Getting close to replacing the rear (at least) of the new ZX14. I was going to switch over to the PR4s, which I really liked on my 2012 ZX14. While shopping, I found that the Pilot Power is much less expensive. I have them on my Ducati and they're great... but on a big bike like the 14, how many miles would I get? I'll probably put close to 12K miles on the ZX14 this summer and I'd rather not replace the rear tire every month or so.

I need a good performance tire that's going to last. Am I stuck with the PR4 as the best option? Suggestions???

I'm very happy with the Pirelli Angel GT's. going with a 190/55 rear this time. The power is not a touring tire, and as such wont last like a pilot R4. Ive read the R4 isn't as grippy on dry pavement as the Angel either. Wet might be as good or about the same. wear of the R4 I'm not familiar with. A friend runs a R3 on his FZ1 and gets great life, but he doesn't have the TQ we do.

The ones I'm about to take off have just about 9000 miles on them and the rear is just worn to the wear indicator in the center. I ride quite a bit of highway, so the center wears fastest. It might have lived a little longer with less pressure than oem recommended also. Most of the time I run 38/40 or so. I probably should run 36/38 unless I'm 2 up.

Also, I could probably leave them on a out a little more, but I don't want to. we get quite a bit of rain in MI in the spring, so I'd rather have new tires.

plus, there is a 40$ rebate on a set of Pirelli's until the end of may? I got mine from motorcycle superstore as they also have a 5% coupon right in the main page that's good until march 31. And they have free shipping.

* Last updated by: rod442 on 3/28/2016 @ 11:37 PM *

Just put my first set of PR4s on for this season. So far, I'm happy, but it has only been a few rides.

I commute 100 miles round trip on a pretty straight stretch of highway at 75mph. PR4 should be a pretty ideal tire for me.

PR4s are probably the best wet-pavement tire out there, so if you ride in wet conditions, the premium price may be worth it. I'm on my 3rd set of Angel GTs with set #4 sitting in a box by the NoMar. I have ridden with them on wet pavement a few times and have not noticed any issues. I shopped around and got the set in the box for $260 shipped, so there are deals out there if you look.

MCN just did a review of Sport Touring tires and picked the Metzler Roadtec 01 as by far the best. It's new for 16.
Personally I have an Angel GT on the front and I hate it. Rough ride and it's wearing no better than the sport compound I had on before.

Mad

I don't know how you guys get 9,000 miles out of a rear tire. My bike has 9700 miles and I'm halfway through my 3rd rear tire. OEM Bridgestone lasted like 2600,Pirelli Angel GT lasted until 8200 and it was showing chords. Now I'm on a Dunlop Q3 that looks like I may get 3000 miles out of it. Probably going to go back to the Angel GT because it was great all the way till the end.

To get 9000 miles on a set, leave the traction control ON! and Don't do burnouts.
Highway miles help too.

That's it! no magic, no tricks, no secret. These bikes have enough TQ to spin the rear tire, warm or not under heavy throttle. Let the ecu control that spin and they WILL last longer.

I replaced the OEM Metzler M5 interact that came with my bike at 6400. It would have lasted another 1000 miles but the front cupped quite badly. Some people can wear them out in under 2000. They ride the F-off settings. To me that stands for your tire telling you to eff off. lol.

And yes, I realize that some will say that they want all the performance the bike will give. At the dragstrip, or the standing mile events, SURE. Do that. But on the road a tenth or two slower from 50-150 means jack squat.

So, leave the ktrc on 1, or sometimes 2 if its colder or wet out. OR buy more tires.

Plain and simple.

IF you have a gen 1 without ktrc, your screwed. lol. gear it really tall, or control your right wrist better.

* Last updated by: rod442 on 3/29/2016 @ 2:03 PM *

I got almost 13,000 combined miles out of two OEM rear tires and the original front. I probably could have gotten more out of the second rear, but the front tire was pretty toasted, so I replaced both with the PR4s.

I ride with TC on 1 most of the time. Sometimes 2 if the pavement is cold or wet.

Fair enough I'll just buy tires more often.

MCN just did a review of Sport Touring tires and picked the Metzler Roadtec 01 as by far the best. It's new for 16.
Personally I have an Angel GT on the front and I hate it. Rough ride and it's wearing no better than the sport compound I had on before.

