Bridgestone S20 vs Michelin Pilot Power 3. Initial impressions.

[slofox]

These tyres were run on a K8 GSX-R600.

I have sung the praises of the S20 many times - a very confidence inspiring tyre that has performed well for me. But the life span is limited as is my budget. So I thought to try a Michelin Pilot Power 3 on the back this time given that they are supposed to have a longer life span.

I wondered whether there might be a loss of performance compared to the S20, despite all the hoopla spouted about wet grip, lap times, yadda yadda.

So last Saturday I had the Michelin fitted and have spent three days "scrubbing it in" - whatever that means these days. Bear in mind I still have an S20 on the front.

Actually, I only spent about 2km being careful - the Michelin has a very solid feel to it and I was quick to believe in its abilities.

So far, I'd have to say I really like this Michelin too. Makes the back feel just as planted as the S20 did if not a tad more so. It has that "on a rail" feel that the S20 makes so obvious as well. There is super smooth transition from side to side with what I'd call a neutral feel to the rate of roll. Makes it easy to hold a line through a corner, even if it is a slightly dodgy line to avoid potholes, tar snakes, SUV's on my side of the road and all the usual crap that local roads present.

Haven't ridden a really wet road yet but there were a couple of damp patches :blip: - of road - that presented no obvious problems.

So far so good. Will update after a few more km.

[roogazza]

Thanks slofox, my mileage on the S20s seems to have come to a complete halt with the weather change.
Still, saves on coin huh ! :yes:

[BigAl]

Good choice SF, I'd expect you to get well over 10k on a PP3 rear on the 600.

You'll notice a pronounced lip between the compounds after quite a way through the tyre life but it doesn't appear to affect grip.

[slofox]

Good choice SF, I'd expect you to get well over 10k on a PP3 rear on the 600.

You'll notice a pronounced lip between the compounds after quite a way through the tyre life but it doesn't appear to affect grip.

On the SV650 I had, I used to get 14,000km out of a set of Pilot Road 2's...musta been riding like a grampa, eh?

[Gremlin]

On the SV650 I had, I used to get 14,000km out of a set of Pilot Road 2's...musta been riding like a grampa, eh?
You hooligan. Road 2 are good for 24k rear and 26k front :bleh:

[SMOKEU]

You hooligan. Road 2 are good for 24k rear and 26k front :bleh:

What was that on?

[Gremlin]

What was that on?
CB900, very little country riding, lot of commuting, motorway etc.

[ducatilover]

CB900, very little country riding, lot of commuting, motorway etc.
That's not real riding :bleh:

I'm still undecided on what to try out next on my shitter. But hopefully whatever I get lasts longer with the new suspenders.

[slofox]

Once I got onto some tighter corners, I had the vague suspicion that maybe the S20 was a little quicker to flick from one side to t'other. Have to try it again to be sure. Made me wonder if the PP3 is a little heavier than the S20. The PP3 certainly has a very planted feel on the back.

[G4L4XY]

I'm going to try out the PP3's. Had 2 S20's sets and I looooove them. Apparently the PP's are more durable though. Well as long as they have the same grip IDGAF. Have to find some time to wear them in before track day!

[Gremlin]

That's not real riding :bleh:
Oh sweet, I can take about 100,000km off the clock, it's not counted :lol:

[ducatilover]

Oh sweet, I can take about 100,000km off the clock, it's not counted :lol:

:yes: Be worth more that way, so I'd go with that option.

[Drew]

I have come to the only logical conclusion regarding tyre life of the S20 hoops. You lot all ride like fags.

I thrash the living shit out of the RF, and that's all I do on it. Been to the track in all. They've done between 5 and 6 thousand k's and look about a third worn.

[BigAl]

I have come to the only logical conclusion regarding tyre life of the S20 hoops. You lot all ride like fags.

I thrash the living shit out of the RF, and that's all I do on it. Been to the track in all. They've done between 5 and 6 thousand k's and look about a third worn.

Had your speedo calibrated?

Maybe you are actually only doing 100kph when your speedo is reading 200kph, that might explain a lot :msn-wink:

[roogazza]

I have come to the only logical conclusion regarding tyre life of the S20 hoops. You lot all ride like fags.

I thrash the living shit out of the RF, and that's all I do on it. Been to the track in all. They've done between 5 and 6 thousand k's and look about a third worn.

23.25pm ? were you having a beer ?
Maybe it's your inch perfect lines and precise,smooth throttle action!
Ahhh ! you're Eddie Lawson ! :laugh:

[Drew]

23.25pm ? were you having a beer ?
Maybe it's your inch perfect lines and precise,smooth throttle action!
Ahhh ! you're Eddie Lawson ! :laugh:

Don't think I've used the same line twice around any track in New Zealand. Set up issues aside, it was the weakest part of my racing. Always rode by feel, and failed to learn the basics.

No need to be smooth on the throttle with the RF. It weighs a ton, and is lacking the power of a superbike. That said, it'll torch the rear hoop out of the hairpin at Manfeild and slide till it's time to hook second.

[Devil]

Mileage reference for Power 3's:

KTM Superduke R: Replaced at 11,000km. Prob 1000km left to metal on rear
Aprilia RSV1000: Currently at about 8500km. Profile still very good. Very even wear. Suspect at least 10,000km achievable.