Tires for the Bandit

[cowboyup3371]

The Bandit is going to need new shoes here this winter and I wanted to get some more opinions. I used the same brand the PO did for the first year (Bridgestone BattleAX BT023) then swapped to the Dunlop Roadmaster II. Both have given me about the same mileage (6500) and though I didn't see much difference between them I did like the Dunlops. However, I'm not set on anything and am now wondering about the Michelin Pilot Road 4 GT tires based on a search through another forum.

Are there any other good sport touring tires I should consider that will not only handle well in the rain but give me the longevity I would like to see (around 7000 miles)?

 

[niclpnut]

I have a pilot road 4 on the rear, and a road 5 up front on the bandit 1250. I really like the Michelins. I enjoyed the life of the tire and the overall ride feel.


Also have matching road 5's on the king and it feels great.

 

[Steve]

Get round ones. :encouragement:

Bonus points if they are black. :-\\\

.

 

[storm 64]

I've been running Michelin PR4's for the last four tire changes. I get around 10,000- 12,000 miles out of them. However they start getting wonky around 9,000 miles, as they start getting squared off. They supply plenty of grip for my riding abilities. They also seem to be very good in the rain. I recently bought new tires from Rocky Mountain, the best deal I could find. $330 with a $25 rebate (something like that) for the set.

 

[Guest]

Hard to beat the Michelin Pilot Road 5 in the sport touring category...

 

[gbw]

Of all the tires I ran on my 1250, I liked the PR2's best. Performed as well or better for me than the PR3's or PR4's (Road5 weren't out while I owned the bike). They lasted as long if not longer than any others, and cost less too.

 

[salty_monk]

Can't go wrong with Pilot's in my limited experience of 17 inchers...

 

[fbody_mike]

I got Michelin Pilot Road 2 on my 2nd gen B1200 and they have been great. Its more tire than I need and seem to be wearing just fine, I think I have had them for about a year now.

 

[cowboyup3371]

Thank you all. I called Iron Pony this afternoon and asked about the PR4 and PR5; I can pick up a set of PR4s for just under $400 INSTALLED which lines up with what Norm said he paid for just the tires ($330). The rear tire for the PR5 alone is $316 with a set running me just about $500.

I'll set aside the money to get new tires next payday.

 

[storm 64]

Yep, you're in the ballpark. I had my tires mounted, it cost me $90. This was the first time I had a shop mount my tires, they did a good job. I think I'm going to pull the trigger and get one of them Weaver tire machines. $1,300 delivered...

 

[Dogma]

Iron Pony? Are they that much cheaper than Middletown Cycle?

 

[cowboyup3371]

Not that much but much much better service. Even after their move, Middletown Cycle's folks just don't impress me with their stock or willingness to help. They would have to special order any tire I want whereas Iron Pony has always had it in stock.

 

[gustovh]

Put pilot 4 on my 919. $226 for the rear, don?t remember what the front cost, but less than $180. Free mount and balance at Mt. Honda, Polaris, Suzuki. Nice to have a relationship with the local dealer.....local...30 miles away.

V

 

[Guest]

Yep, you're in the ballpark. I had my tires mounted, it cost me $90. This was the first time I had a shop mount my tires, they did a good job. I think I'm going to pull the trigger and get one of them Weaver tire machines. $1,300 delivered...

Are you referring to the cost of mounting only? The first local shop I asked about tire mounting told me $55/tire on the bike and $48/tire off the bike. Same shop is $32.50/$25 on tires bought there. My experience in the automotive world calls that exorbitant, but maybe it's not in the motorcycle world.

 

[storm 64]

This was the first time I paid to have tires mounted. They did do a good job I must say. They even used black stick on weights to match my rims. However, I'm going to purchase my own tire machine for future tire changes. This is the Weaver tire machine.

 

[cowboyup3371]

Are you referring to the cost of mounting only? The first local shop I asked about tire mounting told me $55/tire on the bike and $48/tire off the bike. Same shop is $32.50/$25 on tires bought there. My experience in the automotive world calls that exorbitant, but maybe it's not in the motorcycle world.

Who did you call Longitudinal? That sounds about right for Iron Pony but they do such a good job I'm more than willing to drive out from Miamisburg every time I need new tires.

 

[oldGSfan]

Just had a couple tires mounted, $20 each but it's a 30 minute drive. Another place did for $25 closer but I bought a tube for $20 from them so maybe a discount. Yeah I think anything over $25 is too steep. I do mount my own sometimes but the ones with tubes are a pain. I need to get better tire irons too, I have these huge Harbor Freight car tire ones, way too big for the job.

 

[Alan Schlosser]

Yes, PR4's were the last 2 sets on my 2008. Very pleased with them.