To Pilot Road or to Roadsmart, that was the question. Whether 'tis nobler to save fifty dollars and take a chance or go with the sure thing...well, I couldn't be more pleased with my choice.
These are leagues better than the OE D208's: cornering confidence is thru the roof now AND most of all, the wear is phenomenal as you can see from the pictures.
My riding is about a 70/30 slab/curve ratio with moderate paces in the twisties.
From the looks of it, I may get north of 10,000 miles on the rears and 12k or more on the fronts (the front is actually wearing a bit faster on the sides than in the center).
If all continues to go well, I will 100% for sure buy again! :goofy:
Freakin' awesome! Am faced with the same decision within 1000 miles or so. The Michelin dual-compounds (Road2 ans CT) are supposed to be excellent as well but $$$. I've also pondered the Metzeler M3 which can be obtained at prices roughly comparable to the Roadsmarts, though it's not a dual compound. Looks like you've tipped the scale towards the Dunlops, Darius. Thanks for the R & D!!
Different folks, different riding style and roads, different mileage.
Your mileage may very by several hundred percent on either side of what someone else gets on the same tire. :goofy:
Dunlop has never won me over except their DOT race tires, they last longer than anything else out there! :blush:
I have the same tires on mine. Have put on over 5000 miles in three months on them. They are flatter in the middle. Due to no curves around here. Looks like they have planty of life left on them.
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on Oct 20 2008, 05:44 PM, said:
Different folks, different riding style and roads, different mileage.
Your mileage may very by several hundred percent on either side of what someone else gets on the same tire. :goofy:
Dunlop has never won me over except their DOT race tires, they last longer than anything else out there! :blush:
I wasn't a big fan either and was almost about to pull the trigger on the Michelin's until I read some excellent reviews online.
I know riding style will make a big difference, but by comparison, I only got 6600 miles on my OE Dunlop 208's. So these are a HUGE improvement.
I have Roadsmarts with 4000 miles on them and I ride a lot of curves. They hold every bit as well as my buddies' sport tires. However, I have also toured some on them racking up about 1,500 mile of slab. I am extremely happy with them and foresee getting a lot more miles out of them. I will no doubt re-buy.
Nice to see some feedback on Roadsmarts. I wanted PR2s but couldn't get them at a decent price (Derby Cycles was out of stock), so I just spooned on some Roadsmarts. Initial impressions are very good, and I'm hoping these are legitimate equals to PR2s, since I plan on riding them like Baileyrock on meth (oxymoron?). :biggrin:
I'm also glad to hear positive reports. I'm going to put a set on my VTR this winter because it's been chewing up a set of tires in less than a season (~3000 miles). We'll see how well the rear holds up to that kind of torture!
Anybody here try them in the twisties yet.. Any problems taking them all the way to the shoulder of the tire ? Im looking for a set to spoon onto a 2nd set of rims for twisty and long distance rather than burning up my stickies when I decide to take a long trip to other areas of the smokies..
[image: View Post]marid2apterbilt, on Oct 21 2008, 11:49 AM, said:
Wow those pics look great for 5000 miles.
Anybody here try them in the twisties yet.. Any problems taking them all the way to the shoulder of the tire ? Im looking for a set to spoon onto a 2nd set of rims for twisty and long distance rather than burning up my stickies when I decide to take a long trip to other areas of the smokies..
i agree with the positive's on the roadsmart. got 3500 on my rear... still on the OEM front (9.5K and it's shot). No chicken strips on mine, they stick well but have not tried em in the wet yet. did 300 mi. in WVa and 400 in the Ozarks so they were tested on the twisties pretty good. i may put a roadsmart on front too. YMMV.
[image: View Post]IndyST, on Oct 21 2008, 12:40 PM, said:
[image: View Post]marid2apterbilt, on Oct 21 2008, 11:49 AM, said:
Wow those pics look great for 5000 miles.
Anybody here try them in the twisties yet.. Any problems taking them all the way to the shoulder of the tire ? Im looking for a set to spoon onto a 2nd set of rims for twisty and long distance rather than burning up my stickies when I decide to take a long trip to other areas of the smokies..
i agree with the positive's on the roadsmart. got 3500 on my rear... still on the OEM front (9.5K and it's shot). No chicken strips on mine, they stick well but have not tried em in the wet yet. did 300 mi. in WVa and 400 in the Ozarks so they were tested on the twisties pretty good. i may put a roadsmart on front too. YMMV.
Im really interested in the feedback, feel, and grip of the front, Sorry I should have stated that earlier.. IMHO I think it takes a real Ham fister to break traction On a VFR with any name brand REAR tire but I may be wrong..
My Oem tires barely lasted me 4000 miles rear,changed front due to cupping at the same time, Pilot power rear (3600) front (5000) running a set of Diablo's now and there going really quick. 2.5 sets of tires in 1 yr is exspensive http://www.vfrdiscus...tyle_emoticons/default/sad.gif
Gotta agree with everyone thus far. I've hit the 5500 mile mark on my Roadsmarts. They are great tires. I've ridden in dry, wet, straight slab, twisty backroads, cold and hot, they are great tires. They replaced BT-021s which i got around 7k out of. I think these tires will get me at least that. I highly recommend them and will probably end up with another set when these are done.
