2020 Tire(s) Review

Here’s my tire usage for the year. My year to date mileage  is approaching 28000 .

Set1 Installed Feb 14; Metzeler Roadtecs (Tires cost $324.73) mounted at 44200 Mi

Notes: High Flow Oil Filter installed during service for tires. This filter developed a gradual leak that eventually coated part of the rear tire. Metzelers had accumulated approximately 4200 mi when this occurred. No more non-OEM oil filters for me !

Set 2 Installed Mar 14; Pirelli STs (Tires cost $214.49)  mounted at 48403 Mi.

Notes: Pirelli STs replaced oil coated Metzelers. Instantly noticed more lively steering feel and tip in.Enjoyed this set thoroughly. Belts showing on Rear tire just before  54444 Mi. Pirelli STs accumulated 6041 Mi.

Set 3 Installed June 2; Metzeler Z6s (Tires cost $217)  mounted at 54444 Mi.

Notes: Metzelers steered heavier than the Pirellis. Stable smooth riding. Metzeler Z6s accumulated approximately 5038 miles before belts began to show on the rear.

Set4 Installed Jul 2; Metzeler Roadtecs (Tires cost $324.33) mounted at 59482 Mi

Notes: Roadtecs provide a great balance of Feel, Grip, and Comfort at a premium price. These tires had accumulated approximately 6665 mi when the rear developed an unrepairable puncture. They were pretty close to being worn out.

Set5  Installed Oct 22; Pirelli STs (Tires cost $215) mounted at 66147 Mi.

Notes: Pirellis impress with excellent  feel and ride for a great price. Currently have accumulated about 4500 mi on this set with (hopefully) 1500 more miles to go.

Set1 Installed ?? 2021; Pirelli STs (Tires cost $215)

Notes: Already purchased another set of the Pirelli STs for next year. Great performance at a bargain basement price. But....

I still want a high quality tire that can go over 8000 mi if I have the chance to ride west in 2021.

My personal record on one set of tires would be the Bridgestone T30s I rode on the big round trip excursion from NC to Cali and back in 2018...8614 Mi on that set before replacing them. They were squared off and felt really dull by then. Never had one tire issue during the trip though. In fairness, those Bridgestones were installed before suspension upgrades were done. I ride more aggressively now              ( after the Jamie Daugherty suspension upgrades ) so that may also affect tire wear. Perhaps trying another set of Bridgestones would be warranted.

To be continued....

28,000 miles for the year?!  Wow!!  And I was feeling pretty good about approaching 12,000 this year.  :laugh:

Thanks for the quick tire reviews.  I always appreciate reading actual real-world rider comments instead of moto-mag reviewers' write-ups.

I bought Metzeler Roadtec Z6's the last couple times I replaced tires.  Not the longest wearing tires but I liked them.  My new bike came with Z8's as the original tires.  Most folks on the BMW forum I'm on hate the Z8's, but I think they're okay, if maybe a little less grippy than tires I've had previously.  In warmer weather they're fine, but in colder temps I just take corners a little slower.

I liked the Z6s but, I liked the Pirellis even more . Today I see on Amazon Bridgestone T30s for $185 (set). I am tempted ...the west coast calls in 2021 !

I have a 2007 VFR with 11k miles on my Angel GT. Still looking ok. I thought the angel ST were replaced by the GT which was replaced by the GT II? Check the year of manufacturer of the ST. I wonder how to Roadtec 1 and Micheline Pilor Road 5 perform as well. Thanks for the report!

You're right about the ST Angels. They are the older design compared to the GT and GT2. They are made in china ( Pirelli is owned 

by the Chinese ) and the manufacturing dates are recent. I go through a lot of tires in a year and cost is a big factor. I'm tempted to

try the GT or GT2 but, I'd bet that they won't last me more than 8000 mi ....probably less. The Metzeler Roadtecs probably are in the same

category as the GT/GT2 and the one set that I almost wore to the belts had less than 7000 mi on it. Everyone's mileage varies.

Fitted Angel GT II's on my RC51 for a track day.

Then covid hit us. But am sure they'll do just fine.

