Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Suzuki Tech
Suzuki Tech Suzuki Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Suzuki riders only.
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By pecha72
  • 1 Post By DantheDuck

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 Mar 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: North Yorks
Posts: 11
Road tyres for 2014 VStrom 1000

Hi, just bought a used 2014 VStrom 1000 on OE Battlewings and rears look pretty square at 5500 miles although 3-4mm tread. Will they last for a 4000 mile road trip as I am low on funds or do I replace with a road tyre ? I don't do off road and was thinking Pilot 4 for wet weather. What have others used for purely road travel ?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Mar 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Bristol, UK
Posts: 380
I switched to Michelin Anakees on my DL (initially the 2 and then the 3).

Strong consensus in the UK that the Anakee is better than the Battlewing on the DL. I was using on road only and it was good.

Know others who happily used the Pilot as well.

On mileage my hunch is that you wont get 9500 out of a Battlewing - i am pretty sure i didn't. Check out www.v-strom.co.uk - lots of tyre threads there that will give you what you need.

Cheers
Andy
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Mar 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: North Yorks
Posts: 11
Hi,

Had a browse through and will go for Pilot R4

Cost in Teesside will be £243 fitted

Thanks,

Paul.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 Mar 2016
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Pilot Road is a very good series but I used many other tires during my 80K miles aboard my '02 Vstrom.

For pure long life, the Metzeler Tourance is top of the list in my experience. Will outlast that Pilot Road 4 by 20% or so. Wears like iron yet is excellent in rain, handles well too.

I used just about every tire made for the bike, favs were Tourance, Mich Anakee,
Avon Distanzia. These tires are better than ANY road tire on wet roads due to wider, deeper tread sipes, high silica content. All excellent.

You can't go wrong with Pilot Road 4 but just won't match miles of the Tourance, which also beats Anakee and Distanzia on longevity.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Apr 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Miami/Managua
Posts: 211
+2 on the tourance. closing in on 10k and mine barely look used after having been ridden on south florida's smokin hot roads and coral rock.
__________________
'07 DL1000 '08 DR650
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Apr 2016
g6snl's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 564
+3 for Tourance. 2up +gear on dl650 and wear rate is very low.
__________________
Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Apr 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Dunno what Tourance model the guys above are referring to (?), but I doubt it will considerably outlast a PR4. And if you´re riding purely on the road, there´s no need to have anything else than a full on road tyre. The PR4 is quite simply the best wet weather tyre I´ve ever had on my bike, and definitely not bad in the dry either.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Apr 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by pecha72 View Post
Dunno what Tourance model the guys above are referring to (?), but I doubt it will considerably outlast a PR4. And if you´re riding purely on the road, there´s no need to have anything else than a full on road tyre. The PR4 is quite simply the best wet weather tyre I´ve ever had on my bike, and definitely not bad in the dry either.
+1
I used Road Pilot 3s on a Versys and the sipe pattern and rain clearance capability was impressive.
Dual compound rubber also, according to all the bumph.
Quote:
Originally Posted by spellytheman View Post
Hi,

Had a browse through and will go for Pilot R4
It would be good to hear how you get on with the PR4s.

Anything has to be better than an OEM fitting however.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Apr 2016
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by pecha72 View Post
Dunno what Tourance model the guys above are referring to (?), but I doubt it will considerably outlast a PR4. And if you´re riding purely on the road, there´s no need to have anything else than a full on road tyre. The PR4 is quite simply the best wet weather tyre I´ve ever had on my bike, and definitely not bad in the dry either.
The above is true if wet pavement is CLEAN and SMOOTH. I contend a tire like the Tourance is better if PUSHING hard through corners, using full power everywhere on a dirty road. Why?

(Note: I've used 3 versions of Michelin Pilot Roads ... version one and two. Excellent road tire, excellent side grip and very good wet grip as mentioned above.)

But ... if the road is rough with sand patches, mud, grit and pot holes or gravel patches (for Snow), then IMO a Dual Sport tire like the Tourance performs better.

The wider and deeper tread "Sipes" of the Tourance cut through sand or gravel better than a road tire and GRIP onto paved surface below. Especially on a heavy bike leaned over mid corner on the power. The front is more secure IMO and the rear tire will "step out" less on a dual sport tire in my experience using BOTH types of tires. Ride them back to back, compare.

On lighter weight dual sport bike you can risk more and get away with it ... but on my 1050 Tiger or previous DL1000 V-Strom, I prefer the Tourance (or an Anakee or Distanzia) when traveling bad roads at an aggressive pace in wet, dirty conditions.

In the Alps of Europe ... or really most European roads, I never saw anything like our California roads. EU roads are like a work of ART by comparison. Our roads are like a scene from Mad Max in some areas.

Both of these tires last well but on a light dual sport bike I get more from the Tourance.

On a high HP bike like my Tiger (105 rear wheel HP) ... NO tire can survive beyond about 8K km on rear tire. (5K miles, more or less)
As always, YMMV. One thing is sure, tires wear out, so if you don't like one, you'll be mounting a new tire soon anyway! Take your pick!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 27 Apr 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
" PUSHING hard through corners, using full power everywhere on a dirty road "

I think doing that might easily lead to a few ´oh shit!!!´-moments..

Personally I think the advantages of having a tyre like Tourance for road riding are a little bit more cushion/flex in the tyre for bumpy roads, in case your suspension is on the stiff side (and you prefer a softer ride), and maybe a little less prone to punctures, because the tread is quite deep compared to a full road tyre, at least when new.. And when using tyres of this kind, you actually give up a little bit of flickability and steering precision, although they can still be very enjoyable to ride on tarmac. And the Tourance won´t come close to a PR4 on wet tarmac. PR1 or 2 could be a different story.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10 Jan 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 10
Man I guess I'm just lucky, I got 14k miles on my first set of trail wing tires and average about 10k per set now that I've switched to shinko. I'm on the first set of 705s right now, 3k in and they're doing fine, mostly road miles

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
road tyres, tyres, vstrom 1000


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tales from the Saddle klous-1 Ride Tales 88 4 Feb 2016 20:30
Exploring Balkans. Montenegro and Bosnia off-road. Gliga Ride Tales 18 4 Apr 2015 23:53
Right Around Africa JoRust Ride Tales 58 7 Dec 2014 14:20
London to Cape Town, November 2012 Tfoy97603 Travellers Seeking Travellers 56 4 Sep 2012 16:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:16.