Hi, my blade has just worn through it's second set of s20's and on a spur of the moment I decided to order a set of Michelin pr4's. Always been a Bridgestone man so really can't say why the change but I Think I recall some folk on here using them and having positive things to say. Very impressed so far, plenty of grip and turn in great, but then I have replaced a very shagged out set of tyres so anything would have felt tons better I'm sure. I do think however things feel a little harsher, like the tyres are firmer. Everything is a little more bumpy or skippy, not unpleasant but certainly noticeable. Think I'll drop a few psi tomorrow to see if that helps but just curious If anyone has played about with pressures, have you found the same?
Yes the tyres are harder cased which causes slightly harsher ride and a tad more road noise. I run 34 psi front and 36psi back, this works fine and I have tried playing with the pressures. I am now just about to remove my PR4's and fit my summer tyres, last year I ran S20R evo and this year I fancy using Dunlop Gp 212. Have you ever altered your suspension? If not then a trip to a specialist will help iron out the bumps and create a bike less skippy.
Cheers for the replies guys, as you suggest I'll drop the pressures and see how that goes. I haven't had the suspension set up properly, and that is on my list to do. I've lost a couple of stones in weight over the winter so now would be a good time to get it done. In fact, maybe that hasnt helped with the harsher feel. Peter, why are you flipping back to s20's for the summer? I have another set of wheels with brand new s20's on them so could do the same but just thought the pr4's would do summer well too? Do you notice a different when things warm up?
I think PR4's will be going on mine later in the year - so will certainly look at using these pressure instead of standard
I run 30/34 I think.... Don't check until bike feels 'off' on the road tbh. Best road tyres I've had bar none, grippy as anything else and lasts ages.
Running standard pressures with the suspension set up properly and do not want them premature squaring off, these tyres are still planted even after 8K of hard use in all weathers. Turn in is good, front tracks true and the rear is still rolling in without any flat spot, and no feeling of a double step that you get when a tyre is squaring off, even though getting near wear bar, these are even better than PR3s
'Standard' OEM Manual pressures have to cater for all eventualities mostly to cater for the carrying of a Pillion! Rider of 13stone + Pillion of say 10stone? If U ride Solo then a 42 psi rear is madness!
Honda give pressures for both instances ... Both are 36, 42 ... Check tyre manufacturer and they also say the same ... Why? The tyre heats up faster and maintains its temperature easier so on the road those pressures are fine.
Thing is I've tried different tyre pressures on road and track ... with modern tyres there is absolutely no benefit in running lower pressures than specified by the tyre manufacturers or dealers. In fact your causing premature wear due to tyre flex and slowing down the ability for the tyre to get up to temperature. But hey if it works for you don't let me stop you. It's not mad to run recommended tyre pressures on road tyres. If we were talking about dedicated track rubber / track days / etc. Then I would agree....
But surely recommended is just that... Recommended? Based on a predicted set of peramiters and averages calculated to state what they think is the norm for mr middle ground..... Personally i think it just comes down to ones own feel??? I seem to like a bit lower than other? Dunno why just do.... And on pr4's I'm getting 5/6k a rear so not exactly burning them??
Exactly Jimbo, recommended is the key word, My butt muscle tells me that 42 is OK, and tbh if they drop over time to late 30s it feels fine as well, my own thoughts are keeping the pressure up stops the squaring over high mileages, but as it appears I am mad riding at 42psi what do I know? Then again commuting 12 months a year I guess SW has a fair point on my sanity
Comes down to feel at end of the day, and whatever is your personal preference ey.... Lets face it, the mileage your getting and the experience you have on these tyres then if your happy who cares... Wen I get a new set I might try playing around with diff psi's Must say on road I can never be arsed but least ill be able to say for sure what is best.... For me!!!
I've currently got a pair of Pilot Road 3 on the Blade - running them at standard pressures 36/42 and they seem fine.
Hi kentblade Just curious as to what suspension settings your using and on what model bike. I'm running a 2011 repsol blade running pilot road 4 and I'm in the process of setting the suspension as I find the standard settings a little hard and then front end not planted to the road Thanks in advance Stu
Useful info here: http://1000rr.co.uk/threads/are-you-15-stone-and-wanna-set-up-your-suspension.24594/
Sorry mate for slow reply, just seen this Unfortunately it's a 2014, so the settings will not be much good for a 2011
