PR2's with the "B" rating ?

[redtail]

Didn't want to keep hijacking a ride planning thread, so I started this one.

I've been running Avon Storms, and loved the performance/grip. This last set seemed to have a shorter life, due mostly to a 1100 mile day! It totally flattened the center section into the wear bars, leaving me with plenty of meat on the sides.

Being the smart guy that I am, I've stayed in the canyons lately and maintained a decent lean angle. This has evened them out, but now I need new tires.

Read the thread about the RockyMountain discount, and then saw Sportsguys mention of this "B" rating.

Jumped on the Michelin site, where they explain that it's for loaded and/or two up riding.

Exactly what should stave off the flattened middle condition I created.

Searching here, I only found a off-hand mention of this "B" rated PR2 from RogDeb.

Anybody have any experience with this? Or is this a new tire?

It's a little more expensive, but I'm thinking of a few more LD runs!

There also seems to be mixed reviews about the new Avon Storm 2, which is addressing the same issue, but that's another thread.

 

[Beamer Reamer]

I ride nearly exclusively two-up and I have had two sets of the PR2's installed - never the "b" rated version. My tires wore evenly and I got 9,000 miles out of them before I got itchy for a new set. They had not started misbehaving yet when I replaced them, but I always have a set ready to go which is a hard temptation for me to overcome. I haven't found a reason to get the "b" rated tire, maybe I would if I slabbed long distance two-up.

 

[SkooterG]

Wait a minute. I didn't see anything about riding two-up. Do you?

If not, why the hell did you get the 'B' spec?

 

[08FJR4ME]

Wait a minute. I didn't see anything about riding two-up. Do you?
If not, why the hell did you get the 'B' spec?

Jumped on the Michelin site, where they explain that it's for loaded and/or two up riding.

I know it was early.

I changed my PR2's over this spring and I am on my second set. 12'500 out of the front and over 11K out of the rear with more to go. I don't think you could get any better wear out of any other tire at this time. I live in the flat land of Massachusettes and the only decent curves I see are mostly when I do group rides.

I am pretty sure the B spec has another set of fiber cords that may somewhat support the side of the tire more. If your going to do LD riding loaded up then I would go with the B if not just go with the normal michelin PR2. JMO

Dave

 

[MojaveFJR]

Just got a set. How this guys get more than 5 K out of set of tires is beyond me but, that aside. Tomorrow will be our first ride. I went with the B's because my ride to work and back is on a slab. Want to see it the b's will do less squaring.

 

[FJRay]

I have not been able to find the structural changes for the B spec but both tires and all 180 section rears for that matter carry the same weight rating.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

...Read the thread about the RockyMountain discount, and then saw Sportsguys mention of this "B" rating. Jumped on the Michelin site, where they explain that it's for loaded and/or two up riding.

Searching here, I only found a off-hand mention of this "B" rated PR2 from RogDeb.

Anybody have any experience with this? Or is this a new tire?

I know that many here wouldn't run 'Stones' on a bet -- but, this (from the Bridgestone site) seems to address the issue:

"..the regular spec and a special GT spec for heavy weight motorcycles such as the Yamaha FJR1300. The GT spec offers a different front tread pattern and modified belt package construction..."

Their new BT-023 has (available) a new special heavyweight designation -- 'GT'.

One thing we may tend to forget is that tire manufacturers make many styles (sport-touring -- PR2, for example) to fit many brands and styles of motorcycles -- most of which are way lighter, and less powerful, than the FJR.

 

[SkooterG]

I am pretty sure the B spec has another set of fiber cords that may somewhat support the side of the tire more. If your going to do LD riding loaded up then I would go with the B if not just go with the normal michelin PR2. JMO

I read it correctly. He didn't say he was loaded up either. Maybe he's a big guy? I don't know. I do loaded up LD riding and I just get the plain jane rear tire. No 'B' spec here. I don't think it's really necessary unless you regularly carry LOTS of weight. I also know plenty of peeps who load up their FJR pretty good with the normal tire and no problems. I think some folks think the 'B' is a better tire, and I don't necessarily think that is the case. There are already a plethora of threads about this. IIRC, in one of them, somebody measured tread depths of both B and non-B and the B spec tire had less tread. I sure would like to confirm that. Maybe I'll order a B someday and compare.

As for the OP, no it's not a new tire, and has been discussed around here ad nauseam.

 

[03HiYoSilver]

Here is a link with more details:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...st&p=642949

 

[redtail]

Here is a link with more details:https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?s...st&p=642949

That's it! Exactly! I knew it should be here somewhere. Thanks '03HiYoSilver!