Where are you buying your tires? I paid more for my back tire than you did for every set you mentioned. I would be hesitant to buy Michelin Pilot 5's if you're looking for longevity. I took these off at around 3000 miles and the back looks ok but the front not so good. I weigh 240 lbs and ride pretty aggressively on some curvy roads here in middle Tennessee, so that may account for the wear. 

22 minutes ago, interceptor69

Where are you buying your tires? I paid more for my back tire than you did for every set you mentioned. I would be hesitant to buy Michelin Pilot 5's if you're looking for longevity. I took these off at around 3000 miles and the back looks ok but the front not so good. I weigh 240 lbs and ride pretty aggressively on some curvy roads here in middle Tennessee, so that may account for the wear. 

[image: 20201212_100931.jpg]

[image: 20201212_100927.jpg]

[image: 20201212_100921.jpg]

Interesting observation. My friend had a very similar experience with his 2012 Ducati Multistrada which weighs a little less than the VFR. He was told he needs the GT tires - heavier load rating. It is very unusual for the front to wear out before the rear. Maybe it is a design issue with these tires? I have had good luck with my Pirelli GT's

1 hour ago, dani

 It is very unusual for the front to wear out before the rear. Maybe it is a design issue with these tires? I have had good luck with my Pirelli GT's

My BMWs all wore the front tyre out first even the GS800

The only tires I've used where the back wore out before the front were Dunlop Q series.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Z6 Metzelers and Pirelli Sts are off Amazon Prime.

Roadtec Metzelers are from Rocky Mtn ATV.

I used to love Michelins on my SV650S but, the Road 5s are too expensive...imho.

[image: IMG_a3694.thumb.jpg.6f3385635483ecb66d3505035f904f77.jpg]

Today looked at the back of my Pirelli ST with bright winter sunlight shining on it. The belts are starting to show just a bit in one part of the tire. The last few rides have been pretty aggressive with lots of twisty roads and (occasional) 100 mph bursts . Looks like this set is not going to make it to the 6000 mi mark. Today we are right at 5393 Mi. These tires have been a hoot and there's another set in the garage ready to go. 

Just for fun let's play the what- if game. It looks like I'm a bit over 28000 mi for the year. Let's throw some cost estimates at running the 

Pirelli STs for 28000 mi vs Pirelli GTs for the same distance. I'm assuming 5000 mi per set of ST and 6500 mi per set of GT.

Note: I have never run a set of GTs but, I have run 3 sets of Metzeler Roadtec 1s and they have all lasted over 6500 mi....or they should have. One set got swapped out at 4000 mi (due to a crappy highflo oil filter leaking) I'm assuming the GTs will do at least as well as the Roadtecs....of course we all know about assumptions !!! I do plan to sample the GT in 2021.

Pirelli ST. $215 per set Amazon. 28000 mi/5000 mi/set=5.6 ( Round up to the nearest whole number ....6 Sets x 215=$1290

6 Sets x $150/set installation= $900. $1290+$900=$2190

Pirelli GT. $350 per set Amazon. 28000 mi/6500 mi/set=4.3 ( Round up to the nearest whole number ....5 Sets x 350=$1750

5 Sets x $150/set installation= $750. $1750+$750=$2500

It will cost $310 more to run the GTs instead of the STs over the equivalent distance. My shop gets an extra tire change visit out of me.

Just a hypothetical.....Anybody have a headache ? Cheers...drinks all around then !

which plant made your ST vs GT tyres? I'm finding great variations in Pirelli.

Made in China....

There's roughly 19 factories producing Pirelli bike tyres. The latest is in Malaysia I think. Just wondering if anyone compiled stats on various locations.

I have noticed in past decade that more people have been returning defective Pirelli tyres at track more often. Set of Pirelli tyres on my Porsche dry-rotted and cracked before wearing out.

I just got 12k-miles out of my last set of BT-45s.

7 hours ago, RC79NC001

[image: IMG_a3694.thumb.jpg.6f3385635483ecb66d3505035f904f77.jpg]

Today looked at the back of my Pirelli ST with bright winter sunlight shining on it. The belts are starting to show just a bit in one part of the tire. The last few rides have been pretty aggressive with lots of twisty roads and (occasional) 100 mph bursts . Looks like this set is not going to make it to the 6000 mi mark. Today we are right at 5393 Mi. These tires have been a hoot and there's another set in the garage ready to go. 

