Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Romonov on May 08, 2018, 05:43:56 PM

Title: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Romonov on May 08, 2018, 05:43:56 PM
Hey guys!
I bought my 2012 last September and have had a great time, and as expected, it is time for new tires, and I’m close to buy Michelins, but would like to hear your opinion and recommendations.
What is your best choice?
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: lather on May 08, 2018, 06:06:36 PM
Avon Storm 3D LM. I have not tried the PR 4 but but Avons have better grip and feel than the PR2 and PR3.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Poseidon on May 08, 2018, 06:27:03 PM
I just bought a set of Perrelli Angel GT's to replace my stock tires here in a few more weeks. I can't give a review yet, but there are several here that recommended them.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Rubber_Snake on May 08, 2018, 06:43:20 PM
Why, this has all the earmarks of a...



...TIRE THREAD!!!!


I have the Pilot Road 4 GTs.  Why?  Cuz the guy I bought the bike from swore by ‘em. 
I use AMSoil.  Why?  Same reason.
And I don’t even KNOW what brand brake pads are on it...

Wait for the Road 5 GTs to come out later this year.... :stirpot:

Actually, we used the Pilots on our BMW RT patrol bikes.  They gave us good grip and high mileage.  I got about 8k on my rear tire and could’ve easily gone another 1k before I swapped it out.  I don’t think you could go wrong with any of the three. 
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Romonov on May 09, 2018, 08:08:48 AM
Thanks a lot guys,
I’m ordering my Pilots 4!
Now! ... Installation, let’s see how I’ll do...planning on doing the whole thing myself for the first time ever   ;)
I’ll tell you guys about it.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Tree on May 09, 2018, 08:44:15 AM
[snip] ... Installation... [snip]...planning on doing the whole thing myself for the first time ever...[snip]
I’ll tell you guys about it.

Oh boy.   :popcorn:
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: just gone on May 09, 2018, 10:32:47 AM
Now! ... Installation, let’s see how I’ll do...planning on doing the whole thing myself for the first time ever   ;)
I’ll tell you guys about it.

Some first time gotchas to avoid:
1)Loosening the front pinch bolts on the wrong side. Remember that "the right side is the right side (aka the correct side).
2) Breaking the bead right over the TPMS and thus breaking the TPMS into two or more pieces....... Don't do that!
3) Failure to protect your brake disks when breaking the tire bead, or just letting the wheel fall over and land on the disk.  :doh:
4) Mounting the tires spinning the wrong way.......... Look at the arrows on the tires and on the front wheel. (I don't think the back wheel has an arrow but...maybe? Regardless the rear tire will have arrows)
5) Mounting the front wheel with the ABS/TC sensor disk on the left instead of the right.
6) Forgetting to get the moly lube for the rear wheel splines before you start, or forgetting to lube it at all.
7) Mounting the wheels back on the bike properly torquing everything, then remembering that they still need to be balanced.

Numbers 2 and 3 are the most important gotchas to avoid, as it gets expensive and can eat up the money you save by doing it yourself.

Other tips: Yes the beads and wheel rims can be lubed with just a rag and some soapy water, but I recommend just buying or re-purposing a spray bottle and using it to apply
lube. When the tire doesn't slip right on for you the first time, it's so much easier to just use a spray bottle to re-lube it.

If you are struggling and sweating...take a break. Watch some Youtube tire changing videos or something.

If you are using a MoJo lever, when mounting the tire, remember it's purpose is not to force the bead down over the rim, it's to push the bead out past the rim so that it
can drop down past the rim on it's own as you move the lever out of it's way.

About the TPMS, place a bright colored sticky note to the wheel where the TPMS is to remind you it's there. It'll be one of the things you forget about if things don't go
smoothly at first and you start struggling in frustration.

