Michelin Pilot Road 4

[The Nutter]

Hi All,

I asked my local dealer to order me in some Michelin Pilot Road 4s for my 2014 R1200GS TE which they fitted to my bike yesterday. When I got home I discovered that they had fitted the Pilot Road 4 Trail to the front but a Pilot Road 4 GT (not Trail) to the rear. I will be returning the bike to the dealer on Saturday to try to get this issue resolved. Has anyone had this combination fitted? How do I stand on asking them for a replacement? Is my insurance likely to be invalid as I am running a rear tyre not recommended as a fitment for my bike?

Never had this problem with my 2010 model as the only Pilot Road 3's that were made in the sizes for this bike were the trail.

 

[Bigtrucknuts]

I researched ordered and fitted that exact combination. I did so because your fitting pure road tires to a bike that has off road ability. The front has a larger diameter than regular road bikes so the 'trail' road tire is the only option. But it's only a trail tire in size only. Make no mistake its a road tire.

I chose to use the GT on the rear because it's a big heavy bike. The GT tire has a harder central compound that will resist squaring off. Apart from that it's identical to the trail version of the same tire.

This is the best combination of GT4 available for your bike, in my opinion.

Insurance is a none issue.
Asking for a replacement? Don't bother go ride it and enjoy, they did you a favour.

 

[Gargy]

I have the same on my bike................ Works great.

 

[Frankh]

I think you will have no problems, but if it was me..........I would have them put a matching trail version on, but that's just me.

 

[Weatherald]

Same happened to me. Research it and you will find its the best combination for the road.
The GT is dual compound as previously stated for good mileage. Front trail single softer compound perfect for grippy front.


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[RedRick Esq.]

As above this is the combo i have too and no issues at all !

 

[CPJS]

I have that combo too, don't let the pressures drop below 36 psi. at 35 psi the rear started to let go, I run them at 42 r 36 f all the time now.
look at the link for info from a carol nash review.
http://www.carolenash.com/insidebikes/news-and-reviews/news/910-michelin-pilot-road-4-review
They say there is a regular rear but I have never seen it anywhere.

 

[oddshapedballs]

I wouldn't think you'll have any issues but:

If I asked them (and paid for) the Trail front and rear I'd make them supply and fit exactly that, unless of course you gave them some money and told them to do what they like???? Regardless of individual opinion, you now have two different tyres on your bike, they may both say Michelin PR4 but the compound is different.

The Michelin web site only recommends the Trail version for the 12gs. This alone would be enough to make me return the bike and tell the fukcing dealer to sort his/her shit out!

Dealers are not tyre experts.

 

[Titto]

Take it back to the dealer for what? Fitting tyres that are correct options for your wheel size? The dealer has fitted the correct tyres. You have a choice of variants of PR4 to choose from though.

Trail refers to the style of bike its going on and has slightly different compounds, and the rear GT has already stated has a harder middle compound than the standard rear. The GT is standard fitment on say an RT for example but you have the choice of standard / trail or GT PR4 for our GS.

 

[The Nutter]

Take it back to the dealer for what? Fitting tyres that are correct options for your wheel size? The dealer has fitted the correct tyres. You have a choice of variants of PR4 to choose from though.

Trail refers to the style of bike its going on and has slightly different compounds, and the rear GT has already stated has a harder middle compound than the standard rear. The GT is standard fitment on say an RT for example but you have the choice of standard / trail or GT PR4 for our GS.

The issue is quite simple Titto. If you use the Michelin website and tap in your bike make/model/year the only recommended fitment is the Trail version of the tyre, not the GT. I know how wriggly insurance companies get when/if I have to make a claim, especially if it was an accident, hence my question. I hope that clarifies it.

 

[Titto]

Yes I know what you are saying. But everything is the same apart from compounds. Tread pattern is the same etc.
If you are that concerned ask your own insurance company
Recommended tyre fitments are just that, a recommendation. Unless you have a clause saying you cannot fit anything other than recommended tyres then worry not.

