Pilot Road 4 opinions

[Moise]

A few of us are planning a trip to the South Island (NZ) in November. The original plan was to see the MotoGP at Phillip Island but that's not happening this year.

The roads down there are hard on tyres and I will need a new set before we leave. I normally run M7RR on the R1, but I expect a new set would be pretty well used up by the end of the trip. I can get a set of Pilot Road 4's on special and am thinking that that could be a better option.

I expect quite a few of you have used them on bikes like the ZX14. I'm sure they'll be great in the wet, but what are they like in the dry? I've read a couple of reviews where vagueness at high lean angles and spinning up are mentioned, although most people reckon they are great street tyres. But I do like to have fun in the twisties and would not want a tyre that could spoil that.

Any other recommendations? Would the Road 5 be a better option, although the set would cost $100 more.

[CHARLIE]

I ran the 5's on my Zed1200 but I went from the Road2 to the 5, skipping the 3 and 4.
I'm running Power5's now, sticks like on rails. I don't expect the millage of the
Roads but I don't care. Power5 is badass. Just giving you a comparison of those 2

[BillDownUnder]

Comments from GTR1400 riders that I know, is that PR4 fronts cup too early.

I prefer PR5's myself. Great wear, good in wet and dry.

[Moise]

I ran the 5's on my Zed1200 but I went from the Road2 to the 5, skipping the 3 and 4.
I'm running Power5's now, sticks like on rails. I don't expect the millage of the
Roads but I don't care. Power5 is badass. Just giving you a comparison of those 2

Thanks Charlie. My next set was going to be the Power 5, but the reviews I've seen are they stick really well but wear fast.

[YYCZED]

I ran a set of PR4 on my zed and thought overall they were good: wet/cold grip and and tread life are outstanding. The negative was the front didn't seem to agree with the zed, and it would sometimes slide a bit without trying that hard (nothing crazy, but enough to be noticeable). The front cupped as well. It's still great value, and overall recommended but isn't as sporty as the newest Road 5 or the hypersport tires like the Power series

[CHARLIE]

Thanks Charlie. My next set was going to be the Power 5, but the reviews I've seen are they stick really well but wear fast.

I have about 1500 miles so far. I'm not looking for longevity at this point and the Powers are wearing just fine.
Road5's are the way to go for longevity and all around riding. I went the Powers for quicker turn in and stick.

[philabeg]

Sounds like Power 5's are the way to go and expect to use them up in one trip. Road 5's I have been using on the ZX14 I have had zero issues with and unquestionably the longest wearing rears I have had on any big Kwak.. Easily double the mileage for a rear! i'e' definitely worth the extra price. I used to get two rears to one front in terms of wear. Now more or less equal life.
I've heard those traffic boys down in NZ are pretty tough? Cheaper slightly stickier tyres might just not pan out that way??

[Moise]

Sounds like Power 5's are the way to go and expect to use them up in one trip. Road 5's I have been using on the ZX14 I have had zero issues with and unquestionably the longest wearing rears I have had on any big Kwak.. Easily double the mileage for a rear! i'e' definitely worth the extra price. I used to get two rears to one front in terms of wear. Now more or less equal life.
I've heard those traffic boys down in NZ are pretty tough? Cheaper slightly stickier tyres might just not pan out that way??

I might well go for the Power 5. I've never ridden in the South Island, and I may not do it again on a sportsbike.

We have a national 60 mph limit except for a few miles of freeway. So the cops make a lot of money from unwary tourists, but they aren't around at the moment so we expect to be a target. Two things - they don't stray too far from home, so knowing where the Highway Patrol bases are is a good first step. Also, detectors are legal here and I will figure out how to fit the trusty Bel on the R1.

[philabeg]

Shit! 60 is brutal as a blanket! UK is a little better at 70 on Mways or divided carriageways.. 60 on regular A roads. Average speed cams becoming more widespread!! I am lucky though in that up here in the North the further I go the less populated it gets so still plenty opportunity to play. Hope the trip comes off for ya!

[BIG O]

With those asinine speed limits and enforcement penalties you might as well be riding a Harley

[Moise]

Shit! 60 is brutal as a blanket! UK is a little better at 70 on Mways or divided carriageways.. 60 on regular A roads. Average speed cams becoming more widespread!! I am lucky though in that up here in the North the further I go the less populated it gets so still plenty opportunity to play. Hope the trip comes off for ya!

It's not as bad as it sounds. Once you get into the less populated areas of the South Island, you'd be very unlikely to see a Highway Patrol car, and the regular cops tend to leave you alone unless you do something really stupid.

No average speed cameras yet.

[BillDownUnder]

I have found that the Road 5 front "sings" a bit more than other tyres.

[philabeg]

I have found that the Road 5 front "sings" a bit more than other tyres.

As in.. tunes you wanna hear? Currently awaiting a new set arriving.

[Moise]

I have found that the Road 5 front "sings" a bit more than other tyres.

According to the review on WebBikeWorld, the rear can throw stones as well! Tyres with character. :)

[ZZ-r]

Hello twisty rippers. Just get the cheap stuff You can’t out ride it if you do the a race team is is looking to Sign you True story. Peace.