Pirelli Ange GT A spec vs. Non A spec for trophy

[Greygoose]

I'm due for a set of tires and what to stay with the Pirelli's.  I plan on going with the GT's and noticed that there were two types that could be ordered for the rear (and A spec, and a non A spec). They claim that The A spec will give a bit longer tread life, is best for two up & designed for heavier bikes . I dont tend to do alot of 2 up riding, or heavy loading, so i was wandering if the A spec is really buying me much for the extra dollars. I noticed that alot of the BMW GT1600 guys are using these A specs (which makes sense on a bike that size), but i'd like to get a consensus from the triumph forum before putting in my order. 

Anyone out there tried a set of these?....The ST was a great tire and i'm hoping the GT's will meet or exceed those standards. Just wandering how much extra i'm really getting for the additional 40 dollars for the A spec.....

thanks

Greygoose

[Greygoose]

scratch that 40 dollar remark, seems to be an 8 dollar difference at motorcycle superstore.

I'm wondering if this is just a harder compound that may slightly increase wear while slightly decreasing maneuverability.

Greygoose

[1150newguy]

To tell you the truth I didn't see much difference between the two when it came to handling or wear. I keep a log of all the work on my TT and the non A specs were gone at 8000 miles and the last set of A specs got me 8200. My Trophy is usually ridden two up and frequently loaded because it is our travel bike. I do run my tires at the high end of the recommended pressures because of the load. The Pirelli GT's are my tire of choice for the TT and I will take the A or the non A, whichever my tire guy has in stock or can get the quickest. Ah, tires and oil the fodder for many long discussions 

[lemuriano]

Next week I will install the 4th set of Pirelli Angel GT A spec, averaging close to 10k miles on then, while riding two up most of the time. Naturally, the softer compound will wear faster under heavy loads, specially while riding curvy roads at a brisk pace. So far I have never wear the center, just the softer compound.

The A spec doesn't have a harder compound, the difference is that it feature a reinforced, 2-ply carcass, design for heavy bikes such as ours.

[takingiteasy]

I moved from the ST to the GT tyre and found them to be far better. More grip and good wet weather performance.  So far, I've covered about 5000 miles on the GT's and feel there are several thousand miles left. My understanding is that the A spec tyre is specifically designed for heavy bikes like ours and it's more about the strength of the tyre compared to tyre wear.  My well respected tyre fitter refused to fit non A spec tyres to my bike.

[1150newguy]

The A spec has a stiffer sidewall and sure is fun to mount at tire changing time. I take my wheels in and my tire guy says "stick around, this is gonna take three hands" He calls when tires are going on sale and also gives me great prices so I am more than willing to offer the third hand. We have been riding buddies for close to 40 years, that tends to help also 

[AZBob]

Originally Posted by lemuriano

The A spec doesn't have a harder compound, the difference is that it feature a reinforced, 2-ply carcass, design for heavy bikes such as ours.

Exactly this. The GT A-spec was designed as original equipment for the BMW R1200RT which is actually nearly 100lbs lighter than our bike.

[OhioWinger]

Go with the A spec, the extra sidewall ply may help if you have a sudden loss of air pressure.

I love the GT version, excellent grip wet or dry except for tar snakes.
I am just about done with my 3 rd set since April, been averaging between 2,500-3,000 miles per set.