Just for fun let's play the what- if game. It looks like I'm a bit over 28000 mi for the year. Let's throw some cost estimates at running the 

Pirelli STs for 28000 mi vs Pirelli GTs for the same distance. I'm assuming 5000 mi per set of ST and 6500 mi per set of GT.

Note: I have never run a set of GTs but, I have run 3 sets of Metzeler Roadtec 1s and they have all lasted over 6500 mi....or they should have. One set got swapped out at 4000 mi (due to a crappy highflo oil filter leaking) I'm assuming the GTs will do at least as well as the Roadtecs....of course we all know about assumptions !!! I do plan to sample the GT in 2021.

Pirelli ST. $215 per set Amazon. 28000 mi/5000 mi/set=5.6 ( Round up to the nearest whole number ....6 Sets x 215=$1290

6 Sets x $150/set installation= $900. $1290+$900=$2190

Pirelli GT. $350 per set Amazon. 28000 mi/6500 mi/set=4.3 ( Round up to the nearest whole number ....5 Sets x 350=$1750

5 Sets x $150/set installation= $750. $1750+$750=$2500

It will cost $310 more to run the GTs instead of the STs over the equivalent distance. My shop gets an extra tire change visit out of me.

Just a hypothetical.....Anybody have a headache ? Cheers...drinks all around then !

Will be even more if you start using the newer GT 2.

If you're paying $150/ set for installation,  as much as you ride it would pay to set yourself up to mount & balance them yourself.  Check out Mojolever and Marc Parnes balancer - those are the two main tools I use to do mine.  I use a 14" car rim with heater hose on the edge to hold the wheel while working on it. 

Motorcycle tire Log/Record Locater.

Works surprisingly well as a beer cooler also.

Great write up, real world, first hand experience is a great resource and a benefit to all who ride.

To the OP, thanks for taking the time to do this.

🍺

Cogs is right.

My Black Widow paddock tire changer and HF wheel balancer cost less than $150 together. He just has better taste in tools than I do.............

I did not really want to change my own tires, but I do not have many options where I live and the few who were around were not strictly Motorcycle shops. As in they also did Quads, lawnmowers, Snow machines, Weed Whackers, chainsaws etc. Plus they would not mount them unless you bought the tires from them. Lets see, retail cost plus time and materials....Ummmm, no.

So like Ducatti (motto, turning riders into mechanics for over 50 years) I had to learn how to do it myself. Turns out its not that difficult.

I only average about 3-6 tires a year myself, depending, but average about 5 times that as I suddenly had a lot of new friends....

I have the HF tire machine, along with the Mojolever and Marc Parnes balancer. I do at least 8 sets of tires a year for myself, and another few dozen for friends. I only charge them a 6 pack of Hazy IPA 😀. Keeps my fridge stocked all summer...

I need to remember the Beer thing.

Excellent idea.

2 hours ago, FromMaine

Cogs is right.

My Black Widow paddock tire changer and HF wheel balancer cost less than $150 together. He just has better taste in tools than I do.............

I did not really want to change my own tires, but I do not have many options where I live and the few who were around were not strictly Motorcycle shops. As in they also did Quads, lawnmowers, Snow machines, Weed Whackers, chainsaws etc. Plus they would not mount them unless you bought the tires from them. Lets see, retail cost plus time and materials....Ummmm, no.

So like Ducatti (motto, turning riders into mechanics for over 50 years) I had to learn how to do it myself. Turns out its not that difficult.

I only average about 3-6 tires a year myself, depending, but average about 5 times that as I suddenly had a lot of new friends....

Don't be too sure about my tool selection - LOL! - my bead breaker is a 2x4 secured to the wall by a satellite dish mount with a short 2x2 piece bolted to the 2x4 - press down on the 2x4 and the 2x2 then presses down on the bead - total hillbilly / redneck setup.   :laugh:   It does work though.  The car wheel is placed on a workbench with a steel rod sticking up out of the bench for the mojolever to get leverage against.  The mojolever definitely saves the wheel from scratches.  Enough soapy water or bead lube makes it a one person job. 

heh, heh... I use big C-clamp to break bead. Then 2 spoon-levers to change tyres.

