Michelin PR3 Trails?

[Dizzy]

Hi all,
I have been searching for a while and would like some clarification as it seems that people use the PR3 terminology interchangeably.

I have a 1200gsa, is it right that my option for the PR3 is only the 'Trail'?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Dizzy

 

[sethmopp]

There's always the Anakee3, but I think the PR3 trail is a developement for the big trailies. Shouldn't be worse than a normal one. I've had one on the front for almost 3500 miles and has been fine, got it because an anakee wasn't available.

 

[autogs]

road or trail ive had both and not noticed a difference in handling,currently on trails and they are very very good imo.

 

[Adventure Boy]

I had the normal PR3,s on my Tiger Explorer they are the same size as the GS and they were simply superb

 

[Beemerman59]

As said above there are the two versions, Road and Trail. You need to be careful if ordering off the web, I've been sent the wrong version by a supplier who didn't themselves realise there was much difference between the two. I only had a Road version on the rear for about 300 miles until it was written off with an unrepairable puncture but it was great until then. The Trail version is also good and I can't honesty say I could tell much difference. They are brilliant in the rain and give complete confidence even when pushing on.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Hi all,
I have been searching for a while and would like some clarification as it seems that people use the PR3 terminology interchangeably.

I have a 1200gsa, is it right that my option for the PR3 is only the 'Trail'?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Dizzy

I have just had a set of PR3 Trails fitted and am about to go and scrub them in

I will update my feelings on them compared to the Anakee 3s

 

[n0ct0]

From the Michelin website:

The new benchmark in sport touring tires
- Surpasses the performance of the renowned MICHELIN® Pilot® Road 2 tire
- Unrivalled grip in the wet, thanks to revolutionary X-Sipe Technology

Exceptional durability
- Unbeatable tread life from MICHELIN's latest-generation 2CT dual-compound technology*

Performance that lasts
- Even wear and life-long performance thanks to full-depth XST sipes

Pilot Road 3 Trail: For adventure bikes ridden primarily on the road
- All-season grip and outstanding mileage for adventure bikes like the BMW GS, Triumph Tiger 800 and Suzuki V-Strom
- Same XST tread design, but with distribution of the 2CT dual compounds optimized for adventure touring

Special rear tire for loaded sport touring
- 180/55 ZR 17 rear also available in a 'B' version, specifically designed for loaded sport touring or riding two-up

 

[Dizzy]

Thank you for your comments.
I have booked the bike in at Balderston's on Saturday.

It seems, to confirm, the front is only available in the Trail whereas the rear can be either the Trail or the standard PR3.

It will be a full set of Trails going on for consistency!

Dizzy

 

[Tommac]

I seem to remember my tyre fitter saying that the trail version had a lower speed rating and that's why it was cheaper than the standard PR3.

Seems logical to me, why pay for a high speed tyre to go on an adventure style bike that will rarely go over 130mph.

 

[Banjaxed]

Trail vs 'normal'

My understanding of the difference is that the Trail version has a higher proportion of the 'hard' compound. The normals only have a narrow band of hard stuff down the middle, with lots of soft stuff at the sides. The Trails are mostly hard, with the soft stuff only towards the edges (see image).

I've just fitted a pair and they definitely say 'Trail' on the tyre itself.

So do check what's on offer before fitting...

 

[1157]

PR3 TRAILS

Still on the stock set from June 2012 having covered 7400 miles and still life left yet ,brilliant tyre in any riding mode ,I think the trail tyre has stiffer sidewalls to take the heavier bikes compared to the basic road version, what are balderstones charging ?? I was quoted at my dealer recently £313 for the pair fitted

 

[Dizzy]

So looking at the picture that Banjaxed has supplied I could have had a Trail at the front and a standard at the rear. In saying that, if the Trail is designed for the heavier bike ie the GSA, then that's good enough for me!

I will stick with the Trails.

1157
In answer to your question, I have an estimated price of £300 fitted, apparently their Michelin supplier has changed pricing hence the estimate.

It is a slight rush for me as I have ummed & arred over the tread on my Tourance exp. 3mm front 4mm back but I am off to the Picos at the weekend so it is very touch and go and as most people say, it's best to get them changed before you go rather than find you need to replace them while you're out there!

Dizzy

 

[Banjaxed]

Save some money...

Dizzy, it's too late now, but for those with more time, I suggest checking out MyTyres.

I got a pair of PR3 Trail for £196 delivered and my local fitter charged £25 to fit and balance.

Worth considering...

 

[RedRick Esq.]

I have just had a set of PR3 Trails fitted and am about to go and scrub them in

I will update my feelings on them compared to the Anakee 3s

A quick 120 miles and they are well scrubbed in !
Seem very good in fact bloody good. Turn in is sharp and tracking through the corners is excellent. im properly impressed with them. i just need to work on the last ha;lf inch !

Incidently they were £275 the pair fitted, ride in ride out !

 

[Dizzy]

A quick 120 miles and they are well scrubbed in !
Seem very good in fact bloody good. Turn in is sharp and tracking through the corners is excellent. im properly impressed with them. i just need to work on the last ha;lf inch !

Incidently they were £275 the pair fitted, ride in ride out !

That's good to hear, I certainly have read some good reviews so I am looking forward to trying them out!

Again, many thanks to everyone for their input.

Dizzy

 

[jags]

Pr3

I had a pair fitted about 1000mls ago. They are the trail version. Good tyres, but I will never use all their handling qualities as I am too old and slow. Be advised that they feel a bit like a squared off tyre in as much that they squirm over white lines and you feel them going onto the edge as you lean. £246 a pair fitted and balanced at my local garage.

 

[Banjaxed]

Something is very wrong...

Well, I've now been on a 2-day trip, two-up on the PR3 Trails and something is not right. There is a HELL of a lot of vibration coming through the bars (mostly) and seat (somewhat). It seems to be coming from the front, as the rear seems pretty smooth.

Pressures are as recommended. Best guess is that the front wasn't balanced properly, or a duff tyre, or they REALLY don't suit the bike. The latter seems unlikely, given all the positive reports.

So, back to the tyre fitter to check the balance. If that checks out, I'll put a Tourance back on the front and see what difference it makes.

If anyone has any (worthwhile!!) suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Anyone else had trouble with vibration/harshness from a PR3 Trail on the front?

Cheers.

 

[n0ct0]

1000 miles on mine and no problems, sounds like a balance issue on yours.

 

[Beemerman59]

I'm on my second set and have never had any vibration issues. Certainly check balance - maybe a weights come off? The only thing I found with PR3's is that they're a bit twitchy at 36/42 and tend to run them a couple of psi down from those when riding solo.

 

[Banjaxed]

Thanks

Back to the fitter to check balance I reckon...