Triumphrat

dazco · 09-16-2009, 06:57 PM

I have the new Thunderbird 1600 and with 4k miles it's looking like the tires will need replacing withing 3k at the most. I was thinking of trying power pilots instead of the stock metzelers because from what i've read they seem like the will not only handle better but somehow even give better longevity. But i have a few questions

1)-what is the diff between the PP and the PP2CT?
2)-do they make them in 200/50-17?
3)-if #2 is NO, what other Michelin would do as well or close in longevity and handling?
4)-have most of you that used metzelers in the past and now use PP's noticed much better longevity?

It appears the answer to #2 is no, tho i'm not completely sure yet. But i haven't seen em in that size and i'm still waiting on Michelin to answer my email.

BombFactory · 09-20-2009, 01:28 PM

I cannot comment on all your specific questions, but I can give my opinion of Pilot Powers. I used to run Metzler M1s on my Daytona 955i, which I think are good tires, but I decided to change to Pilot Powers. They are great tires if you are looking for more of a radical lean angle and stickiness; however, out of the three sets I've owned, none lasted very long due to the softer compound. Because the lean geometry is on the aggressive side, it is easy to wear a flat spot in the tire if you ride on straights a lot, creating two peeks instead of one. If you are planning on riding twisting roads a lot to keep the tire’s shape, and if you aren't looking to get much over 3,500 miles out of them, they are a very good tire. I never saw more than about 3,500 miles out of the sets I owned.

I decided to try some new tires, and I put Pirelli Diablo Stradas on. The reviews are excellent, with many people claiming they got between 7K and 11K commuter miles out of a set. I have put about 2K miles on them so far, mainly commuting, and there is no flat spot and the wear looks minimal. They warm up quickly, stick very well in wet and dry, feel reassuring, and the lean geometry is very comfortable in all situations I've come across. I don't know if they make a 200/50-17, but they do make a 190. I hope this helps.

KitNYC · 09-20-2009, 04:46 PM

3,500?!?! Really?!?! I got more like 9,500 out of mine, though they were absolutely, down-to-the-cords done at that point.

Cheers,
-Kit

BombFactory · 09-20-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KitNYC

3,500?!?! Really?!?! I got more like 9,500 out of mine, though they were absolutely, down-to-the-cords done at that point.

Cheers,
-Kit

I know, it sounds off judging by other reviews I've read, but all three pairs made it slightly past the wear marker by 3,500. Maybe I'm harder on them than others, but I cannot explain it?

KitNYC · 09-20-2009, 09:55 PM

Maybe you're related to DaveM?

BombFactory · 09-20-2009, 10:39 PM

I've a cousin Dave W. Hmmm.

Joemomma · 09-20-2009, 11:04 PM

Never got much more than 3500 miles out of my Pilot Powers either, but they do stick well and warm up pretty quickly.

KitNYC · 09-21-2009, 03:34 AM

Again, total oposite of my experience. I always figured I got so many miles out of them because they never warmed up! Definitely had many a puckeriffic moment feeling the rear break loose on the BQE!

Cheers,
-Kit

dazco · 09-23-2009, 03:42 PM

Well, it looks as tho there are none in my size anyways so moot point. Guess i'll stick with the metzelers. I only asked because i read they they get MORE miles than the metzelers ! So i fugured more miles and better stickiness=No Brainer. Don't recall where, but i guess someone was BS'ing. The Metzelers are good anyways so no problem. I WOULD however like to find something that sticks as well as the metzelers and lasts longer. At 4k mine look like they're headed for 7-8k replacement intervals and i'd sure like to get 10k or better.