So it's time I updated this thread. Lots to tell.
When I removed my original Chinese Tourances I had fitted a pair of Scorpion Trail's. What an awful tyre that was.
Immediately after fitting there was a horrible vibration between 60-80mph. As I spend most of my riding time on the motorway this was uncomfortable.
Balancing was not the problem. As the tyres wore the speed at which the vibration was apparent changed. Eventually, it was worst between 30-40mph.
At 5,000 miles the front tyre was at the wear limit with the rear not far behind.
I removed these tyres and had fitted the FOC Touraces I received from Pirelli. Closer inspection of the cracks on the front Scropion Trail showed they were actually deep splits around 5-8mm deep and up to around 60mm long.
Both tyres were sent back to Pirelli along with a nice letter and some photo's.
In the meantime, my FOC Tourances were fitted. They've done around 6,000 miles now and, whilst they're not going to last as long as I'm used to with the German ones, they're still only about 50% worn.
Last week, I got two letters from Pirelli - one per tyre returned - telling me I've been refunded 100% for the Scorpion Trails. I now have a credit note at home from my local tyre man for a pair of Tourances.
So, two bad pairs of tyres in 6 months and two FOC pairs back from Pirelli. Neither time did I have to argue, they just examined them and immediately ruled in my favour.
For those that have asked, or are wondering, what are the Chinese Tourances like to ride on?
They're noisier. Leaning through fast corners my bike now howls like an Army Land Rover.
In the dry they feel ok. Just as expected.
In the wet they have no feedback whatsoever.
They follow groves and run off white lines a lot more.
They get hotter. They even smell hot at journey's end.
Hopefully set #3 will be a bit better but as I don't need those fitting for a few months yet I will have to be patient.
Regards
Rob C
