Michelin Road Pilot 4s

[Ernest T]

I got 9000 miles out of the original Pirelli Angel tires and replaced them with Michelin Road Pilot 4s.  Nothing against the Pirellis, but I have a preference for Michelin tires on my bikes, truck and cars.  I'll be replacing the Michelins this week at 12,000 miles.  The rear's were worn out on both sets and the fronts could have gone a little longer.  I like the feeling you get with new tires both front and rear so I change them both out at the same time.  The Michelin's developed some noise as the miles piled on, especially when leaned over in a curve.  Still, I like them enough to use them again.

[w8d4it]

You got 12,000 miles out of PR4s?  I got about 7,000 out of my PR3s which was disappointing. I put PR4s on about 2500 miles ago.  I hope I get the 12,000 you got but I'm not confident.  I thought it might have something to do with the Texas FM roads but you are in Texas too.  I run 36/42 consistently.   What is your secret?

[Ernest T]

I don't really know.  Almost 100 percent of my riding is on chip seal so it's pretty abrasive.  The Pirelli's surprised me, I thought I had some rubber left when the cord started peeking through.  I ran the Michelin's as far as I dared and while they are smooth in the center, there is no cord showing.  You know those squiggly lines that end in dots?  You can't see the dots or the lines in the center of the tire.

[Zebraranger]

I hope I get the 12,000 you got but I'm not confident.  I thought it might have something to do with the Texas FM roads but you are in Texas too.  I run 36/42 consistently.   What is your secret?

I think its riding style. On a previous new bike, I rode it fairly easy for the fist 3000 miles and got about 8000 miles out of the tires before changing them to the same brand on the 2nd go around. Back to my normal riding style had to replace the rear tire at 5000 miles. Easier braking, less speed and less aggressive lean angles in the turns definitely extends the miles. Even knowing this I still tend to be a little aggressive in my riding every now and then.

[w8d4it]

I'm sure riding style is the major factor.  I tend to ride fast but certainly not aggressively.  Most of my riding is rural at speeds of approximately 65 (often times for extended periods over 75) or interstate at speeds of approximately 75 (often times for extended periods over 85).  I'm sure the heat buildup is detrimental to tread life. 

[Ernest T]

I normally ride considerably faster than 65 because I generally ride west of I35 where the speed limit of nearly all US Highways is 75 mph and Farm to Market roads are 70 or 75 mph. I did about 1250 miles on Friday and Saturday and my average speed was slightly over 62 mph which included stops for fuel and breaks. I usually set the cruise on about 85 mph which equates to about 80 mph with the speedo error.  I figure I'll chance a ticket for 5 over.

[w8d4it]

Sounds like we both ride in the same manner on the same types of roads and, given you are near Waco, the same climate.  So maybe there is hope I can approach 12,000 on the PR4s.  Maybe they are better constructed than the PR3s.

[Ernest T]

I think you will, I didn't wear out the sides, the wear was definitely in the middle of the tread.