Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: tundra dweller on July 25, 2011, 09:44:07 PM
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These tires are beyond incredible! They are literally sex on wheels! The feed back is like having the contact patch plugged directly into your brain ala The Matrix!
Angels hearkened at every corner. Like a siren's song they cried "brake deeper, lean over further". Their golden trumpets blaring so as to blow the sand from every apex ahead of me!.... :o....oh...um...I guess new tires always feel great. I will get back to you after a couple thousand miles.
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^^^^^I agree with every word of that. And they go through the desert tundra and Rocky Mountain snow in July better than knobbies hehe
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/X%20country%20trippin/20110713-DSC_1832.jpg)
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I'm enjoying mine as well! :thumbs:
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I'm enjoying mine as well! :thumbs:
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
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I have not tried'em on wet yet, but the bike is incredibly stable at high speed.
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Nice to know. Just put some on and only done 100km of quiet winter riding so far...
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Nice to know. Just put some on and only done 100km of quiet winter riding so far...
Mate you live in North Island?? Riding your GTR in the Queenstown area must be an awesome ride to try on your PR3, though probably full of snow now. Great place you live in... ;)
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Mate you live in North Island?? Riding your GTR in the Queenstown area must be an awesome ride to try on your PR3, though probably full of snow now. Great place you live in... ;)
Speaking of snow.... 8)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/X%20country%20trippin/20110706-DSC_1348.jpg)
and the cities....
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/X%20country%20trippin/20110710-DSC_1601.jpg)
and the beaches....
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/X%20country%20trippin/20110718-DSC_1871.jpg)
and out in the country roads...
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/X%20country%20trippin/20110717-DSC_1859.jpg)
and off-roading in the canyons....
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/X%20country%20trippin/20110708-DSC_1451.jpg)
PR3's just rule anywhere one rides them!!!!!!!!!!!! 8)
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Mate you live in North Island?? Riding your GTR in the Queenstown area must be an awesome ride to try on your PR3, though probably full of snow now. Great place you live in... ;)
Yep, I'm in the North Island. The whole country got hammered this week - snow in places that doesn't get snow. Not too bad here but yes, very wintery in the South at the mo.
The PR3's will hit the mainland early next year...
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Mine are working fine as well. No issues to report. It's purely subjective, but the ride feels smoother as well.
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Best Tire's I've ever had, The bike is a great handler and these tires make it all the better. I can't believe the difference these tires make.
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Had Dunlops.....improved to PR2's.... now improved to PR3's!
If mileage is similar to the others, I would keep buying PR3's forever. Best mix of sport/tour/mileage I've ever seen.
YMMV as nobody has worn them out (yet). ;)
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YMMV as nobody has worn them out (yet). ;)
That's what you think. ;)
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Michelin haters, feel free to chime in on the new PR3 product ;D
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feedback of life and feel between the pr3 and pr2 ?? ran a few sets of pr2 and got about 4500 out of the rears, fronts about 6500 miles. have a bt023 rear on now, 2/32 remaining. need another new front so looking between the pr2 or pr3.
thanks guys.
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Anyone done the Angel ST's to PR3 switch? Your opinion?
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Would never touch an Angel ever - only got 7,000km from a set. Were great for the first 3,000km or so and then they went off fast.
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Well currently in Maine riding for over a week with 2500 miles fully loaded. No noticable wear. One day of rain and they were fantastic. Looking forward to the mountains of Vermont.
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These tires are beyond incredible! They are literally sex on wheels! The feed back is like having the contact patch plugged directly into your brain ala The Matrix!
Angels hearkened at every corner. Like a siren's song they cried "brake deeper, lean over further". Their golden trumpets blaring so as to blow the sand from every apex ahead of me!.... :o....oh...um...I guess new tires always feel great. I will get back to you after a couple thousand miles.
I could not agree more about the PR3's, they rock!
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I think they have an odd feel. They stick fine, but don't 'feel' like they are somehow. I can scrape pegs on both sides easily, but just feels numb I guess is the best way to describe it. Also don't have high hopes for mileage. I only have about 400 miles on mine and very obvious wear on the rear. that said, I only got 4300 miles from a set of PR2's... Good thing is they dont have that odd vibration the PR2's had. Tried 2 sets, always felt like it was out of balance. no issue with the PR3
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got 3700 miles on my pr3's and just measured tread in center,still have 5/32 left from original 8/32. handling is not like pilot powers but stability is uncanny.needles to say i really like them, even better than the pr2's.