I don't offer this as some sort of tire changing expert, but as someone that has learned this the hard way or has come very close to that (depending on the gotcha).
   :hail: Justcliff would be the expert, as he just does it on the floor with tire irons.  :hail:

Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: katata1100 on May 09, 2018, 10:43:52 AM
I’m picking up my front tire with a pr4 GTO today. I think Cycle Gear charges just $25 for mount and
balence.
According to the announcement from Michelin, the GT version of the new 5 won’t be out until 2019, not this year. Whether they mean 1/19 or 12/19, is anyone’s guess. As my front is almost down to the wear bars, I reluctantly got another pr4 gt.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: maxtog on May 09, 2018, 03:01:22 PM
I like PR4GT, but I would never attempt to mount them myself :)
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Rubber_Snake on May 09, 2018, 03:54:30 PM
I’m picking up my front tire with a pr4 GTO today. I think Cycle Gear charges just $25 for mount and
balence.
According to the announcement from Michelin, the GT version of the new 5 won’t be out until 2019, not this year. Whether they mean 1/19 or 12/19, is anyone’s guess. As my front is almost down to the wear bars, I reluctantly got another pr4 gt.
If you buy the tires thru them, mount and balance is free.  Otherwise, I was quoted $50 to mount with balancing free. 
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Rubber_Snake on May 09, 2018, 04:05:29 PM
Some first time gotchas to avoid:
1)Loosening the front pinch bolts on the wrong side. Remember that "the right side is the right side (aka the correct side).
2) Breaking the bead right over the TPMS and thus breaking the TPMS into two or more pieces....... Don't do that!
3) Failure to protect your brake disks when breaking the tire bead, or just letting the wheel fall over and land on the disk.  :doh:
4) Mounting the tires spinning the wrong way.......... Look at the arrows on the tires and on the front wheel. (I don't think the back wheel has an arrow but...maybe? Regardless the rear tire will have arrows)
5) Mounting the front wheel with the ABS/TC sensor disk on the left instead of the right.
6) Forgetting to get the moly lube for the rear wheel splines before you start, or forgetting to lube it at all.
7) Mounting the wheels back on the bike properly torquing everything, then remembering that they still need to be balanced.

Numbers 2 and 3 are the most important gotchas to avoid, as it gets expensive and can eat up the money you save by doing it yourself.

Other tips: Yes the beads and wheel rims can be lubed with just a rag and some soapy water, but I recommend just buying or re-purposing a spray bottle and using it to apply
lube. When the tire doesn't slip right on for you the first time, it's so much easier to just use a spray bottle to re-lube it.

If you are struggling and sweating...take a break. Watch some Youtube tire changing videos or something.

If you are using a MoJo lever, when mounting the tire, remember it's purpose is not to force the bead down over the rim, it's to push the bead out past the rim so that it
can drop down past the rim on it's own as you move the lever out of it's way.

About the TPMS, place a bright colored sticky note to the wheel where the TPMS is to remind you it's there. It'll be one of the things you forget about if things don't go
smoothly at first and you start struggling in frustration.

I don't offer this as some sort of tire changing expert, but as someone that has learned this the hard way or has come very close to that (depending on the gotcha).
   :hail: Justcliff would be the expert, as he just does it on the floor with tire irons.  :hail:

Good advice FM.  I’m recently the proud owner of the Fred Harmon (FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY) maintenance DVD set and have been learning so much.  I missed #6 and need to go back and take care of that.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Romonov on May 09, 2018, 04:54:43 PM
Thanks so much for the summary, I was kind of counting on this type of feedback and, Man! FM you went professional on the subject! Great information!
I still think it’s worth giving it a try, and go ahead with the installation, but just in case will check if there is a Cycle Gear that could provide the service.
Again, thanks everyone.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: katata1100 on May 09, 2018, 05:34:28 PM
If you buy the tires thru them, mount and balance is free.  Otherwise, I was quoted $50 to mount with balancing free.

No, they charge $25 if you get the tire from them, $50 if you got the tire from someone else.
They also offer road hazard coverage for extra $.

https://www.cyclegear.com/tire-install-service (https://www.cyclegear.com/tire-install-service)
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: just gone on May 09, 2018, 05:51:50 PM
...... but just in case will check if there is a Cycle Gear that could provide the service.

Some Cycle Gears are good and some....Just be sure they are aware of the TPMS and that you expect them to replace it if they break it. Saying that as I was dropping off the wheel at my Cycle Gear years ago, made us come to a mutual decision that I should go somewhere else.

1)Loosening the front pinch bolts on the wrong side. Remember that "the right side is the right side (aka the correct side).

Possible OOPS!?

It has occurred to me that a previous owner, previous tech, previous Cycle gear, could have removed everything and put it back in differently left to right. I'm 99% certain that from the factory all the axle shafts go in/and come out from the right side (loosen pinch bolts) and the nut (threaded collar) is on the left (don't loosen pinch bolts). There is no guarantee that yours is that way, so just to be sure, peer in the axle hole with a flashlight to verify that the threads are on the left side (it's also the end of the axle that has about a 5/8th-3/4 in. long section where the inside diameter is smaller). Regardless, the side with the threads visible (nut) is the side you do not want to loosen. (although it's not the end of the world, it just slows everything down)

(https://content.kawasaki.com/Images/Parts/I1647.06/F2230.GIF)

Best wishes!
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: katata1100 on May 09, 2018, 07:36:58 PM
A non dealer shop busted the rear sensor on my bike. They paid for the sender and the cost to have it
programmed .
The guy at cycle gear said it wouldn’t be a problem, said they get busted when tire is removed, with the tool going into the tpsm.  He said he’d make sure that doesn’t happen.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Rubber_Snake on May 09, 2018, 11:45:17 PM
No, they charge $25 if you get the tire from them, $50 if you got the tire from someone else.
They also offer road hazard coverage for extra $.

https://www.cyclegear.com/tire-install-service (https://www.cyclegear.com/tire-install-service)
Okay, I couldn’t remember cuz I had already taken my tire off and mounted it before I brought it to them. 

Well, that and the fact I can’t remember jack schmidt!   :doh:
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Justcliff on May 10, 2018, 05:59:17 AM
Avon Storm 3D LM. I have not tried the PR 4 but but Avons have better grip and feel than the PR2 and PR3.

I'm with lather on this, 3D-XM's for me. I've had 3 sets of the PR4's along with the 2's & 3's. To me each one was a downgrade from the previous model.


   :hail: Justcliff would be the expert, as he just does it on the floor with tire irons.  :hail:


I just mounted my 38th set of tires on my C14. Yes I do spoon them on like Marty said. I'm by no means a expert I just never found it to be a big deal to do. Some quality spoons, my homemade bead breaker, box/crate to keep wheel off the floor & the yellow thing is all that's needed.

One thing I'll add to Marty's list is, lay the tires out in the sun for a while. I've done them stone cold in the winter & left them out in the sun for hours. Mounting a warm tire verses a cold tire is night & day difference.

I have loads of room to mount a changer, just never felt the need for one.

My neighbor is a dealer & I can use his air operated machine anytime I want at no cost. His shop is 15 miles away. I can be done quicker than I can make the 30 mile round trip. 
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Romonov on June 27, 2018, 10:30:40 PM
Hey guys,

After starting this topic and receiving your recommendations on changing the tires of my 2012 concours, I started by changing my mind on the type of tires… Poseidon mentioned the Pirelli Angel GT, made some search and decided to buy them instead of the Michelin. “fartmarty” gave us a very comprehensive set of instructions that served me as a great guide for my project.
Let me start with the best advice from “fartmarty”:

If you are struggling and sweating...take a break. Watch some Youtube tire changing videos or something.

I did exactly that, in fact several times! the whole project took me 4 days; several trips to different stores to buy and/or change supplies such as paint, tools, bolts and whatnot!

Based on the videos from Windy Urtnowski about using “Gorilla” tape to install the new tires, I proceeded to implement the process, and after a few attempts following every instruction from the video on the rear tire, I decided most definitely that “I hate Windy”!!!!!   ;D
I had to change the plan, and using the Motion-Pro tire bead breakers, with the rim protectors; very good tools indeed, if you know how to use them! I had to paint the edge of the rim three times before the tire was installed! I learned the hard way, that you really must know how to use the tools.
Once the tire was out and the rim free and clean, I took a look at the TPMS, it was broken and had to do some plastic welding and use some ciano-acrylate. I also watched this very good video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTXTz2pBzR4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTXTz2pBzR4)

I have the same low battery and rear tire pressure until the bike heats up, then it works perfectly. Most probably will have to change the battery by winter time, whenever it’s too cold for riding. I will then revisit the process again. Also, for whomever is interested, this link would help a lot in order to find the right battery for this kind of work:

https://console5.com/store/panasonic-cr2032-3v-lithium-battery-with-solder-tabs-pins.html (https://console5.com/store/panasonic-cr2032-3v-lithium-battery-with-solder-tabs-pins.html)

 When I was waiting for the paint to dry, took some time to work on the tap of the transmission oil deposit that the previous owner damaged with a flat screwdriver. Eliminate the black paint, polish the cap and with the help of my son using the “cricut” machine from my wife, painted green “K” on it…I think it came out rather nice!


 
Time for the front wheel, as you all know, after going through some of the problems of the rear tire. I tried to find a 13/16 “ spark plug socket that would allow me to use my extension to loose the 22mm front axle nut, but all what is available in the market has an rounded smaller inside, that does fit the tools. I had to improvise and found a car wheel nut and a 22mm socket for my wrench, this made the job!

 

Problem was that when starting to undo the two bolts on the right leg of the fork, I discover they were really loose, and that got me really worried! Looking at the tire wear profile it was even more evident, and I wonder if the forks are working properly:

 

When mounting the new tire, and using the gorilla tape method, I came to love Windy Urtnowski again…it worked like a charm! This time the TPMS is in good condition and thanks to the recommendation from “fartmarty” to place a big mark where the valve is, there were no problems with it. I even took the opportunity to clean the brake pads very well. There is one problem with the screws that hold the calipers, they are worn out and I must find replacements very soon…does anyone know how to get them?

I imagine that just as the rest of you when finishing some mod, I am very satisfied with the final state of my bike, and can’t wait for tomorrow’s ride… let’s see how it goes!


Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Poseidon on June 28, 2018, 02:22:13 AM
Here is a link for the bolts.

https://www.cheapcycleparts.com/oemparts/a/kaw/56e730a987a8660e60bbe28a/front-brake (https://www.cheapcycleparts.com/oemparts/a/kaw/56e730a987a8660e60bbe28a/front-brake)
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Romonov on June 28, 2018, 03:45:01 PM
Here is a link for the bolts.

https://www.cheapcycleparts.com/oemparts/a/kaw/56e730a987a8660e60bbe28a/front-brake (https://www.cheapcycleparts.com/oemparts/a/kaw/56e730a987a8660e60bbe28a/front-brake)

Thanks Poseidon, bolts are ordered!
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: just gone on June 28, 2018, 07:13:07 PM
There is one problem with the screws that hold the calipers, they are worn out and I must find replacements very soon…

Just to be sure there isn't something I'm missing here (it happens, way too often  :-[ ) ....when you say they are worn out...do you mean the socket heads are starting to get striped or rounded out
where you put the hex (allen) wrench? ...or do you see signs of stretching or some other abnormality?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Romonov on June 28, 2018, 10:09:25 PM
Right...the hex bolt is being rounded out by inappropriate use of the socket. I guess that means I suck at wrenching???
 :-[
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: just gone on June 29, 2018, 07:19:03 AM
Right...the hex bolt is being rounded out by inappropriate use of the socket.
OK, Thanks.

I guess that means I suck at wrenching???
 :-[
Could be, but it might be that your wrench manufacturer sucks at quality control.  ;D
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 30, 2018, 02:39:56 PM
Could also be chocolate bolts/screws.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Justcliff on June 30, 2018, 02:56:54 PM
Thanks Poseidon, bolts are ordered!

Make sure you use anti-seize on those bolts! In all likely hood that's why there rounded out. They were seized up sometime earlier in the game.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: PH14 on July 01, 2018, 10:30:02 AM
Make sure you use anti-seize on those bolts! In all likely hood that's why there rounded out. They were seized up sometime earlier in the game.

Though I agree to use anti-seize, that may not be why they were rounded. Mine were rounded by an idiot doing warranty replacement of my rotors. Every one of the bolts looked like torx head bolts when he was done using his impact wrench on them. It looks as if he simply didn't fully seat the bit.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: maxtog on July 01, 2018, 12:34:19 PM
It looks as if he simply didn't fully seat the bit.

And/or used a poor quality bit or worn out bit.  Costco damaged many of my car's lug nuts by doing a similar crappy job when they installed my new tires.  No doubt, speed with over-powerful tools, and a lack of care were factors.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: connie14boy on July 02, 2018, 09:02:15 AM
I'm with lather on this, 3D-XM's for me. I've had 3 sets of the PR4's along with the 2's & 3's. To me each one was a downgrade from the previous model.

I just mounted my 38th set of tires on my C14. Yes I do spoon them on like Marty said. I'm by no means a expert I just never found it to be a big deal to do. Some quality spoons, my homemade bead breaker, box/crate to keep wheel off the floor & the yellow thing is all that's needed.

One thing I'll add to Marty's list is, lay the tires out in the sun for a while. I've done them stone cold in the winter & left them out in the sun for hours. Mounting a warm tire verses a cold tire is night & day difference.

I have loads of room to mount a changer, just never felt the need for one.

My neighbor is a dealer & I can use his air operated machine anytime I want at no cost. His shop is 15 miles away. I can be done quicker than I can make the 30 mile round trip.

I'm going back to PR2's after 2 sets of PR4 GT and non-GT. PR2's last longer with my riding style it seems, and it doesn't rain in SoCal very often.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: kzz1king on July 02, 2018, 10:19:12 AM
I think I am going to give the pr2 a shot. Will just slow down in the rain. Angel GT non A spec lasted 6000. BS 23 the same and  BS 30 or 31?? Lasted only 4000. This is rear tires. I got 11000 on the Angel and still running the 23 on the front.
Wayne
I'm going back to PR2's after 2 sets of PR4 GT and non-GT. PR2's last longer with my riding style it seems, and it doesn't rain in SoCal very often.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: gPink on July 02, 2018, 06:22:39 PM
I didn't realize they were still making the PR2. What prices are you seeing for them?
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: maxtog on July 03, 2018, 05:45:38 AM
I didn't realize they were still making the PR2. What prices are you seeing for them?

Yeah, that seems surprising to me too.  Perhaps new old stock or something?
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: kzz1king on July 03, 2018, 10:18:57 AM
 yeah, they appear to be quite available from a number of places. google my friends.
Wayne
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: kzz1king on July 03, 2018, 10:24:14 AM
Still list it on there site.         https://motorcycle.michelinman.com/US/en/tires/products/pilot-road-2.html

yeah, they appear to be quite available from a number of places. google my friends.
Wayne
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: gPink on July 03, 2018, 05:04:05 PM
yeah, they appear to be quite available from a number of places. google my friends.
Wayne

I find that google stifles conversation and human interaction.  ;)
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Poseidon on July 03, 2018, 06:52:35 PM
I find that google stifles conversation and human interaction.  ;)
...that would naturally take place on an electronic device being viewed on a computer browser and stored on a server for someone to google later.  :thumbs: :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: gPink on July 03, 2018, 07:03:58 PM
I find that google stifles conversation and human interaction.  ;)

...that would naturally take place on an electronic device being viewed on a computer browser and stored on a server for someone to google later.  :thumbs: :rotflmao:

 :finger_fing11:
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Gigantor on April 25, 2019, 12:45:11 PM
I am now a firm believer in the Michelin GT4 tire. I live in AZ where many of the roads have crevices and rough pavement. I have always
purchased the regular Michelins in the past.

The GT4 provide a well planted ride and smooths out all imperfections in the road. My rides have become more enjoyable
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: maxtog on April 25, 2019, 03:38:19 PM
I am now a firm believer in the Michelin GT4 tire.

[PR4GT]

I have been very impressed with the lifespan, wear pattern, and weather handling.  I got 18,020 miles on my first set.  I am 12,123 miles into my second set and they still look great and handle not that different than they were at 5,000 miles.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: just gone on April 25, 2019, 05:49:02 PM
[PR4GT]
  I got 18,020 miles on my first set.  I am 12,123 miles into my second set and they still look great .....

Passing along an observation made by a friend of mine from the Houston area at a recent Texas rally...."It seems that almost all the people that get these fantastic tire mileage figures are in the east, I guess they must not have any speed limits over 55mph."
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: gPink on April 25, 2019, 07:40:24 PM
...and glass smooth roads...
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: VirginiaJim on April 25, 2019, 07:43:03 PM
Don't be haters... :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: maxtog on April 25, 2019, 09:38:21 PM
Passing along an observation made by a friend of mine from the Houston area at a recent Texas rally...."It seems that almost all the people that get these fantastic tire mileage figures are in the east, I guess they must not have any speed limits over 55mph."

We [where I live] have highway speed limits that range from 55 to 70... and usually it is +5 so actual speeds are typically 60 - 75.  There are occasional times I might go much, much [,much, much] faster.   And often, whoa to the person next to me at a traffic light :)

...and glass smooth roads...

Most are fairly decent.  The vast majority of my miles are, indeed, on smooth and pretty straight roads.  Traction control always on, 145lbs ungeared, always solo, tire pressures always near perfect.  Unfortunately, getting out to the "interesting" roads takes at least 30-40 minutes and, of course, the same back.  I do think that road condition (type, roughness, grit, temp, etc) probably plays the biggest role in tire wear (followed by tire pressures, total weight, and amount of skuff/skid/slip).

Don't be haters... :rotflmao:


Meh, they are just jealous!
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: just gone on April 26, 2019, 10:06:10 AM
Meh, they are just jealous!

Well envious for sure.  max' is getting twice the tire life out of the same tires as me and I only weight 25lbs more than he does.
I think my tool bag needs to go on a diet.  ;D

(this is where connie14boy jumps in to tell me to lose the donkey dong bazooka to get double the tire mileage)
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: katata1100 on April 26, 2019, 10:43:47 AM
I had a PR4 GT rear that I liked, then, while parked in motel in phoenix in middle of summer, some a-hole shoved a knife into it. I had the bike towed (thanks geico towing!) to a shop that put on a non GT PR4 on it (that's all they had). Seeing how I was in the middle of a long trip and needed a tire, I took it (I have a pr4 gt on the front). That was maybe 12K miles ago three years ago.. Had they put on an oem bridgestone, that tire would likely had been showing lots of wear by the end of that trip three years ago and certainly wouldn't be on the bike now. In fact, I think it had a little under 4K miles on it when I saw some belt showing through the tread.
Now it looks like the road5 GT might be a 'vapor tire', I'll be getting another PR4gt. I did feel a difference in ride quality, it is like the gt feels like a pr4 non gt with an extra lb or two in it. I'm shocked how well they work. I have driven in pouring rain, sleet, they grip and brake well.
When you think about it, the bridgestones the bike comes with were designed over ten years ago.The Pr4 GT is at least two generations of tire more advanced.
The stock bridgestones serve one purpose and they serve it well- to protect the rims as the bike leaves the shop.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: maxtog on April 26, 2019, 01:33:22 PM
I'm shocked how well they work. I have driven in pouring rain, sleet, they grip and brake well.

I was amazed at how well they handled pouring rain with lots of standing water (at least 1/2") on the road (I rarely drive in the rain, but in a few cases I was "caught" and had no choice).  I would never EVER ride if there were any chance of ice (in any form) on the road.  Period.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: connie14boy on April 26, 2019, 09:30:48 PM
Well envious for sure.  max' is getting twice the tire life out of the same tires as me and I only weight 25lbs more than he does.
I think my tool bag needs to go on a diet.  ;D

(this is where connie14boy jumps in to tell me to lose the donkey dong bazooka to get double the tire mileage)

No, I guess your likin' your black donkey dong bazooka too much to switch and reap all the rewards.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: maxtog on April 27, 2019, 12:55:32 AM
No, I guess your likin' your [stock muffler] too much to switch and reap all the rewards.

Can't answer for Marty, but other than a loss of a few pounds, to me, there are no rewards;  just expense and increased noise :)  But, to each, his own.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: just gone on April 27, 2019, 09:16:43 AM
 :goodpost:

Can't answer for Marty,....

Apparently you can...in this instance anyway.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Poseidon on April 28, 2019, 08:34:21 AM
I thought the same about the expense and weight comment. The looks of the stock exhaust was my motivation for changing it out. Shaved a lot of weight, looks better, sounds better, and performs better... although, I don’t think there is enough gains to register on the butt dyno without the ECU flash along with it.

For anyone that read my earlier posts about the exhaust being a little louder than I wanted, I tried it with the baffles (DB killers) back in and really only notice it being slightly quieter. Not enough to matter, so I took them back out.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: connie14boy on April 28, 2019, 09:00:08 AM
I thought the same about the expense and weight comment. The looks of the stock exhaust was my motivation for changing it out. Shaved a lot of weight, looks better, sounds better, and performs better... although, I don’t think there is enough gains to register on the butt dyno without the ECU flash along with it.

For anyone that read my earlier posts about the exhaust being a little louder than I wanted, I tried it with the baffles (DB killers) back in and really only notice it being slightly quieter. Not enough to matter, so I took them back out.
That's what I'm talkin' about- The V&H CS-1 slip on along with SISF's Mountain Runner flash makes this bike the king of the ST class, and gets rid of 15 lbs. of fugly muffler (dong).
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: maxtog on April 28, 2019, 09:58:10 AM
I thought the same about the expense and weight comment. The looks of the stock exhaust was my motivation for changing it out.

Nothing wrong with changing it if you don't like the way it looks.  Personally, I think the stock muffler looks fine, as long as the bags are on (mine never come off).  With them on, it matches and balances out fine.  With them off, well, it does look huge.

Quote
Shaved a lot of weight, looks better, sounds better,

Weight- on an  820 pound loaded bike, 10 to 15 pounds is around 1.4%.  Way more than the variation in what I put in the panniers from ride to ride.  Looks- subjective, see above.  Sound- subjective... stock sounds fine; don't need/want anything louder or "different" sounding.

Quote
and performs better... although, I don’t think there is enough gains to register on the butt dyno without the ECU flash along with it.

Changing the muffler does nothing anyone could ever notice, regardless of FI changes or flashing.  Perhaps 2-3hp but only at 6K+ RPM at WOT, which is pretty meaningless.  Now, if you wanted to change the headers and also go dual-pipe, and flash appropriately to match, that has some actual performance significance.... but will also be a weight gain and cost a hell of a lot more.

It really is just a cosmetic change.  But, if that is what floats your boat, go for it!
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: The Pope on April 29, 2019, 04:10:11 AM
And now we have an Exhaust Thread....... smh......  ::)

 :offtopic: :offtopic: :offtopic:

So..... if you guys have gotten the exhaust gasses all blown out of your systems, how about deleting your post about it so that this thread can get back on the Original Topic......

Now if a MOD would like to remove the Not On Topic Post (including this one), that would work for me as well.  ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: connie14boy on April 29, 2019, 07:32:19 AM
Nothing wrong with changing it if you don't like the way it looks.  Personally, I think the stock muffler looks fine, as long as the bags are on (mine never come off).  With them on, it matches and balances out fine.  With them off, well, it does look huge.

Weight- on an  820 pound loaded bike, 10 to 15 pounds is around 1.4%.  Way more than the variation in what I put in the panniers from ride to ride.  Looks- subjective, see above.  Sound- subjective... stock sounds fine; don't need/want anything louder or "different" sounding.

Changing the muffler does nothing anyone could ever notice, regardless of FI changes or flashing.  Perhaps 2-3hp but only at 6K+ RPM at WOT, which is pretty meaningless.  Now, if you wanted to change the headers and also go dual-pipe, and flash appropriately to match, that has some actual performance significance.... but will also be a weight gain and cost a hell of a lot more.

It really is just a cosmetic change.  But, if that is what floats your boat, go for it!

Methinks thou dost protest too much.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: just gone on April 29, 2019, 09:03:28 AM
..... how about deleting your post about it so that this thread can get back on the Original Topic......

ahhhh....no.
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: maxtog on April 29, 2019, 03:10:54 PM
Methinks thou dost protest too much.

Perhaps :)
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Poseidon on April 29, 2019, 05:35:36 PM
 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: Cheesecake on June 20, 2019, 03:06:30 PM


I have the same low battery and rear tire pressure until the bike heats up, then it works perfectly. Most probably will have to change the battery by winter time, whenever it’s too cold for riding. I will then revisit the process again. Also, for whomever is interested, this link would help a lot in order to find the right battery for this kind of work:

https://console5.com/store/panasonic-cr2032-3v-lithium-battery-with-solder-tabs-pins.html (https://console5.com/store/panasonic-cr2032-3v-lithium-battery-with-solder-tabs-pins.html)

 
I would not recommend that battery for the TPMS. It can work but it's easier to use https://www.digikey.com/products/en?x=0&y=0&lang=en&site=us&keywords=P660-ND (https://www.digikey.com/products/en?x=0&y=0&lang=en&site=us&keywords=P660-ND)  because you can make the tabs fit into the holes, then simply add a dot of solder and done. See pictures at http://forum.cog-online.org/concours-14-zg1400-general-chat-and-tech/better-replacement-tpms-batteries/ (http://forum.cog-online.org/concours-14-zg1400-general-chat-and-tech/better-replacement-tpms-batteries/)
Title: Re: Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT
Post by: SVonhof on September 12, 2019, 05:50:30 PM
Dropping off the rear wheel tomorrow for a new PR 4GT install. I have just under 12k miles on the one that is on there now and could go another 1k, but I have some pretty severe cupping and figure I should just do it. Bringing it to the local dealer as the Cycle Gears near me don't have any.

Cycle Gear does list the PR 5GT on their site and have images, but it just says "Out of Stock". And they are PRICY at over $350 for the rear.

Front tire has 7k on it, so I will wait on that one.