New Tires Being Installed on the RS

[Grumpy Goat]

Usually I demo extremes like GTs or R noneT. Today I got the 1250.... So far, the TFT has been the most impressive upgrade, though if I play with it much more, I'll wreck.

How did you find the performance compared to your bike?

[Ray]

How did you find the performance compared to your bike?

Would probably need to get on the track with a watch to pick up what seem like minor differences. Even in "dynamic pro" it didn't feel much different than my bike..., except the tires were new...?

That the quick shifts up and down felt the same, I took more as an indication that I've learned, rather than the technology has changed.

I will say, the lower seat put me even more upright and reminded me this sport tourer can be more tourer than sport, if so desired. Still my vote for best and most versatile platform for those with one bike. ("Beware the man with one gun, he knows how to use it.")

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[Grumpy Goat]

Would probably need to get on the track with a watch to pick up what seem like minor differences. Even in "dynamic pro" it didn't feel much different than my bike..., except the tires were new...?

That the quick shifts up and down felt the same, I took more as an indication that I've learned, rather than the technology has changed.

It is like we rode the same bike! That was also my impression during my test ride.

[Ray]

It is like we rode the same bike! That was also my impression during my test ride.

Good to hear. Nothing like the consistency of German engineering.

[darrell]

My first report to Dunlop on the Roadsmart IV tires.

—————————-

Dunlop Roadsmart IV Tire Performance Update
Motorcycle - BMW 2016 R1200RS 
Darrell Penning Recording Data

Tread depth is measured in 4 spots in each of 3 areas around the tire in the order of 1” from left sidewall, center, and 1” from right sidewall.  Depths listed are in 32nd of an inch. 

Tire pressures are check and adjusted if necessary every 2 - 3 days regardless of miles rode. Pressures are checked in the morning before riding so tires are cold. Pressures are maintained at psi 38 front and 42 rear using a calibrated dial gauge for pressure checks.

———————————————————

Collection of Roadsmart IV Tire Information

August 12, 2020
     Installed new tires at Moon Motorsports in Monticello, MN, a Dunlop Pro Dealer
     Mileage at 107,000
     Front - 5.0, 5.0, 5.0
     Rear - 8.0, 8.0, 8.0

August 25, 2020
     Mileage at 109070 - Whitewood, SD
     2070 miles on tires
     Front - 5.0, 4.5, 5.0
     Rear - 8.0, 7.0, 8.0
     Road conditions - generally flat with some sweeping curves in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Panhandle of Nebraska as I’m riding in central plains of the US. Most miles on roads of well worn black top and concrete surfaces. 300 miles of 4 lane highways.
     Speeds - generally in the 65 - 70 mph range. Maximum speed of 90 mph for 200 miles on interstates I25 and I90 in South Dakota.
     Temperature/Weather - ranged from 65 to 107 with the majority of the time in the mid 80’s to mid 90's. No wet roads. Skies are generally sunny so road temperatures are warm with 1000 miles of hazy skies from the forest fires in Colorado.

Darrell’s comments - Comparing to the Roadsmart III the tires (especially the front) seem more compliant (softer feel) to road surface imperfections such as expansion joints or cracks in the pavement. I sense the bike has a sharper turn in on corners but will comment on this further after I get some time in the Black Hills this week and the Colorado Rockies a few days from now. With the high temps and sun causing warm road surfaces the tires do allow the bike to move on any tar snakes running parallel to the line of travel, but no different than the Roadsmart III. My initial reaction on tire wear is surprising considering the heat, speed and flatter roads I’ve been riding on.

[Lee]

8 mm is a lot of thread depth on the back tire.
Most of my back tires start with 8/32" or 6 mm.
Maybe it's my gauge?

[Grumpy Goat]

8 mm is a lot of thread depth on the back tire.
Most of my back tires start with 8/32" or 6 mm.
Maybe it's my gauge?

It is not 8mm Lee. He said the figures are 1/32nds, i.e. "8" is actually "8/32" which agrees with your numbers.

[Lee]

8 mm is a lot of thread depth on the back tire.
Most of my back tires start with 8/32" or 6 mm.
Maybe it's my gauge?