I see that many people like the idea of changing their own tires. I'm cool with that but I also like the idea of supporting my local 

independent ( and competent ) motorcycle shop. They are really good guys and I enjoy going to visit them. I think they are enjoying

the fact that I ride so much and burn through lots of consumables like tires .

From Maine has the  great idea of posting the new tire stickers on the fridge . I stick mine on the columns of storage shelves in the back of

my garage. It's like  your own personal history of tires !

[image: IMG_a3706.thumb.jpg.259e28997eee0781b7919c29b515fe0b.jpg][image: IMG_a3705.thumb.jpg.35becddbb3b214add75d6059a1b737e4.jpg]

15 hours ago, FromMaine

Motorcycle tire Log/Record Locater.

Works surprisingly well as a beer cooler also.

Great write up, real world, first hand experience is a great resource and a benefit to all who ride.

To the OP, thanks for taking the time to do this.

🍺

[image: thumbnail_1219202005a.jpg]

My shed wall is the same.

Cogswell, 12/19/2020 at 11:55 PM

Don't be too sure about my tool selection - LOL! - my bead breaker is a 2x4 secured to the wall by a satellite dish mount with a short 2x2 piece bolted to the 2x4 - press down on the 2x4 and the 2x2 then presses down on the bead - total hillbilly / redneck setup.   :laugh:   It does work though.  The car wheel is placed on a workbench with a steel rod sticking up out of the bench for the mojolever to get leverage against.  The mojolever definitely saves the wheel from scratches.  Enough soapy water or bead lube makes it a one person job. 

Hi Cogs

I see we watched the same Youtube video. I drilled a hole in one of my garages 2X4's and mounted mine there.🙂

Hillbilly/Redneck?

Its actually quite sophisticated🙂.

Ten years ago I flew out to Iowa to pick up my 97. The owner had said the rear had maybe 1500 miles left on it so I had a Bridgestone S20 sent to his house. I left Portland around 0530 and arrived at his house about 5 hours later. It was Saturday so the local shop that did his tires was closed, So I removed the rear and had a look around. I placed some short 2X4's on the front sill of his garage door, then the tire on them, Did a quick measure then cut a 2X4 about 4" longer than the distance between the bead and the joist above it. Stuck it in on an angle then grabbed a hammer. Took less than 5 minutes to remove the tire, I did bring my Motion Pro tire irons with me. I asked him for some furniture polish and lubed the bead and had the new tire on the rim a few minutes later. Knew because there is no real rear axle that balancing would be an issue so had ordered some dyna beads also and threw them in. The longest part of the procedure was getting his little pancake compressor to actually seat the bead. Rear was back on the bike in maybe 45 minutes.

We were cleaning up his Garage when he stopped and looked over and blurted out, "That.....That  That was totally Caveman!" Something I have never been accused of before or since.

8 hours ago, RC79NC001

I see that many people like the idea of changing their own tires. I'm cool with that but I also like the idea of supporting my local 

independent ( and competent ) motorcycle shop. They are really good guys and I enjoy going to visit them. I think they are enjoying

the fact that I ride so much and burn through lots of consumables like tires .

From Maine has the  great idea of posting the new tire stickers on the fridge . I stick mine on the columns of storage shelves in the back of

my garage. It's like  your own personal history of tires !

[image: IMG_a3706.thumb.jpg.259e28997eee0781b7919c29b515fe0b.jpg][image: IMG_a3705.thumb.jpg.35becddbb3b214add75d6059a1b737e4.jpg]

 Hats off to you for supporting a local and trusted shop.

Every time I get a new set of tires I ponder getting my own equipment and doing it myself. This thread (thanks RC79) has got me thinking about it again. But with "only" two bikes, and my mileage down this year, I'm on the fence once again.

One advantage no one has mentioned is that when you change your own tires, you don't have to change both at the same time--a real plus. Whether because of uneven front/rear wear, or a puncture, tires rarely reach their final mile in unison. And I just won't make individual trips to my shop to change a single tire, only to return a month or two later for the other one. But replacing rubber with miles remaining really bugs me...

But, I use an independent local shop, run by a former U.K. motocrosser and a former Honda dealer mechanic. Prices are reasonable and they do quality work. And they are just a long walk from my house, which is a real plus for my marriage. No one has to ferry me to and fro, and no one is reminded how much of the household budget goes to bikes!

