May 21st, 2014, 06:48 AM | #1 |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
Michelin Pilot Street Radial rear tire review
This review is only of the rear tire because I always use 120/70-17 race takeoffs on the front of my bike.
So I mounted the Michelin about three weeks ago right before heading out on a 3000 mile MTB race road trip to Durango CO. I currently had on a Rosso II rear tire from my last trackday with less then 500 miles on it but was worried it wouldn't get me back home since the last Rosso rear only made 2800 miles before it showed cords and it never saw a track. First impressions 1. The shape has a nice round racing profile vs the flatter street profile. This should give it a nice consistent feel as I lean it through the corner at various angles all the way down to a racing lean angle(cranked over) 2. The grooves are very deep so there's a ton of rubber to wear off before it will need replacing 3. The construction looks like typical higher quality Michelin product right down to the inside of the tires which most riders never get to see. 4. The carcass(sidewall) is a mid level stiff meaning it quite a bit stiffer then the Rosso II rear but not as stiff as say the bias-ply IRC tire. Not sure where my preference sits with this aspect of any tires since all three versions of carcass seem to work equally well for the street. 5. It feels like its on the heavy side for overall weight. Kind of like the carcass stiffness it it sits between the feather light Rosso II and the heavy bullet proof IRC. This is likely due to it being a radial construction tire(lighter then bias-ply in general) but lots of rubber for longevity. As for how it performs on the street. I'm running it at 36 psi because I've got the Mtb on the rear plus tools, camping gear and clothing for a week so it's about 70-80 lbs and with the bike hanging off the rear so far it has a compounding effect meaning its like riding two up with a 100lb passenger. This trip was mostly Hwy because I was pressed for time so the first 2500 miles it was almost entirely strait roads. My cursing speed on the way out to Durango was about 80-85mph with a few stretches above 95mph when the tailwind was in my favor. I did get the bike up to 100 mph for a moment and even with the Mtb and luggage all felt totally normal. The rear tire worked perfect with no noticeable differences from the Rosso II I had just removed. When cruising through the city making slow turns the tire also feels good and predictable. On the way back to LA(2/3 of the way home) my cruising speed was reduced to about 65-70 mph for most the way due to 40mph head winds. I was also greeted with 50 miles sections where the wind would be at my side with stiff gusts of wind hitting me every so often. With the Mtb this makes for an interesting ride due to the highly increased surface area and overall height of my rig. The stiff carcass of the Michelin pro formed flawlessly will no feel or sidewall flex so I could maintain a a strait heading without dealing with tire flex input as well. On the final 500 mile day of the trip I wasn't pressed for time so I opted to take the more seconds route home. One of my favorite roads in CA due to its seclusion, views, road surface and uninterrupted length is hwy 33 north of Ojai over the Los Padres mountains. This road has everything from tight hairpins to wide open sweepers with lots of elevation changes. The Michelin also worked beautifully here in every type of corner. This was also my first time taking my fully loaded bike through the twisties and surprisingly enough I couldn't even tell I had a Mtb hanging 5' off the rear of the ninja. This pass weekend I rode it up and over my Hamilton with one section at a very aggressive pace and the tire still work great without issue. Now 3500 miles later which is far beyond what the Rosso II would have gone and the Michelin hardly shows any wear at all. If I had to guess I used somewhere about 15% of the thread depth. This tire seems to have the perfect balance of Rosso profile and handling and IRC longevity. It's going to cost you a couple dozen more dollars then some of it competitors models but I guarantee it won't disappoint. After 3500 miles |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
May 21st, 2014, 07:40 AM | #2 |
King Hamfist
Name: Cameron
Location: NorCal East Bay
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Crf 150R, 2011 Hypermotard 796 Posts: 940
|
I'm going to miss the days of buying $120 rear tires.
|
|
May 21st, 2014, 08:34 AM | #3 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
|
I just got these put on yesterday, front and rear. I didn't get to ride much due to some approaching rain but they did seem quicker to lean and go into a turn.
I didn't ask the dealer what psi they inflated them to but I'll check sooner or later.
__________________________________________________
"Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." |
|
May 21st, 2014, 09:13 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Appreciate the review!
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
May 21st, 2014, 09:28 AM | #5 |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
Just about any new tire no matter the profile will tip in much faster if your old tires were squared off. Just something to keep in mind when you go raving about how great a different style or brand of tire is when you first put them on.