It is not 8mm Lee. He said the figures are 1/32nds, i.e. "8" is actually "8/32" which agrees with your numbers.

I see.
That's sound the same as the RoadSmart3s we had last year. Seems like our front tires had 5/32" instead of the normal 6/32" and that matches his numbers.

[Ray]

My first report to Dunlop on the Roadsmart IV tires.
—————————-
My initial reaction on tire wear is surprising considering the heat, speed and flatter roads I’ve been riding on.

Huh. Agreed. Not a light bike. Lack of wear in this heat is amazing.

Hard on the outside, soft on the inside?

Something in the Dunlop curing process?

I recall the date of manufacture was within a few months of mounting, but I suppose some oxidation might have occurred before they were mounted.

You might recall some whining about my initial trouble adapting to the profile and characteristics of my first RS-3s, and the apparent curse of their longevity.

When I finally declared them worn out after about 7000 miles, it seemed to occur quickly - wearing down the last 2 mm in a couple of 350 mile, 90 degree days on a fast, hot, black, twisting road..., the first days I felt the tires allowed maximal performance.

[Lee]

Hard on the outside, soft on the inside?

Now I'm hungry for M&Ms

[darrell]

My first report to Dunlop on the Roadsmart IV tires.
—————————-
My initial reaction on tire wear is surprising considering the heat, speed and flatter roads I’ve been riding on.

Hard on the outside, soft on the inside?

Something in the Dunlop curing process?

I recall the date of manufacture was within a few months of mounting, but I suppose some oxidation might have occurred before they were mounted.

I know these tires are new as I’m not sure dealers even have them yet. They are manufactured in Japan. I assume they sent me ones from an early warehouse delivery. I have a good relationship with the people I communicate with at Dunlop so will ask them about any curing process changes after I put the next 2000 miles on by sometime late next week. I believe I read they changed the silica content on the RS IV tire.

[darrell]

Update on Dunlop Roadsmart IV tires after 4000 miles.

Collection of Roadsmart IV Tire Information

August 12, 2020
     Installed new tires at Moon Motorsports in Monticello, MN, a Dunlop Pro Dealer
     Mileage at 107,000
     Front - 5.0, 5.0, 5.0
     Rear - 8.0, 8.0, 8.0


August 25, 2020
     Mileage at 109070 - Whitewood, SD
     2070 miles on tires
     Front - 5.0, 4.5, 5.0
     Rear - 8.0, 7.0, 8.0
     Road conditions - generally flat with some sweeping curves in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Panhandle of Nebraska as I’m riding in central plains of the US. Most miles on roads of well worn black top and concrete surfaces. 300 miles of 4 lane highways.
     Speeds - generally in the 65 - 70 mph range. Maximum speed of 90 mph for 200 miles on interstates I25 and I90 in South Dakota.
     Temperature/Weather - ranged from 65 to 107 with the majority of the time in the mid 80’s to mid 90's. No wet roads. Skies are generally sunny so road temperatures are warm with 1000 miles of hazy skies from the forest fires in Colorado.

Darrell’s comments - Comparing to the Roadsmart III the tires (especially the front) seem more compliant (softer feel) to road surface imperfections such as expansion joints or cracks in the pavement. I sense the bike has a sharper turn in on corners but will comment on this further after I get some time in the Black Hills this week and the Colorado Rockies a few days from now. With the high temps and sun causing warm road surfaces the tires do allow the bike to move on any tar snakes running parallel to the line of travel, but no different than the Roadsmart III. My initial reaction on tire wear is surprising considering the heat, speed and flatter roads I’ve been riding on.


September 2, 2020
     Mileage at 111049 - Cortez, CO
     4049 miles on tires
     Front - 5.0, 4.0, 5.0
     Rear - 7.0, 5.0, 7.0
     Road conditions - the last 2000 miles were on mostly 2 lane roads. 350 miles in the South Dakota Black Hills, 300 miles crossing plains of Wyoming and 1350 miles in the canyons and on a few of mountain passes in Utah. 400 miles was on fresh asphalt which tends in accelerate wear on tires. The roads of Utah were mostly sweeping curves on 600 miles and tighter curves on 300 miles with the remainder being straighter roads.
     Speeds - the speed limit in Wyoming and Utah is 65 or 70 on 2 lane roads so the majority of miles were run at 65 - 75 mph. Most curves or corners are rode at an average of 15 mph over the posted number.
     Temperature/Weather - ranged from 45 to 95 with the majority of the time in the high 70’s to mid 80’s. I had only 5 miles of rain and 15 additional miles of wet roads so cannot comment on the tire in the rain but hope to find a few hundred miles before the set wears out.