[image: View Post]tpierce(MP), on Oct 21 2008, 01:16 PM, said:
Gotta agree with everyone thus far. I've hit the 5500 mile mark on my Roadsmarts. They are great tires. I've ridden in dry, wet, straight slab, twisty backroads, cold and hot, they are great tires. They replaced BT-021s which i got around 7k out of. I think these tires will get me at least that. I highly recommend them and will probably end up with another set when these are done.
This goes in the things that make you go hmmmm department. I have be using Dunlops sport tires and currently have the Qualifiers. They are definately very nice. (BTW - the chicken strips are gone.)But as you know sport tires wear out faster. I might try Roadsmarts next go round. Hope I like 'em.
I never had a Dunlop I liked. They'd have to be practically free for me to try them. Even though it does look like you're getting a lot of mileage out of them.
I have a Pilot Road on my bike that's pushing 8K miles, but definately needs replacing. It's bare in the middle.
Do you do a lot of hard acceleration and/or wheelies?
I think wheelies are the only reason I can't get more mileage from my rear tire.
For the first time in my life I'm about to wear out the center of my front tire before the sides. But that's because I moved to the city of Scranton and have done a lot more city stop and go driving than ever before. I miss living in the country, but at least the country and twisty roads are only ten minutes out of town. (Pilot Power on the front btw).
With this power/front, road/rear setup being the third set of tires on the VFR for me in 22000 miles over 2.5 yrs, it's definately the most confidence inspiring set of tires I've had so far. The first two sets were dunlop 208's.
I'm due for new tires, just have to decide what to get.
I must be doing something wrong. I have never gotten more than 4500 miles on a rear tire. :+1: I got 8000 on the OEM Dunlop front. After that one time the fronts have been replaced with the rear because they are close enough to being gone it's not worth it to me to wait another 500-1000 miles before replacing it.
I have Michelin RP2 rear and PP front right now. We'll see if I can kill these before 5K.
I put RoadSmarts on back in June, managed to get 4500 off the front, and the rear still has about another 1000-2000 to go. I like the tires but when speeding through the twisties I felt them slide alittle when transititioning from one extreme lean to the other... just when the bike is upright, nothing to worry about, figured it's just the harder compound not sticking as well...
[image: View Post]mello dude, on Oct 21 2008, 12:24 PM, said:
This goes in the things that make you go hmmmm department. I have be using Dunlops sport tires and currently have the Qualifiers. They are definately very nice. (BTW - the chicken strips are gone.)But as you know sport tires wear out faster. I might try Roadsmarts next go round. Hope I like 'em.
MD
Not a fan of the Qualifiers at all, the rears OK, I tossed the front in the trash after only 1600 miles as it felt like total shitz. Have not tried the Road Smart, but doubt they are gripy enough for my style of riding.
:+1:
[image: View Post]Alien TLR, on Oct 21 2008, 02:01 PM, said:
I never had a Dunlop I liked. They'd have to be practically free for me to try them. Even though it does look like you're getting a lot of mileage out of them.
I have a Pilot Road on my bike that's pushing 8K miles, but definately needs replacing. It's bare in the middle.
Do you do a lot of hard acceleration and/or wheelies?
I think wheelies are the only reason I can't get more mileage from my rear tire.
For the first time in my life I'm about to wear out the center of my front tire before the sides. But that's because I moved to the city of Scranton and have done a lot more city stop and go driving than ever before. I miss living in the country, but at least the country and twisty roads are only ten minutes out of town. (Pilot Power on the front btw).
With this power/front, road/rear setup being the third set of tires on the VFR for me in 22000 miles over 2.5 yrs, it's definately the most confidence inspiring set of tires I've had so far. The first two sets were dunlop 208's.
I'm due for new tires, just have to decide what to get.
As I mentioned, I felt like you about Dunlop as the original rubber was awful. But with the Roadsmarts, they seem to have really got it right.
From what I hear the PRoad 2 is a phenomenal tire, but from riding on the new Dunlops I wonder if they warrant the extra $30 :+1: .
I am pretty moderate on the throttle and my knees have no scuff marks http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif , so I am sure that accounts for some of the long tread life. However, even riding easy, my last rear Dunlop only lasted 6600 miles; with the 'Smarts, I may see well over 10k.
I use my VFR as secondary transportation and practical stuff like tread life and mpg are much more important to me.
Since there seems to be two Roadsmart threads running at the same time, I will update here as well as http://www.vfrdiscus...p...60&start=60 , My local dealership (non Honda) did replace the front for me under warranty and I'll give them another go 'round. I just wish we weren't rolling into winter so I could find out the truth about these and their problems before the middle of next summer.
I rode mine quite hard in the twisties over the past week and found them to stick extremely well with good feedback and moderate turn-in (not as quick as Diablos). Easy to get to the edge of the rear tire. I'm happy so far and wouldn't write Roadsmarts off as a head-to-head competitor with PR2s (which I admit I've only had brief rides on. Maybe I'll get PR2s next to be sure)
Well I am getting close to 7,000 miles on my road smarts and am quite happy. They have maintained excellent grip the whole time, and I think that I will get 2,000 more miles out of my rear. But my front is about completely worn out. It has worn very evenly. I guess the weight of the VFR has really taken a toll on it in the twisties. I was wondering has anyone else notice higher wear out of the front on the VFR. I ask because I have never been in the situation where the front wears out first.
