Tyres - How long do they last?

[David.]

With "Back to Back" Tours this year, I need some confidence that the tyres will last 5 to 6,000 miles.

I will be riding 2 Up + Luggage on both trips.

What kind of mileage have you got out of which tyres under these riding conditions.

[guest2360]

Very unfortunate mileage.  I always found they were starting to go off from about 4500 and totally shot and illegal by 6000, both front and rear. There are of course owners, mainly over the pond who have been known to get twice that mileage.   

[Firenailer]

I'm with RT, by 6000 miles I'm usually replacing my tires. By then the front is cupped and the rear is showing serious tread wear.


That being said these PR3's I installed midway through last season are looking really good at just over 5000. That's a first for me!

[David.]

To be on the safe side, perhaps I'd better change them between the trips & keep the replaced tyres as "part worns".

[Firenailer]

2 up on a Tour, that probably wouldn't be a bad idea. It's really not that expensive to swap tires, and with someone else on the back I'd rather be overly cautious.


By myself I'd probably  through, but with a contact patch the size of a silver dollar and someone else to be concerned about, it's not worth it.


How many miles are on them, and what are you expecting to add on your trips?

[David.]

How many miles are on them, and what are you expecting to add on your trips?

The Original Bridgestone 021's have 3,000 miles on, got an 800 mile trip to Wales, so will probably run these tyres until I go to Germany.

The Germany trip is 2,000 miles, will change them again before doing 3,000 miles to Norway & back.

I'll keep the "part worns" & make a note of the mileage they have done, then use them again sometime.

[steve.sharkey]

How pertinent... Just in for its 6000mile/1 year service and I've had the call that the front is illegal. Lower than 1mm on one side - I guess I have enjoyed those left handers too much over the last 2000 miles. The wife won't be pleased... Means I'll be keeping this GS until tomorrow. Definitely made the right choice for me with the RT but interesting to try the GS!

[David.]

Just in for its 6000mile/1 year service and I've had the call that the front is illegal.

What tyres are on the Bike & are you replacing with the same.

[Firenailer]

David,


In all honesty if you swap to P3's or 4's you won't believe how much better your RT will feel and handle. Toss the Bridgestones and you'll love your trip SO MUCH more! The change is almost miraculous.

[David.]

Thanks for the recommendation.

I'm still undecided & now drawn towards Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmarts because the tread pattern will allow the depth to be monitored in the centre where it wears the most.

[steve.sharkey]

What tyres are on the Bike & are you replacing with the same.

michelin p4 GT replaced with the same. I want to see how these wear because I've never worn a tyre like the one that was on there in the back of my mind I'm suspicious that the dealer took a file to my previous front to claw back some cash since I had them over a barrel on the servicing cost! If this one wears significant differently then I'll select a new dealer for all future servicing, but until then I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.


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[Chad]

The wife won't be pleased... Means I'll be keeping this GS until tomorrow. Definitely made the right choice for me with the RT but interesting to try the GS!

How do you find the GS compared to the RT?

[Pope]

Original Conti Road Attack GT's totally shagged out by 6000 miles..


On my second set now, but might try PR4's next.

[fmantek]

How do you find the GS compared to the RT?

As i must switched from a 2012er GS to the RT, now having 700km behind me on the RT in the last few days, i feel like i can give you my 2c.


It starts of course with the non-wethead vs wethead difference. I rode the GS-LC for a while as well, and found that the LC engine does not "fit" with the adventure bike the GS is. Too smooth, too "japanese" imo for an "Enduro" bike.


For the RT it fits nicely. The riding position for me (6''5 tall) is very good on the RT, more active than the GS. I love the better wetter/wind protection, and the way the bike handles is so much more road friendly compared to the GS. Yes, the GS is a great all around bike, but you sit higher on it, the weight distribution is not so "low/centered" as it is on the RT, at least for my frame.


The smaller front wheel makes the RT more nimble on the road, and yes, the RT weights more than a naked GS, but when was the last time you saw a naked GS?


The only problem i have with the RT vs.the GS, strangely enough, is that the GS is the better touring bike in the respect of luggage capacity. Not that you can fill her up, because of the weight limitation, but the ZegaPro boxes with 45/38L plus topcase, plus Ortlieb bag, plus Tank Bag... The luggage options are just more varied and bigger. Oh, and the missing LED light and the missing lock for the navigator


I don't regret the switch at all. I don't miss off-road riding, for touring here in the countryside the RT is the superior bike, and, compared to a GS, the RT is a beautiful bike... I think i call mine Giana - a GS i would never even think about naming.... Calling her a Cow is the only fitting name i ever heard


Frank