New tires

[PH14]

Well, I wore through my Angels. I got 8,000 miles out of them. Both front and rear needed replaced. Neither would pass PA inspection. Both were worn to the same measurement, the front was worn to the service limit in cupped areas. That was interesting since I got 8,200 miles out of the stock tires and 10,200 out of the stock rear tire. I have a 2009.

I went with the PR3s this time. I got them for $270 for the pair. Before you all jump to ask where I got them, I will say this was a once time deal, and one you probably wouldn't want anyway.

I had ordered these tires last week and they gave me a very good price. I paid $357 including tax for the pair. I thought that was very fair. This dealership treats me well on parts and accessories.  Today, I had them installed and then had the PA inspection done, which costs $27.28 there. I was called out by the service writer and she led me to the bike. I asked if there was a problem and she said there was. It seems the mechanic scuffed a bag against something. I didn't get too upset about it. It wasn't deep and at least it was a bag. I told her it could be worse and that I basically treat the bike as a truck. Nevertheless, she cut the price of the tires to cost and didn't charge for installation. I had also had the tech check my rotors since they are pulsating again. They charged $39.50 for that, to be refunded of course if they get replaced under warranty. They are still withing spec at the moment.

Since I had already paid for the tires, I owed a little over $2.00 today.  I have a little beef with being charged again for the rotor check since I had them checked once before, but I'm not going to complain.

The tires feel nice. The Angels were a bit squared due to a lot of highway use and the new tires ride better than the worn ones of course. I need to recheck the pressure later since they were a bit off. Originally I asked what he put in and he put 34 in the front and 36 in the back. I asked him to put them both at 42 like Kawasaki recommends. They both are still a touch low. I think they need to retrain their techs to put the recommended pressure in unless there is some compelling reason for a change.

Okay, now I have to go and biff out a scratch. They said if I don't like the way it comes out they will have it buffed out or painted.

[stevewfl]

Nice. What does "PA inspection" mean?

Is that a state inspection?  wow if so, hope they don't stop me on the state line when I go from FL to Maine for a wee bite of lobster next month

[stevewfl]

congrats on the PR3's you're going to enjoy railing the sides of 'em =)

[rcannon409]

Steve, I bet he has a State inspection each year like I have to deal with here in Utah.  We even have businesses that do nothign else except the inspections.  I paid 9.00 for my last one, so its not a cost issue, just a PITA. Cars get this as well. New ones every other year, older cars every year.  No idea how often the motorcycles get inspected as the law is very vague on this. People do it yearly to be safe.

You pull in and an auto mechanic goes through all the obvious things like light operation, horn, brake pads, and tires.  The fun starts when it gets to the reflectors and turn signals as the inspectors always have their idea of whats legal vs reality so its a good idea to have the rules and regulations printed when you get there.  Yes, a motorcycle shop can do this too, btu the businesses take less than 10 minutes.

It sounds like a good idea, and would be,   except everyone here knows at least three places who will sign the form without even seeing the vehicle. Plus, the local police have another tool to add to the cost of a ticket.  The inspection form has to be signed by the vehicle owner.  No one does this as the signature area is small.  So a speeding ticket basically doubles if this damn box is not signed.

[PH14]

Nice. What does "PA inspection" mean?

Is that a state inspection?  wow if so, hope they don't stop me on the state line when I go from FL to Maine for a wee bite of lobster next month

Sorry Steve, it is the Pennsylvania state inspection. It isn't a pain really, it is done by motorcycle mechanics at regular motorcycle shops and not by some state employee. I have had no issues with any bike I have owned and no one has ever hassled me about anything being not stock, with one exception. When I bought my RC51 it was missing the chain guard. The salesman was supposed to get it for me from the previous owner and never did. When I took it into the same dealership for inspection the mechanic said it had to be there. I told him the salesman never did what he was supposed to, and that when I bought it from the same dealership it had an inspection sticker on it, inspected by the same dealership. He put the sticker on. No other mechanic from any other dealership ever questioned it.

As long as your bike is maintained the inspection is no big deal.

[stevewfl]

Steve, I bet he has a State inspection each year like I have to deal with here in Utah.  We even have businesses that do nothign else except the inspections.  I paid 9.00 for my last one, so its not a cost issue, just a PITA. Cars get this as well. New ones every other year, older cars every year.  No idea how often the motorcycles get inspected as the law is very vague on this. People do it yearly to be safe.

You pull in and an auto mechanic goes through all the obvious things like light operation, horn, brake pads, and tires.  The fun starts when it gets to the reflectors and turn signals as the inspectors always have their idea of whats legal vs reality so its a good idea to have the rules and regulations printed when you get there.  Yes, a motorcycle shop can do this too, btu the businesses take less than 10 minutes.