I do have Pirelli Angels on the RC, but otherwise I switched from Dunlop to Michelin about 10 years ago and have never looked back.

A couple of other things about DIY'ing it is that the money that would otherwise go to the shop to mount the new tires can go to getting the tires you really want vs buying a lesser tire to keep the whole thing within budget.  The OP's analysis of the ST's vs the GT's is interesting - buy a longer lasting tire at a higher price point, or change them more often. 

Another for me is that I usually hate the handling so much by the time they're shot that I change them before they get to the wear bars. That's a personal preference but if I'm not paying for mounting that hurts less.  I've been running Road 2's now for about 10 years and despite the new versions that have come out (I had a set of PR3's and PR4's and liked neither - have not tried the PR5's) have stuck with them.   My current set has 7,500 miles of touring and moderate to aggressive sport riding.  With that same blend these look like they'll make 10,000 miles.  With the consolidation in the motosports e-tailers, they seem much less common or now unavailable, tho the Michelin store on Amazon has them in sets.  A few have gotten old date coded sets, but most are saying theirs were made in 2020.  [image: image.png.f4bb26737a02f5f55b33b849d208f329.png] 

[image: image.png.e9cc3bb63f7de2bd410bb1da8b599029.png]

The HF tire changer has a built in bead breaker, and for the price it's really a deal.

 In the summer time, I set the first wheel I take off out in the sun, then take off the other. By that time, the first one is ripe for removal, and the second is easy as well. Winter time is a different story. Now that I'm a track junkie, I have learned to put my tire warmers on after I get the wheels off the bike and in 15 minutes they are soft and pliable! As soon as I take them out to dis-mount, the new set goes into the warmers. The new set is ready to mount in no time. Makes winter tire changes a snap!

JUST BE SURE TO LEAVE THE LABELS ON UNTIL THE TIRES COME OUT OF THE WARMERS!

(otherwise the glue will leave burn marks in your warmers)

I used the HF tire changer for almost 15 years and it worked fine. The wife got me a NoMar gift certificate a couple years ago though and it is a nice piece of equipment. Still using the HF balancer though.

The closest shop to me is a good 45 minute drive each way so just prefer to have tires shipped and mount myself.

2 hours ago, Cogswell

A couple of other things about DIY'ing it is that the money that would otherwise go to the shop to mount the new tires can go to getting the tires you really want vs buying a lesser tire to keep the whole thing within budget.  The OP's analysis of the ST's vs the GT's is interesting - buy a longer lasting tire at a higher price point, or change them more often. 

Another for me is that I usually hate the handling so much by the time they're shot that I change them before they get to the wear bars. That's a personal preference but if I'm not paying for mounting that hurts less.  I've been running Road 2's now for about 10 years and despite the new versions that have come out (I had a set of PR3's and PR4's and liked neither - have not tried the PR5's) have stuck with them.   My current set has 7,500 miles of touring and moderate to aggressive sport riding.  With that same blend these look like they'll make 10,000 miles.  With the consolidation in the motosports e-tailers, they seem much less common or now unavailable, tho the Michelin store on Amazon has them in sets.  A few have gotten old date coded sets, but most are saying theirs were made in 2020.  [image: image.png.f4bb26737a02f5f55b33b849d208f329.png] 

[image: image.png.e9cc3bb63f7de2bd410bb1da8b599029.png]

That is the cleanest Rear Sprocket and Chain I have ever seen.

Do you guys like not have dirt in Oregon?

2 hours ago, Cogswell

38 minutes ago, FromMaine

Do you guys like not have dirt in Oregon?

Nope. Well, we still have agricultural soil and what have you, but Governor Vic Atiyeh outlawed road grime and chain splatter back in the 80s. It's funny nobody thought of that sooner. Really did the trick.

These days everybody's rear wheels and hubs are as spotless as Cogswell's.

No reason you couldn't try the same thing in New England. Write your governor.

RC79NC001, 12/13/2020 at 12:08 AM

I used to love Michelins on my SV650S but, the Road 5s are too expensive...imho.