[image: View Post]Superceptor02, on May 5 2009, 03:59 PM, said:
Well I am getting close to 7,000 miles on my road smarts and am quite happy. They have maintained excellent grip the whole time, and I think that I will get 2,000 more miles out of my rear. But my front is about completely worn out. It has worn very evenly. I guess the weight of the VFR has really taken a toll on it in the twisties. I was wondering has anyone else notice higher wear out of the front on the VFR. I ask because I have never been in the situation where the front wears out first.
I have a front pilot power and bridgestone BT021 on the rear of mine with almost 8000 miles on them (WAY too much straightline BTW). Excellent wear. No cupping or anything negative. Ran in the rain last week for about 100 miles with narry a slip or slide (well, except on a tar snake or 2). Had to keep slowing down to let everybody else catch up. Not much tread left in the center of that BT21 though, so I had to keep it leaned over where the deeper tread was!
The PP wear is about uniform depth across the whole tire.
I'm putting the PP/BT21 combo back on mine next week to replace the current set . In fact, I'm gonna put another 1000 miles on them first, riding from Houston to Deals Gap, then put on new at Wheelers (and take it REAL easy for the first half of the day!)
[image: View Post]Superceptor02, on May 5 2009, 11:59 PM, said:
Well I am getting close to 7,000 miles on my road smarts and am quite happy. They have maintained excellent grip the whole time, and I think that I will get 2,000 more miles out of my rear. But my front is about completely worn out. It has worn very evenly. I guess the weight of the VFR has really taken a toll on it in the twisties. I was wondering has anyone else notice higher wear out of the front on the VFR. I ask because I have never been in the situation where the front wears out first.
I know of a frien that did run out front way before rear whit Metzeler Z6, but thet on a FJR1300 not a VFR
New ROADSMART tyres and I'm happy with my choice. It's only been 600 miles but first impressions suggest everything that has already been said. They just feel great. OK, all new tires feel great, but I hope this time the feeling lasts a long long time.
[image: View Post]solohvs, on May 11 2009, 07:23 AM, said:
New ROADSMART tyres and I'm happy with my choice. It's only been 600 miles but first impressions suggest everything that has already been said. They just feel great. OK, all new tires feel great, but I hope this time the feeling lasts a long long time.
Has anyone run these and PR2's to provide a comparo on the same bike with the same rider?
Not yet, but yesterday I ordered a set (€225 delivered to my door) to soon replace my PR2s. Below is an overview of the points awarded during a test done by German magazine "Das Motorrad" on sport-touring tires. he roadsmart comes out #1 in the dry, followed by the PR2. In the wet it is just the other way round. The test was done on a track, the bike they used was a CBR600. From what I've heard, on heavier ST bikes (blackbird, FJR) the roadsmart is much smoother into the turns compared to the PR2. [image: Posted Image]
Nice write up. However, I'd be hard pressed to find a tire that outperforms the Avon Storms. I replaced my last set at 6k miles. That is the most mileage I have ever seen on Florida slabs. With most speeds at 90mph it doesn't take long to kill a set of rubbers.
I just did 1500+ miles with the TMAC on a new set of Storms and they never slipped. I would love to find a tire that will give me the same grip and longer mileage.......the hunt continues....
Well as I order a rear for my wifes bike and a rear for a friend online, I also ordered a set of Roadsmarts to sell to caver for shipping. Now that my D220 is almost at the wear bar, and the front D208 that has 3000km on it and alredy werry cuped, i desided to sell the rear D208 and will put on the Roadsmarts instead both front and rear.
Looking forward for how they will perform. I�m a rider that like twists and do ride quit hard but still I�m smooth on trottle.
[image: View Post]mello dude, on May 22 2009, 10:38 PM, said:
OK - who would be in for a group buy on the RoadSmart rears? My rear is about gone...
MD
I just bought a set from Long Beach motorsports at what I thought was a great price $130 for the front and $170 for the rear. But you can get a better deal at Competition Accessories (internet) http://www.compacc.c...ort_Touring.cfm The only problem is you have to mount them yourself. I don't think you really need a group deal to get a good price. Ohh and I love the tires.
[image: View Post]Dariusx, on Oct 20 2008, 06:30 PM, said:
To Pilot Road or to Roadsmart, that was the question. Whether 'tis nobler to save fifty dollars and take a chance or go with the sure thing...well, I couldn't be more pleased with my choice.
These are leagues better than the OE D208's: cornering confidence is thru the roof now AND most of all, the wear is phenomenal as you can see from the pictures.
My riding is about a 70/30 slab/curve ratio with moderate paces in the twisties.
From the looks of it, I may get north of 10,000 miles on the rears and 12k or more on the fronts (the front is actually wearing a bit faster on the sides than in the center).
If all continues to go well, I will 100% for sure buy again! :biggrin:
[image: Posted Image] fronttire.jpg
[image: Posted Image] reartire.jpg
Can you post a pic from the side or looking down the tire.(Are they flat in the middle?)
[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on May 11 2009, 05:42 AM, said:
I think I will give the roadsmarts a try now my PR2's are approaching the wear bars.
How many miles do you have on your PR2's?
My Roadsmarts after 5k mostly loaded touring and twisty miles. Almost uniform wear across the tire. Profile of the tire is still good. I anticipate 6K which would equal my best candy ass effort to get max miles. Typically I get 4.5-5K out of rear. Have tried OEM 204s, BT20s, PRs, and Bt21s. These tires have worked for me in all conditions.
And they resist nails...............no leakage when I pulled that thingy out. Most likely I will replace them with the same tire. If the PR2s were a bit cheaper I would consider them but see no reason to change.
