Breaking in new Pilot Road 2CTs

[CFrolander]

Just got some new Pilot Road 2CTs thrown on and I'm impressed so far. The shop (Steve's Cycle in Phoenix) told me I should take it real easy the first 50 miles to wear down the tire a bit since they are slick from the factory. I'm curious how you'd break in the sides of the tire, though? I'm not trusting the tires too much in the corners currently because I'm imagining whatever is making the centers slick from the factory is also making the sides slick. Since I can't ride on the sides, I can't break in the sides.

I Imagine I'm just being goofy, can anyone quash my fears or tell me how to approach breaking in the edges of these new tires? My last set had practically no chicken strips when I turned them in, so I know I can get down, it's all mental with these new ones! (Old were OEM Ax's)

 

[ssmotorcycle]

I had the Pilot Road 2CT's on my last bike, and they were awesome. I think Michelin make a great tire. Here in Virginia we have lots of nice twisties with elevation change and I managed to get out on the edges, but the key I think is to scuff your way out half inch at a time. The obvious other key is tire temp....shouldn't be a big issue out there I wouldn't think. I think if you take to your new tires the way you would an unknown road, you will be fine; ie, baby steps at first, then run it again with a little more aggresiveness, until you see those sweet signs of a wider and wider contact patch. Good luck.

 

[ANLR21]

Just got some new Pilot Road 2CTs thrown on and I'm impressed so far. The shop (Steve's Cycle in Phoenix) told me I should take it real easy the first 50 miles to wear down the tire a bit since they are slick from the factory. I'm curious how you'd break in the sides of the tire, though? I'm not trusting the tires too much in the corners currently because I'm imagining whatever is making the centers slick from the factory is also making the sides slick. Since I can't ride on the sides, I can't break in the sides.

I Imagine I'm just being goofy, can anyone quash my fears or tell me how to approach breaking in the edges of these new tires? My last set had practically no chicken strips when I turned them in, so I know I can get down, it's all mental with these new ones! (Old were OEM Ax's)

I just recently put the PR2's on my '04. As with any new tires, take a little time to scrub them in a bit before really leaning on (or trusting them). 50 miles on some twisties at moderate speeds is more than enough. I did about 25-30 miles, and now really pushing them. These are a vast improvement over the Diablo Stradas that I had before, not only in sheer grip in a corner but also stability. Took me a while to really trust them, but no more chicken strips!

Good luck.

 

[mylo]

u dont need to go knees down to break in the sides :rockon: unless ur driving on a road with no turns ull get the sides broken in on normal turns, i broke my road pilot 3s in, in a day, 100kms is recommended , but the "spikes" i.e little strands of rubber sticking out of the tyres where still there after 300kms! i think once the lil blue or yellow strip has gone on the tyre its broke in ,

 

[The Dude]

Just got some new Pilot Road 2CTs thrown on and I'm impressed so far. The shop (Steve's Cycle in Phoenix) told me I should take it real easy the first 50 miles to wear down the tire a bit since they are slick from the factory. I'm curious how you'd break in the sides of the tire, though? I'm not trusting the tires too much in the corners currently because I'm imagining whatever is making the centers slick from the factory is also making the sides slick. Since I can't ride on the sides, I can't break in the sides.

I Imagine I'm just being goofy, can anyone quash my fears or tell me how to approach breaking in the edges of these new tires? My last set had practically no chicken strips when I turned them in, so I know I can get down, it's all mental with these new ones! (Old were OEM Ax's)

You can ride on the sides, just don't push it too much as you're breaking them in. Get them up to speed so you can heat them up. You want to get them through a few heat cycles breaking them in. I like to go for a ride on a more coarse road surface as well. Something with a few turns to help scuff them up a bit. The only thing I'd be cautious of is slick sealed pavement, tar snakes, and painted pavement. Enjoy that initial tip-in while it lasts!

 

[Motogiro]

From what I've read the tires made today may or may not use a mold release agent and I think all tire installers default to go easy. I don't see why you can't wait through some heat cycles on the tires and ease in.

I had stock OEM's on my 09 R1 when I had it and even with breaking them in I had the rear give in a tight turn going down a mountain road.
You just don't know when someone changes something today for what ever reason. Ease in....:rockon:

 

[jcfz6]

I've read somewhere that you can lightly go over the tire with fine grit sand paper to take off any slick coatings. Does this actually work or is it crap?

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

I just recently put the PR2's on my '04. As with any new tires, take a little time to scrub them in a bit before really leaning on (or trusting them). 50 miles on some twisties at moderate speeds is more than enough. I did about 25-30 miles, and now really pushing them. These are a vast improvement over the Diablo Stradas that I had before, not only in sheer grip in a corner but also stability. Took me a while to really trust them, but no more chicken strips!

Good luck.

+1 on the above. You can lean into corners to scrub them in, just don't get on it hard (like riding in the rain)... Gradually ride them harder/leaning, etc... Great tire BTW, love mine..

 

[macem29]

Just got some new Pilot Road 2CTs thrown on and I'm impressed so far. The shop (Steve's Cycle in Phoenix) told me I should take it real easy the first 50 miles to wear down the tire a bit since they are slick from the factory. I'm curious how you'd break in the sides of the tire, though? I'm not trusting the tires too much in the corners currently because I'm imagining whatever is making the centers slick from the factory is also making the sides slick. Since I can't ride on the sides, I can't break in the sides.

I Imagine I'm just being goofy, can anyone quash my fears or tell me how to approach breaking in the edges of these new tires? My last set had practically no chicken strips when I turned them in, so I know I can get down, it's all mental with these new ones! (Old were OEM Ax's)

lol, you over-analyze man, and I recognize it, cause I've asked myself
the same, catch-22 question: how do you break'm in, if you have to go
easy until they're broken in? sounds like you've gotten some good advice,
PR2's going on my machine shortly and I'll follow this advice too