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I got >7000 miles from a set on this psycho trip: http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2298.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=2298.0)
and the rear was PLUGGED 8)
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Switched from PR2 to PR3 this weekend and put about 200 miles on them. Definitely a different feel as they seem to be more stable. Haven't had a good rain yet to check out traction but first impressions is that these are a better tire.
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We did 200+ miles from Maine into New Brunswick today most of it in pretty hard rain. Most of the time we were running at 60+ with a fair amount well above that. RP3's were very stable and predictable. My brother is running them on his BMW and he feels the same way. So far I have over 3000 miles on them and I have no complaints.
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I've just hit the 7000 mile mark on my PR3s. I bought them back in February...I know...I know...I need to get out & ride. 8)
I'm just now starting to hit the wear bars on the rear & I'm not far from them on the front. I was hoping I could get 2 rears to 1 front but honestly, I'm going to need both front & rear. I'm hoping to squeeze another 1000 miles out of this set before I buy my next but they will be PR3s again.
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Im guessing someone debunked the story of the PR3s delaminating and chunking out?
Im looking at changing out my OEM tires for these...but I want to get more than 6000 out of them. LOL (ie you just said 7000)
What kinda price should I look at for these? Last time I bought tires the dealers in town wanted to charge a ton to put them on becuase I didnt buy them from their shop.
Dade22
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Im guessing someone debunked the story of the PR3s delaminating and chunking out?
Im looking at changing out my OEM tires for these...but I want to get more than 6000 out of them. LOL (ie you just said 7000)
What kinda price should I look at for these? Last time I bought tires the dealers in town wanted to charge a ton to put them on becuase I didnt buy them from their shop.
Dade22
Dade: You are not going to find good handling tires that will also last more than 7000 miles (unless you are on the "No-Lean Team) The the C14 is not a touring bike or cruiser, so tire companies are producing tires that must be compromise between traction and wear. A touring tire can maximize mileage over traction because of the type of riding done.
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I was just saying I wanted a tire that last better than the OEM. It seems that people are getting close to 7000 on these tires.
Sounds like these are the ones I will go with. The only real question I had was had someone debunked the story of the chunking PR3.
Dade22
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I am loving my PR3 after 2000 miles. Got caught in a couple of rain storms in Colorado, and the grip was outstanding. Hope to get 8000 miles out of them; time will tell.
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Thanks Texas!
I looked at my tires today. Funny I thought I would have to change the back out first but Im seeing more wear on the front that may warrant me to change that one first.
Question is should I change the front and change the rear later or should I just change them both.
Humm.
dade22
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Over 4300 miles touring the east coast and going to the national rally. Hit a MAJOR down pour on the freeway in Indiana, 60 mph and solid. Amazing!
Finally got a slight flat center on the rear. Will have to round them out on the backroads. Tried to scuff them up in Vermont but the roads were so rough I think I lost some fillings. Must have good dentists up that way.... ;)
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I looked at my tires today. Funny I thought I would have to change the back out first but Im seeing more wear on the front that may warrant me to change that one first.
Question is should I change the front and change the rear later or should I just change them both.
The fact that the front dies before the rear is one of the reasons the OEM BT-021s are shite.
The other is that the sides of the front wear first and lead to very strange handling.
Replace them both with Michelin Pilot Road 3's and say goodbye to heavy steering, wierd handling, and poor wet grip.
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Who has the 190/55-17 PR3 in stock? I can't seem to find one.
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Who has the 190/55-17 PR3 in stock? I can't seem to find one.
3 left-
http://www.jakewilson.com/productDetail.do?navTitle=Motorcycle+Tires&webCatId=57&navType=type&webTypeId=444&prodFamilyId=30413&listingId=&sizeAttr=5425 (http://www.jakewilson.com/productDetail.do?navTitle=Motorcycle+Tires&webCatId=57&navType=type&webTypeId=444&prodFamilyId=30413&listingId=&sizeAttr=5425)
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3 left-
http://www.jakewilson.com/productDetail.do?navTitle=Motorcycle+Tires&webCatId=57&navType=type&webTypeId=444&prodFamilyId=30413&listingId=&sizeAttr=5425 (http://www.jakewilson.com/productDetail.do?navTitle=Motorcycle+Tires&webCatId=57&navType=type&webTypeId=444&prodFamilyId=30413&listingId=&sizeAttr=5425)
Just ordered front & back from Jakes, been waiting from Motorcycle Superstores since July, cancelled order, thanks, Steve
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Thanks Steve. Just placed my order.
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Thanks Steve. Just placed my order.
