Anyone running these puppies? I've read a lot this weekend and the online reviews all over seem to be very strong.

The MICHELIN Power Pure sees MICHELIN's acclaimed 2CT dual-compound technology break new ground by providing even more soft rubber on the shoulders. This softer compound kicks in sooner, too.
Take the example of a front tyre leaning at an angle of 36°: 27% of the contact patch is made up of soft rubber in the case of the MICHELIN Power Pure, whereas the soft compound has yet to come into contact with the road in the case of the MICHELIN Pilot Power 2CT. At the rear, the difference is more spectacular still: in the case of the MICHELIN Power Pure, the contact patch is comprised entyrely of soft rubber, compared with just 8% for the MICHELIN Pilot Power 2CT.

MICHELIN's Light Tire Technology (LTT) helps you save over 2LBS over rival tyres.
What is MICHELIN Light Tire Technology (LTT)?
LTT marks a fresh approach to sports tyre design by simultaneously optimising the construction, profile and constituent elements of the tyre.
Its mission from the outset was to save weight.
LTT employs advanced materials like aramid fibre as used in the aerospace industry.
The thickness of the tread is unchanged!

A WEIGHT SAVING OF 2LBS over rival tyres*
10% LESS INERTIA compared with rival tyres**
NIMBLER HANDLING and GREATER FUN to ride

When I started my search I referenced the sticky here with the pole indicating the Pilot Road 2 and BT016 being favorites among fellow forum members. I like the look of the PR2 setup, especially the tread design but that is where I got a little hung up on some details. I personally am 100% street, but am more concerned with stickiness than tread life if you know what I'm mean.

If you look at the tread pattern, the new Power Pure seems to have taken the layout of the popular PR2 and just used softer rubber all around, with significantly different tread layout decreasing the tread void from the PR2.

Pilot Road 2

Power Pure

I was leaning towards the Pilot Power 2ct's or the BT016's from what I've read so far. The 016 sounds like a more dynamic tyre, and I've read numerous remarks about how it is very predictable when the grip starts to go compared to the PP's which just break loose more suddenly. I can't speak to that, but on this forum and many others that is a common remark. However I am also humble enough to know that with my riding ability I am not yet capable of pushing the limits of any of these tyres so I am researching heavily to find out what others before me have to say.

But now having read up on the Power Pure's I think that is probably going to be my next street tyre, but I haven't found any remarks about 14 riders using them yet so if you have any experience or links to those that do please share.

Also they are apparently the current recommended tyre for the ZX-14 according to Michelin...

* Last updated by: IKeyes on 4/25/2010 @ 10:02 AM *

the 016 sounds like a more dynamic tyre, and I've read numerous remarks about how it is very predictable when the grip starts to go compared to the PP's which just break loose more suddenly.

I may not know all about tires either but I do know that my BT016 front tire almost got me killed. I was racing up a back road hill and braked heavily for the corner (probably not a good approach) and the tire without warning went into a skid and off the road I went. Lucky for me just some wet grass a little entertaining sliding and then a dirt driveway no tip-over. I thought nothing of it for awhile until talking to someone who at a track day had a similar experience and blamed his BT016's without knowing that I had them or my experience. Anyway I also believe dual compound fronts may be a bad idea I just bought a PP no 2CT.

* Last updated by: kawnow on 4/25/2010 @ 11:49 PM *

Just don't expect them to last too long. They heat up quick and get sticky with higher speeds.

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I don't do track days, and end up doing 3-5,000 mi per season on average, although I'm hoping to do more this year. I'm looking for sticky and safe, so I don't mind if they only last me one season on the street honestly.

Thanks for the feedback guys, noted and noted.

Honestly keyes I don't see you getting more than 2500 miles out of a rear on the 14. I would be surprised if you did. If you notice in their add they mention nothing about mileage, these tires aren't intended to be a commuter tire.

I've run just about every michelin tire made on the 14 and IMO the pilot road 2 is the best mix of grip and life. I have never had a slip or unintentional slid front or rear with road 2's and I ride pretty hard solo and 2 up.

* Last updated by: heathun on 4/26/2010 @ 8:25 AM *

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Really! Wow... :)

Do you have an alternative recommendation? Have you tried the Pilot Road 2 on your 14?

I originally was going to order those, but was worried they weren't meant to hold up to more aggressive riding. Although to be honest I am probably not skilled enough to push any modern tire to those limits... lol

* Last updated by: IKeyes on 4/26/2010 @ 8:27 AM *

Sorry keyes I was editing my post see above. I can easily get 3500 miles out of a rear road 2 with 90% of that riding being 2 up. If you feel the shoulders of a road 2 they feel just as soft as a pilot power, just the center is a harder compound for longevity. The thing I like about the road 2 is that they don't square off in the center. They keep a good rounded profile and I can actually wear the sides out quicker than the centers.

