PR2? Why not?

[ohiorider]

I previously went through 3 sets of Pilot Road 3 tires on my 1200 Sport, and was quite happy with them.  When they became unavailable, I had a set of PR4s installed.  I have been less than happy with the way the 4s handled after a few thousand miles.  Instead of going for a set of PR5s, I have decided to replace the 4s with a set of the older design PR2s, which are still available.  I may want to make a ride out West sometime mid/late August, need new rubber, and am rolling the dice this way.

Bob

[alanp]

I don’t know about PR2s, but have had decent luck with 3s and 4s.  Are the 2s still made or have they been sitting around for awhile?  Age doesn’t do good things to rubber. 

[ohiorider]

I don’t know about PR2s, but have had decent luck with 3s and 4s.  Are the 2s still made or have they been sitting around for awhile?  Age doesn’t do good things to rubber.

According to the individual who has sold and installed tires for me for several years, the PR2 is still manufactured as a lower cost sport touring tire.  So, presumably, the 2s I'm getting are new(er.)  I really enjoyed riding my 12S on PR3s (3 sets) but absolutely hated the 4's after they had a few thou miles on them.  Treadwise, there is probably 3 - 3.5k miles lift on them.  Hate to junk 'em, but even more, I can't put up with the handling. 

Diff topic ..... any pics of your new 12S with 40 l bags?

Bob

[Bulldog9]

I REALLY liked the PR2's on my FJR, glad they are still making them. I didn't like the PR3's and went back to the Dunlop Road Smarts I ran on my Concours.  I will say the Angel ST was the first Pirelli tire I really liked. Put 7K on them on the Norge until some debris robbed me of my 9K goal last summer.

[ohiorider]

Once I get the PR2s installed on my 12S, and put a few miles on them, I'll give you my very subjective opinion of them.

Bob

[JohninVT]

I LOVED pR2’s on my Sport, Bob.  They were the perfect blend of performance and longevity.

[Huzo]

I reckon the only ones that erred a bit were the 4’s with scalloping, but the 2’s are just fine.

[ohiorider]

I LOVED pR2’s on my Sport, Bob.  They were the perfect blend of performance and longevity.

I am hoping that the PR2 tires will bring back my previous positive feelings for my 1200 Sport.  She is a bit top heavy for me at my age and body strength.  But ...... having said that, I think this lovely sport tourer would be the right ride IF I do make one more solo ride out West.

[Kiwi Dave]

It was a long time ago, but I remember a substantial improvement upgrading from Pilot Road 2s to Pilot Road 3s.  Later upgrades were not so significant, and I have mixed feelings about the later versions.

Bob, I think I posted this already somewhere, but the Pilot Road 3s are now Pilot Power 3s.  This is an advertisement from a local NZ tyre shop where I know you won't intend to shop there, but you'll surely recognize the tread pattern of the original Pilot Road 3s.






NB.  I have to clip on the image to observe both tires, you may have to do the same.  Dunno why!

[Lcarlson]

After years of Metzelers, I put a set of PR4 GTs on my R1150R, which weighs a little bit less than 500 lbs with an aftermarket can. They were by far the WORST performing tires I have ever experienced — my good, even handling roadster was transformed into a two-wheeled garbage truck. It was so bad that I initially thought there was something wrong with the bike’s suspension or running gear. Now I’m back on Metzeler Z8 Interacts and all is well again. It may be just the GT version, but these tires are absolutely unsuitable for motorcycles of this weight.

[Huzo]

After years of Metzelers, I put a set of PR4 GTs on my R1150R, which weighs a little bit less than 500 lbs with an aftermarket can. They were by far the WORST performing tires I have ever experienced — my good, even handling roadster was transformed into a two-wheeled garbage truck. It was so bad that I initially thought there was something wrong with the bike’s suspension or running gear. Now I’m back on Metzeler Z8 Interacts and all is well again. It may be just the GT version, but these tires are absolutely unsuitable for motorcycles of this weight.

These shots are @ 17,000 k on a Norge with 85 kg rider and 50 kg of luggage.
They went on to achieve 20,500 k...
That’ll do me !

[Kiwi Dave]

After years of Metzelers, I put a set of PR4 GTs on my R1150R, which weighs a little bit less than 500 lbs with an aftermarket can. They were by far the WORST performing tires I have ever experienced — my good, even handling roadster was transformed into a two-wheeled garbage truck. It was so bad that I initially thought there was something wrong with the bike’s suspension or running gear. Now I’m back on Metzeler Z8 Interacts and all is well again. It may be just the GT version, but these tires are absolutely unsuitable for motorcycles of this weight.

I found the opposite with my Griso 1200SE, replacing the original Metzler Sportec M3 with the Michelin PR4 GTs.  It was like night and day.

Obviously, this thread is turning into another tire thread!

[Lcarlson]

These shots are @ 17,000 k on a Norge with 85 kg rider and 50 kg of luggage.
They went on to achieve 20,500 k...
That’ll do me !

You don’t say if those were the GT version of the PR4s. Regardless, the GTs might be suitable for the Norge, which probably weighs at least 100 lbs more than my Roadster. On my bike, I would not mount these tires again even if they guaranteed 50,000 miles.

[alanp]

Diff topic ..... any pics of your new 12S with 40 l bags?

Bob

Here you go Bob.  They look and fit great!  Also got a new custom sear made with Italian flag insert. 
Back to the topic, the bike is running Pirelli Angel GTs which have 6000 miles and are holding up very nicely.  They also handle extremely well.

[ohiorider]

Good looking Sport Tourer.  Of course, I'm a bit biased toward the black and white 12S!  I owned a Griso 8vSe at the same time I owned the 1200 Sport.  The bikes make power totally differently, but I always liked the way the 1151 2v pushrod engine made power.  Not quite as much grunt as the Griso, but just nice!

Bags look like they cleaned up nicely!

What saddle?  Stock with some mods, or a new saddle that works with the rear cowling?  In either case, looks sweet!

Bob

[alanp]

Bob,
The bags look like new, and not much cleaning needed.  Thanks!  The seat is a modified stock seat, done by a local Colorado seat maker, Steve Gowing.  He does a fantastic job. 
I always thought the 1200 Sport was one of the best looking Guzzis ever.  I had a 2007 Norge, so I am familiar with the drive train and I prefer the 1200 2V to the 4V.  Still plenty of power to but more relaxed when you want it to be.  Hoping it will go as many miles as yours.

Alan

[Bill]

I liked the PR2's, 3's and 4's. But the Road 5 in my opinion is the best  of the series. Handling is better especially at high mileage and the tread depth is easy to read as it wears. Haven't worn the set out yet but it looks like it will have the longest life compared to the others.
Bill

[bad Chad]

I'm a fan of the P-GT.  Works very well, and holds up for me for 7k plus on the rear.

[Huzo]

I don’t know about PR2s, but have had decent luck with 3s and 4s.  Are the 2s still made or have they been sitting around for awhile?  Age doesn’t do good things to rubber.

I’ve got 3 kids that’ll testify to that fact..!