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A little off subject (we tend to do that) but how do you know when the traction control kicks in. Is their some visual indication or is a seat off the pants thing. I assume it's not the same (as abrupt) as when you hit the rev limiter.

mogu83 wrote:A little off subject (we tend to do that) but how do you know when the traction control kicks in. Is their some visual indication or is a seat off the pants thing. I assume it's not the same (as abrupt) as when you hit the rev limiter.

I might say it is more abrupt as it seems to pulse whereas the rev limiter is just a quick kill for a second or so. I know they work in totally different ways but the end result is more similar to the ABS action.

I'll take better mental note next time it happens - if i'm not otherwise preoccupied with the loss of traction

More abrupt then the rev limiter WOW.
I've watched the super bikes (up close) come off the last turn at Daytona and come out on the front straight. Most of them have some sort of traction control and the engines still sound smooth, not like when the rev limiter cuts in and the engine sounds like it's missing. If the traction control is abrupt and that happens in the middle of a turn winding out third gear I wouldn't want to be on the bike. I always thought traction control worked by changing the ignition timing and thus reducing the power output - but that should go almost unnoticed to the rider. But I've been wrong before.

I don't want to misrepresent the feeling so maybe I'll just say you have to feel it for yourself

While it is abrupt, it's not bad and certainly helps rather than hinders bike control. For example, once i was cruising along the highway and went to make a pass. I didn't think I was being aggressive but when i grabbed the throttle (probably in 3rd or 4th gear) the boxer just had too much torque for the conditions and the back end kicked out. The traction control took effect and the rear end slid right back under me and a highway spill was avoided.

And keeping this on topic... I was riding Pilot Road IIs when it happened.

Looks like these tires are hitting the market in the US, a few places are selling them and some people are putting them on. No reports except one rider says their great in the rain. Now I have to decide if I should get a set and save them or wait and hope their available when I need them.

Harry - mebbe we can get a discount if we order two pairs?

I've got about 500 miles or so on a pair of PR3s now. Overall I'm very happy with them. Not much difference I can tell in handling character from the 2s. I got to run them in some rain the other night and they provided great traction. I ran them through some twisties and found them to be quite sticky on the edges. Again, not much different from the 2s that I can tell. The only downside I've found is that the front tire is noisy at around 65mph. I guess it's those horizontal grooves. Get up to around 80mph and the noise isn't so bad. Anyone else having this experience with these tires?

A quick question Mike:

The PR3's you're on now, are they the "standard" or "GT" version?

<edit>
Whoops! That's the Bridgestone Battleax BT-023's that come in "standard" or "GT" variants!

However, the Michelin site shows a 'B' model rear tire, in our size, for two-up, or loaded sport touring.

</edit>


I'm going to be due for new rubber not far into the season this spring. The PR2's have been great, about 11,000km on them now, and good for a few more yet.


Thanks

Kyle

Hi Kyle, I didn't get a B model. I rarely ride 2 up. I'm impressed so far with these tires. I didn't realize how worn my old set was until I put these on. With the dual compound material, the front tire ends up wearing out on the sides so the tire takes on a kind of V shape. It's nice having an evenly rounded tire up front again.


pr3 rear by mikeburawski, on Flickr

Thanks Mike!

I think the PR3's are going to do very nicely, here in the Northwest. We're not quite as wet as the coast, but there are days....!

Kyle