 

[The Nutter]

Thanks for all your replies people. It's helped put my mind at rest. I will be popping back to the dealer tomorrow and will explain to them about the different options for the back wheel so that they can inform further customers who will then be able to make their own choice on which tyre they have instead of having the dealers preferred option (or what the distributors have in stock).

 

[oddshapedballs]

Thanks for all your replies people. It's helped put my mind at rest. I will be popping back to the dealer tomorrow and will explain to them about the different options for the back wheel so that they can inform further customers who will then be able to make their own choice on which tyre they have instead of having the dealers preferred option (or what the distributors have in stock).

You need to cover your arse; if BMW tell you the GT version is absolutely fine for your bike then get it in writing and send it to your insurance company, then get an email from your insurer to confirm that they accept the same. I know it's overkill, but if you have an accident and the insurer contacts Michelin and Michelin tells them they only recommend the Trail version and the insurer quotes incorrect tyre choice as adding to your accident....you're fukced!

I've only had a couple of accidents, thankfully, but in both instances the assessor who attended noted tyre condition, make, model and size on his paperwork.

 

[John Armstrong]

Have a look at the Michelin tyre comparison for the trail and other versions of the 4 here:

http://moto.michelin.co.uk/tyre-selector#s=0

I'm probably going for a Trail at the front and Standard on the rear. IITC the GT is for big heavy fast bikes.

 

[UK Jon]

Evening All,

If I can stick my oar in - asked my dealer to get me a PR4 Trial front and GT rear to replace the OE Anakee 3s at the 600 mile service as wanted a pure road tyre. To cut the story short, my dealer not happy with this combo and phoned Michelin UK. They then handed phone to me to speak to the man from Michelin. I explained what I wanted and why I wanted a GT rear - and got an ear bashing........He was very insistent that only the Trial should be fitted to the GS...........

To that end my dealer would only fit Trials front and rear.

In fairness no complaints so far.

Regards

 

[Nutty]

I'm glad I'm sticking with Anakee 3's!

 

[UK Jon]

I'm glad I'm sticking with Anakee 3's!

Evening Nutty,

You would be sticking even more with the PR4...............

Regards

 

[oddshapedballs]

Evening All,

If I can stick my oar in - asked my dealer to get me a PR4 Trial front and GT rear to replace the OE Anakee 3s at the 600 mile service as wanted a pure road tyre. To cut the story short, my dealer not happy with this combo and phoned Michelin UK. They then handed phone to me to speak to the man from Michelin. I explained what I wanted and why I wanted a GT rear - and got an ear bashing........He was very insistent that only the Trial should be fitted to the GS...........

To that end my dealer would only fit Trials front and rear.

In fairness no complaints so far.

Regards

Michelin will only recommend Trail's front and rear, anything else and you've stepped outside of the manufacturers recommendation. The Nutter you specifically asked if your insurance will be invalid, if you ever have to make a claim you can bet your arse it will be at least as far as your insurer is concerned - they always check the tyres! Get it in writing (see my previous entry) or tell the dealer to sort it.

 

[MEDICMAN]

I changed from the Trail Attacks to the Anikee 3's on my last DOHC GS and the improvement was fantastic!

When they came as standard on my WC GSA I was over the moon and, as before, I'm a very happy Medicman riding them.

I must admit though, I am tempted by the PR4's as the likelihood of my going anywhere substantial off road is probably zero!

 

[polevalter]

hello, st.john here i have fitted a pilot trail 4 to the front and a trail road 4 to the rear as it's a 60% firmer compound to the front, as i won't be taking mine off road (2006 gs no abs).The trail only tyres are a different compound to aid off road grip and traction. I did think this would be a better combination from a mileage and wear point . I feel very happy with it, getting amazing level's of lean with confidence and great feel, as usual with michlns there amazing in the wet. I like you had road 3's for a good while on my K1200s 07 model, over 4000 miles to a set , well rear any way, amazing tire........... I suspect if it's not a mistake your dealer may have had simular thoughts to me.............