So, after doing several back wheel skids while braking & changing down simultaneously (controlled!) I think it's time l move away from Pilots because they aren't cheap & don't last very long!
I'm thinking I will forgo pure sporty riding for something that will be adequate to get me around bends quickly, yet allow me to wander onto the gravel when necessary & also be relatively cheap & long lasting.
Metzler Tourance Next, Avon, etc. There are now quite a few choices in off road tires but there is always some trade off in grip and feel. Another option is l9nger lasting sport tour tires
Thnx for the info guys, those Trailriders look interesting, & they get good write ups in Cyclerider & on this interesting web site that l found, it also gives you rental prices for bikes in Scotland of all places if anyone has deferred their visit to Paris & is looking for a safer alternative!>
Prices start at around $600 a week for an F800, & they seem to have a good array of BMW's to choose from..(no l'm not affiliated to them!)
I have plenty of experience w/ Metzler Tourances (have NOT tried the Tourance Next), and like them. NEXT I'll go to the Shinko E705s, as a friend has had GREAT mileage (and luck) w/ them.
It's easy to lighten the rear of the V under heavy braking due to front end dive. And the rear brake is as numb feeling as they get. I use the same tire on all my bikes and when I'm careless, the V is the only one I skid the rear tire on. Once it happens I shine up my technique.
Are these Pilot Powers, or Power Roads?
I've been using PR2s, 3s, and now 4s for years, and have *never* had a back end skid or washout while there was still tread on the tire, and it was still round (any squared off rear can come out from under you with the slightest lean, since you'r basically riding on a narrow ridge). I've averaged 11k miles on each set...
For dual purpose, I've heard good things about both Shinko and Metzler... The stocker Roadsmart IIs aren't terrible for fire trails / gravel and easy twisties (I found them to be less than confidence inspiring on serious twisties)...
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