Michelin Pilot Road 2's are still in production and are now a lot cheaper then they used to be. If you like the Pirellis then you will like the PR2 too.

PR2s were my go to 10 yrs ago on my SV650S. I loved them. However I am happily in a Pirelli rut for now. I've been thinking about

trying Dunlop RS3 tires . They are about $250 a set on Amazon but, I've read enough bad ( with good ) to scare me off. The fact that

several bikes I bought including this one came with OEM Dunlops and they were awful has biased me I admit. Woops, back to PR2s...

I might givem' a try.

9 hours ago, St. Stephen

Every time I get a new set of tires I ponder getting my own equipment and doing it myself. This thread (thanks RC79) has got me thinking about it again. But with "only" two bikes, and my mileage down this year, I'm on the fence once again.

One advantage no one has mentioned is that when you change your own tires, you don't have to change both at the same time--a real plus. Whether because of uneven front/rear wear, or a puncture, tires rarely reach their final mile in unison. And I just won't make individual trips to my shop to change a single tire, only to return a month or two later for the other one. But replacing rubber with miles remaining really bugs me...

But, I use an independent local shop, run by a former U.K. motocrosser and a former Honda dealer mechanic. Prices are reasonable and they do quality work. And they are just a long walk from my house, which is a real plus for my marriage. No one has to ferry me to and fro, and no one is reminded how much of the household budget goes to bikes!

I do have Pirelli Angels on the RC, but otherwise I switched from Dunlop to Michelin about 10 years ago and have never looked back.

Well said. 

I also like to determine which tire actually needs replacement, also like to occasionally pull my tires and check balance and bearings.

There is not a shop within a 100 miles from me I would feel comfortable bringing my bikes to, wish there was some days as it would be so much easier.

21 hours ago, FromMaine

Do you guys like not have dirt in Oregon?

Oh,that . . . I have a chain oiler and switched over to running Simple Green through it - works great!  :tongue: :laugh:

21 hours ago, RobF

Nope. Well, we still have agricultural soil and what have you, but Governor Vic Atiyeh outlawed road grime and chain splatter back in the 80s. It's funny nobody thought of that sooner. Really did the trick.

These days everybody's rear wheels and hubs are as spotless as Cogswell's.

No reason you couldn't try the same thing in New England. Write your governor.

Oregon has always been forward thinking - way ahead of the curve.  These days in other states these are known as "Covid chains".   Rather than outlawing road grime as they did here, governors lock down their states mandating that all riders "shelter in place".  Without any riding going on, chains stay in as-new condition.  Of course, if you want to put a mask on your chain you may be allowed to ride if traveling to shop for essentials such as chain lube or micro fiber rags - and of course you must park your bike at least six feet from other bikes to ensure no grime or splatter is transferred to another chain.  Under no circumstances may a bike be parked inside near other bikes where chain filth is more likely to be inadvertently spread to other chains.  There have been reports of riders hoarding chain lube and rags - governors have been urging riders to only buy what they need and "leave some for others".   This policy I believe originated in California and has spread to other states such as New York and elsewhere where the incidence of filthy chains is high.   Chain manufacturers are suffering as a result and have applied for Federal PPP aid to get through the crisis. 

Ok, here's an addition to the original story.

Set5  Installed Oct 22; Pirelli STs (Tires cost $215) mounted at 66147 Mi.

Notes: Pirellis impress with excellent  feel and ride for a great price.  Replaced at 71598 Mi. They lasted 5451 Miles. The front still had some life in it. These tires feel great all the way to the end.

Set6  Installed Dec 22; Pirelli STs (Tires cost $215) mounted at 71598 Mi.

Notes: Feel great right out of the box but, took it easy on the ride back from the shop. Rode aggressively yesterday. I feel comfortable and confident with them.

2021; Michelin PR2 ? Dunlop Road Smart 3 ? More Angel ST ? We'll see !

My first VFR related purchase for 2021....a set of Michelin PR2s from Amazon. $240. Yeehaw !

I have used Dunlop Roadsmart 3s since removing the OEM D222s.
 

The OEMs were frightful and downright dangerous, but I think the RS3s are fine. I have read the opposite opinions and was wondering what exactly do riders feel is wrong with them.

I’m not hooked on RS3 but when the front and back never need replacement at the same time the default is always matching same with same.

