Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

[RaginTxn]

So - in wanting new shoes for the new to me bike - I decided to go with the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR as I don't know what my riding style will consist of since all I've done is either street or dirt seperate. These seem to split the bill pretty well - good initial reviews from owners and press reviews (take the latter with a grain of salt). Big thing I was looking for was good wet traction and something you don't have to blink twice when wanting to take a less traveled dusty road.

Anyways - I'll keep up a log of miles and impressions. As of now - I got the rear mounted, but didn't get the front in time before they closed for the day. So I should have it tomorrow morning - we'll see what first impressions are after I get it back on. In the mean time...

 

[Nikolajsen]

I wil be following this ::012::
Because I have decided that after the OEM BW 501 and 502, I wil get these tire, or the Metzeler Karoo Street

 

[RaginTxn]

First 500

Alright - so I've put the first 500 miles on the STRs, and yes, they have been all road (commuting) miles hahahaha, but they have been good miles.

Initial scrub in went well - plenty of twisty country roads out here in the sound. Didn't take long before I was taking turn at the typical "double yellow suggested." They are an extremely well behaved tire on the road. As more miles accumulated, the smoother the ride got. There's a typical hum that one should expect with knob-like tires, but nothing that bothers me, at least, without anything in the ears. When I'm commuting with ear plugs or my ear buds, I have to make an effort to hear the "hum." No vibration back into the bars - again, surprisingly responsive and hold a solid line. I actually find myself trying to find harder turns to push the tires a bit.

Front measured at 7/32 and rear at 10/32 at install. Not much change after 500 - "7"/32 and 9.8-7ish respectively. We're supposed to get some wetter weather tomorrow or Friday, so I'll be able to see how the claimed good wet weather handling holds up. Also, I hope to get out to a mountain road here this weekend and try out the OR feel of the tires.

If I had to put these into a comparison with...say truck tires - I'd say they are like a KO2 rather than a KM2. Enough bite to take on some "normal" off-roads (again, will test that better this weekend), but balanced enough for a good DD tire.

More to come!

Front tire after 500 miles:


Rear tire after 500 miles:


Rear tire profile after 500 miles:

 

[Nikolajsen]

::008::

 

[Madhatter]

so I check revzilla about these tires . 102.00 for a front 114.00 for a rear ..... don't want to use the word cheap but that's crazy affordable... what other info do you have on tire , ratings etc. they are radials is about all I know. was eyeing them to try, that price is so low as to cause a pause in what am I getting next and are they capable . if they are good , may be the deal of the century.

 

[RaginTxn]

so I check revzilla about these tires . 102.00 for a front 114.00 for a rear ..... don't want to use the word cheap but that's crazy affordable... what other info do you have on tire , ratings etc. they are radials is about all I know. was eyeing them to try, that price is so low as to cause a pause in what am I getting next and are they capable . if they are good , may be the deal of the century.

What kills me is they put these on sale at rev 2 weeks after I bought mine

In a short response to your post - I bought a second rear at that sales price for when mine runs down. They're that good. Honestly - I'm surprised each day I'm on them how well they run on pavement. Still haven't made the run around on some good gravel (adulting can be so inconvenient ^-^ ). Hopefully I'll have the time either this Friday or Saturday to put them on the trail.

55% silica in the compound - honestly the most info I have is what you can find on any website - here's pirelli's own site on them: https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/motorcycle/all-tires/sheet/scorpion-rally-str. The sizes for out bikes are V rated - so you're technically good up to 149 mph. I've taken them up to 90 and felt no lose of confidence in the ability of the tire. Other's have posted humming - again - it's an "A/T" tire - any tire with a horizontally cut tread patter will make more noise than a longitudinal cut. I ride with plugs or ear buds and don't notice it. When I ride without (like today for example), it's the reassuring "hum" that the road doesn't end where the asphalt truck stopped.


_____________________________________

I did take them out in the wet and rain the other day - f a n t a s t i c. Started out with T1 and T-mode - quickly switched it to S-mode. No problem at all - taking my normal turns at normal speeds. Seriously an excellent tire. The only thing that sucked about the ride, was that I forgot to bring an extra pair of socks for work - "yeah, I get to run around in wet damp socks all day" said no one...ever...

Here are some comparo shots between a Shinko 705 and Shinko 805:

In this one you can see the spacing difference between the 805 and the STR - quite a bit more grab equating to a "grabbier" OR tire. However, with the really high silica ratio in the STR, it would provide better chunking and tearing resistance. Biggest difference would be in sand and mud, but again, the STR is like the KM2 where the 805 would be more like the KO2.


