Pilot Road 4 straight line squirm

[fergannap]

Hello All,
This is my first post. I have a 2017 S10 ES and I love the bike! So far, only 6,500 miles, but I'm just getting started. I put on a Pilot Road 4 Trail in the front and a PR4 on the rear about 300 miles ago. When I am going straight it seems that any breeze or passing car moves the bike, making it feel wiggly or squirmy... not something I can get used to. The factory Battle Wings did not seem to do this.

Turning and ride quality are fine. But the wiggle from 40 mph and faster doesn't seem to be going away as the tires get more miles. I have tried raising and lowering the air pressure in the front, using 33 PSI as the benchmark.

If you have any suggestions or advice, I would be grateful. If it can't be resolved, I will put the front Battle Wing back on (it is still okay, the rear was getting squared) and try riding with the PR4 on the back. If that doesn't get the straight line tracking back to the way it was, then I will put a new Battle Wing on the rear, too.

When I put PR4s on my previous bike, it was a massive improvement and I was hoping the same results with the S10.

Thank you. And, thanks for your posts. This site provided very useful information for my decision to purchase the S10.
Jim

 

[worncog]

I have not run PR4's on the S10, but have gone thru several sets on other machines. 33psi is low for the front. I run 35/36f and 38/40r unloaded/loaded respectively. Run 36f 42r on my Concours loaded and have zero issues with squirming in all phases of wear.

Someone else may have different experiences.

YMMV

 

[escapefjrtist]

Compared to [most] other tires, PR4s have very flexible sidewalls and they need to be pumped up tight for best wear and handling.

I'd pump your tires up a bit tighter and see if that helps with the squirm. Personally, I'd begin with 38F / 40R and adjust from there.

YMMV

--G

 

[Sierra1]

I had the PR4s on an 1150 RT-P, and it squirmed every time I leaned into a turn. It got traded in before I could get rid of the tires. They scared me. Maybe it was a tire pressure thing; I had them inflated to BMW spec. I always thought it was all the siping in the front tire. I'm going to try the Bridgestone A41s next.

 

[Nikolajsen]

Could also be some wind issue.
If you have topbox and sidecase on, try to remove all, and go for a ride.

 

[Squibb]

good tyres, so seems strange, unless the carcass has been deformed in transit/storeage. Assuming the bead has seated correctly, can you detect any run-out when you spin the wheel?

Maybe a buddy can follow & observe or get the bike on a brake tester/dyno rollers.

 

[Dogdaze]

I put PR4 Trails on my 2012, great turn in (almost effortless) good grip and smooth, but I also ran 2-3 lbs higher pressure f+r.

 

[steve68steve]

Make sure they weren't mounted backwards - I've heard of tires with the rolling direction reversed can have odd handling.

 

[EricV]

Worncog has it right. Your tire pressure is too low. Loaded up, I run 42 rear and 36 front. Part of what you are feeling is related to carcass shape, which on the PR4 makes turn in, especially with new tires, very low effort. Not everyone likes that feel. You will get used to it and it will take more resistance as the tires wear as well. You might also try firming up your rear shock a bit if you're getting some wag in the corners.

 

[fergannap]

Thank you all very much. I will try 36 cold PSI up front and 42 cold in the rear. Also, I'll take another look at the direction arrow on the sidewall to be sure that is correct. It sounds like putting the pre-load on one rider plus luggage may also be worth trying.

As soon as it stops raining, I'll put some miles on it ("yes, dear... I must ride right now to check the advice out, the others on the board are awaiting my feedback") and let you know.

 

[Nikolajsen]

("yes, dear... I must ride right now to check the advice out, the others on the board are awaiting my feedback")

 

[YamahaCruiser]

I've had the PR4's on my bike for around 1,000 miles. I run 38 PSI Front and 42 PSI Rear. I've not experienced this issue. In fact, they've been better on the bike in every way than the OEM tires IMO.

 

[Squibb]

Just a thought - have you got the correct spec 'Trail' tyre fitted, as other PR4s for lighter road bikes are available. They make 3 types - standard, trail & GT. The correct spec is : -

http://moto.michelin.co.uk/GB/en/tyres/YAMAHA/XT%201200%20Z%20Super%20Tenere/2016.html

Michelin reckon pressures 2.5/2.9bar = 36/42 psi. Whilst I bow to opinion on here I can't see how 2 psi would create the unwieldy symptoms to which the OP refers.

 

[fergannap]

This is interesting because the Michelin site (both UK and US) recommend the Anakee 3 and don't list the PR.

The PR4 Trail in front is because they don't make a PR4 in the correct size for the front.

 

[EricV]

This is interesting because the Michelin site (both UK and US) recommend the Anakee 3 and don't list the PR.

The PR4 Trail in front is because they don't make a PR4 in the correct size for the front.

Methinks you overstate "recommends" ::002::

Look for fitment by size, not bike.

 

[rushfan]

I have 10k miles on a set of PR4 r/ PR4 trail f. They’re excellent tires. Maintain proper psi and they’ll last quite a while.


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