[image: View Post]SkeeBoy, on Jun 12 2009, 03:10 PM, said:
[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on May 11 2009, 05:42 AM, said:
I think I will give the roadsmarts a try now my PR2's are approaching the wear bars.
How many miles do you have on your PR2's?
I am not sure but definately more than 10K (mls) and both the front and rear were in need of replacement.
I've now done close to 1K (mls) on the RoadSmarts and think they're OK. When I just had them mounted I was able to scrub them in during some dry conditions as the following 400mls after that was all in the wet. They perform pretty good in the wet, although I think the PR2 has a slight edge over the RoadSmart. Same in dry conditions: I think the PR2 is just slightly better overall. The RoadSmart is however more stable going through the corners, initial turn is needs more input but after that it is like being on rails :biggrin: Something I noticed last weekend when riding with superchode who has a rear PR2 rear and a PP up front installed on his 5th gen, is that the RoadSmarts get a lot more heat in them than the PR2's. Another thing is that with the PR2's I had about the same size chicken strips front and rear: just a couple of mm. Now with the Roadsmarts I have nothing left on the rear without even having scraped a peg yet, and still 5mm. on the front :beer: With the 170 rear PR2 compared to the 180 rear RoadSmart I would expect that to be the other way round. Maybe it has to do with the sidewalls of the Roadsmarts being far less flexible than that of the PR2s.
For now I think the PR2 has a slight edge over the RS, but maybe that will change over the next few thousand kms.
Rosso, there's definitely something about my riding style that keeps the heat out of the front... i've got a PR2 on the rear, but it's a pilot power up front, and i still can't seem to get any heat into it.
i may start running race rubber up front... see if that helps, heh. better idea would likely be to install the F4i front suspension and try again with the geometry change that will result in (more weight on the front).
really enjoying the PR2 on the rear, though... if it performs this well throughout its life, i'll likely stick with it. now i just need to pick up a tire changing rig.
Ah, thanks for setting that straight. On getting a race tire up front: I thought that it is even harder to get some heat into a race tire than a touring tire.
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on Jul 6 2009, 08:31 PM, said:
My Roadsmarts after 5k mostly loaded touring and twisty miles. Almost uniform wear across the tire. Profile of the tire is still good. I anticipate 6K which would equal my best candy ass effort to get max miles. Typically I get 4.5-5K out of rear. Have tried OEM 204s, BT20s, PRs, and Bt21s. These tires have worked for me in all conditions.
And they resist nails...............no leakage when I pulled that thingy out. Most likely I will replace them with the same tire. If the PR2s were a bit cheaper I would consider them but see no reason to change.
I just recently finished off my first RS rear and the wear was fairly uniform. My front has worn a bit unevenly but it hasn't affected cornering at all. Unfortunately, I didn't keep track of my mileage on this one so I'm guessing somewhere in the neighborhood of 4000 for me which isn't too bad. The RS is definitely stiffer than than the PR2 and probably weighs more but with the lower price I will definitely buy these again.
[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on May 21 2009, 09:07 AM, said:
Not yet, but yesterday I ordered a set (�225 delivered to my door) to soon replace my PR2s. Below is an overview of the points awarded during a test done by German magazine "Das Motorrad" on sport-touring tires. he roadsmart comes out #1 in the dry, followed by the PR2. In the wet it is just the other way round. The test was done on a track, the bike they used was a CBR600. From what I've heard, on heavier ST bikes (blackbird, FJR) the roadsmart is much smoother into the turns compared to the PR2. [image: Posted Image]
Funny, it looks like the M3 kicks all their butts in this test, but their not rating it? Maybe it won last time and was a base for this test, but if I read it right it scored higher in every category than any of the new one's. :biggrin:
It also shows the PR2 and the overall winner, but the M3 has 28 more points! :beer: I guess the M3 is a sport tire and not a ST tire though.
Anything about wear in this test?
I liked the M3, but they wore out quick!
thax
[image: View Post]dutchinterceptor, on Jul 8 2009, 04:03 PM, said:
definitely stiffer than than the PR2 and probably weighs more but with the lower price I will definitely buy these again.
I weight the RS at nearly 7kg for the 180/55/17 and 4,3kg for the 120/70/17. I think Keny has a list with more data on weight of various tires
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on Jul 8 2009, 05:05 PM, said:
It also shows the PR2 and the overall winner, but the M3 has 28 more points! :huh: I guess the M3 is a sport tire and not a ST tire though.
That was eactly the reason they didn't rate it but just used it for reference. The M3 came out front with the PP in a sport tire test.
An no, no data on wear as far as I can recall.
The M3 came out front with the PP in a sport tire test.
An no, no data on wear as far as I can recall.
The M3 doesn't last as long as a PP for me and I didn't rate the M3 above the PP myself, but that doesn't mean much! :huh:
[image: View Post]dutchinterceptor, on Jul 8 2009, 04:03 PM, said:
definitely stiffer than than the PR2 and probably weighs more but with the lower price I will definitely buy these again.
I weight the RS at nearly 7kg for the 180/55/17 and 4,3kg for the 120/70/17. I think Keny has a list with more data on weight of various tires
Your right, a local mag has done several "small" tiretests (st, sport and tracktires + tires for small and liter naked bikes) on a track just by one rider, so the test result is just what it is, but the intresting part is they put all tires on the scale, and they do test all amjor tires from Mich, Pirelli, Dunlop, Metz, Avon, Maxxis etc. I will post the weights up as soon as I get the apartment I now restaureating whit a friend ready. Man it eats all my free time...
