If you look at this comparo you can see what the tires are aimed at. The pure one probably wont get the mileage a 2ct gets. I've run every sport tire michelin makes on the street and track, my experience was the 2ct's cost more than the pilot power and didn't provide any more grip and very little more mileage so they didn't justify the premium. The road 2's provide just as good of grip as those 2 and cost about the same as the 2 ct's but produce significantly more mileage, the big plus for the road 2's is they don't square off like the others when you slab it or commute (hell I'd run the road 2's on the track).

When a tire squares off it can produce some cornering issues. When going from upright to lean you go from a fairly normal contact patch to reduced contact patch and back to a normal contact patch in an instant due the squaring off producing a slight ridge. If your on the gas or coming on the throttle hard it can cause unexpected grip issue's and spin up on you (speaking from experience here). This is what I really like about the road 2's, they don't square off like the others and actually produce a good even wear pattern from side to side through the life of a tire. I have a road 2 sitting in the garage that is a back up with maybe 1000 miles left on it and still has a nicely rounded profile. I've had to change powers and 2 ct's before that still had life in them but because they had squared off so bad were unpridictable in handling characteristics.

I'm not saying 9seconds is wrong in his assessment, this is just my opinion based on my experience and riding style.

* Last updated by: heathun on 4/26/2010 @ 5:57 PM *

Well...that's "kind" of an answer!Okay-I can sometimes rail pretty good like ya say-at least I try to.But mainly I'm wonderin what kind of speeds you're hittin to 1)have to lean er like that, and 2)if it's practical to try to do it here.I don't want or intend to break my tires loose in a curve doin,say,150.So you can kinda see why I'm askin about your speed with those pics.I've hit some serious curves with A LOT of speed-leaned er in,yeah.To the edge,ya.But not to the extent of meltin the strips like that(a tiny bit,yes).That was at around 130 or so.And what kind of lean angle do you think yer gettin with those pics?I've never touched any hard parts or bodywork-tips of my toes(sides)yes.

On some of our good back roads and mountain roads during the week when traffic is minimal, we'll cruise around well into the triple digits. Usually to get a tire that warm and sticky you have to be on some tight stuff with lots of corners otherwise the tire will lose some of it's heat in the straights. You have to remember that what causes heat in a tire is the friction and flexing of the tire so the more flexing that goes on the more heat that is generated.

I've been riding this 14 for 3 years now and logged 25k so I'm pretty comfortable on it and know what to expect out of her. As far as spinning up the rear I have to it makes the wife giggle.

* Last updated by: heathun on 4/26/2010 @ 6:11 PM *

I live in CT now so we have 40-70 degree weather for the past 2k+ miles...

Okay-that's good to know Heathun.Just curious.I don't hit any curves at 150...but triple digits...ya-lots o' times.Guess lots of it also has to do with tire compound.Never tried those Pilots you've got.Maybe need to give em a go.Thanks man!Ride safe!

Blue:

Are you still liking the Angel ST's? I've got them on now, and am happy with them. Did a track day at Miller Motorsports with them and finally got to the edge of the rear tire.

I understand that the surface at a good racetrack is made with quite different stuff than is use on the street -- for traction. Something about rubber in the asphalt compound (?). Sure did feel good... -bg

Blue says I think my next set will be what you've recommended here. C'mon man already talking about your next set of tires. Hopefully you have a while left on those Pirelli tires you have. The only thing I have to compare them to is the stock Bridgestone tires but I really like them so far.

* Last updated by: jbice on 4/30/2010 @ 5:33 PM *

After Heathun's words on the PR2's I went ahead and placed an order for a pair.

I've got 1,200 miles on them so far and am very happy with them overall. I did one 40 mile run at night in hard rain and they felt very solid at speed, no issues at all.

I ordered 190/50's and although they are the same size as the stock BT-014's the PR2's immediately felt like they were a little "lighter on their toes" if that makes sense... could be just me I suppose. I had about 2,600 miles on the BT-014's and they would have been good for a while longer but I had the cash and just wanted to start the season with the new set.

