K11 Owners Group

Off the grid · Posted: Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:59 pm Post subject: Azaro ST rear/Pilot Road 2 front

First impressions...30 mile ride home from mechanic.

These are comparisons between Metzler Lazertec ply tires which I have run for the last 2 years and my first set of radials.

1. The Pilot road is a narrower tire by a little bit in the front.
2. The Azaro rear has a very deep tread profile.

Both tires have a noticeably taller profile. Even when brand new the Lasertecs were a bit squared off. The bike is actually a full inch taller.

The Radials, particularly the Pilot road is a deep V shape. Duo to this profile the bike feels like its on its tippy toes. I have not leaned the bike over much at all because I am scrubbing them in, but at slow speed the bike is literally all over the road. Come to think of it it's all over the road at high speed to.

This is going to take some getting used to.

Hopefully as the tires wear in it will be better.

On a good note the tires are definitely faster and noticeably firmer.

It's a damn good thing I have brand new suspension front and rear because with these tire you feel the road.

Further postings as events warrant.
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Jim · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:04 am Post subject:

well, if they raise the bike an inch, I won't be getting them...

Thanks for the report - keep us posted. Didn't you start a thread on these already?
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Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
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Off the grid · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:20 am Post subject:

Neg.

Made a thread asking about radials and another about Metzlers.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Mystic Red · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject:

Must make pulling it onto the centerstand a breeze! Laughing

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Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:00 pm Post subject:

I just broke my Pilot Road 2s in on a 1,300+ mile ride. They're a little twitchy at low speeds but seem fine and very solid when blasting.

They are also very smooth when riding.

I'm gonna tighten my steering head bearings a little since I've never done that to this bike. Not sure if it'll help but can't hurt.
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Off the grid · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 11:47 pm Post subject:

Tacked on another 50 miles tonight.

As Drake said a bit twitchy at low speed but really fast, solid tires with an aggressive tread pattern and "cut". (V shaped vs squared off like the Lasertecs)

I'm very happy, they inspire confidence.

Maybe I will stop being such a pussy about dragging a heel now.

Doubt it though. I think about the cost of replacing plastic and get all misty eyed.
_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Off the grid · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 6:54 pm Post subject:

250 miles later, I love this combo.

Lighting fast, hooks up beautifully and predictably.

The "meandering" I felt has gotten much much better, I am pretty sure it's because I compensated for the twitchiness.

By contrast the Lasertecs were a pretty boring tire.

The radials beg to be ridden, railed, and bent over like Asia Carrera.
_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Off the grid · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 3:31 pm Post subject:

750 miles in....one last comment. These tires inspire confidence, even in the wet and especially on the road snakes that I see everywhere these days.

They also seem to be much more sensitive to tire pressure changes than Ply tires....a few PSI up or down makes a noticeable difference.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

mnb · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:33 pm Post subject:

Some tires are sluggish as you begin to lean (eg: the Dunlops) and some are well rounded and fall right into the corners (eg: the Pirellis).

I remember the first time I got a round profile tire (Pirelli) after running the stock Dunlops, I nearly dumped it making the turn out of the driveway at the dealer because it dipped into the lean so effortlessly. It's a bit scary at first, but you get used to it and begin to like it. It allows for much more precision at various speeds, whereas the Dunlop plain resists going very fast.

I've been considering trying that combo and just had the Beemershop order some Pirellis (haven't ran those in a while). I'll call them tomorrow and see if they're ordered them yet - if not, I'll give the PR2/Azaro combo a shot. I've never tried radials on the LT before.
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Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:46 pm Post subject:

Off the grid · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:49 pm Post subject:

mnb · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:05 pm Post subject:

I was never a big fan of the Lasertec.

My only concern about the Azaro is several have stated it wears VERY VERY fast and I ride a lot, so I dont want to be getting new tires every month.
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1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

K11Martin · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:43 pm Post subject:

mnb · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 8:16 pm Post subject:

does you tire guy look at you funny when you order a Michelin for the front and an Avon for the rear?
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1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

K11Martin · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:55 pm Post subject:

mnb · Posted: Tue Oct 14, 2008 5:52 pm Post subject:

It's just unusual to mix brands.

I called up and changed my tire order. I've run the Pirellis before, although it's been years, but I've never tried this combo.

New suspension, 60k service, first set of radials... she's gonna be rearing to go!
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M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition