Sport bike tires on the R1200R - WOW

[Mike Figielski]

I have always run sport touring tires on all of my bikes and recently have had Pilot Road 2s and 3s on my R1200R which I liked a lot, especially the 3s. Needed tires before my recent trip down to NC, TN, GA and had a new Pilot Power 2CT rear here so I ordered a matching front. Figured I'd try it. All I can say is that except for changing the shocks for aftermarket Hyper-Pros nothing I have ever done to any of my bikes has made such a huge difference in the way the bike handles. These tires are amazing. I had always assumed that since I never felt like I had exceeded the limits of the Pilot Roads that there was no need to go stickier on tires. I was easily cornering 15-20% faster and my confidence level was through the roof. The turn in was super easy and the bike was almost turning itself it seemed. My riding partner who regularly rides behind me was shocked at the difference in my cornering with these tires. We were on non-stop twistys down there including the Dragon, the Cherahola, Rte 28, Rte 209 and all of the good stuff in N. Georgia. Had been on many of the same roads 2 years ago and the difference was night and day. Of course mileage will be less with these tires but I did put 1200 miles on them and they are less than half worn. The Pilot Power 3s are supposed to give 20% more wear and these tires are about 15-20% cheaper than the Pilot Roads so between those two factors I think I am switching. Not sure I could go back anyway, it was like crack
Anyone else have this experience and if so what kind of mileage are you getting with Pilot Powers or equivalent? For reference I usually get between 5-6K miles from Pilot Roads.
Mike

[Lost Rider]

Yup, no sense in handicapping such a great bike with "touring" tires if the rider likes to wear the whole tire not just the center or maybe someone who does a whole lot of wet weather riding. I've been very happy with Pilot Powers for some time now, usually get around 4500 miles out of the rear, 6-7k out of the front. About the same milage I get out of any tire. LA to Chicago and back on PP's and the rear is square, but not showing cords.
Haven't tried the PP 3's yet, the price is hard to beat on the originals. They are "The Canyon Tire" around here for sportbikes and are cheap everywhere.

The way you described the dropping into turns and the confidence inspiring feel is dead on and worth a little sacrifice in milage IMO, though I think the type of rider has far more to do with milage than the tire.

Here's after 2300 miles, still looking good.

[Mike Figielski]

That is pretty good mileage from the Pilot Powers. Hopefully I will get close to that. I assume they will wear faster than the Pilot Roads but if I get 3500-4K from them I'll be happy.
Mike