Softer, more comfortable road tyres?

[Banjaxed]

Bl**dy puncture means a new pair of tyres (it was on the 'good' one). I'm on a 2011 1200GSA with ESA, 99% road riding and need recommendations for pure road tyres. Mostly one up, but sometimes 2-up with full luggage.

I previously tried a set of Michelin PR3 and while the back was great (absolutely unshakeable), the front was incredibly stiff. Reducing the tyre pressure didn't seem to make much difference, so I guess it was the carcass. In the end, it was so uncomfortable, I switched back to good old Tourance - and got back a comfortable ride. But the Tourance doesn't grip as well in the wet - mostly no problem, but noticeable on white lines, or overbanding, so I'm looking at road tyres again.

Anyone able to compare the PR3 with the PR4 for comfort? Is the PR4 just as stiff? Any thoughts on equivalent Dunlop, or Contis? It's comfort (first) and wet grip (second) that matter to me.

Any thoughts welcome...

 

[Bendy toy]

from time to time i use single track roads with gravel down the middle so took a chance on Continental TKC-70 radials. The tread looks like a 25% offroad pattern, but the grip on tarmac is excellent. They don't follow grooves and to be honest I'm amazed by how good they are.

I'm still playing with pressures but 34/40 feels pretty close. If they are too committed have a look at Road or Trail Attacks which use the same carcass.

 

[Cook1e]

Hmmm...

 

[Bendy toy]

 

[Banjaxed]

Thank you Cook1e...

Very comfortable indeed (rode one for 3 weeks in the USA), but honestly, that colour just clashes with my fake tan...

 

[Banjaxed]

Thanks Bendy

I've mostly used Tourances over the years, although I did like a set of Trail Attacks a few years back (on an 1150GSA). The TKC-70s might be worth a look - I'll read up on them a bit. Any experience of them in serious rain?

Cheers

 

[Bendy toy]

Only a small ford so far but exit looked greasy to say the least. TKC-70s behaved impeccably.
So far they've lived up to the reviews
The bike felt like riding on a knife edge after the old tyres. I expected more grip and more accurate steering but not such s profound difference.
I can't compare back to back but believe they feel lighter steering than Tourances.

 

[Pukmeister]

PR4's come in a 'Trail' version with a carcass designed for dual sport enduro bikes like the GS. Be sure to specify the correct type if ordering them, not the pure road/sports variant . Just paid £174 for mine from Tyre Leader, not fitted yet as plenty left on my current tyres.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Avon Azaro/ST's - my tyre of choice on my old 1200 - they seem to work especially well with the bike and for whatever reason gave a much more compliant ride than any other tyre I tried.

Andres

 

[haydw]

Front suspension adjustment? For me (and I weigh a bit) I need virtually no preload on my 2006 GSA. have used tourances (felt wooden), conti trail attacks (good but took ages to warm up, especially in the wet) and PR3's and pr4's . PR4 are similar to the 3 but last a bit longer. Never had issues with the carcass etc. the feeling is probably down to suspension. It's amazing what the difference is if it's set up properly front and rear.

 

[pojoel]

I have a friend with a 1200 -11, who swears that the PR4 is _the_ ultimate tyre for his riding style. "Very good for tarmac, and rubbish for gravel" . He usually manage to get a very large mileage from them.

I like my Dunlop TR91 very much on my 1200 -06. They wear a bit faster but I feel comfortable in all weather on tarmac. When new-halfworn they are ok on gravel roads too.

I did a South Sweden - North Sweden - Finland - Norway -Nordkapp - Norwegian coast - West to South Sweden tour last summer, fully loaded with passenger. The Dunlops felt extremely safe and grippy. I do feel that I should have pumped the rear up a bit more then what the manual say, when looking at the wear pattern.

Later in September we attended a track day at Ring Knutstorp. I rode with Madame and panniers on for the whole day, and I still felt totally safe and comfy with the Dunlops. They stuck to the track like shit to a blanket. Really.

 

[Smug]

If you are getting a hard ride you should be playing with your suspension and not your tyre pressures.