So thinking with about 10k on the tires now, PP front, PR3 rear....time to replace them, although tread still looks good on both, see pics.
Anyways as everyone here knows, finding a 170/60 is a problem.
I am not an aggressive rider by any means, I just do a day-out riding the roads around Southern Arizona, no peg dragging....so do not need the grip of a sport tire like Pilot Power 2CTs which would probably not yield much in the way of mileage. Never two-up, not carrying much luggage, although I do have hard cases for it now.
If you're getting 10K out of a PP/PR combo a 180/55 will be fine on the rear. You may notice a slight difference in turn-in, but it's not anything more than a fresh set of tires.
Last time I shopped 170/60 was still available in PP, but that's been a while. I prefer those for handling on the 4th gen. Unless I'm putting on straight miles that's what I mount.
Trying out a set of Avon Spirit ST that I got a great deal on this season. If I was buying right now, you can grab a set of Bridgestone T31's for like $180 after rebate from Rocky Mountain.
Well now a bit confused with the T31s....the rear GT version is supposed to be for heavier bikes, but has a one number lighter load rating than the rear non GT version...does not make sense;
the rear GT has 3 nylon, 1 steel belts....non GT has 2 nylon, 1 steel.....,makes sense that GT is a heavier construction..
The rear GT is available in a 170, the non GT is not, would have to use a 180.....????
Can someone explain this to me??
Also I need a tire for hot dry pavement, usually with some sand, not improved wet traction.....I live in the desert, not out when it might rain.
I purchased the non-GT version. The review I read was done by a larger chap with a HEAVILY loaded 5th gen. By heavily I mean the difference between a 5th gen and a Goldwing (comparing my set-up to his). He tried both (T30 EVO mind you) and liked the GT much better. But I would think for his use he SHOULD have the GT.
For your described use, I think you would be just fine with the non-GT. Sizing is a different story.
I would think you would want the same sidewall/carcass stiffness at each end rather than GT on rear and non on front. Just my uneducated opinion though.
Are you replacing due to tire age? Looks like you have a fair bit of tread life on your existing tires by the photos.
Consider the BT-023 if you're looking for a robust long-life touring tire. Bridgestone still makes these and has classified them as just that.
Quote
Touring & Sport, the definitive long-life touring tire that provides two opposing performance features! Recommended for: ●Riders who want to enjoy touring along with long wear life tires. ●Riders who want to focus on more comfortable long touring and excellent performance in wet conditions. ●Riders who ride heavy sport-tourers to sport-naked motorbikes.
I agree that both tires I have seem to me to have alot of tread left with having 10k miles on them, especially the rear. I was only replacing due to age.....if I remember correctly both have a 2013 mfg date. These tires were on there when I purchased the bike 5 yrs ago (next month).
Appears my riding style yields higher mileage than most....so I probably do not need a tire that is made with long wear tire life.
I agree that I do not need the GT version of the T31s....and would not mix them.
I have read that all Bstone tires give a harsh ride. Sure do not want that on these "wonderful" roads around Southern Arizona.