Long wearing tyres

[BCinOZ]

So my new to me 1300 has angel GT 2 fitted. Rear just punctured.
Should I get another of these?
Riding around oz in July, I want a long wearing tyre.
Advice please.
Thanks
Brad.

[StinkyPete]

Be aware that the higher speeds and course aggregate used on the NT roads will wear your tyres much faster than you might predict.

[BCinOZ]

Yep, I’m aware of that. Thanks!
It’s not really a true lap, going straight up to Katherine, then around.

[BCinOZ]

That’s why I really want a hard tyre (in the center)

[ruSTynutz]

G'day Brad!

Plenty of our members swear by Michelin's Road 6.

It also may be worth considering crossing to the Darkside...

Here are a couple of threads on the subject:

https://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=12192.25
https://ozstoc.com/index.php?topic=14347.msg1283921#msg1283921

Cheers 

[Williamson]

There are quite a few threads on tyres, if you read through them, you may not be any wiser.  Tyre wear / longevity seems to vary a great deal and will depend on a range of things, for example (but not necessarily limited to):

• Mass - rider and luggage
• Speed
• Throttle exhuberance
• Road surface
• Tyre pressure
• Make / model of the tyres

Some riders (me) get poor life out of a set of tyres (as low as 10,000km), others (Biggles) get extraordinary life (25,000km) - Bill will be along soon to correct me if I'm wrong.

Some laps riders have a set of tyres ordered and waiting for them at places like Darwin, Brisbane, Townsville or Perth (you get the idea).  Otherwise, if a tyre is needed in a remote area, a five day (or more) wait in an outback town might spoil the trip.

Once you get an itinerary, share it, there'll be a few members that will join you on a leg or two (if that's what you would like).

[BCinOZ]

Thanks Michael, will do!

[BCinOZ]

Itinerary is simple.
Orange, Lightening Ridge, Katherine, Broome, Carnarvon, Perth and a week riding around sth west, across Nullarbor home. 6 weeks.

[Shiney]

Hi BCinOZ, I used the Michelin Road tyres on my ST1300.

I ran tyre pressures of:

42 psi front
45 psi rear.

With this I regularly got 30'000 kms from a set.

[BCinOZ]

Hi Shiney,
Thanks for that. Yes I’d started running 45 in the rear, after reading on internet
They no longer make the GT version of the 6, which apparently had a thicker side wall.
Are you running the normal ones?

[Williamson]

...They no longer make the GT version of the 6, which apparently had a thicker side wall...

Add to my list, the GT version (if available). 

Apparently the GT with the thicker sidewall was more suitable for the 330kg plus of the ST1300.  I made the mistake of not specifying "GT" one time, these were the tyres that lasted only around 10,000km.

I think someone once mentioned that Pirelli Angel GT were for heavier bikes, a bit of reserarch in that area might be worthwhile.

[Williamson]

... I’d started running 45 in the rear, after reading on internet....

Me too, but opinons on pressure are all over the place.

This was all that was left of a PR4GT (think is was a 4) on the ride home from the 2017 NatRally at Wooli.



The motorcycle tyre dealer at Bairnsdale was adamant that this wear was due to over inflation (I'd been running 44psi).  He instructed his fitter to set the tyre at 36psi, which he did.  Before I left Bairnsdale I visited a servo, topped-up fuel and tyres. 

The tyre fitted was a Dunlop Road Smart.  I didn't like it, others on here are fans, it was the only tyre he had to fit the rear of the ST1300, it only lasted around 10,000km.  IMO, one NOT to have.

[ruSTynutz]

They no longer make the GT version of the 6, which apparently had a thicker side wall.

They do make it in a 180/55 ZR 17 which will fit the ST1300.
Just be aware the diameter is a whisker smaller (around 6mm if I remember correctly).

[BCinOZ]

I wouldn’t go wider. If anything, narrower. But I’ll stick with factory sizes. Bike handles very nicely, not mucking around with geometry.

[BCinOZ]

It’s looking like I’ll stick with the Pirelli GT.
What’s the consensus on Bridgestone BT32 GT?

[Williamson]

It’s looking like I’ll stick with the Pirelli GT.
What’s the consensus on Bridgestone BT32 GT?

Bridgestone (Battlax but not sure now which spec) were OEM on my ST1300 in 2013, I wasn't impressed.  Also, on the 2005 CB1300, ditto.  But other are/were fans, just not me.

[ruSTynutz]

Your choice... 

Personally I reckon the ST is a little under tyred for it's weight, especially if, like me you're no light weight...

In case you're interested, Ai has this to say about the Michelin and the ST1300...

The 180/55 ZR 17 is a common, high-performance, and versatile rear tire size used on many sport-touring motorcycles, including the Honda ST1300 (which often uses a 170/60 ZR 17, but a 180/55 is sometimes fitted).
For the ST1300 specifically, tires in this category, such as the Pirelli Angel GT/GT II, are favored for their balance of high-speed stability, long mileage, and wet-weather capability.
Common 180/55 ZR 17 Tire Options for the ST1300:
Pirelli Angel GT II (180/55ZR17 73W): Highly recommended for the ST1300, it features a dual-compound rear for excellent longevity and superior wet grip. It is known for quick warm-up and high-speed stability.
Pirelli Angel ST (180/55ZR17 73W): An alternative with high silica content, designed for safety on cold/wet roads and offering good mileage.
Michelin Road 6 (180/55ZR17 73W): Renowned for its 15% improvement in wet grip and 10% longer tread life compared to the Road 5.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso II (180/55ZR17 73W): Offers a sportier feel with maximum grip in both wet and dry conditions, featuring a 3-zone compound.

Honda ST1300 Tire Performance Notes:
Handling: The ST1300 is a heavy, 300kg+ motorcycle, and the 180/55 size allows for quick and stable handling.
Suitability: The "A" or "GT" spec tires are generally recommended for heavy sport-touring bikes like the ST1300 to provide a more reinforced carcass for increased mileage and load-carrying capacity.
"Darkside" Options: Some users have experimented with non-motorcycle tires for maximum mileage on the ST1300, reporting success with high-speed stability and long tread life.

Summary of Recommendations:
For the Honda ST1300, the Pirelli Angel GT II is widely considered an excellent choice, offering a balanced mix of durability and sport-touring performance, while the Michelin Road 6 is a top contender for wet-weather performance and mileage.

[BCinOZ]

I went with the Pirelli GT. It’ll match the front. Pick up wheel today on way home.
Thanks for the advice everyone!

[ruSTynutz]

I'm sure plenty on here will be interested in what you think of the Pirelli...

Safe travels! 

[BCinOZ]

Time will tell. It’s the GT option. I’ll run at 45psi.