Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: stevewfl on December 08, 2013, 11:49:08 AM

Title: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: stevewfl on December 08, 2013, 11:49:08 AM
Quote
Wanted to pass along some info on the latest sport touring tire: Michelin Pilot Road 4.

The Pilot Road 4's are similar to the 3's, in that they are heavily focused on wet weather handling and grip. The biggest improvement, is a claimed 20% greater tire life. The Pilot Road 3's were fairly impressive as it was, so 20% more tire life on the Pilot Road 4's sounds fantastic.

The Michelin Pilot Road 4 is going to be available in 3 different versions:

Standard, for all around sport touring use.

GT, which offers a stiffer casing for heavier bikes, riding two up with luggage, etc. These are going to be the standard issue tire for the BMW R1200 RT.

Trail, which is NOT an off-road tire, but a tire designed to be used on trail bikes that are ridden 100% on the road. The main difference in the trail version is the compounds are softer in the rear.

(http://i842.photobucket.com/albums/zz347/CompetitionAccessories/20131205_123112.jpg)
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: maxtog on December 08, 2013, 12:55:23 PM
Are you quoting yourself?  I am confused...
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 08, 2013, 01:51:15 PM
Situation normal..
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: 556ALPHA on December 08, 2013, 03:09:36 PM
I have been using the Angel ST's and they feel great for the first 1K, after that lean in's are quite different.  I have a new set of GT's, if they are no better then the PR4's will be next.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: maxtog on December 08, 2013, 03:54:34 PM
Situation normal..

Which part?  Him quoting himself, me being confused, or both?
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: stevewfl on December 08, 2013, 06:05:08 PM


I'm quoting a tire critic. Obviously I haven't personally had the pleasure of torturing a set of these yet to comment, hence the quote.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: Scaffolder on December 08, 2013, 08:46:03 PM
I'll be trying them.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: stevewfl on December 08, 2013, 08:54:50 PM
I'll be trying them.

You and me both.  Although if i see PR3's on clearance I'll buy a truckload too
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 09, 2013, 03:28:16 AM
Which part?  Him quoting himself, me being confused, or both?

All four...
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: Rhino on December 09, 2013, 10:12:35 AM
"GT, which offers a stiffer casing for heavier bikes, riding two up with luggage, etc. These are going to be the standard issue tire for the BMW R1200 RT."

Since the R1200 RT is lighter then our Connies, I would assume we should be using the GT version and not the Standard version. Thoughts?
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: stevewfl on December 09, 2013, 11:54:37 AM
"GT, which offers a stiffer casing for heavier bikes, riding two up with luggage, etc. These are going to be the standard issue tire for the BMW R1200 RT."

Since the R1200 RT is lighter then our Connies, I would assume we should be using the GT version and not the Standard version. Thoughts?

+1

I'm wondering if that tire is heavier?  I haven't had probs with light sport-bike tires such as Pilot Powers and 2CT on my C14, they just wear quicker like to be expected from a soft light  sportbike tire
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: maxtog on December 09, 2013, 02:55:01 PM
So there is "Standard sports touring" and "Heavier bike sports touring"?  If the R1200RT is considered "heavy" then I am curious as to what bikes are really any lighter than that which are also apparently considered "heavier sports touring"....

R1200RT:  571 wet
FJR1300:  650 wet
GTR1400: 670 wet
K1600GT: 754 wet  (barely "sport" touring at this point)

It does make it seem like we should be using the GT...
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 09, 2013, 03:28:14 PM
Do they have a fitment chart that specifies what PR4 to use on the C14 yet?
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: wally_games on December 09, 2013, 05:04:34 PM
Better in the wet than the PR3 and better mileage? I just wonder about the cost.

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/michelin-pilot-road-4-tires (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/michelin-pilot-road-4-tires)
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 10, 2013, 05:51:12 AM
So there is "Standard sports touring" and "Heavier bike sports touring"?  If the R1200RT is considered "heavy" then I am curious as to what bikes are really any lighter than that which are also apparently considered "heavier sports touring"....

R1200RT:  571 wet
FJR1300:  650 wet
GTR1400: 670 wet
K1600GT: 754 wet  (barely "sport" touring at this point)

It does make it seem like we should be using the GT...
For guys who want to sport tour on their ninja 650, Versys 650, zzr 600, and even their zx10r.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: Rhino on December 10, 2013, 08:22:48 AM
So there is "Standard sports touring" and "Heavier bike sports touring"?  If the R1200RT is considered "heavy" then I am curious as to what bikes are really any lighter than that which are also apparently considered "heavier sports touring"....

