fun.
Sorry if this was a little rambling, I was typing as I thought.
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Tire wear is so unique to each and every rider. I am willing to bet I see more track time than %99.9 of the riders and I engine brake quite aggressively, I also use every bit of front/rear available. I still get 9-12k miles out of a set of tires and the Angel STs are still my fav. I haven't run the PR3s yet, but I may try out the PR4s when they are out. Or, I may just give a set of the Angel GTs a shot. Short of the OEM BT 21s that came on the bike in 08 I haven't had a bad set, I just prefer the Angels.
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Wow lots of good info here thank you guys very much.
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Tire wear is so unique to each and every rider. I am willing to bet I see more track time than %99.9 of the riders and I engine brake quite aggressively, I also use every bit of front/rear available. I still get 9-12k miles out of a set of tires and the Angel STs are still my fav. I haven't run the PR3s yet, but I may try out the PR4s when they are out. Or, I may just give a set of the Angel GTs a shot. Short of the OEM BT 21s that came on the bike in 08 I haven't had a bad set, I just prefer the Angels.
Yeah, the Angels felt great to me other than how they felt after they wore. I am wondering how the PR3's will feel as they wore.
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Having the same experience with the Angels as you apparently did, I can say that the PR3's behave very well as they wear down, just as the PR2s do. I have burned through three sets of PR3's and was never hankering to get them off the bike like the Angels and 'Stones. Sure they deteriorate in handling but a modest amount, not like falling off a cliff, and really quite evenly all through the tire's life.
Brian
Yeah, the Angels felt great to me other than how they felt after they wore. I am wondering how the PR3's will feel as they wore.
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Having the same experience with the Angels as you apparently did, I can say that the PR3's behave very well as they wear down, just as the PR2s do. I have burned through three sets of PR3's and was never hankering to get them off the bike like the Angels and 'Stones. Sure they deteriorate in handling but a modest amount, not like falling off a cliff, and really quite evenly all through the tire's life.
Brian
Good to hear. Thanks Brian.