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
May 21st, 2014, 11:06 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
|
Makes sense
__________________________________________________
"Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." |
|
May 21st, 2014, 03:17 PM | #7 |
RIP Alex
Name: Cuong
Location: Houston, TX
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 2
|
Damn that's pretty good. It may be my next tire. My BT-45 isn't lasting as long as I would like.
__________________________________________________
HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days |
|
May 21st, 2014, 03:24 PM | #8 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
ah you have that weird line on your rear tire too. I think I'll be sticking with these tires for a while to come.
|
|
May 28th, 2014, 07:59 AM | #9 |
Track Clown
Name: Chris
Location: Kingman, AZ
Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Sep '15
|
How consistent is the wear? Are you developing a flat spot in the center?
|
|
May 28th, 2014, 08:35 AM | #10 | |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
Quote:
A flat spot isn't the end of the world because if you managed to flat spot your tire that means your doing most your riding on the center anyways and a flat spot has no ill effect at going strait. If your worried about a flat spotting because you really like to corner all the time then I wouldn't worry about it because if you really like to corner then you won't flat spot your tires and instead they'll look like this. |
|
|
May 28th, 2014, 10:59 AM | #11 |
Motorcycle Hypermiler
Name: Vic
Location: Livermore CA
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.
|
Nice review! too bad no radials are available for the pre gens.
__________________________________________________
235 MPG Hypermotorcycling to a better tomorrow |
|
May 28th, 2014, 11:07 AM | #12 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Alex
Location: Ebensburg, PA
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2015 Yamaha FZ07, Ninja 250r 2012 Limited Edition (Sold) Posts: 529
|
I can add that my tires did well in some rain the other day. I was travelling in between some mountains when a storm and strong wind kicked up. It was bad enough that I saw some other bike stopped under a bridge but I kept going.
The Michelins did their job and I never felt the tires lose traction.
__________________________________________________
"Take it easy driving. The life you might save might be mine." |
|
May 28th, 2014, 12:01 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Jeff
Location: Santa Maria, CA
Join Date: Oct 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 White Ninja 300, 2010 Red Ninja 250r (Sold) Posts: 335
|
+1 for 33 and Mt Hamilton, both great roads!
I think I may have to go with this instead of the Rosso II's to replace my stock IRCs. I was looking forward to the extra grip of the Rossos, but not having to replace them every 3000 miles. This looks like it'll be a good compromise. You use a race take off front. Do you think it would be worth it to get a different front than the Pilot Street? How much/where do I get/would you recommend race take offs for a new rider looking to replace a stock front tire? Would the Rosso II have better grip on the front than the Pilot Street? Would it be a better option than a race take off for a less advanced rider? Anybody tried a Rosso II front/Pilot Street rear yet? |
|
August 2nd, 2014, 06:59 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jono
Location: Memphis, TN
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.
|
Anyone know why these are out of stock everywhere??
I need new tires very soon and I would like to get these, but it's looking like I'm gonna end up with Pirelli Diablo Rosso II. |
|
August 2nd, 2014, 07:10 PM | #15 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Which bike are you putting them on?
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
August 2nd, 2014, 07:17 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jono
Location: Memphis, TN
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.
|
The KLX250SF. It uses the same size tires as the New gen 250's, but requires tubes. I've seen a lot of people run the Rosso II's and I'm fine with settling on them since they will be much better than the IRC's but I would have liked the extra tire life that you get out of the Pilot Streets.
|
|
August 2nd, 2014, 07:28 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Makes sense.
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
August 2nd, 2014, 07:56 PM | #19 |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
I guess its a good thing mine still have several thousand miles left in them even after +7k.
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
August 2nd, 2014, 08:16 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Damn! That is good mileage.
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
August 2nd, 2014, 08:33 PM | #21 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
Might try these if my BT-45s die again before the 8k mark. Currently have 5800 on my rear and it seems to be holding up well.
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
|
August 2nd, 2014, 09:15 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: -
Location: -
Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: 591
|
|
|
August 2nd, 2014, 09:43 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - June '15
|
That's what I like to hear, mine have around 3000 miles on them, and have tons of life left
__________________________________________________
'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. |
|
August 2nd, 2014, 11:56 PM | #24 | |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
Quote:
I went through the stock IRC rear in something 3.5k-4k miles too, was dumb how fast that tire got to cords
__________________________________________________
I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see? |
|
|
August 3rd, 2014, 05:06 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Ray
Location: 48162
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 450
|
11k and not even close to the wear bars yet.
