Michelin p4 wear issue

[Flash9]

Figured I'd reach out in few places to see if there are any suggestions. Installed the new p4's on my 06 FJR, I have approx 1500 miles and they are both starting to cup. I run the GT in the rear at 40psi, and 39psi in the front. Check them religiously. Anyone else having this issue?

 

[HotRodZilla]

Run 41 front and 43 rear. Then check your suspension settings. Go to a thread started by Haulinashe regarding stock suspension. That will get you close.

Go to Google and search like this: "Haulinashe suspension settings; site: FJRForum.com"

 

[Top_Speed1]

Cupping, scallop etc... yes, I have it also, BUT, I also have 11K on my PR4's. Not too shabby for a 700lb machine. I really think they will go another 2-3K. I noticed the balance (fulcrum) at slow speeds is more sensitive (diminished) and even moreso than the high speed grip loss (or security feeling of).

For longevity on my upcoming 8500 mile cross Country trip in late July, I will put on a new set of PR2's prior. New 4's would easily do this, but I have the extra set of 2's hanging up in my shop. It should be an interesting comparison now after loving the 2's, going to 3's (short life'd w a lag bolt flat), then the 4's.

 

[Zbear]

Had the same cupping problem, changed them out at about 7000 miles as the front had worn thin in the scallops. Rear probably had 3000 left but was cupping too. I had "Total Control" riding school set up my suspension and have new front shocks so the suspension should be right on.

 

[Top_Speed1]

Not saying this is b/c of the low air pressure... but what AJ ('Zilla) said above^^^ holds a LOT of truth on our tire wear. Keep that pressure up!

 

[BkerChuck]

Cupping is generally a result of low air pressure. On most modern dual compound tires you'll see it. The 41 front 43 rear has worked out very well for me.

 

[08FJR4ME]

Why use anything but a PR2, proven tire.

Dave

 

[Luis]

about this cupping...is the taller lip the leading edge? if so, there may be too much rebound damping. Decrease your rebound 1 or two clicks

Luis

 

[SouthernCruizer]

Why use anything but a PR2, proven tire.
Dave

For the same reason we go from a Gen I FJR to a Gen III...keeps getting better.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Why use anything but a PR2, proven tire.
Dave

Exactly...I haven't seen any benefits of the 3 or 4 over the 2.

In fact I've seen an issue on the 3 I could do without...instantaneous tread disappearance.

 

[Hotboot]

Trail breaking and hard acceleration through corners on these heavy bikes accelerates the cupping. If you are braking into corners ( I was ) on PR ( I switched ) it is going to happen. Once the front starts, it just gets worse with miles.

I hate hard high mileage motorcycle tires. Pilot Power 3's net 4500 miles on the rear, some of you guys require more longevity back there but they wear and balance well on the FJR front.

 

[Flash9]

Hotboot what do you run for tires now?

 

[majicmaker]

Why use anything but a PR2, proven tire. Dave

Exactly...I haven't seen any benefits of the 3 or 4 over the 2.In fact I've seen an issue on the 3 I could do without...instantaneous tread disappearance.

I agree! Just finished a set of PR4's. They were ok and rode for 14K miles but, I immediately went back to the PR2's once I found out that they were back in production. It's my sixth pair. Love these tires.

 

[redneckj]

Why use anything but a PR2, proven tire. Dave

Exactly...I haven't seen any benefits of the 3 or 4 over the 2.In fact I've seen an issue on the 3 I could do without...instantaneous tread disappearance.

I agree! Just finished a set of PR4's. They were ok and rode for 14K miles but, I immediately went back to the PR2's once I found out that they were back in production. It's my sixth pair. Love these tires.

wow, 14k on a set of PR4's. That is great. Please explain how you got that many miles out a set of tires and decided to go back to a PR2?

 

[Intech]

I have PR4's on now. Run 40/42 front/rear. Just put 6500 miles on a new set for our cross country ride to SW-FOG. The tires have seen just about every kind of riding and surface there is. Normal cupping has occurred on the front (every tire does it to some extent). I expect to get, at least, another couple thousand out of the rear tire. I have yet to wear out a front as I usually replace in pairs.

As for the PR2's, I agree. It is a great tire. I like the PR4 for the improved wet surface traction.

 

[08FJR4ME]

Why use anything but a PR2, proven tire. Dave

Exactly...I haven't seen any benefits of the 3 or 4 over the 2.In fact I've seen an issue on the 3 I could do without...instantaneous tread disappearance.

I agree! Just finished a set of PR4's. They were ok and rode for 14K miles but, I immediately went back to the PR2's once I found out that they were back in production. It's my sixth pair. Love these tires.

wow, 14k on a set of PR4's. That is great. Please explain how you got that many miles out a set of tires and decided to go back to a PR2?

If you have ever been to Florida there aint many twisties or mountains around. Same reason I get so many miles out of mine.

Bob: I am on my sixth set of PR2's and have another set waiting in the garage. I whipped the snot out of them on get togethers and I have yet to experience a cupping issue. Just my luck I guess.

I do agree that you do get the added benefit for riding in the rain with the PR3 & 4 tires but how often is that? 10% of the time? I would rather just slow down during these conditions.

Dave

 

[wheatonFJR]

Btw, I do not use PR2 fronts...never again. I use a nice consistent (throughout the life) profile Bridgestone BT-023GT...or the new T30 front, since Bridgestone is fooking up and changing tire offerings like Beemerdons changes underwear...every few months or so.

 

[Top_Speed1]

about this cupping...is the taller lip the leading edge? if so, there may be too much rebound damping. Decrease your rebound 1 or two clicks
Luis

The more cross siping you have, the better chance you have of noticing this effect. The centrifugal force of the tire "whipping" around and then slapping itself down on the pavement (with this gap in play) is where this wear wave comes into effect.

There was a graphical explanation of this somewhere that will make total sense, I'll have to seek it out again....

 

[BanjoBoy]

Run 41 front and 43 rear. Then check your suspension settings. Go to a thread started by Haulinashe regarding stock suspension. That will get you close.
Go to Google and search like this: "Haulinashe suspension settings; site: FJRForum.com"

Good advise here, I'd also recommend get'in yerself a digital tire gauge. I got 5 dial gauges, 'n they all read different; one's 4.5 psi off compared to the digital. I keep the most accurate dial gauge on the bike, 'n leave the digital home. (You don't wanta travel w/ a digital, cuz the battery may die.)