Review Michelin Road 3's

[rboe]

Contour is much more critical than width. Flatter tires slow down your steering, highly rounded one speed it up; makes the bike much more flickable. Discovered that going through tires on my Quota. With the right tires a buddy on a GXR600 thought my riding was "spirited" - the Quota has a 21" front tire.
I also see the difference between my Griso and the CB1100, similar sized bikes and weight. The CB is much lighter on her feet, more flickable and a delight in the tight twisty bits.

[thessler3_imp]

Just a quick comment about the true definition of aspect ratio. It is simply the height of the tire as a percentage of the width in millimeters. For example the 140/70X18 tire on the CB1100 is 140MM wide and 98MM (0.70 X 140) high.

If you switch to a 160/60 tire, the height is 96MM (0.6 X 160). Just a smidge smaller in diameter than the stock tire.

I have worn out many sets of tires on both sport and touring bikes. My personal favorites are Michelin Pilot Power 3's for sport bikes and Pilot Road 2's for sport tourers. Unfortunately, neither are made in sizes to fit the CB1100.

Michelin does not make tires for my Gold Wing and I have tried both Bridgestones and Dunlops - a toss-up.

I would be very reluctant to put bias ply tires on the CB1100 as some of you suggest.

[Red Mist_imp]

To Bad Bridgestone is withdrawing from Motogp in 2016 and michelin is taking over. Motgp riders are having mix thoughts about the change though.

Would love to see Dunlop back. Actually I would love to see it go back to a non-spec tire.

Just a quick comment about the true definition of aspect ratio. It is simply the height of the tire as a percentage of the width in millimeters. For example the 140/70X18 tire on the CB1100 is 140MM wide and 98MM (0.70 X 140) high.

If you switch to a 160/60 tire, the height is 96MM (0.6 X 160). Just a smidge smaller in diameter than the stock tire.

I have worn out many sets of tires on both sport and touring bikes. My personal favorites are Michelin Pilot Power 3's for sport bikes and Pilot Road 2's for sport tourers. Unfortunately, neither are made in sizes to fit the CB1100.

Michelin does not make tires for my Gold Wing and I have tried both Bridgestones and Dunlops - a toss-up.

I would be very reluctant to put bias ply tires on the CB1100 as some of you suggest.

Don't be. I'm using the BT45s and as I have stated my experience in other threads, I can affirm they are excellent tires. We used these tires on bikes far more capable than the CB1100 back in the day and they are much, much better now, with dual compounds and more advanced construction and formulation.

I just returned from an overnight trip and rode the most difficult paved roads in this part of the state, bumpy, narrow, 15 mph switchbacks to 90 mph sweepers, hundreds of miles of this stuff.

I was very impressed with grip and handling.

Running 32 psi front, 36 psi rear but will go down to 35 rear as the temperature increase is not sufficient.

However the radials do seem to ride a little smoother.

[Jim21680_imp]

Now that 160s appear to be acceptable, anyone give any thought to trying the Dunlop Roadsmart II's? I'm pretty sure they can be had in the same sizes as the Pilot Road combo.

[CIP57_imp]

Now that 160s appear to be acceptable, anyone give any thought to trying the Dunlop Roadsmart II's? I'm pretty sure they can be had in the same sizes as the Pilot Road combo.

Tire has very good reviews on bikes of similar weight. I don't think you can go wrong with a set of these. Try them out and give us a report

[CIP57_imp]

Fuel mileage with the new tires is above my normal range. I averaged 54 mpg with my last tank. Usually average 48-52 back roads and highway. The slightly lower profile i though may decrease mileage but that's not the case.

[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/photo_zpsa630c020.jpg.html]

[Red Mist_imp]

With the BT45 150/70, the pressure increased to a little more than I was looking for on the rear tire; it went up to 38.5 psi, running 34 psi. So 36 is the minimum for me as it will give a margin for error. Don't want any more than about a 10% increase in pressure, cold to hot. Would not run lower than that for anyone if you are doing freeway.

[Tortuga_imp]

here's the pic from the rear
[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/DSC_2742_zpsfa75370f.jpg.html]

Meaty! I love it...

[Ridem32_imp]

It does look a lot wider on the bike! Maybe just my eyes!!

[Tortuga_imp]

It does look a lot wider on the bike! Maybe just my eyes!!

No it's definitely a chunkier look. I really like it. Maybe the whole 'retro thing' is wearing off for me?