Front only has 1k so i can't give an estimate on it's longevity yet. |
|
August 4th, 2014, 08:06 AM | #26 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
|
seems like a really good tire option, wish more competitors in the tire market stepped up to the plate
__________________________________________________
Keep it rubber side down and enjoy the ride Get healthy - Get Fit - Change Your Life Click Here Or PM Me To Find More - Advocare |
|
August 4th, 2014, 08:15 AM | #27 |
Daily Jap rider
Name: Lance
Location: La Porte
Join Date: Dec 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r Posts: A lot.
|
It will be at least a year an a half before I need a full set again, but I have been reading up on these tire all over the net and they seem like they will be my next set. hopefully in a year and half they won't be on backorder. Rockymountainatv.com has them for pretty good price too, but just as with every other site online they are sold out.
|
|
August 4th, 2014, 02:41 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
lol, even if they made this tire in pregen sizes, I don't ride enough miles. I would have a dry rotted and old tire from winter storage before I'd actually wear it out from mileage. I think I'll stick with soft sticky cheap Pirellis that only last 6k because that's about how much i ride in 2 years.
|
|
August 18th, 2014, 02:29 PM | #29 |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
10,500 miles and still going strong. You can see the thing is square in the middle but what else would you expect when the bike rarely sees a canyon these days. I've got another road trip this weekend so that'll be another 1k miles just this week.
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
August 18th, 2014, 02:34 PM | #30 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
Nice!
Now I want to go slay mine so I can try these out (when if they get back in stock)
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
|
August 18th, 2014, 03:05 PM | #31 |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
After 10,500 miles
|
3 out of 3 members found this post helpful. |
August 18th, 2014, 03:15 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
Damn. That looks awesome.
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
|
August 18th, 2014, 04:11 PM | #33 |
Fast-Guy wannabe
Name: Jason
Location: Brentwood, Ca
Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '13
|
|
|
August 18th, 2014, 04:16 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
|
My DRII is about done in the rear, I think with less than 3k miles...
__________________________________________________
Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
August 18th, 2014, 08:24 PM | #35 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
Damn. That's a lifetime tire for most ninjette riders...
|
|
August 18th, 2014, 08:28 PM | #36 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
yea you can't ask for a better tire
the options to me now are just the pirelli's for grip and the michelins for everything else and they still grip well, better than my pregen sport demons even
__________________________________________________
I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see? |
|
August 18th, 2014, 08:30 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Feb '13, Feb '14
|
Put a stickyass tire on front, one of those on the back, and call it a season. Or two. Or three...
|
|
August 18th, 2014, 08:32 PM | #38 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '14
|
that's actually a good idea
michelin rear pirelli drII front I think I'll do that in 5-8k miles when my tires are done
__________________________________________________
I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see? |
|
August 18th, 2014, 08:54 PM | #39 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
Oh... Now that's an idea.
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
|
August 25th, 2014, 07:24 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jono
Location: Memphis, TN
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.
|
Looks like I'll be ordering new tires tomorrow as my flat IRC tire now has a flat. Haha. I found a nail in the rear tire today. I mean I have about 11,500 miles on them so I can't complain. Just sad that I wasn't able to do a burnout. Oh well, time to try out some Pirelli Diablo Rosso II's since the Michelins are still unavailable.
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Pilot Street Radial from Michelin - Review | afelotreyu | 2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk | 22 | September 5th, 2016 05:18 PM |
[sportrider - latest stories] - Michelin Pilot Power 3 and Supersport Tire Review | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | October 7th, 2013 02:30 PM |
Michelin Pilot Power mixed with Stock IRC front? BAD because Bias w/Radial? | kkel19 | 2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk | 7 | May 6th, 2013 10:23 PM |
[motorcycle-usa.com] - Michelin Pilot Power 3 Tire Review | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | April 18th, 2013 12:30 AM |
[topix.net] - Michelin Pilot Road 3 Sport-Touring Radial Tires | Ninjette Newsbot | Motorcycling News | 0 | August 9th, 2011 01:51 AM |
|
|