Higher Load/Speed Rated tire OK?

[Bill Simpson]

Michelin makes a Pilot Road 4 in a 150/70R17 with a 69W load/speed rating, which is higher than the 60V rating of the stock rear tire. They also make a PR4 Trail with the V rating, but sounds like it is a softer compound, and somewhat harder to find. I want a pure street tire with good predicted life, & think the Road 4 would be better. But Michelin's website says "Wont Fit", mainly I believe, because of the different load/speed rating. I don't see any reason why a higher load/speed rating should hurt performance.

Anyone out there with different opinion?

 

[WJBertrand]

You should be good. I think the main advantage of the PR4 Road is the dual compound tread. I don’t think the Trail has that.


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[Stridey]

Sorry that’s not correct. I recall The PR4 Trail has a harder compound in the centre band of the tyre to suit heavy loaded adventure bikes eg cases and pillion.The “Trail” description is purely a marketing exercise on Michelin’s part to get us to buy it!


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[OldRider]

Sorry that’s not correct. I recall The PR4 Trail has a harder compound in the centre band of the tyre to suit heavy loaded adventure bikes eg cases and pillion.The “Trail” description is purely a marketing exercise on Michelin’s part to get us to buy it!


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I think there's more to it than marketing. The PR4 Trail rear actually has a softer compound in the center and sides along with that, the center compound is 40% wider than the PR4, 60% vs 20%. The PR4 Trail front is the same compound as the PR4 Road, but the center compound on the Trail is 10% wider than the Road version 50% vs 40%. If you're going to be running 100% street then the Road tire should outlast the Trail version.

 

[Bill Simpson]

Thanks for the responses! OldRider's comments mirror what is said in the RevZilla video review. They say the PR4 Trail compounds are similar to the PR3's, and the the straight PR4 has a harder and wider center band compared to the PR3.