On getting a race tire up front: I thought that it is even harder to get some heat into a race tire than a touring tire.
Your right there, I had a Dragon Supercorsa (DOT race tire) front on my RC24 for a while, but in colder temps and wet, it just didnt come to operating temps and you had werry poor grip. In hot thro it was werry good.
Speaking of temps, the mag tire test, they also did mesure the tires temp after X laps on the track. The PR2 had the lowest if I recall right, Dunlop was in the groop of highest temps in the tires after the laps.
Also I recall last summer in Germany your PR2 was way cooler than the BT014/Z6 combo I had on my Rc24.
i needed new tyres fitting before my trip into europe i asked for road smarts after reading about them on the forum,my fitter said none available from suppliers so i went for avon storms 2000 miles later im happy with them.may be i ii try road smarts next time.rob
I put Roadsmards on my bike this spring, and now that I have 4000 miles on them, I thought I'd share my impressions with the group.
So far, I am very happy with the grip and handling of these tires. I commute to work most days, and I've put in a few 400 to 1000 mile trips so far. I always ride solo, and I don't load up with much luggage. They grip great in the rain or in the dry. On my trip around Lake Michigan with a guy on a Harley, he had traction issues in the rain but the Roadsmarts stuck like glue. On a particular set of three curves near my office, I have been gradually taking them a little faster each time and there is absolutely no issue with traction.
So far, wear seems pretty good. I just took these pictures and the tires have exactly 4003 miles on them...
Considering the fact that I live in Illinois - the land of straight roads - they seem to be wearing pretty well so far. I had Qualifiers previously that were as square as car tires by the time I was done with them.....
[image: View Post]alwaysaware, on Jun 12 2009, 08:54 AM, said:
[image: View Post]mello dude, on May 22 2009, 10:38 PM, said:
OK - who would be in for a group buy on the RoadSmart rears? My rear is about gone...
MD
I just bought a set from Long Beach motorsports at what I thought was a great price $130 for the front and $170 for the rear. But you can get a better deal at Competition Accessories (internet) http://www.compacc.c...ort_Touring.cfm The only problem is you have to mount them yourself. I don't think you really need a group deal to get a good price. Ohh and I love the tires.
This is the best mileage I ever have had out of a VFR rear. The profile is still relatively good ...considering! If the roads were dry, I probably could get another 500 or miles out of the the 180..maybe more.
The front is another story and is completely shot and the profile sucks at this point. The left side is completely bald...center is still ok.
The Roadsmarts are really the first set of tires where the front and rear go at about the same time although the BT021 front went fast too. This is not really a bad thing but contrary to my experience.
I am sticking with Sport Touring tires. OK should I get another pair of Roadsmarts or go with the PR2s, new Angel STs from Pirelli or another choice? Anybody go from Roadsmarts to PR2s or the reverse?
[image: View Post]Jon28, on 21 May 2009 - 11:51 AM, said:
Nice write up. However, I'd be hard pressed to find a tire that outperforms the Avon Storms. I replaced my last set at 6k miles. That is the most mileage I have ever seen on Florida slabs. With most speeds at 90mph it doesn't take long to kill a set of rubbers.
I just did 1500+ miles with the TMAC on a new set of Storms and they never slipped. I would love to find a tire that will give me the same grip and longer mileage.......the hunt continues....
Have to agree about the Storms. I went from them to the set of PR2CT's I have on now. The Michelins handle terrible compared to the Storms. I can put the bike where I want it with the PR's but it's requires much more input. :biggrin:
I have to agree about the Storms. Been riding on them for the last few years--much more confidence inspiring than the Z6's I ran before.
I spooned on a new set of Storms prior to my Colorado trip last summer. Temperatures from the mid 90's to the upper 30s, and some of the most torrential rains I have ever ridden thru (try finding an overpass in South Dakota to hide under sometime!!) and the tires were always predictable. Even with my fat a$, saddle bags, and tail bag full-- the tires showed very acceptable wear after 4500 miles. I'll probably get another 1.5-2K miles out of them.
[image: View Post]Bent, on 23 January 2010 - 06:41 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Jon28, on 21 May 2009 - 11:51 AM, said:
Nice write up. However, I'd be hard pressed to find a tire that outperforms the Avon Storms. I replaced my last set at 6k miles. That is the most mileage I have ever seen on Florida slabs. With most speeds at 90mph it doesn't take long to kill a set of rubbers.
I just did 1500+ miles with the TMAC on a new set of Storms and they never slipped. I would love to find a tire that will give me the same grip and longer mileage.......the hunt continues....
Have to agree about the Storms. I went from them to the set of PR2CT's I have on now. The Michelins handle terrible compared to the Storms. I can put the bike where I want it with the PR's but it's requires much more input. :biggrin:
That is quite a testimonial as normally when you switch tires you are are going from a shagged tire with a bad profile to a "perfect" shape so there is a natural bias towards the new tire.