Until around 5-700 miles I was a little nervous with the numerous claims on how these tires can feel greasy during the break in period... not the issue with them getting too hot on the track greasy, but like the factory mold's are leaving some type of extra resilient residue on there that takes longer than normal to wear off. I did a few full day runs on them though and now things are feeling great.

Thanks again Heathun and everyone else for your input, I am very happy with the PR2's... maybe Pure's next season? :)

I have a 2011 ZX14 that I bought new in April. I have about 2500 miles on the stock Bridgestone BT014s and the metal belt is now showing. Curious how long the Power, Power 2ct, and Power Pure last?

never heard anything good about the pures....I know several that have wrecked on/because of them

+ 1

I heard they were one of the lightest blablablabla, I even had in my cart and was about to check out when I decided to consult my mag tire rating and I think they scored 2 stars out of five... No thank you! I heard the BT 016 weren't that good either. They BT 016 PRO are what you wanna get but I haven't seen those.

@heathun: I think I have 500 miles on the Q2's and can say it's a decent tire. I have tried different psi set ups and 40 front 38 rear works for me. They are confidence inspiring and grip really well on the edge. The front is really stable and planted, I carry more speed into corners and trail brake longer.
The negative stuff: The Q2's warm up slowly: I went for a fast left ender after 3 miles and I felt the rear slide a little but it regained grip. Another time I went from close to triple digit to hard on the brake and I felt the tire deform a little bit too much.. In the Q2's defense I could say that the 55 rear add additional weight to the front when I brake. Also the profile doesn't allow for fast direction changes, at least compared to the Rosso Corsaote that I was using a 50 R S with an older front before I switched to the Q2's. The Rosso Corsa were more precise and offered fast transition. It was really easy to lean the bike while the Q2's are more stable at any speed. In 3000 miles I will be mounting another set of Rosso Corsa (with a 55 rear) and I'll report back if I find something worth mentioning.

I don't regret the Q2's, it's great tire at a great price! It's way better than the Metzeler (M5 I believe) I have tried. If I gave the Rosso Corsa a 9/10 I would give the Q2's an 8. I rarely slab it so if anyone is looking for a touring tire, I am the wrong person to ask. If you're into back roads and occasional track days, you can go wrong with either.

for aggressive cornering 40 and 38 is way high pressure....

Really? What would you recommend?

I know several that have wrecked on/because of them

Love it when guys blame the tires... That being said, I've lowsided on Pures... I don't blame them, but I will say they give you zero warning before letting go... Best be smooth on the throttle when on the edge.

btw: 40psi front, 38psi rear was my "happy spot" doing fairly aggresive street riding on my 14 with Q2's.

I have talked to many many guys that have run the pures.....none of them have run them twice! They seem great, right up until they let go with no warning!

Pilot road 2's is a no brainer. Best motorcycle tire for grip and longevity I have ever rode on. I got 4300 miles on my original BT 014, worse tire I every had. I got 14K with another 2K left on my Pilot Road 2 rear . My secret is to stay off it in first gear. I have 18K on my 14.

Any one try the pilot road 3

Currently running them on the 14. I can say that they are sticky enough to lean it to the edge of the tire....

I'm running Pilot Road 3s on my FJR and like them a lot. They are AMAZING in the rain. They turn in more quickly and with less effort than the Pilot Road 2s, hold a line well and are very confidence inspiring. The only negatives are a slightly rougher ride and more road noise. Easily the best tires I've ever used in wet conditions and very good in the dry as well.

I've had several sets of the Pilot Road 2s and consider them a great tire.

I also like the Pilot Power and the 2CT. I've used both for track days (on an R1, not on the 14) and never had any issues. Both perform very well and inspire confidence.

I just got my fourth set of 2TC's the pure's just didn't have the front end feed back like the TC's.... I'd pass on them even if they were free....lol

Any one try the pilot road 3

Been running a few sets of 2CTs now and quite happy with them on the 14. Ran the Pures last year for first part of the season but they just didn't feel as planted in the corners like the 2CTs, similar to Somefun above. Haven't tried the Roads but for the cornering in this part of the country I'll stick with the 2CTs. And the other nice part is they getting cheaper :)