I guess they're down to one rear 55 now :)
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I guess they're down to one rear 55 now :)
Yes sir. One left!
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You're welcome guys, glad to help.
Jake Wilson and Michelin now owe me big time :)
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I like the feel of the bike better with the pr2s vs the pr3s. I have about 1400mi on the 3s and replaced the2s at about 5k. The 3s seem to be affected by the tar snakes and blacktop patches more so than the 2s. My steering head bearings need to be tightened and I immediatelly noticed a small handlebar shake that wasnt there b4 I took of the 2s.
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Sounds like the PR3s will be my next set of tires. Could someone post the removal of both wheels?
Thanks.
Dade22
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I'm running the 023 front and rear and they seem to handle great, I replaced the front 021 at 3500 miles and the rear at 5500 miles. I normally replace both tire at the same time but the front stock tire wore out quick. I think I should get 10,000 from these 023's
Front with 5,000 miles on it now
(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1d639b3127ccefdb07c62373800000030O01CcNWzly0Yg9vPhw/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400)
Rear with with 3,000 miles on it now
(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1d639b3127ccefdb199cbd60700000030O01CcNWzly0Yg9vPhw/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/)
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Funny thing- I just mounted a pair of PR3's after finding them (tripping over them actually) at a local dealer for an incredible price, and I am not sure what I think of them yet. I am a big fan of PR2s and the -3's just feel different. I think the sides are a bit softer on the -3's than the -2's were but the feel of turning them in and holding a turn is a bit strange. They feel absolutely neutral; no resistance to turn in and no need to hold any pressure on the tires once in the turn. The feedback is a little odd too.
I don’t mean to sound like I am complaining or do not like the tires because I do- they are just a little different than what I expected I suppose. They do feel a little softer than PR2s and I think the ride is a little softer because of that. Overall they seem like another great tire for the C-14 (along with Michelin PR2s and Pirelli Angel GTs). It will be interesting to see how they handle once worn about ½ way down and how long they last; I found PR2s excellent in both of those areas.
Brian
I like the feel of the bike better with the pr2s vs the pr3s. I have about 1400mi on the 3s and replaced the2s at about 5k. The 3s seem to be affected by the tar snakes and blacktop patches more so than the 2s. My steering head bearings need to be tightened and I immediatelly noticed a small handlebar shake that wasnt there b4 I took of the 2s.
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They do feel a little softer than PR2s and I think the ride is a little softer because of that.......
I agree w/ BDF about the softer feel of the PR3, but I may attribute it to the added sipes. They not only help the grip when cold and/or wet, I think they add flex to soften the ride.
I rode 4500 to Vermont and back, and they stuck better than 2s, I pumped them up to 43 psi, and just pulled them off to finish my 2s off. The shop was amazed they had 4500 miles, and still looked newer w/ no flat spot, or checking. I am happy to save them for Arkansas. ;D
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Funny thing- I just mounted a pair of PR3's after finding them (tripping over them actually) at a local dealer for an incredible price, and I am not sure what I think of them yet. I am a big fan of PR2s and the -3's just feel different. I think the sides are a bit softer on the -3's than the -2's were but the feel of turning them in and holding a turn is a bit strange. They feel absolutely neutral; no resistance to turn in and no need to hold any pressure on the tires once in the turn. The feedback is a little odd too.
I don’t mean to sound like I am complaining or do not like the tires because I do- they are just a little different than what I expected I suppose. They do feel a little softer than PR2s and I think the ride is a little softer because of that. Overall they seem like another great tire for the C-14 (along with Michelin PR2s and Pirelli Angel GTs). It will be interesting to see how they handle once worn about ½ way down and how long they last; I found PR2s excellent in both of those areas.
Brian
Brian, that is an interesting comment. I've been running the PR2's (on my third set) and when I saw the PR3's I was immediately concerned that with all the extra small sipes in the tread that they may have a little more wiggle, or squirm in them (not sure what to call it). I'm wondering if that is what you are feeling.
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Just instaleed a set of PR3, love them so far. Only got 4200 KM out of the 021s
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You two guys got me to thinking- I believe what I am feeling may just be because of the siping cuts- but it is not squirm, it is the opposite. The tires make the bike feel like it is lacking feedback but I now think it might be that the siping cuts are allowing the tire's surface to conform to the little changes in the road surface rather than squirm (a very small amount) and transmit that feeling back to the handlebars. The PR3s perform fine and grip well, it is just the feel of the tires that is putting me off a bit- perhaps Michelin is really onto something here and I just did not see the change as an improvement?