I have had just about every style of Dunlop and have been fine with all of them except the Roadsmarts. The first set wore in a pattern I've never seen/heard of and they did it in less than 2k miles. The dealership worked out a very good deal with me for a new set and said they never saw anything like that either. The second set has about 3k and is now doing the SAME THING!!! Damn it! They seem to be fine as long as I ride a mix of road types but both sets look identical after long stretches of super slab. (1k miles +). Air pressure is spot on, not extreme temps + or -, no passenger, full saddle bags, almost empty trunk. If anybody has ANY ideas, please speak up. The tires are getting a RAISED strip all the way around the circumference, almost as if you glued a yardstick around the tire. Cornering after this happens is crazy. There isn't any cupping and it isn't normal flat spotting the center. I have asked at 3 shops and everybody just shrugs their shoulders and says they've never seen it. Well, now I've seen it twice. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
The right side is better than the left at this point but I do not have the ridges you have experienced. Most of my miles are on the backroads with little straight lining but over half are loaded touring miles.
[image: View Post]The mailman, on 23 January 2010 - 07:04 PM, said:
I have had just about every style of Dunlop and have been fine with all of them except the Roadsmarts. The first set wore in a pattern I've never seen/heard of and they did it in less than 2k miles. The dealership worked out a very good deal with me for a new set and said they never saw anything like that either. The second set has about 3k and is now doing the SAME THING!!! Damn it! They seem to be fine as long as I ride a mix of road types but both sets look identical after long stretches of super slab. (1k miles +). Air pressure is spot on, not extreme temps + or -, no passenger, full saddle bags, almost empty trunk. If anybody has ANY ideas, please speak up. The tires are getting a RAISED strip all the way around the circumference, almost as if you glued a yardstick around the tire. Cornering after this happens is crazy. There isn't any cupping and it isn't normal flat spotting the center. I have asked at 3 shops and everybody just shrugs their shoulders and says they've never seen it. Well, now I've seen it twice. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
[image: Posted Image] Dunlop Roadsmarts
The set I ran did the same thing but I didn't have any issues when cornering. I thought it was due to them being dual compound but later found out that only the rear tire is dual.
[image: View Post]The mailman, on 23 January 2010 - 07:04 PM, said:
I have had just about every style of Dunlop and have been fine with all of them except the Roadsmarts. The first set wore in a pattern I've never seen/heard of and they did it in less than 2k miles. The dealership worked out a very good deal with me for a new set and said they never saw anything like that either. The second set has about 3k and is now doing the SAME THING!!! Damn it! They seem to be fine as long as I ride a mix of road types but both sets look identical after long stretches of super slab. (1k miles +). Air pressure is spot on, not extreme temps + or -, no passenger, full saddle bags, almost empty trunk. If anybody has ANY ideas, please speak up. The tires are getting a RAISED strip all the way around the circumference, almost as if you glued a yardstick around the tire. Cornering after this happens is crazy. There isn't any cupping and it isn't normal flat spotting the center. I have asked at 3 shops and everybody just shrugs their shoulders and says they've never seen it. Well, now I've seen it twice. :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
[image: Posted Image] Dunlop Roadsmarts
quit ridin a straight line all the time!http://www.vfrdiscus...tyle_emoticons/default/tongue.gif
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 23 January 2010 - 06:12 PM, said:
OK should I get another pair of Roadsmarts or go with the PR2s, new Angel STs from Pirelli or another choice? Anybody go from Roadsmarts to PR2s or the reverse?
I went from PR2 to roadsmarts and like the PR2 a little better. The PR2 lasts longer, doesn't square off as quick. Also I think they offer more grip. Next will be the Angel ST.
[image: View Post]V4 Rosso, on 23 January 2010 - 08:04 PM, said:
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 23 January 2010 - 06:12 PM, said:
OK should I get another pair of Roadsmarts or go with the PR2s, new Angel STs from Pirelli or another choice? Anybody go from Roadsmarts to PR2s or the reverse?
I went from PR2 to roadsmarts and like the PR2 a little better. The PR2 lasts longer, doesn't square off as quick. Also I think they offer more grip. Next will be the Angel ST.
I really liked the RS rear but not as happy with the front mileage. I think I will try the Angel ST as well? To the best of my knowledge it is the "newest" tire out there.
[image: View Post]Jmmymc750, on 23 January 2010 - 07:23 PM, said:
quit ridin a straight line all the time!http://www.vfrdiscus...tyle_emoticons/default/tongue.gif
That's the wierd thing with these tires. If I was riding long distance line a straight line, (which I was) it should wear it down FLAT, not raise it up. I just don't get it... :fing02:
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 23 January 2010 - 08:16 PM, said:
I really liked the RS rear but not as happy with the front mileage. I think I will try the Angel ST as well? To the best of my knowledge it is the "newest" tire out there.
I have read two reviews on the Angel. Both said they were great except in the rain. Since you're from San Diego and I'm in Colorado, rain performance isn't a huge deal to either one of us. I'll be checking this one out as well next round.
[image: View Post]The mailman, on 23 January 2010 - 08:18 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Jmmymc750, on 23 January 2010 - 07:23 PM, said:
quit ridin a straight line all the time!http://www.vfrdiscus...tyle_emoticons/default/tongue.gif
That's the wierd thing with these tires. If I was riding long distance line a straight line, (which I was) it should wear it down FLAT, not raise it up. I just don't get it... :fing02:
My brother had the same issue on his wing. His tire looked exactly the same.http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif
[image: View Post]unkjj, on 23 January 2010 - 08:36 PM, said:
[image: View Post]The mailman, on 23 January 2010 - 08:18 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Jmmymc750, on 23 January 2010 - 07:23 PM, said:
quit ridin a straight line all the time!http://www.vfrdiscus...tyle_emoticons/default/tongue.gif
That's the wierd thing with these tires. If I was riding long distance line a straight line, (which I was) it should wear it down FLAT, not raise it up. I just don't get it... :fing02:
My brother had the same issue on his wing. His tire looked exactly the same.http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif
I would love to get the same thing that I get on my Wing. Just checked my 1800 mileage on the front and I have 12K and still a perfect profile.............and it does great in the corners too. Again mostly twisties but with a touch more slab than the VFR. I use the OEM Stone on the front.
