Evaluated Tires: Michelin Pilot Road 3 (PR#3) and Pilot Road 2 (PR2)

My thoughts on two tires used on the Portland Police Bureau Motors. 

Evaluated Tires: 

Michelin Pilot Road

3 (PR#3) and

Pilot Road

2 (PR2)

The PR3 and PR2 are tires we are currently running on our BMW RT 1200’s.  The PR3 is the new and updated version of the Michelin Pilot Road 2 (PR2).  Both the PR2 and PR3 are duel compound tires.  This means the tires have a harder center giving more mileage for sport and sport touring bike/riders but also have softer compound shoulders for better cornering grip. The main difference is the PR3 has “X – Siping Technology”.  The siping is additional groves in the tread pattern which in wet conditions channels more water out for better traction.

The PR3 has shown to last on an average of about 7000miles.  We have had a few last close to 10000 miles but these have been on Officer’s bikes that do more HWY riding.  The PR2’s wore a little faster but were still very good lasting on an average of 6000-8000 miles. 

Both tires showed superb performance in dry conditions.  Grip and traction is excellent on both tires and they feel excellent at slow and high speeds allowing for smooth side to side transitions, adding to rider confidence. 

In wet conditions the PR3 disperses more water off the back tire.  This can be seen while following two 1200 side by side.  The bike running the PR3 kicks the water about 3 feet higher than the PR2 or Pirelli Angel.   Both perform very well in wet conditions and seem to hold corners better than the Pirelli Angel.  The PR3 feel to hold a little better under heavy braking, most likely from the horizontal siping.  One down fall is that under maximum braking, engaging the ABS system on the BMW 1200, the PR3 seem to cause the bike’s brakes to release.  The front tire feels as if it is almost getting to much grip or possibly causes the siping to flex as the ABS is activated.  Instead normal ABS feeling of the constant pulsing through right fingers on the front brake lever, the front brakes actually releases.  With ABS engaged the brakes release sending the motorcycle  forward, to what feels about equal to a bike length, before the ABS reactivates and sends braking power back to the tire.  This can be easily eliminated by backing off the brakes just a little, although the rider has the feeling that there is much more braking power available.  Our instructors have been unable to duplicate this with the PR2. 

My choice on tires for the BMW RT 1200 is to run the PR3 and the rear and PR2 on the front. 

Time will only tell with our new Kawasaki Concours 14’s.  I look forward to seeing how the PR3 feels on the Concours compared to the stock Bridgestone Battlax BT 021. 

Officer Bill Balzer

Portland Police Bureau

Motor Unit / Instructor

Advanced Riding Tips by Police Motor officers

Over the years the Portland Police Bureau motor officers have fielded many questions about rider safety, equipment and general riding. Police motor officers are some of the most proficient riders in the motorcycling community. As with most police agencies PPB motor officers ride 24/365. Only icy roads prevent them from patrolling on their two wheeled squad vehicles. With this they have gained extensive experience in riding in foul weather, heavy traffic, and hours of darkness. They have ridden thousands of miles on various motorcycles, numerous brands of tires and, other aftermarket equipment. We have tested and evaluated various pieces of after market add on equipment. In this we have found some items work well and other surprisingly did not stand up to the designers claims.

This blog "Advanced Police Motorcycling Tips" is intended to share the vast knowledge and experience with our fellow motorcycling enthusiasts. We are not claiming to be the top authority but, our years of experience and extensive training has developed a skill set unmatched in the public arena. Our focus is not to develop faster riders but safer riders. We hope to monthly post article(s) on topics such as equipment and riding points. The view point we will be sharing will be from our experience, testing and evaluations all done in on the road activity.  We hope to hear from you as we progress in this new venture.