R1200RT:  571 wet
FJR1300:  650 wet
GTR1400: 670 wet
K1600GT: 754 wet  (barely "sport" touring at this point)

It does make it seem like we should be using the GT...

Multistrada 1200: 494 wet

But I agree. We are at the heavy end of ST so assuming the GT would be the preference for the C14.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: vnar on December 10, 2013, 11:02:49 AM
Size availability:

Michelin Pilot Road 4 Standard
120/60 ZR 17
120/70 ZR 17
150/70 ZR 17
160/60 ZR 17
180/55 ZR 17
190/50 ZR 17
190/55 ZR 17

Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
120/70 ZR 17
120/70 ZR 18
170/60 ZR 17
180/55 ZR 17
190/50 ZR 17
190/55 ZR 17
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: maxtog on December 10, 2013, 04:19:41 PM
For guys who want to sport tour on their ninja 650, Versys 650, zzr 600, and even their zx10r.

I thought "sport tour" was more of the bike category, not something you did with any sport bike...
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 10, 2013, 06:42:47 PM
+1
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 11, 2013, 05:30:49 PM
I thought "sport tour" was more of the bike category, not something you did with any sport bike...

Well, you learned something new today.  The Versys, ninja 650, and ninja 1000 have genuine Kawasaki hard bags available to turn them into sport tourers.  In fact, in Europe, they have them with the bags already installed and call them tourers.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: Son of Pappy on December 11, 2013, 06:10:10 PM
I thought "sport tour" was more of the bike category, not something you did with any sport bike...
Kinda like a Dual Sport without dirty thoughts ;)
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: maxtog on December 11, 2013, 07:46:37 PM
Well, you learned something new today.  The Versys, ninja 650, and ninja 1000 have genuine Kawasaki hard bags available to turn them into sport tourers. 

You can stick feathers on a turtle, but it doesn't make it a bird....
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: ZG on December 11, 2013, 08:44:16 PM
I ordered up a set of PR4's today, ETA first week of January.  :) :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: wildnphx on December 11, 2013, 11:59:41 PM
I ordered up a set of PR4's today, ETA first week of January.  :) :chugbeer:

Where you order them from?  I am needing to order new tires soon...
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 12, 2013, 05:18:53 AM
You can stick feathers on a turtle, but it doesn't make it a bird....

Seriously?  Are you that much of a snob that a 650 or 1000cc bike is beneath you?  Guess what, it isn't the bike but the rider that makes a bike a sport tourer.  In fact the motorcycle journalists are attaching the Sport Touring moniker to the 2014 Ninja 1000 with factory hard bags.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: maxtog on December 12, 2013, 05:48:29 AM
Seriously?  Are you that much of a snob that a 650 or 1000cc bike is beneath you?

Seriously?  You are going to resort to personal insults because you don't realize that it has little to do with engine size or just having bags and a lot to do with body positioning, frame length, ergonomics, drivetrain, weather protection, cornering performance, etc?

My example I gave you is actually very appropriate.  Sticking bags on a sports bike does not make it a "sport touring" motorcycle.  Granted, the definition for "sport touring" is slippery and flexible, but to most people, it is much more than bags.  Your not understanding this seriously undervalues the sophisticated Concours that you own.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 12, 2013, 06:04:30 AM
Gentlemen, no need for fisticuffs...
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: gPink on December 12, 2013, 06:51:22 AM
 8).....tis the season.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: Cold Streak on December 12, 2013, 08:03:33 AM
Quote
I ordered up a set of PR4's today, ETA first week of January.

How much, if I may be so nosy?  ???
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: ZG on December 12, 2013, 10:03:03 AM
Where you order them from?  I am needing to order new tires soon...


I have an inside connection but unfortunately I can only use him for myself, sorry WNP.  :(




But from what I'm told there will be stock State side the first week of January and you should be able to order them through your normal tire dealer...  :) :chugbeer:

Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: ZG on December 12, 2013, 10:04:43 AM
How much, if I may be so nosy?  ???


Sounds like retail $ is just under $600 for a set, I have a special discount and ordered my set for $400...  :)
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: stevewfl on December 12, 2013, 03:47:32 PM
I ordered up a set of PR4's today, ETA first week of January.  :) :chugbeer:

congrats!
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: Warbird on December 12, 2013, 03:52:42 PM
What have you guy's been paying for your PR3's??
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: maxtog on December 12, 2013, 04:07:33 PM
Gentlemen, no need for fisticuffs...