Darrell’s comments - tires continue to display a round profile with zero cupping on the front tire. Handling remains as it did the first 2000 miles so very positive. With the Roadsmart III I would wear out the front tire before the rear and I am sensing that will not happen with the RS IV. The next 1500 - 2000 miles over 8 - 9 days will be spent in the Colorado Rockies so will get a good feel of handling and wear on tighter curves

[Grumpy Goat]

Good update Darrell. Sounds like they are wearing nice and evenly and without cupping which is always good.

[Duccrazydave]

Surprise, surprise. After our Colorado (and eventually Arkansas) riding, I've conceded the demise of my Michelin Road 5's. 4550 miles may be a new personal record for wearing out a set of tires. Considering the bi-weekly thrashings received on route 66, I'm not complaining. Looking forward to some more info on the Roadsmart 4's. Until then, I'll probably wear out another set of Michelin's

[Grumpy Goat]

Looking forward to some more info on the Roadsmart 4's. Until then, I'll probably wear out another set of Michelin's

Dave did you ever try the Roadsmart 3s? I can't remember ...

[Duccrazydave]

I ran the Dunlop Roadsmart 3 prior to the Michelin's. Haven't been consistently tracking the mileage, as I should, but I purchased the Dunlop's in July 2018. Bought the Michelin's in February of this year. The ultimate test for the Dunlop's came at last years ride in. A complete travel day to Helen in constant rain. And then a damp first ride through the Dragon. No issues with the wet weather performance, at all.

[Grumpy Goat]

I ran the Dunlop Roadsmart 3 prior to the Michelin's. Haven't been consistently tracking the mileage, as I should, but I purchased the Dunlop's in July 2018. Bought the Michelin's in February of this year.

That is what I was recalling but was not sure. I found that the RS3s lasted longer than the Michelins and the all around performance was similar, and since they are cheaper, for me they represent a better value. May want to consider those again (as opposed to the quicker-wearing Road 5) prior to potentially getting the RS4 when they become available. Just a suggestion of course.

My Road 5 front tire (only) performed well through the Gunnison Ride In, showed no significant wear and no cupping. Will see how long it lasts.

[Lee]

That is what I was recalling but was not sure. I found that the RS3s lasted longer than the Michelins and the all around performance was similar, and since they are cheaper, for me they represent a better value.

We have had several sets of Pilot Road 4s and one set of RS3s.
For us the RS3 mileage was similar to the Pilot Road 4 mileage.
Our current Pilot Road 4 tires look like they may get a little less mileage than any of the previous Pilot Road 4 tires we had in the past but I may not find out.
I might change the back tires before our Arkansas trip in a few weeks.
I like to replace tires before the center thread depth is down to 2/32" and trips never seem to work out where we get to 2/32"

[darrell]

My information to Dunlop at 6300 miles.

Dunlop Roadsmart IV Tire Performance Update
Motorcycle - BMW 2016 R1200RS 
Darrell Penning Recording Data

Tread depth is measured in 4 spots in each of 3 areas around the tire in the order of 1” from left sidewall, center, and 1” from right sidewall.  Depths listed are in 32nd of an inch. 

Tire pressures are check and adjusted if necessary every 2 - 3 days regardless of miles rode. Pressures are checked in the morning before riding so tires are cold. Pressures are maintained at psi 38 front and 42 rear using a calibrated dial gauge for pressure checks. 