Thanks for the thoughts. I think I will push a little harder and see how the rear acts when leaned over and fed a bit of throttle.
Brian
They do feel a little softer than PR2s and I think the ride is a little softer because of that.......
I agree w/ BDF about the softer feel of the PR3, but I may attribute it to the added sipes. They not only help the grip when cold and/or wet, I think they add flex to soften the ride.
I rode 4500 to Vermont and back, and they stuck better than 2s, I pumped them up to 43 psi, and just pulled them off to finish my 2s off. The shop was amazed they had 4500 miles, and still looked newer w/ no flat spot, or checking. I am happy to save them for Arkansas. ;D
Brian, that is an interesting comment. I've been running the PR2's (on my third set) and when I saw the PR3's I was immediately concerned that with all the extra small sipes in the tread that they may have a little more wiggle, or squirm in them (not sure what to call it). I'm wondering if that is what you are feeling.
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Thanks for your thoughts Brian. BTW, I can't believe this, but I actually did not see Rodger Dodgers post before I posted. I don't like to post the same thing without acknowledging that it had already been brought up.
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Thanks for your thoughts Brian. BTW, I can't believe this, but I actually did not see Rodger Dodgers post before I posted. I don't like to post the same thing without acknowledging that it had already been brought up.
Happens to me all the time. Don't worry about it.
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Thanks for your thoughts Brian. BTW, I can't believe this, but I actually did not see Rodger Dodgers post before I posted. I don't like to post the same thing without acknowledging that it had already been brought up.
Great minds think alike...
I tried to skip the rear w/ tar strips, painted lines, even a 4" deep 4' wide 'river' on the turnpike...but no slippy - no slidey!
These tires must suck if you want to do burn-outs(?) ;)
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Me too- I went looking for tar snakes and seams in concrete roads and pushed the bike pretty hard when riding over them. These tires just do not seem to hunt or wander until the road surface gets ridiculously uneven. They (PR3s) really are pretty impressive. Brian gives them three thumbs up (wait, that isn't a thumb)..... er, I mean two thunbs up.
Brian
Great minds think alike...
I tried to skip the rear w/ tar strips, painted lines, even a 4" deep 4' wide 'river' on the turnpike...but no slippy - no slidey!
These tires must suck if you want to do burn-outs(?) ;)
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I'd prefer my racing slicks (if guaranteed dry tarmac).
Tread cuts are for water, and these tires are supposed to be improved in the wet over the PR2's. I dunno why, i railed my PR2's in the rain and they found the limit only a "dash" sooner than dry.
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Anyone done the Angel ST's to PR3 switch? Your opinion?
I know this is late, but I'm just getting into the "new" forum. FWIW, I went from OEM's to PR2s, to Angel ST's now to PR3s. Can't speak to tire life yet, only about 2500 miles on these. They feel better to me now than then Angels did at 200 miles. I'm a 12 month rider, and generally ride in any weather that comes up (no car), and I feel more confident in the wet now than at any time since I bought the '09 back in early '10.
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I know this is late, but I'm just getting into the "new" forum. FWIW, I went from OEM's to PR2s, to Angel ST's now to PR3s. Can't speak to tire life yet, only about 2500 miles on these. They feel better to me now than then Angels did at 200 miles. I'm a 12 month rider, and generally ride in any weather that comes up (no car), and I feel more confident in the wet now than at any time since I bought the '09 back in early '10.
Thanks for your input!
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Just ordered front & back from Jakes, been waiting from Motorcycle Superstores since July, cancelled order, thanks, Steve
Well, installed the rear PR3 yesterday and was all proud of myself for a job well done, especially for not breaking the tire sensor. Thank goodness, when I took it out for a shakedown, I knew enough to go slow and easy.
When I hit the rear brake, it when down. I forgot to installed the anchor screw for the caliper and it rotated, which caused the brake hose to dig into the cotter key, oooops.
Anyone know where I can order a stainless replacement hose? thanks, Gary
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Well, installed the rear PR3 yesterday and was all proud of myself for a job well done, especially for not breaking the tire sensor. Thank goodness, when I took it out for a shakedown, I knew enough to go slow and easy.
When I hit the rear brake, it when down. I forgot to installed the anchor screw for the caliper and it rotated, which caused the brake hose to dig into the cotter key, oooops.
