New Tourance EXP Tyres

[GoldenGS]

I regret changing to EXPs from original (old-style) Tourance, front feels nervous at speed. I run both at 36/42psi and have deliberately let the front run at lower psi on the EXPs occasionally for comparison - to see if they feel less flighty. Will live with them until a new set beckons - let's hope they do wear more quickly than the old-style jobbies!

 

[Dr.KC]

So far no issues with the Tourance EXP on my R1200GS (09).

I really enjoy those tires. Have in mind that I am almost 130Kgr and 1.97m height and I use to corner allot. So far I placed 4.300Km on the pair of EXPs and they behave very well.

They behave fine even with two-up at a total payload of 225Kg on my little elephant (I mean my GS).

The only bad thing is that they make allot of noise while spinning after 65Km/Hr. The noise comes from the crown of the tires and not for the profile, I checked it because when on the crown I get a wobbling deep noise and when cornering noise goes off…..that’s the only reason keeping me away from re-install them, apart from that is a nice type of tire that goes fine with the on-off nature of a GS.

 

[rjsmith26]

Whilst on the tyre thread, Need to change the rear on my 2008 GSA. Currently on Battle's.

Fancy something with a bit more off road capability and was thinking of a conti trail attack or a tourance. Any thoughts on a mix i.e. leave the Battle on the front or will this really upset the bike.

I'm light in weight (85kgs) - just in case its relevant?

 

[Achim]

Interesting to read about the marginal differences in grip between the "normal" Tourances and the EXPs. I've used the "normal" ones just once (never again) and switched because a) tyre life was a measly 6,000 miles and b) the handling was considerably worse than on B'stone Battlewing 501/502s.

I'm now on Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmarts and after 10K miles (and two trackdays and several Autobahn stints later*) they are still looking good for another 1,000 miles or so. The handling is on a different planet compared to Tourances - on tarmac, that is: they are rubbish in mud but ok on gravel .

Achim
*discovered that my GS will pull to the rev limiter in 6th

 

[peter-k]

I found the Tourance EXP has clearly better grip than the Tourance, in particular in the wet. Also the handling is crisper, and they run quieter. The front is a bit to harsh, i.e. compliance is far not as good as the regular Tourance. They are sport tyres with a bit enduro styling pattern for the profile, not allrounders. I just wanted to try them, but all-rounders are better for me.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Strictly come .....cornering!

Interesting, but not surprising, to note the range of different opinions! We all have different weights and we all habitually ride on different road surfaces at different speeds. The problem with choosing a tyre different to that we are used to (like many other items!) is that by the time it is fitted it is too late to change if you don't like it. Like so many characteristics of bikes in general it is very often much easier to adapt your style to what you have than try continuously to modify:change what you have bought! But then where would all the accessory manufacturers make their money!

 

[Dr.KC]

So far no issues with the Tourance EXP on my R1200GS (09).

I really enjoy those tires. Have in mind that I am almost 130Kgr and 1.97m height and I use to corner allot. So far I placed 4.300Km on the pair of EXPs and they behave very well.

They behave fine even with two-up at a total payload of 225Kg on my little elephant (I mean my GS).

The only bad thing is that they make allot of noise while spinning after 65Km/Hr. The noise comes from the crown of the tires and not for the profile, I checked it because when on the crown I get a wobbling deep noise and when cornering noise goes off…..that’s the only reason keeping me away from re-install them, apart from that is a nice type of tire that goes fine with the on-off nature of a GS.

Have in mind also that I ride in GREECE...the tarmac quality due to weather random changes and the summer excessive temps is really bad with very low traction characteristics....


Although EXPs work fine.

Question: Do other riders find the EXPs noise or is only me or my pair of tires;