I'm running the Metzeler Sportec M-3's ...they're really sticky. They only lasted 2k. I just put my second set on. Great grip for riding to Alice's and the whole Rt 9 area ( Bay Area). Lot's of twisties. I ran them right to the ends last weekend. Overall great grip but not a commuter tire. More of a performance tire :fing02:
[image: View Post]The mailman, on 23 January 2010 - 07:04 PM, said:
I have had just about every style of Dunlop and have been fine with all of them except the Roadsmarts. The first set wore in a pattern I've never seen/heard of and they did it in less than 2k miles. The dealership worked out a very good deal with me for a new set and said they never saw anything like that either. The second set has about 3k and is now doing the SAME THING!!! Damn it! They seem to be fine as long as I ride a mix of road types but both sets look identical after long stretches of super slab. (1k miles +). Air pressure is spot on, not extreme temps + or -, no passenger, full saddle bags, almost empty trunk. If anybody has ANY ideas, please speak up. The tires are getting a RAISED strip all the way around the circumference, almost as if you glued a yardstick around the tire. Cornering after this happens is crazy. There isn't any cupping and it isn't normal flat spotting the center. I have asked at 3 shops and everybody just shrugs their shoulders and says they've never seen it. Well, now I've seen it twice. :fing02: :wheel: :pissed:
I see you ride a 97, how many miles do you have on it? When was the last time you changed the fork oil? If your fork's valving are worn and/or have old oil, the damping will be compromised and cupping or irregular wear patterns can result. The fact you had it twice in a row to me suggests you have a suspension issue. I would recommend you have the valving refreshed by a suspension expert.
[image: View Post]tincan1200, on 23 January 2010 - 09:05 PM, said:
Nice write up on this thread!
I'm running the Metzeler Sportec M-3's ...they're really sticky. They only lasted 2k. I just put my second set on. Great grip for riding to Alice's and the whole Rt 9 area ( Bay Area). Lot's of twisties. I ran them right to the ends last weekend. Overall great grip but not a commuter tire. More of a performance tire :fing02:
I have slowed down a bit since my 99 was new and don't feel the need for "Maverick Speed" anymore :goofy: and do not push the ST tires to the limit anyway. 2K would not cut if for me as most of my VFRs tours are at least that long. I do like to show cord........especially when the wife asks me about it :pissed:
I have jumped on a nice yellow VFR with sticky performance rubber and Ohlins and I must say I did like it ...........but not for touring. :wheel:
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 23 January 2010 - 06:59 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Bent, on 23 January 2010 - 06:41 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Jon28, on 21 May 2009 - 11:51 AM, said:
Nice write up. However, I'd be hard pressed to find a tire that outperforms the Avon Storms. I replaced my last set at 6k miles. That is the most mileage I have ever seen on Florida slabs. With most speeds at 90mph it doesn't take long to kill a set of rubbers.
I just did 1500+ miles with the TMAC on a new set of Storms and they never slipped. I would love to find a tire that will give me the same grip and longer mileage.......the hunt continues....
Have to agree about the Storms. I went from them to the set of PR2CT's I have on now. The Michelins handle terrible compared to the Storms. I can put the bike where I want it with the PR's but it's requires much more input. :fing02:
That is quite a testimonial as normally when you switch tires you are are going from a shagged tire with a bad profile to a "perfect" shape so there is a natural bias towards the new tire.
I've run many sets of Storms so I know what both feel like new. When the set or PR2's were new they handled like dogs compared to a Storm in any state of wear. Storms turn in very easily. Best ST tire made for handling in my experience. :wheel:
[image: View Post]Solomoto, on 23 January 2010 - 09:28 PM, said:
[image: View Post]The mailman, on 23 January 2010 - 07:04 PM, said:
I have had just about every style of Dunlop and have been fine with all of them except the Roadsmarts. The first set wore in a pattern I've never seen/heard of and they did it in less than 2k miles. The dealership worked out a very good deal with me for a new set and said they never saw anything like that either. The second set has about 3k and is now doing the SAME THING!!! Damn it! They seem to be fine as long as I ride a mix of road types but both sets look identical after long stretches of super slab. (1k miles +). Air pressure is spot on, not extreme temps + or -, no passenger, full saddle bags, almost empty trunk. If anybody has ANY ideas, please speak up. The tires are getting a RAISED strip all the way around the circumference, almost as if you glued a yardstick around the tire. Cornering after this happens is crazy. There isn't any cupping and it isn't normal flat spotting the center. I have asked at 3 shops and everybody just shrugs their shoulders and says they've never seen it. Well, now I've seen it twice. :fing02: :wheel: :pissed:
I see you ride a 97, how many miles do you have on it? When was the last time you changed the fork oil? If your fork's valving are worn and/or have old oil, the damping will be compromised and cupping or irregular wear patterns can result. The fact you had it twice in a row to me suggests you have a suspension issue. I would recommend you have the valving refreshed by a suspension expert.
Good call. I did have the fork oil changed right after I had the second set of Roadsmarts mounted because I was wondering if three year old oil was to blame. Once things warm up again, I'll get out and reset my sag adjustments too to see if that helps. I did recently back the adjustment on the top of the forks out one full turn to soften the ride a bit. However, I have ridden with it set pretty stiff for quite a while without any issues until I mounted the Roadsmarts. I'm only at 30k thanks in great part to a very short 6 mile commute. Thanks for the brainstorming.
[image: View Post]The mailman, on 23 January 2010 - 11:49 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Solomoto, on 23 January 2010 - 09:28 PM, said:
[image: View Post]The mailman, on 23 January 2010 - 07:04 PM, said:
I have had just about every style of Dunlop and have been fine with all of them except the Roadsmarts. The first set wore in a pattern I've never seen/heard of and they did it in less than 2k miles. The dealership worked out a very good deal with me for a new set and said they never saw anything like that either. The second set has about 3k and is now doing the SAME THING!!! Damn it! They seem to be fine as long as I ride a mix of road types but both sets look identical after long stretches of super slab. (1k miles +). Air pressure is spot on, not extreme temps + or -, no passenger, full saddle bags, almost empty trunk. If anybody has ANY ideas, please speak up. The tires are getting a RAISED strip all the way around the circumference, almost as if you glued a yardstick around the tire. Cornering after this happens is crazy. There isn't any cupping and it isn't normal flat spotting the center. I have asked at 3 shops and everybody just shrugs their shoulders and says they've never seen it. Well, now I've seen it twice. :fing02: :wheel: :pissed:
I see you ride a 97, how many miles do you have on it? When was the last time you changed the fork oil? If your fork's valving are worn and/or have old oil, the damping will be compromised and cupping or irregular wear patterns can result. The fact you had it twice in a row to me suggests you have a suspension issue. I would recommend you have the valving refreshed by a suspension expert.
Good call. I did have the fork oil changed right after I had the second set of Roadsmarts mounted because I was wondering if three year old oil was to blame. Once things warm up again, I'll get out and reset my sag adjustments too to see if that helps. I did recently back the adjustment on the top of the forks out one full turn to soften the ride a bit. However, I have ridden with it set pretty stiff for quite a while without any issues until I mounted the Roadsmarts. I'm only at 30k thanks in great part to a very short 6 mile commute. Thanks for the brainstorming.
It's definitely an issue with those front tires cause those pictures could easily have been mine. It's as if the center was made of steal and refused to wear while the sides wore twice as fast.
[image: View Post]dutchinterceptor, on 24 January 2010 - 12:06 AM, said:
It's definitely an issue with those front tires cause those pictures could easily have been mine. It's as if the center was made of steal and refused to wear while the sides wore twice as fast.
Yes, front wearing to be a v chape is common, more twist you ride the more so (spechally on a haver bike like the VFR) thro I have seen center flat tires on some BMW, just straight highway cruising do that. Sound boring to me.
I have to see how my RS will look after next season as I will comute whit it. I have 2000km so far on them, and looking like new :goofy:
I replaced the Metezler ME-Z4 tires that came stock on my 2007 two weeks ago (after 7500 miles) and had the chance to ride them on some twisty roads this weekend. I live in Oklahoma City and rode 74 (a straight line), 74-C (a hilly road with a series of 90-deg. turns; watch for gravel, too) from Crescent to 77 between Guthrie and Mulhall (long high-speed sweepers along the Cimarron River) and 33 (a few hilly sweepers).
The Roadsmarts were an excellent replacement choice for me. The Z4s were very harsh and would communicate every expansion joint with a sharp jolt to the bars and seat. In contrast, the Roadsmarts absorb all but the sharpest bumps and appear to do so without a loss of lateral stiffness. They hold the road well despite accommodating vertical inputs.
At least while new, they also have excellent cornering characteristics. The transition from upright to fully leaned over is seemingly linear. In contrast, the Z4s seemed almost triangular in profile, with sharp distinction between upright and turned, becoming worse with wear.
I previously had a 97 VFR which came with Dunlop D-205s and I switched to D-220s. The Roadsmarts are far better than either on my 97, but the bikes are different, too.
[image: View Post]The mailman, on 23 January 2010 - 08:35 PM, said:
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 23 January 2010 - 08:16 PM, said:
I really liked the RS rear but not as happy with the front mileage. I think I will try the Angel ST as well? To the best of my knowledge it is the "newest" tire out there.
I have read two reviews on the Angel. Both said they were great except in the rain. Since you're from San Diego and I'm in Colorado, rain performance isn't a huge deal to either one of us. I'll be checking this one out as well next round.
I read a review that said the Angel STs were exceptional in the rain.. :fing02: Hmmm.. Planning on giving them a try when the OE Dunlops die. I'll find out about the rain, as it does that every day in the summer here :laugh:
I just replaced the front Roadsmart with a ST Angel. No rides yet.
The Roadsmart lasted 6100 miles ...about the same as a BT21 front. The Roadsmart profile at tha point was horrible unlike the rear which still has "shape". There still was useable tread in the middle on the front but the sides were shot/bald.
I used to get about 7.5 on a front VFR tire but new generation fronts (BT21/Smart) don't seem to get the same mileage. The rear roadsmart has a few miles left on it and I will pull it off for the next big ride. The rear roadsmart mileage is the best I have had so far at 6K plus.
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