Anyone know where I can order a stainless replacement hose? thanks, Gary
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/eek.gif) Glad you're OK. If i was in the market to replace brake lines on this bike i'd just call Murph. www.murphskits.com (http://www.murphskits.com)
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(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/eek.gif) Glad you're OK. If i was in the market to replace brake lines on this bike i'd just call Murph. www.murphskits.com (http://www.murphskits.com)
Thanks Steve, know better than to take off, was only doing under 10mph. Been looking on the internet for a line, but think your suggestion is the wtg.
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PR3 on wet HWY at 100mph, nothing to report, no wobbling at all, just amazing...
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PR3 on wet HWY at 100mph, nothing to report, no wobbling at all, just amazing...
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/dblthumb2.gif)
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So is everyone getting similar mileage out of the PR3's as they were the 2's? I got 12k out of my first set of PR2's, and have 10k on my current set. I expect to get another 3-4k from them before they need replacing. I'm more on the tour side of sporttouring if you were wondering :)
I have a 110 mile round trip commute to work, so mileage is important to me :)
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So is everyone getting similar mileage out of the PR3's as they were the 2's? I got 12k out of my first set of PR2's, and have 10k on my current set. I expect to get another 3-4k from them before they need replacing. I'm more on the tour side of sporttouring if you were wondering :)
I have a 110 mile round trip commute to work, so mileage is important to me :)
I have a 60 mile commute & I will get no where near 12,000 miles out of my PR3s. Right now I have approx 7300 miles & I'm down to the wear bars. I'm hoping to stretch the mileage out to close to 8,000 but I'm not too confident on reaching my goal.
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I have a 60 mile commute & I will get no where near 12,000 miles out of my PR3s. Right now I have approx 7300 miles & I'm down to the wear bars. I'm hoping to stretch the mileage out to close to 8,000 but I'm not too confident on reaching my goal.
Did you ever try the PR2's? If so, how many miles did you get out of a set?
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Did you ever try the PR2's? If so, how many miles did you get out of a set?
When I bought my bike it had 3500 miles on it. It also had PR2s already installed. I can't tell you how many miles the original owner put on the PR2s but they looked new but had been ridden with the PR2s on it. They were not installed where I bought it. It had been traded in at the local BMW dealership with the PR2s already installed. Those lasted to 11,000 miles give or take. That's somewhere in the 7500-8000 mile mark. Right now I have 18,300 miles give or take a few miles.
Its an educated guess but if I bought a set of PR2s, I would expect them to last the same as the PR3s...somewhere in the 8000 mile range.
I have worn out a set of PR2s & PR3s & when I buy a new set here in the next couple weeks, it will be a set of PR3s. I like them better. Can't give a detailed reason why, I just do. 8)
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When I bought my bike it had 3500 miles on it. It also had PR2s already installed. I can't tell you how many miles the original owner put on the PR2s but they looked new but had been ridden with the PR2s on it. They were not installed where I bought it. It had been traded in at the local BMW dealership with the PR2s already installed. Those lasted to 11,000 miles give or take. That's somewhere in the 7500-8000 mile mark. Right now I have 18,300 miles give or take a few miles.
Its an educated guess but if I bought a set of PR2s, I would expect them to last the same as the PR3s...somewhere in the 8000 mile range.
I have worn out a set of PR2s & PR3s & when I buy a new set here in the next couple weeks, it will be a set of PR3s. I like them better. Can't give a detailed reason why, I just do. 8)
:) Thanks for the input
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I got 13,600 miles from my front PR3. (46,600 miles on the bike)
The first rear lasted about 7,000 miles but was worn out in the centre.
Am part way through the second which seems to be lasting better as I now alternate what used to be an all motorway commute with some twisties.
I guess at the current rate the 2nd rear might go 10,000 miles.
One of the unexpected benefits of this tyre was that until it hit the wear bars the front felt almost like new.
Once it hit the wear bars it started to feel nervous, which is perfect.
Have a new PR3 on the front now.
Until something better comes along I'll stick with them.
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I currently have 7500 front and rear on my PR3's. They look like I will get another 1-2k out of them. My OEM Stones and a set of Avon Storm II Ultras got only 6500 miles each. So I just ordered a new set of PR3's for $323.98 shipped.
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I put a new PR2 on before I left for Alaska. Rode just shy of 8k fully loaded with the PR2s. I had a pretty decent chicken strip on the rear from the slab. It seems to be wearing back in now that I am back to my routine. I'm nearing 9k now, and I am hoping to get through the winter on them.
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I put a set of PR3's at 5500 miles and headed out to Utah, when I returned to NJ, I had 11,900. The depth gauge was measured in the center dimple hole.
I was carrying 85lbs. of gear on the rear on the bike.