Here are some side by sides:



Finally - I took a straight on picture of the STR - the one thing i notice was the ease of tipping into a turn with these tires like a street tire. For a 70/30 I found these to be VERY rounded out - the spacing between the lugs, as they say in their description, are larger and provide more tire on the road that a 40/60 or 30/70 tire ever would - give it a great road feel:



Anyways - update for the day. I'll be sure to post once I get time to get to some gravel.

 

[PoconoRandy]

I just picked up a set of these earlier in the week. Waiting on the Pony Express and I'll be out enjoying them too

 

[RaginTxn]

Quick update - made a last minute run to see family on the opposite side of the state yesterday on the super T. A couple things I learned on my trip:

1. Yamaha makes a terrible stock saddle - 3 hr ride - 40 mins in and I'm already standing on the highway.
2. Definitely wish the '13s had electronic cruise control. At least I had a cramp buster, but - yeah - definitely gonna get a throttle lock
3. My RF1200 Shoei was not designed for an Adventure Touring bike with a sport touring screen. It was over 100 on the east side of the state - felt like my head was in an oven...literally...

4. The STRs held true throughout the trip. Going west - east (more downhill) I was averaging ~48 mpg btwn 75-80 (does anyone know if our speedos read true, or are they off by the 10%/5mph rule?). The way back was a little more difficult with a stiff head wind and more up than flat or down - averaged ~ 40 mpg. Again - going to the question I always get when someone sees me rolling with the STRs, "do they hum?" I wouldn't say more than any other tire designed to be a 70/30 tire. I hear more other cars next to me and their tire noise than caring whether my tires make sound. They do track on grooved highways (a couple sections in the mountain passes), but other than that - still loving the STRs.

I should be close to 1k on the tires (need to check the odo), so I will post updated wear pics when I hit that mark.

Till then - happy riding!

 

[Nikolajsen]

"Speedos" are about 5% to high.
Seems to be a little more on a gen1, than on a gen2

 

[RaginTxn]

Quick update - just wanted to get this out, but as I have been riding recently without earbuds or plugs, I have noticed the front wheel howls a bit from about 25-45ish. After that wind picks up and drowns out anything from the tires.

I'll do a 1k update hopefully this weekend.

-RTXN

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[Nikolajsen]

Thanks
As I wrote earlier, I am considering these tire, but I always ride without earplugs...

 

[RaginTxn]

Yeah, I mean I haven't driven something that doesn't "make noise" for a while now. So most things don't bother me. It's a 70/30 or 60/40 tire - it's gonna make noise, but we all have tolerance, right?

Best way to describe it would be the difference between an AT tire on a truck or SUV vs a MT - this being the first.

Thanks
As I wrote earlier, I am condsidering these tire, but I always ride without earplugs...

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[Nikolajsen]

Yeah, I mean I haven't driven something that doesn't "make noise" for a while now. So most things don't bother me. It's a 70/30 or 60/40 tire - it's gonna make noise, but we all have tolerance, right?

Best way to describe it would be the difference between an AT tire on a truck or SUV vs a MT - this being the first.

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Yes, you are correct..It must make some noise, the way it looks

 

[PoconoRandy]

I can say these tires handle deep sand better than any other 50/50 tire I've experienced. I mounted the front by itself, and the ride was quiet. After spooning on the rear, it hums a bit over 40, and gets noisy over 65. I'll post final mileage when these are worn out.

 

[ozbass]

So - in wanting new shoes for the new to me bike - I decided to go with the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR as I don't know what my riding style will consist of since all I've done is either street or dirt seperate. These seem to split the bill pretty well - good initial reviews from owners and press reviews (take the latter with a grain of salt). Big thing I was looking for was good wet traction and something you don't have to blink twice when wanting to take a less traveled dusty road.

Anyways - I'll keep up a log of miles and impressions. As of now - I got the rear mounted, but didn't get the front in time before they closed for the day. So I should have it tomorrow morning - we'll see what first impressions are after I get it back on. In the mean time...

Is that Belray waterproof grease designed for tire mounting. Sometimes normal grease can interfere with the rubber of the tire, just checking.

 

[RaginTxn]

Is that Belray waterproof grease designed for tire mounting. Sometimes normal grease can interfere with the rubber of the tire, just checking.

Haha, oh no - that was for the axle and rear sprocket.

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[ballisticexchris]

3. My RF1200 Shoei was not designed for an Adventure Touring bike with a sport touring screen. It was over 100 on the east side of the state - felt like my head was in an oven...literally...

Ha Ha!! So you found out the hard way just like me!! The RF1200 is not designed for upright riding. Those helmets are tested in a wind tunnel for a tucked in position at the track. A Shoei Quest, GT-Air, Neotec, or Hornet are best suited for upright riding. The GT-air and Hornet have a strange non traditional "Shoei shape". So you have to try before purchasing.