Mad

Yeah, I saw that as well and that test was pretty sketchy If you ask me. Metzler sponsored the test and used their mechanics and it so happens that both of their tires tested finished 1st and 2nd and the Michelin PR4 came in dead last......hmmmmm.

* Last updated by: zxhoya on 8/20/2016 @ 8:41 PM *

To the OP, I have found Rocky Mountain ATV/MC to have the best prices on tires with free, fast shipping (took 2 days to receive my PR4's to DC).

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/c/181/Motorcycle-Tires

* Last updated by: zxhoya on 4/1/2016 @ 4:35 PM *

Thanks for the replies guys. What are your thoughts on the 'heavy weight' versions of these different tires? They have stiffer sidewalls, etc. to handle heavier bikes better. I'm thinking it would be smart, since the 14 is heavy and I'll be riding 2-up quite often.

Those heavier-duty versions feature stiffer sidewalls, so for two-up riding, they're probably a good bet.

Right. if your 2 up fairly regularly then I would consider them. You might even want to call the manufacturer and ask them what they suggest as a crossover weight to switch to the higher load tire.

For me, I don't see a need yet. I'm rarely 2 up, and with the weight loss of the oem cans I don't think its necessary. Most of the bikes that they usually recommend for those type of tires are FJ1300 and heavier bikes. IE 650+

I decided on the Metzeler Roadtec 01 tires. I ordered them through Revzilla, and they price-matched the competition. It's been a long time since I've ridden with Metzeler, I've been more of a Michelin Man (including the waistline) for years. On my old 14 I tried to go cheap with a Shinko and a Continental, but they just don't last. Really hoping to get at least 5k miles out of the Metzeler rear tire, hopefully quite a bit more. The front could last twice as much.

The stock Bridgestone is totally squared off from my commuting miles, and the bike is wallowing around in the curves. It will be nice to be able to make smooth transitions again. I'll review the Roadtecs when I get a few miles on them.

Thanks for all the suggestions... I almost got the Angel GT, but the MCN review convinced me to try the Metz.

The roads in Allegheny and Washington County chew EVERYTHING.

My last 5 sets of tires were Road 3s and 4s. Better mileage but the front feels vague compared to BT003 and Avon 3D Ultra.

So now I'm putting on Pilot Power 3s... because they speak louder and I'm only paying a 1500 mile penalty. The PP3s go for $280 a set; the PR4s go for $316.

Try the combo of PP3 front and PR4 GT rear....been running that on my 2006 and the 2013 14R I upgraded to. Also use the 190/55 rear profile, bike handles flipping fantastic!

To answer your original question about the plain pilot powers, I have tried them. Very sticky but they will only last about 4K miles.

* Last updated by: tooncinator on 6/19/2016 @ 1:53 PM *

I just installed my new 190/55 angel gt's. Wowzers, they are incredibly easy on turn in compared to the old worn 190/50 tire. I realize some of it is that the old tire was flat-ish, but even compared to new the 55 series makes tip over on turns effortless. Its almost scary how easy it is. Only took a min to get used to, but I almost thought the bike was going to fall over it turned so easy. lol. Bike almost tosses like a litrebike now ;) ! It is a MUST do mod if you like to ride twisty roads.

I decided on the Metzeler Roadtec 01 tires. I ordered them through Revzilla, and they price-matched the competition. It's been a long time since I've ridden with Metzeler, I've been more of a Michelin Man (including the waistline) for years. On my old 14 I tried to go cheap with a Shinko and a Continental, but they just don't last. Really hoping to get at least 5k miles out of the Metzeler rear tire, hopefully quite a bit more. The front could last twice as much.

Ready to provide an update?

OK, I've got 2K miles on the Metzeler Roadtec 01 tires. Good experience so far. I was in a lot of rain in late May/early June. Vermont Green Mountains, upstate NY, western PA... all hilly and curvy. After the first 100 miles, I really didn't think about them, they just do it all very well.
No track or dragstrip action to report, so I don't know how they would be there, but on the street they have been quite good. No strange wear patterns or excessive wear, no handling issues, no traction control or ABS kicking in abnormally. I'm hoping the rear gives me 5k+ miles.

Thanks!

I love the P 4S ALOT, I HAVE 190 on rear, second set,, seem to have gotten down to the wear bar fairly quick though , no burn outs, just high speed agressive riding,,Isle of Mann tt , type area i ride