It sounds like a good idea, and would be,   except everyone here knows at least three places who will sign the form without even seeing the vehicle. Plus, the local police have another tool to add to the cost of a ticket.  The inspection form has to be signed by the vehicle owner.  No one does this as the signature area is small.  So a speeding ticket basically doubles if this damn box is not signed.

Thanks guys, thats just all crazy! 

[Conrad]

This is why it's a good idea to remove the bags and leave em at home when you take your bike to the dealer for any work.

Just in case...

[PH14]

This is why it's a good idea to remove the bags and leave em at home when you take your bike to the dealer for any work.

Just in case...

I figure he would have just beat something else.  I always have the bags on and was using them that day anyway. It is really no big deal to me. At least this time they didn't break the tire pressure sensors like they did last time. 

[RideBellChain]

Competition Accessories has great deals and the tires show up in 2 days!  I just bought some PR2's from them last month, and put 2900 miles on them and there's ZERO flat areas on both the front and back.  You can plainly see that there's a harder rubber compound in the middle and softer on the outside. 

I will get the PR3's next time, just because I like in S. Florida and it rains EVERY FREAKIN DAY at 4:00..., but in all honesty we had a lot of rain 3 weeks ago in the Smokies and these tires raised the confidence level like no other tires I've had before.  (I am an Avon fan, and wanted to try them, but now I'm sold on the Michelins!)

[Conrad]

Competition Accessories has great deals and the tires show up in 2 days!  I just bought some PR2's from them last month, and put 2900 miles on them and there's ZERO flat areas on both the front and back.  You can plainly see that there's a harder rubber compound in the middle and softer on the outside. 

I will get the PR3's next time, just because I like in S. Florida and it rains EVERY FREAKIN DAY at 4:00..., but in all honesty we had a lot of rain 3 weeks ago in the Smokies and these tires raised the confidence level like no other tires I've had before.  (I am an Avon fan, and wanted to try them, but now I'm sold on the Michelins!)

I thought that it was 2:30? They must have changed it since I lived there...

[sherob]

It was 3pm in Pensacola. 

[stewart]

Just called the Dealer,

He said "....hey Stewart how can I help?"

I said "PR3's please"

He said "last time your were looking for the 55's, but we could only get the 50's, do you want 55's?"

I said "yeah why not, lets give them a try"

He said "have my hand on them now, want me to reserve?"

I said "see you tomorrow for fitting"

Sweeeet!!! Reasonable price, good service and personal touch.

[stevewfl]

Just called the Dealer,

He said "....hey Stewart how can I help?"

I said "PR3's please"

He said "last time your were looking for the 55's, but we could only get the 50's, do you want 55's?"

I said "yeah why not, lets give them a try"

He said "have my hand on them now, want me to reserve?"

I said "see you tomorrow for fitting"

Sweeeet!!! Reasonable price, good service and personal touch.

Congrats on that new rubber - The 55's make your GPS take you to the twisties no matter where you had programmed it to go

[stewart]

I'm willing to try what you've been preaching, if I don't like, I'll go back to vanilla.

[JS_racer]

......The 55's make your GPS take you to the twisties no matter where you had programmed it to go

that must be my problem. LOVED!!!!! my last 55, and was round when bald and not flat. now on my second 55 (have a set or two of pr3s on order with my guy to compare life vs the 023 stones, but thats another thread,     023 get 6k out of the front, 4k out of the rear consistently. (not to cords, just beyond bars to smooth if i push it))  09 35k miles, a stack of worn tires to my chin, and still have a smile from ear to ear. my wife on the other hand, well......   

[Jeremy Mitchell]

I'm willing to try what you've been preaching, if I don't like, I'll go back to vanilla.

I seriously doubt you will switch back to the "vanilla" 190/50.   

[stewart]

I seriously doubt you will switch back to the "vanilla" 190/50.   

Heading to Maine tonight, so far I have noticed the quick turn in, but their spanking new and I haven't ridden any nice roads. Will report back.

Out of curiosity, how does the higher profile affect ground clearance? Or there is no impact?

[Texas Concours14]

My rear PR3 is worn out, so looking to replace them with PR3's.  I have only used the 50 profile.
First question: I understand that the 55's give better turn-in than the 50's, but does straight-line stability suffer with the 55's?
Second question: I only see 55 profiles for the rear tires at various websites.  Does this profile only pertain to the rear tire?

[JS_racer]

ground clearance, same. stability is great, no change. 55 i have run is only in the rear. the best part of my last 55 when worn, was still round. didn't have the flat hump in the middle. i will <<never>> run another 50 on my bike, ever. (but im a twistie guy!!)

[reesedp]

Nice. What does "PA inspection" mean?

Is that a state inspection?  wow if so, hope they don't stop me on the state line when I go from FL to Maine for a wee bite of lobster next month

Steve, if you happen to wind up anywhere near Hampton Roads in VA give a shout.  There are a couple of us here and maybe we could finally meet the biggest fan of KIPASS the Connie has ever generated!