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You were already thinking ahead of me on that one... :)

Thanks for your honest advice mate

I was about to say basically the same thing. Unless you're doing track days on the 14, I don't see why most anyone would need anything grippier than the Pilot Road 2's as most of my wear is on the center. I just don't have that many opportunities to use the outside edge of the tire and I need to maximize my dollars as best I can. That's the tire I'm replacing mine with here in a week or so. My buddy has a Triumph Speed Triple 955i and he's got 3k on his tires and barely show wear. He says they grip plenty for him.

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I have never had a grip issue even at full lean 2 up with the road 2's. Sure you can break them loose in corners and leave darkies all the way out if you want but the 14 will do that with any tire.

Just remember that for street use the road 2's like higher pressures and thats where you'll see extended life with these tires. I run 42 rear and 38 front.

* Last updated by: heathun on 4/26/2010 @ 8:37 AM *

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I also like to ride early / late into the season so colder weather rides are normal during those periods. As long as the weather is clear and the temps are above freezing I'll ride to work etc no problem.

Any input on the Michelins on colder pavement? I mean relative to other brands as opposed to just cold weather performance, as obviously they will all suffer in that department.

I was put off the PR2 b/c I figured I would be giving up too much traction in favor of tread wear, but if you are ripping on them 2up that is solid testament of their grip indeed.

The Web Bike World report was pretty favorable as well. Note that for the first 250 miles he was mixed, but then he ripped down some dirt road and they finally came into their own. My driveway is 1,000 ft and dirt... so that shouldn't be a problem for me lol

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-tires/michelin-pilot-road-2/

I ride in temps down to about 30 in the winter (thats my limit unless it's a have to). Just like any tire it needs to warm up but after that they grip perfect in colder temps. They also handle exceptionally well in the rain and on wet roads, very predictable and readable in the wet.

To be honest on the street in the mountains I can't feel any less available grip in the road 2's than the power or the power 2ct. The biggest difference in these tires is the available lean angle. With the pilot powers you have a litlle over 50 degrees max, with the 2ct you'll have a little over 51 degrees, with the road 2's you'll have right at 50 degrees max. On the 14 on the street with stock bodywork the bike isn't capable of a 50 degree lean angle without touching down hard parts. In other words with the road 2's you'll run out of available ground clearance before you run out of tire.

* Last updated by: heathun on 4/26/2010 @ 10:32 AM *

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heathun I owe you a that is exactly the kind of info I was looking for

You won't be dissapointed with the road 2's. If you shop around you can find excellent set prices on them.

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Sportbiketrackgear.com
Pilot Road 2's (pair) for $279.95 shipped. My local dealer won't install tires that you didn't buy from them... but I got them to price match STG!

Thanks for that IKeyes! The best price I could find for the set was $296 from Indysuperbikes.com. Then I found out a friend had a set of Dunlop 209's with 95% tread life and he'll mount & balance both - all for $150. Guess I'll get these when the Dunlops wear out. I'll take half off any day - yeah yeah, I know I won't get but 2k on these, but I can finally try out some track tires for once.

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I found STG last year, have ordered a ton of stuff and highly recommend them. The only reason I am not ordering my tires from them is because of the dealership being paranoid or w/e their excuse is... but at least I got them to match the price.

Ask to speak with Jason in Sales and tell him Ian Keyes sent you their way

I won't mind PPs wearing faster for the price just under 100 for the front and about 125 for the rear. The rear is a 2CT PP and the front as stated is a PP. They are charging 15 for mount and balance wheel brought in so if they last about 3 to 4 k max I'm okay with that. Probably try a set of PRs if the price is right. You want max stopping grip on the front also as they wear the profile is compromised so keeping them on too long isn't all that good of an idea. As far as riding 2 up you could actually get better stopping power as more weight on the front tire. Also on two up the tire will wear quicker in the turns as a result of the extra weight.

Keyes I order most of my track gear and tires from STG. Good people, good service and fast shipping. Plus if you ever have a problem you can actually talk to someone who rides.

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Now THAT was a good review!Way to go Heathun!--I think my next set will be what you've recommended here.Good Job Bro!

I have 2100+ miles now on my pilot pures....hardly any wear...no burnouts, lots of stop light street starts...back road twistys and highway...I dont see any reason they wont last 6k.

Well then let me ask a few more questions...

heathun - those pic's of the pure's all boogered up... is that from only street use? what type of climate?

9secondsflat - what type of climate are you riding in mostly? I'm from New England, so it varies greatly year round.

thanks again everyone, this has turned out to be a most helpful thread!

* Last updated by: IKeyes on 4/26/2010 @ 3:53 PM *

Those are track pictures 80 degree temps.

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Okay...I gotta ask Heathun...how fast were you goin leaned in like that,to get that much wear and heat.I'm just curious-wonderin if I could get that here on some of our sweepers and such.

Blue it depends on the situation. You know those days when your just 1 with the bike and road and can really rail you can burn a tire up. I'm never off the throttle completely and I like really burning out of the corners, so on a 90 plus day when everything is hooking up I can get the tires really greasy.

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