I think you mean "gentleman".... I didn't throw any insults.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: Warbird on December 12, 2013, 05:31:46 PM
What have you guy's been paying for your PR3's?

 :)
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: wingrider on December 12, 2013, 05:46:17 PM
I took my wheels in today and got my PR4s mounted. I will be picking them up tomorrow. I got the 190-55 ZR17 GT for the rear and 120-70 ZR17 non GT for the front. I don't have the price breakdown in front of me but the two tires without and taxes or anything else were 362.00. When I buy the tires from them and bring in the wheels mounting and balancing is free. I can't wait to pick them up tomorrow.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 12, 2013, 05:52:45 PM
Seriously?  You are going to resort to personal insults because you don't realize that it has little to do with engine size or just having bags and a lot to do with body positioning, frame length, ergonomics, drivetrain, weather protection, cornering performance, etc?

My example I gave you is actually very appropriate.  Sticking bags on a sports bike does not make it a "sport touring" motorcycle.  Granted, the definition for "sport touring" is slippery and flexible, but to most people, it is much more than bags.  Your not understanding this seriously undervalues the sophisticated Concours that you own.
Didn't mean to insult you. 

You obviously differ in opinion as to whatakes a sport touring bike and also the ergonomics of the kawasakis I mentioned that have hard bags attached.  Also, if you added risers and a Corbin seat you changed your sport touring bike into a touring bike in my opinion.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: ZG on December 12, 2013, 05:53:27 PM
I took my wheels in today and got my PR4s mounted. I will be picking them up tomorrow. I got the 190-55 ZR17 GT for the rear and 120-70 ZR17 non GT for the front. I don't have the price breakdown in front of me but the two tires without and taxes or anything else were 362.00. When I buy the tires from them and bring in the wheels mounting and balancing is free. I can't wait to pick them up tomorrow.


 :o


How were you able to get the PR4's already? I was told they only have 180 rear PR4's in the States currently?  ???
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: wingrider on December 12, 2013, 06:03:56 PM
D&D Discount Motorcycles in Tempe Az ordered them from there supplier and got htem in one day. I had them in my hands this morning and they look very nice. I had them call on Tuesday and they told me they could get them. I have dealt with them for years as they work on a lot of Goldwings and you won't find a more honest shop to deal with.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: Warbird on December 12, 2013, 06:14:00 PM
Wow, we don't have them yet...you have to be one of the or the first in the country to get a pair. Congrats!  :thumbs: 
Let us know what you think of them.
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: ZG on December 12, 2013, 06:47:58 PM
Wow, we don't have them yet...you have to be one of the or the first in the country to get a pair. Congrats!  :thumbs: 
Let us know what you think of them.


+1...  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: Warbird on December 13, 2013, 11:37:23 AM
What have you guy's been paying for your PR3's?

 :)
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: stevewfl on December 13, 2013, 12:24:30 PM
What have you guy's been paying for your PR3's?

 :)

I've found the cheapest here, free shipping no tax and delivered to my tire man's shop

jakewilson.com
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: Stephen.G.Fiddes on December 18, 2013, 08:41:38 AM

Sounds like retail $ is just under $600 for a set, I have a special discount and ordered my set for $400...  :)

Ouch... Hopefully the shop calls me back with something less than $600 today... If not, they have a set of PR3's upstairs that I'll be buying... My pockets aren't THAT deep yet... Really can't afford new tires right now, but after 900 miles the stockers are just getting scarier and scarier... I'd rather spend $300 on new tires than have the sh1tty stock tires chuck me off the bike!
Title: Re: Pilot Rds...best keep getting BETTER!
Post by: wingrider on December 31, 2013, 12:05:35 PM
I have put a couple hundred miles on the PR4s and I like them. It has been all riding back and forth to work as conditions at home don't allow much other riding at this time. One day was raining so I got to try them in wet conditions. I think they are at least as good as the PR3s on  dry roads and better in the rain. They are quieter and I think smoother. On a side note I had 90 degree valve stems installed with Doran pressure sensors screwed on externally and they are holding air pressure much longer before dropping. Three weeks and have dropped two pounds. As I am not an agressive rider I will be interested in what others think of them in the mountains. I will also be interested to see if I get better milage with the GT on the back as I had 12,700 on my PR3s. I would like to thank those who reported that going to a 55 on the back made for better handling as it has made a world of difference.