BTW, i like the look of those tires. I would still be very nervous to take them in true off-road terrain though. Still looks like a pretty safe tire for hard smooth fire roads.

I have a set of Anakee Wilds ready to mount. IMO, big block style knobby's are the only safe tire to take on any unimproved road that has deep sand and rocks. Hell, I'm still riding my Tenere on the street only. Mileage and noise are my very last consideration when purchasing a tire for this huge beast. If I can get a tire to last 2500-3000 miles, then I'm more than happy! That seems to be the sweet spot for a street legal knobby.

I have to say I'm very apprehensive to take my Super Tenere off the pavement. It's seems that every time I venture into the dirt the nice smooth fire road ends up getting super nasty!! The idea of wrestling a 650lb+ bike over rock piles and rutted sand does not seem like too much fun.

Is that Belray waterproof grease designed for tire mounting. Sometimes normal grease can interfere with the rubber of the tire, just checking.

Ive been using this stuff the last few years for mounting my tires. No mess, easy clean up and the tire slips right on. I'm hoping these tubeless street tires will not be too hard to mount. I used to mount UHD tubes and double rim locks when riding desert many years back. These have to be easier than that.

 

[RaginTxn]

Ha Ha!! So you found out the hard way just like me!! The RF1200 is not designed for upright riding. Those helmets are tested in a wind tunnel for a tucked in position at the track. A Shoei Quest, GT-Air, Neotec, or Hornet are best suited for upright riding. The GT-air and Hornet have a strange non traditional "Shoei shape". So you have to try before purchasing.

BTW, i like the look of those tires. I would still be very nervous to take them in true off-road terrain though. Still looks like a pretty safe tire for hard smooth fire roads.

View attachment 49625

Hey Chris - yeah, soooo not cool. Also, thanks for the heads up on the GT-Air shape - that's the exact helmet I'm eyeing for the ST. I'll definitely have to go into a shop *shudder* and try one on to double check sizing.

As for the comment on the true off-road - again, totally agree. These are touring machines that allow you to cross a good fire road. Unless you do some good suspension mods and add some good protection, I'm in the camp of the hard black stuff and some dust here and there. I'd rather run a DR650 of the like for a true adventure trail. It's unfortunate that Yamaha doesn't bring over their "regular" Ténéré - I believe it's a 650 or 700 - that could be fun in the gnarlier stuff.

As for the Pirellis, they are a great fire road tire - groomed. I haven't had them in sand - I'm sure they would struggle a bit, but hard pack and minor rockiness - they're great. The best part is you can run around town with them, and hit the camp all with the same shoes. They've been great in the wet stuff as well - really great infact.

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[scirob]

Quick update - made a last minute run to see family on the opposite side of the state yesterday on the super T. A couple things I learned on my trip:

1. Yamaha makes a terrible stock saddle - 3 hr ride - 40 mins in and I'm already standing on the highway.
2. Definitely wish the '13s had electronic cruise control. At least I had a cramp buster, but - yeah - definitely gonna get a throttle lock
3. My RF1200 Shoei was not designed for an Adventure Touring bike with a sport touring screen. It was over 100 on the east side of the state - felt like my head was in an oven...literally...

4. The STRs held true throughout the trip. Going west - east (more downhill) I was averaging ~48 mpg btwn 75-80 (does anyone know if our speedos read true, or are they off by the 10%/5mph rule?). The way back was a little more difficult with a stiff head wind and more up than flat or down - averaged ~ 40 mpg. Again - going to the question I always get when someone sees me rolling with the STRs, "do they hum?" I wouldn't say more than any other tire designed to be a 70/30 tire. I hear more other cars next to me and their tire noise than caring whether my tires make sound. They do track on grooved highways (a couple sections in the mountain passes), but other than that - still loving the STRs.

I should be close to 1k on the tires (need to check the odo), so I will post updated wear pics when I hit that mark.

Till then - happy riding!

With oem tires, '17 st speedo was 5% off...with shinko 805, speedo is spot on with my gps...
804/5 shinkos surprised me (first 20/80 tires) at running as smooth and quiet as they do! I do notice increased noise n vibe as they warm up. They performed flawlessly over slick rock and baby-heads and loose gravel-silt-sand of CO BDR, yet still fun in the twisties. The super tenere was a goat- just pick a line, and go! Fellow riders on their gs 650 and gs 800 had their struggles.
Now with an estimated 2000 mi on the shinkos, I'm noticing a little shimmy/looseness at 75-80 mph, and rear tire tread is starting to flatten out.
I'm curious how those pirellis wear...

 

[Emiliano]

Just got Pirelli rally str.
I did already 1500km in two days.
I come from OEM tyres (Bridgestone battle wind) and I find this Pirelli with a great grip but there is so much noise e vibration on motorway.
Still testing.