If I could have gotten both tires in a radial, I would have gone with the ME880's, but the rear was only available in bias.
Tire suggestions
- Thread starter RedNigel
- Start date
Most of the time
Still makes me nervous when riding well below freezing, but, I do it anyway.
I didn't even think about offering feedback about the PR3s in cold and wet, but I'm greatly impressed. On my ride home from Fort Worth in early May, I'd taken a "long-cut" so I could ride in the mountains. I went to Clayton, NM, camped and headed for Taos. Just west of Cimarron, NM, as I got into the mountains, the roads were wet. West of Angel Fire, it began to rain hard, and temps dropped into the upper 30s. The PR3s were fine.
Leaving Buena Vista, CO, climbing up Trout Creek Pass, temps were in the low 30s and dropping. Then about 20 miles from Fairplay, it started to snow and the temperatures dropped to about 23F. It had been warm the day before and so I made about 10 miles before the snow started sticking to the road. But the last 10 miles I was slowed down to 15mph. I saw two cars in the ditch, one a 4WD SUV that a highway patrol officer was stopped at. By the time I got to Fairplay, the snow was probably 1-2" on the road, and my pucker factor was at about a 10+. But the bike never felt squirmy or loose, even when I turned into a "drive" into a motel that ended up being a mud and gravel trail leading down to the river.
I had to stop and turn around. It was too narrow to U-turn in and I got off the bike. I could barely move without slipping and sliding, but the bike just moved where I pushed it.
I feel much better about the PR3s in questionable traction situations now.
Leaving Buena Vista, CO, climbing up Trout Creek Pass, temps were in the low 30s and dropping. Then about 20 miles from Fairplay, it started to snow and the temperatures dropped to about 23F. It had been warm the day before and so I made about 10 miles before the snow started sticking to the road. But the last 10 miles I was slowed down to 15mph. I saw two cars in the ditch, one a 4WD SUV that a highway patrol officer was stopped at. By the time I got to Fairplay, the snow was probably 1-2" on the road, and my pucker factor was at about a 10+. But the bike never felt squirmy or loose, even when I turned into a "drive" into a motel that ended up being a mud and gravel trail leading down to the river.
I had to stop and turn around. It was too narrow to U-turn in and I got off the bike. I could barely move without slipping and sliding, but the bike just moved where I pushed it.
I feel much better about the PR3s in questionable traction situations now.
That's a good plan, Chris!
CommuterNT
Guest
Chris,
I put a rear PR3 on in the beginning of February and had no issues riding with it during our NW winter and spring. The front OEM was another story and I didn't feel too confident on it. I replaced that at around 7000 and like everybody else has said it made a world of difference in handling, noise and comfort.
Kyle
I put a rear PR3 on in the beginning of February and had no issues riding with it during our NW winter and spring. The front OEM was another story and I didn't feel too confident on it. I replaced that at around 7000 and like everybody else has said it made a world of difference in handling, noise and comfort.
Kyle
WVRider
Site Supporter
I run the PR2's and got over 10K on my first rear tire and am closing on that mark with my second but have already ordered my next set.
This Winter i didn't notice any difference in cold weather grip. They put sand/salt mix on the roads so I was cautious at turns, but I would say the PR3 might perform better than the stock tires. I can say confidently they were at least as good. The front tire has lateral siping that improves wet grip and I think it helps in the cold too. I tried to ride more than the previous winter and purchased heated gear to make it more comfortable. I also rode the NT in cold weather much more than the DR. Much warmer
. My dad was at my house last night, he was looking at my NT and asked me if I put new tires on it. They are almost exactly 1 year old and ~5,000 miles. They nubs are wore down, but any wear is not noticeable. The greatest thing I can say about the PR3 is the lack of cupping. By the time the stock tires had 5,000 miles I felt less confident in their handling and the cupping was annoying. Even if the wear of the PR3 accelerates and I only get ~10K out of the rear, I will probably replace it with another PR3.
I have to say the new PR3 front is so much smoother and quieter and lends a bit more confidence in tight turns and twisties, looking forward to getting the new PR3 on the rear wheel too.
I'm about to try the Metzeler Z8s. I'll let you know how I fare with those. Don't hold your breath, it'll take me a year to report back to you. Ooh, just saw that you live in Texas. We have heat up here in New England, but not Texas heat. Does everything have to be bigger down there?
Well, for now I can tell you that on my BMW RT1200, I averaged 14,000 on them. Not cheap though, but, then again, neither are the PR3s.
Well, for now I can tell you that on my BMW RT1200, I averaged 14,000 on them. Not cheap though, but, then again, neither are the PR3s.
My dealer charged me $55/tire to mount two tires yesterday.
I just got an email that my new Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact tires are installed, valve stems replaced with metal ones, and splines lubed with Honda moly 60. I'll be picking it up tonight -- $425.23 out-the-door. I hope they last a good long time. I got around 8500 miles out of the OEM tires.
YIKES!
My dealer charged $30 for the front & $40 for the rear, and after giving the best tire prices (PR3s) you can get anywhere.
With tax it was under $350 for everything.
I think they want to sell me more bikes...