Street Pilot tires on a GSA?

[norseman]

Maybe this is what we in Norway would call "curse in the church". Anyway, I am going on a trip to Sweeden, Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy this summer. I consider putting Michelin Street Pilots on my GSA for this trip. I am going with my buddies, all driving RTs. I guess 100% of this trip will be on Tarmac. Here in Norway there are lots of nice gravel roads and I usually have Anakees on. I am very satisfied with those for mixed driving. Has anybody any experience with street tires on the GSA?

 

[longdog]

Hi norseman, I think you'll find that there are quite a few Gs's wearing Bridgestone 020 tyres. I don't have any experience of them myself, but I believe that people are pretty happy with them and the newer Michelin Pilots, in fact, the Ride magazine long term test R1150GS was fitted with the Pilots and they were happy with them. For more info, take a look here.....................
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32096
and don't forget to let us all know of your experiences with whatever tyres you decide to fit

 

[Taff]

Personal choice I suppose, but I put a set of Tourances on mine last year and have been very happy with them. The only problem I had with them, was the amount of lubricant on them when fitted, which was bloody frightening - and experienced by others on here as well. After a good wash though they were fine.

 

[Droopy Dick]

FWIW, The guy at Michdever convinced me to go with Pilot Roads rather than 020s, on the basis that they are repairable, whilst the V-rated 020 isn't. (I'd had two tyres ruined by punctures last year).

I wish to God that I'd got 020s.

I've found the Pilot Roads seem to put a hinge in the middle of my bike. They're fine in the dry, but wet roads seems much more scary, and wet roundabouts are a real challenege. I end up pottering round them like a learner. The slightest overbanding makes the rear end step out. They've done 4,500 miles and already have a noticeable 'squared off' appearance.

That being said, two guys on today's ride-out swear by them. So perhaps riding style comes into the equation.

I've had 020s on a Blackbird and an RF900, and they were superb. Nice shape to the profile, grip well in the wet and in the dry they're all but unbeatable.

Once the rear Pilot Road is worn out, I'm going to go back to the Dunlop 607s I ran all last year. Soft tyre, but grippy as hell.

 

[sparkplug]

Norseman - I have done the same journey in reverse!

We'll that's not quite true but I've been to all the places you mention on the bike even if not in the same trip.

I did this with the Metzler Tourance and found them to be very well suited to both tarmac (as you say the majority of the trip) and the forest tracks which led to friends Hytte and other places of interest.

If you experience any difficulties in Switzerland or Italy let me know as I have some good biking contacts in the area

It sounds like a great trip and I'm sure you will enjoy it

 

[norseman]

Thank you guys... I decided to fit another Anakee this weekend and I am going to break them in on a couple of trips to Western Norway this spring.(I live in a small town near Oslo, called Tönsberg.) I did 12K on the Anakees last year and they performed real good in wet conditions. I have alwas felt rather insecure in wet conditions, but the Anakees has given me more confidence. I feel I am safe at higher speed with them. I just wondered if the Pilots would stick even better... Does anybody know if it is a "Silica" tire? I appreciate your opinion "Droopy Dick", and understand that you felt it didn`t stick well in wet conditions.
And yeah, I am looking forward to the trip. It has been on my mind since last autumn.

To Schiannini: Thanks for the offer, how do I get in touch with you if I should need some assistance?