If only all the magazine testers ( or any potential owner ) would ride a VFR shod with something other then the stock rubber, the world would be a better place. Ditto with how any rider would enjoy this motorcycle after a proper suspension upgrade.  I'm afraid I suffer from bias against the Dunlop brand. RS3s are the same money as the Michelin PR2s on Amazon. I had great experiences with them (PR2s) years ago.Let's see how I feel in the spring when they ( hopefully ) go on.        

In the 1970s Dunlop K81s were the go to tyres for Kwaka Mach iv production racers. Not as many options back then!

5 hours ago, RC79NC001

My first VFR related purchase for 2021....a set of Michelin PR2s from Amazon. $240. Yeehaw !

It would be helpful to us other PR2 fans to know what date codes you receive.  

Many thanks

I will photo the date codes upon their arrival....

PR2s arrived this morning. They were made in Spain. See attached photos of manuf. codes.

[image: PR2_FRONT.thumb.jpg.bab5b8afde4edd3437c953ed0f7bee78.jpg]

[image: PR2_REAR.thumb.jpg.1d384327dd7b7b737e611989b3826f05.jpg]

week 10 of 2020 for the front tire week 43 of 2019 for the rear

VFR78, 1/2/2021 at 6:08 PM

In the 1970s Dunlop K81s were the go to tyres for Kwaka Mach iv production racers. Not as many options back then!

Remember when K591s came out? They still make them!!!

You can still buy K81s (TT100) also, for bikes like the  Kwaka W800. Really starting to show our age here. 

RC79NC001, 12/10/2020 at 4:30 AM

Set1 Installed Feb 14; Metzeler Roadtecs (Tires cost $324.73) mounted at 44200 Mi

Notes: High Flow Oil Filter installed during service for tires. This filter developed a gradual leak that eventually coated part of the rear tire. Metzelers had accumulated approximately 4200 mi when this occurred. No more non-OEM oil filters for me !

Hi RC79.

Sorry to be a little off topic, but I'm curious about your Hi Flo oil filter failure. I've used heaps of these (HF204's) and have been my go to filter since 2005 without issues.

Do you recall if the filter fitted was a HF204RC with the known fail issue of the spot welded hex nut on the top of the can, like the K&N?

A properly fitted non OEM type filter, provided it doesn't have the spot welded hex nut should never leak, car or bike!

Things to note - 

- a visual check to be sure that the previous oil filter seal is Not stuck on the mounting flange.

- clean mounting flange, wipe with a clean rag.

- lightly oiled new oil filter seal.

- the new filter is only firmly hand tightened.

Hi Grum,

My shop fitted the high flow when they did an oil change. I'm not sure of the model number but, it did have the hex nut and that

was where it leaked. I can only speculate that the nut was used to (incorrectly) tighten the filter as opposed to loosening it for

replacement. Since that singular incident with the hi-flo I have gone back to using the OEM Honda filter exclusively. I am quite satisfied with

the result. As much as I enjoy this VFR I always complain about the oil filter removal process. Yes, I have left the old filters gasket

on the engine and suffered the consequences of installing the new filter and its gasket over it. 

32 minutes ago, RC79NC001

Hi Grum,

My shop fitted the high flow when they did an oil change. I'm not sure of the model number but, it did have the hex nut and that

was where it leaked. I can only speculate that the nut was used to (incorrectly) tighten the filter as opposed to loosening it for

replacement. Since that singular incident with the hi-flo I have gone back to using the OEM Honda filter exclusively. I am quite satisfied with

the result. As much as I enjoy this VFR I always complain about the oil filter removal process. Yes, I have left the old filters gasket

on the engine and suffered the consequences of installing the new filter and its gasket over it. 

Those filters with the hex nut can just fail irrespective if the nut was used or not to tighten it. Spot welding the nut on such thin material has created a weakness that can fail.

I certainly wouldn't suggest not using OEM. What I am saying is that just because you had that failure there is no need to exclude all the other non oem filters, and as mentioned a Hi Flo HF204 will never let you down, well, that's certainly what I've experienced. Just keep away from all the hex nut filters, they are a death trap!

8gen oil filter change is a piece of cake once you're used to it.

Cheers :fing02: