B tires?

[ridesmith]

Apologies if this is supposed to be in another forum!

 

I'm looking at Michelin Pilot Road 2 or 3s for my 07 RT; few stores offer the B size. I occasionally ride two up. Is the B size necessary? I don't recall such an option when I bought the Conti Road Attacks I'm running now. Thanks.

[Sailorlite]

I've noticed that the Road Attacks installed at the factory are a "C" spec tire, and the Pilot Road 2's are a "B" spec. Are your present RA's C-spec?

 

I've gone both ways on the PR2's and can't tell the difference mileage-wise or performance-wise. My last two rears however have been B-spec simply because both Michelin and BMW seem to recommend it.

 

I don't find myself wishing I had bought the "less recommended" version instead.

[ryan_a1982]

Ridesmith,

 

I just got the non-B version of the PR3's mounted last week. I have about 1,200 miles on them so far and have ridden them on lots of different surfaces. 1-up and 2-up loaded.

 

I Haven't had any issues yet and the tires feel amazing.

Check out this thread discussing this same topic a couple of weeks ago:

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=689098&page=4

[ryan_a1982]

Also..keep in mind that the BMW RT is much lighter than the Conti and and ST1300 etc... those bikes don't require the B-spec tire.

[John Bentall]

BMW have specified a reinforced tyre that allows for maximum speed, 2-up, fully loaded on an German Autobahn.

I have ordinary PR3s fitted to my bike. 'nuff said.

 

HTH,

 

John

[TF1200RT]

I'm running the B version on my 05 R12RT. I have about 3,000 miles so far and it is wearing longer that the non B version. I can feel that the tire is a little stiffer and it takes a little longer to warm up. I only ride 1 up, but I will change to the standard PR3's when these wear out.

[motorbob]

Could it be that B spec tires like BMW's maintenence schedule are made for autobahns ? My M3 engine requires Castrol 10w60 when my Accord runs on 5w20.

Overkill I think for our "slow" North American roads.

[AZRTRDR]

Yes. But what is their GVWR ?

[Guest Kakugo]

The B version has slightly reinforced construction and uses a slightly harder rubber compound in the center. It's specifically designed for long distance riding two up to ensure the rear tyre lasts a bit longer.

Do you need it? Not really, unless you ride a lot of miles with pillion and luggage.

My RT is now on the third set of regular PR2's which is over 6000 miles old. The way I ride it's nothing short of a technological miracle they last so long.

[ridesmith]

Thanks for the helpful replies, I think I'll skip the B as it is hard to find, I need new tires NOW, and I don't ride fully loaded most of the time.

[ChrisSkor]

I'm only getting 6000 miles on non-B tires on my 2007 R1200RT. Loaded for camping once in a while, but never 2-up. Half my miles are on 200+ days on freeways at 75.

 

Is the 'B Series" wearing longer then expected?

 

How dies the 'B Series' compare when on the twisties?

 

 

[aggieengineer]

I assume you're talking about Michelin Pilot Roads. I've used both versions, and believe the difference is in the sidewall stiffness. I can detect no obvious handling difference.

 

Tire wear is subject to so many variables that it's tough to make generalizations. I doubt there is as much difference between the current name-brand tires as internet anecdotes would have you believe.

 

The only tire review I would trust would come from an expert rider, on a track, comparing new tires of which he did not know the brand, on the same motorcycle, under similar weather conditions. A comparison of a worn-out brand A to a new brand B is worthless.

 

 

[notacop]

Interesting topic. I've wondered at the ratings before and have gotten a mixed bag when getting tires from my tire guy.

I would get 6-8K on tires on my 1100RT-P but my big fat friend gets 10-11K on his 1200RT. Even riding together he always gets better tire wear.

Sweet mysteries of life!

[ChrisSkor]

Couple guys in our BMW club run 45lbs cold in front and rear and getting 10k+. They say hard tire last longer if you can put up with stiff ride. Theory being stiff tire doesn't flex, doesn't heat up, doesn't get sticky, doesn't wear.

 

softer tire = smoother ride = good grip = faster wear

harder tire = harder ride = good slab riding = longer wear.

 

I'm hoping Pilot Roads solve both. Theory, ie. marketing is good, lets see how they really hold up.

[ryan_a1982]

Since this topic is still going I thought I would give an update. I have the non-B version of the PR3's on my 07 RT. I have about 5,500 miles on them and they have been amazing. The wear is pretty great. I have ridden about 2,000 miles of the 5.5K two-up with luggage. They are just starting to get a flat spot on the bottom and have several thousand miles left I would guess.

 

I have also ridden them in the rain a lot and have felt very secure. I also have ASC...and I think that helps a lot.

 

-Ryan

[lkchris]

Interesting topic. I've wondered at the ratings before and have gotten a mixed bag when getting tires from my tire guy.

I would get 6-8K on tires on my 1100RT-P but my big fat friend gets 10-11K on his 1200RT. Even riding together he always gets better tire wear.

Sweet mysteries of life!

 

Not a mystery--the heavier guy experiences less wheel spin.

 

Better mileage carrying a passenger versus not, too.

 

Wheel spin in this case happens when a bump lifts tire off ground. It doesn't as much when bike is heavier.