———————————————————

Collection of Roadsmart IV Tire Information

August 12, 2020
     Installed new tires at Moon Motorsports in Monticello, MN, a Dunlop Pro Dealer
     Mileage at 107,000
     Front - 5.0, 5.0, 5.0
     Rear - 8.0, 8.0, 8.0


August 25, 2020
     Mileage at 109070 - Whitewood, SD
     2070 miles on tires
     Front - 5.0, 4.5, 5.0
     Rear - 8.0, 7.0, 8.0
     Road conditions - generally flat with some sweeping curves in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Panhandle of Nebraska as I’m riding in central plains of the US. Most miles on roads of well worn black top and concrete surfaces. 300 miles of 4 lane highways.
     Speeds - generally in the 65 - 70 mph range. Maximum speed of 90 mph for 200 miles on interstates I25 and I90 in South Dakota.
     Temperature/Weather - ranged from 65 to 107 with the majority of the time in the mid 80’s to mid 90's. No wet roads. Skies are generally sunny so road temperatures are warm with 1000 miles of hazy skies from the forest fires in Colorado.

Darrell’s comments - Comparing to the Roadsmart III the tires (especially the front) seem more compliant (softer feel) to road surface imperfections such as expansion joints or cracks in the pavement. I sense the bike has a sharper turn in on corners but will comment on this further after I get some time in the Black Hills this week and the Colorado Rockies a few days from now. With the high temps and sun causing warm road surfaces the tires do allow the bike to move on any tar snakes running parallel to the line of travel, but no different than the Roadsmart III. My initial reaction on tire wear is surprising considering the heat, speed and flatter roads I’ve been riding on.


September 2, 2020
     Mileage at 111049 - Cortez, CO
     4049 miles on tires
     Front - 5.0, 4.0, 5.0
     Rear - 7.0, 5.0, 7.0
     Road conditions - the last 2000 miles were on mostly 2 lane roads. 350 miles in the South Dakota Black Hills, 300 miles crossing plains of Wyoming and 1350 miles in the canyons and on a few of mountain passes in Utah. 400 miles was on fresh asphalt which tends in accelerate wear on tires. The roads of Utah were mostly sweeping curves on 600 miles and tighter curves on 300 miles with the remainder being straighter roads.
     Speeds - the speed limit in Wyoming and Utah is 65 or 70 on 2 lane roads so the majority of miles were run at 65 - 75 mph. Most curves or corners are rode at an average of 15 mph over the posted number.
     Temperature/Weather - ranged from 45 to 95 with the majority of the time in the high 70’s to mid 80’s. I had only 5 miles of rain and 15 additional miles of wet roads so cannot comment on the tire in the rain but hope to find a few hundred miles before the set wears out.

Darrell’s comments - tires continue to display a round profile with zero cupping on the front tire. Handling remains as it did the first 2000 miles so very positive. With the Roadsmart III I would wear out the front tire before the rear and I am sensing that will not happen with the RS IV. The next 1500 - 2000 miles over 8 - 9 days will be spent in the Colorado Rockies so will get a good feel of handling and wear on tighter curves.


September 14, 2020
     Mileage at 113326 - Prior Lake, MN
     6326 miles on tires
     Front - 4.5, 3.0, 4.5
     Rear - 6.5, 4.0, 6.5 (5.0 depth in tear drop near center of tire)
     Road conditions - about 1600 of the 2277 miles were on 2 lane roads in the Rocky Mountains riding at an accelerated pace with many miles on tighter curvy roads. The remaining approximately 677 miles were mostly 2 lane roads across the central plains finishing with 100 miles on 4 lane roads that were very flat with few curves. The roads were mostly well worn asphalt. 
     Speeds - the majority of miles were run at 50 - 75 mph. 70% were run in the higher range of these speeds. 
     Temperature/Weather - ranged from 40 to 95 with the 50% of the time in the high 70's and low 80's and the remaining 50% in the 40 - 65 range. I did cross Monarch Pass in Colorado at 11,312 ft with about 12 miles at a temperature of 28 degrees, thick fog, blowing snow and what I assumed was some black ice. Felt comfortable at 35 - 40 mph in these conditions.

Darrell’s comments - I remain totally surprised at the wear characteristics of the front tire. There is very minimal cupping developing with no affect on handling. The front tire has maintained a very round profile which has allowed handling to be as it was when new. The rear tire has started to develop a slightly flatter center profile but not to the point it affects handling in the curves. Probably not unusual considering some the flatter roads I rode at speeds of 70 - 80 across the central US plains.

[Ray]

Wow. Real sport touring tires?