I am currently running Michelin Pilot Powers (previous owner put a 190/50 on the rear) however I now need a new rear tire. I am able to get a Michelin Pilot Road 180/55 mounted for $100.
I am a novice rider at best and do not track the bike at all, I ride semi-agressively on local back roads but judging by the Pilot Power's "chicken strips" I do not utilize them to their full potential.

Questions: 1.)Are the Roads suitable for my purposes ?
2.) Do any of you use them ?
3.) Would downgrading from a 190 performance tire to a 180 touring tire be a bad transition ?

Thanks,
Dan

 

1. the pilot roads are 100% suitable for your riding.

2. when i got my F4i they were mounted w/ big fat freeway flatspots, and they were still good for riding around town and riding a decent pace in the canyons (decent meaning speed limit + 10)

3. it's not a downgrade in this scenario. the 190/50 is probably keeping your bike from turning the way it should. the 180 will make it easier to tip the bike in, and let the suspension do what it's supposed to. the reason for running a 190 is for better grip midcorner and at corner exit--but they way you ride you wouldn't be overhwelming a 180 pilot road mid-corner or at corner exit.

in short, the 180 is gonna feel WAY better than the 190.

 

Thanks, that's good to know! I kind of figured it would be suitable for my needs.

My next question is since i'm going to mount the Road in the back, is it alright to have a different tread pattern (the Pilot Power) in the front ?

Thanks,
Dan

 

the PP up front should be alright. if anything i'd like matched tires, but if i had grippier tires up front it'd be better than the opposite imo.

 

Alright, Thanks alot.

If anyone has a different opinion on this I'd like to hear, if not then I'll probly go with this setup.