PR3 vs PR4

[ohiorider]

I'd recently posted, asking other forum members' opinions about the Michelin Pilot Road 4 tires.

I've worn out 3 sets of Pilot Road 3 on my 1200 Sport, and was extremely happy with the handling and ride of all three sets.  The bike is currently riding on a set of Pilot Road 4 tires, which I find miserable re handling, especially at low speed.  The bike feels like after 6000 miles, I'm doing a balancing act when I round slow turns.  When I inspected the front tire, feeling it with my fingers, it felt like there was a very hard section of tread that covered the tread circumference approximately 1" in width, when it then falls off to the softer tread remainder.  (Not making myself clear, I'm sure.) 

I'm either going to sell the Sport as is, or on the chance I can find a good set of NOS PR3s, I'll give it one more try on tires that worked well for me.  I didn't like the feeling of the PR4s from the beginning, and they've only gotten worse with mileage.  I've noted that Michelin came out with the PR5 within a year or so after introducing the PR4, so I wonder if other riders had similar issues to mine with the 4s?

[fotoguzzi]

I have newish PR5's on my Ducati.. I'm pretty impressed tho don't have a lot of miles on them.

[Kiwi Dave]

I like the PR3s on my 1200 Sport.

On my Griso, I went with the PR4GTs.  GT version is stiffer walls.  There is no GT version for the PR5s available here in Kiwiland.

I suggest you stick with what you like, Bob.  Nothing to be gained by a later version until they stop making the PR3s.

[willowstreetguzziguy]

On my 1200 Sport...

Front PR4 since Sept 2017 and nearing replacement. No problems.

Rear PR5 since April. Feels great.

I was always happy with several sets of PR 4's and the PR 5 in the rear feels great. Going to be getting a PR5 front tire in August.

[Guzzidad]

   I had PR4's on my Norge and I hated them from day one. Finally wore them out and put on the proper Angel GT's. Totally transformed the bike. In fact, I just got done spooning a new rear Angel on for an upcoming trip I start tomorrow.

[kingoffleece]

I prefer the Angel GT's also.

[skippy]

I prefer the Angel GT's also.

or better yet, the Angel GT in A spec. These tires are the most confidence inspiring tires I have ever had. A true sidewall to sidewall ride.

Skippy

[Huzo]

My 4’s were ok for 20,000 k but front was more prone to scalloping than 3’s or 5’s IMO.
Just put 5’s on and forget about it all.
These are @ 16,000





Or..
Put Shinko’s on and you’ll kill yourself before you need another set...

[jwinwi]

Buy Continental Road Attack 3s if they're available in the sizes you need.
Had the same issue with the hard compound in the middle of PR2's front tire forming a ridge and the softer compound on the sides wearing away. Spooky when leaning into turns... Conti RA3s are far and away the best tires I've ever had. Only about 500 miles on them so far but looking forward to many happy miles.
EDIT: I ordered the RA3 front in their GT variant hoping it would wear more evenly on a heavy bike like the Sport 1100. We'll see...

[Ken Po]

I had PR4s on my Griso and, after about 3000 miles, the rear started slipping when pulling out on turns.  Not my favorite feeling.  I tried lowering the tire pressure to no avail.  It may have been the suspension needed to be adjusted a bit, but I put Bridgestone S21s on front and back and love them.  Of course, they won't last as long.

[guzzler]

I know what you mean about the PR4 and the low speed handling!
I have a 2001 V11 Sport and she always felt odd at low speed like roundabouts.I'd always trail the rear brake through them.
When I could'nt get the new PR5 to try I was forced to try something new ( I'd run pr2/3/4 beforehand )!
What a bloody revelation the Pirelli Angel GT was!
Much Much better, no more low speed trailing the rear thru roundabouts and MUCH  more feedback from the tyre!
Very impressed and will not be going back, in fact can't wait to try the very new Angel GT2.
Don't know about the 1200 Sport as I've not ridden one but Angel GT and V11 Sport go bloody well together !
Do yourself a favour and try the new GT2 eh.
By the way if you do, let me/us know what you think!
Cheers Guzzler

[ohiorider]

I know what you mean about the PR4 and the low speed handling!
I have a 2001 V11 Sport and she always felt odd at low speed like roundabouts.I'd always trail the rear brake through them.
When I could'nt get the new PR5 to try I was forced to try something new ( I'd run pr2/3/4 beforehand )!
What a bloody revelation the Pirelli Angel GT was!
Much Much better, no more low speed trailing the rear thru roundabouts and MUCH  more feedback from the tyre!
Very impressed and will not be going back, in fact can't wait to try the very new Angel GT2.
Don't know about the 1200 Sport as I've not ridden one but Angel GT and V11 Sport go bloody well together !
Do yourself a favour and try the new GT2 eh.
By the way if you do, let me/us know what you think!
Cheers Guzzler

You explained it better than I did!  I found I was having to trail brake thru turns as simple as a roundabout, all the while making minor corrections through the entire turn.  There may be (I'm sure there are) better riders than I am who can ride around this type of handling, but I can't.

Pirelli Angel GT2, eh?

Wondering if I might like the handling better with a 160 or 170 on the back vs a 180.  Not sure what sidewall height I'd want.

Thanks to all who offered their opinions and experiences.

Bob