Howdy fellas, y'know lately I've been pondering the GTs' tire situation. I want something different. We'll use my tires(stock Pirellis) and their age plus my riding style/habits, and if you would cite your own concerns considering your own tires, style and general environment and conditions.
The scooter is a'14, first model with all the problems, etc. I have about 4600 miles on the clock. It was my weekend funbike/hit the backroads if I have a couple hours kind of bike, shift points at about 4 grand... So far it has seen three Texas summers with no problems tire-wise; no dry rot, cracking, graining. I keep a bleary eye on the air pressures at 32psi generally. However, the rear tire seems greasy if underinflated by even a couple pounds, or until hot, and I cannot tell when I'm actually locking up until I feel it wash out and reduce braking pressure. The tire gives no warnings,makes NO noise at all.
Some fellas say they only got three grand out of the back, some say five. Although I usually ride a smidge on the 'spirited' side in the countryside while in town I stay as friendly as possible. And I still have a huge amount of meat, especially noticeable in the back. The front tends to dive too much, forcing the tire to tuck when cold, usually during quick maneuvering at low speed. However, both operate nicely when hot and anywhere above 25mph.
Eventually these skins are going to crap out, and when they do I don't want another set; I guess they're just too sporty for my style of riding. I want sticky from the first revolution. I've had Michelin dual compound tires, Carlisle tires, Continentals, Goodyears, old school crappy Bridgestones, great Bridgestones. But never Dunlops. When young they were way out of my pay grade. Or unavailable in 'that' size. Now with the GT I want Dunlops, K70/81s. They have it all and at a decent pricing.
Coker has some nice Firestones, but the tread pattern doesn't look as aggressive or efficient at sipe-ing away water.
For those who have done a tire swap, I'd love to hear your personal opinions on the tires you chose for your GT from new rubber til now.
BTW our local airshow website is up and updated as new acts are added through the end of April.
www.centraltexasairshow.comCheerio!