3 plys instead of 2 plys, stiffer tire but with the same load rating of 805 lbs.

Theory is that bikes like the FJR might be bigger/more powerful than some other "Sport" tourers.

Results: seems few people have sprung for the extra 40 bucks. Regular rated tire seems to do well enough for most. Probably would for me as well. Unless...

I'm about 200 lbs. I ride mostly 1 up and sporty. I bought this bike specifically because it could do both, and I'm leaning more and more towards the touring (I just turned 50 and I seem to be getting calmer!)

Loaded for me, means bags on with tools, tire pumps, first aid kits, fluids etc. etc.

As much as I'm leaning towards touring, I still can't help myself when it comes to a nice stretch of road. When I ride like a 30 yr. old with the extra weight I pay for it in tires. I also like sticky tires, so it's a price I've been willing to pay.

I just couldn't figure out whether or not there were significant gains in mileage with this "B" rated tire. And if it would be at the cost of good handling.

And I had a sneaking suspicion that the answer was here! For most of my riding, I just need to try the regular PR2's. Before I set off on a 50cc, I should for sure go with the "B" rating and have a better chance of avoiding a mid-trip tire change.

Thanks again! I love this site!

 

[SkooterG]

Before I set off on a 50cc, I should for sure go with the "B" rating and have a better chance of avoiding a mid-trip tire change.

Read more. There's been no correlation whatsoever between longer tire life and the 'B' spec.

 

[redtail]

Before I set off on a 50cc, I should for sure go with the "B" rating and have a better chance of avoiding a mid-trip tire change.

Read more. There's been no correlation whatsoever between longer tire life and the 'B' spec.

Your right, I agree! Thank you for your help.

 

[BwanaDik]

Is the "B" referenced/stamped anywhere on the tire sidewall? I don't think I got them last time but I'd like to check. Also to verify the shop got it right if I get "B" next time around

 

[redtail]

Is the "B" referenced/stamped anywhere on the tire sidewall? I don't think I got them last time but I'd like to check. Also to verify the shop got it right if I get "B" next time around

Yes, if you use the link above that "03HiYosilver posted, there are good pics!

 

[07FJRSD]

I got 4K out of a set of B's, 6K and 8K out of next 2 sets of non's fully loaded and some 2 up all the time. I ride hard and fast most of the time.

 

[midlifeuturn]

I tried a set of B's this time around. Was not happy with the stock Metzlers at all. I ride a lot two up with the wife and I'm 215 by myself. Throw some camping gear on and it adds up in a hurry. If they don't work out this time I'll go with the regular PR2's next time, I sure like the tire so far.

 

[fastpappy]

Just curious, what specifically didn't you like about the Metzlers? I still have the OEMs on and have nothing really to compare them with though they seem ok to me right now but when the time comes I may want to switch. :dribble:

 

[Fred W]

The difference between the B spec and the non-B spec is just in the number of plys.

The rubber compounds are the same, which means if you wore a flat spot in your non-B spec tire you'll probably get the same thing in those. The cause is the type of riding you are doing, not a "problem" with the tire. The extra plys may help the tire run a bit cooler under load, which should translate to longer wear, but you can do the same thing just putting more air into the tire.

The dual compound of all of the PR2's, as well as most other dual compound ST tires, is to help mitigate that center section wear pattern, without giving up traction in the corners. Those guys that shag a set of PR2 in 4-5k miles do so mostly on the sides (in the twisties) in which case you are wasting your money on (the more expensive) dual compound tire. If you are always running hard in the twisties, you'd likely be just as well off (and financially ahead) with a good set of single compound ST tires.

The above represents strictly my opinions only, of which I am the foremost expert.

 

[redtail]

The difference between the B spec and the non-B spec is just in the number of plys. The rubber compounds are the same, which means if you wore a flat spot in your non-B spec tire you'll probably get the same thing in those. The cause is the type of riding you are doing, not a "problem" with the tire. The extra plys may help the tire run a bit cooler under load, which should translate to longer wear, but you can do the same thing just putting more air into the tire.

The dual compound of all of the PR2's, as well as most other dual compound ST tires, is to help mitigate that center section wear pattern, without giving up traction in the corners. Those guys that shag a set of PR2 in 4-5k miles do so mostly on the sides (in the twisties) in which case you are wasting your money on (the more expensive) dual compound tire. If you are always running hard in the twisties, you'd likely be just as well off (and financially ahead) with a good set of single compound ST tires.

The above represents strictly my opinions only, of which I am the foremost expert.

Thank you Fred!

I had no idea the answer would be so elusive. I have , however, learned a bit more about tires. I've also learned why there is a NEPRT section!