Pilot Power 2CT Confidence
10-03-2010, 08:13 PM
#1
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Pilot Power 2CT Confidence
Need some input from you guys running the Pilot Power's. These are my first non-Dunlap tire and the other day while riding the rear end got squirrly when down shifting. Nothing major but made me have to alter my driving. I know the center compound is not as sticky but it kinda made me nervous as I'm not used to it.
Before I go throw these tires into a corner I wanted to know how well they do when dragging a knee. Is that side compound as sticky as they say it is? Going to Deal's Gap this weekend and haven't had any time in the corners with them yet.
Thanks
Before I go throw these tires into a corner I wanted to know how well they do when dragging a knee. Is that side compound as sticky as they say it is? Going to Deal's Gap this weekend and haven't had any time in the corners with them yet.
Thanks
10-04-2010, 04:17 AM
#5
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the 2CTs are sticky tires unless they are old, baked in the sun in some warehouse, or otherwise altered for the worse. you can look on the side wall for the manufacture date. Lower the pressure on the rear to 32psi cold, front 30.
Get them warmed up a little, get yourself on twisty road with some nice open curves that you can see through and go back and forth increasing your lean till you start to feel some slippage and by then you should know that you're about the max for what is safe on the roads. You can scrub them in in a parking lot if you need to, but not as much fun.
Get them warmed up a little, get yourself on twisty road with some nice open curves that you can see through and go back and forth increasing your lean till you start to feel some slippage and by then you should know that you're about the max for what is safe on the roads. You can scrub them in in a parking lot if you need to, but not as much fun.
10-04-2010, 07:32 AM
#7
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i would rather the 2cts anyday than any dunlop ,, i put a set on a bike last year because they were cheap (d207`s) and they were rubbish , terrible caricteristics compared with the 2ct in my opinion ,
(dont even get me started on them in the wet
)
(dont even get me started on them in the wet
)
10-04-2010, 09:55 AM
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New and fresh they worked really well.
10-04-2010, 10:04 AM
#9
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They were cheap because they were really old....... Dunlop stopped making 207's in the size for these bikes many years ago. In fact they are on the third generation of tire since then (208 -Qualifier - Q2) What was the date code on them? I'm pretty sure a 10 year old set of Michelin tires would be ***** also.
New and fresh they worked really well.
New and fresh they worked really well.
they wernt 10 y o they were new and fresh
10-04-2010, 10:43 AM
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Well I was just responding to what you posted. Maybe you got the numbers wrong but 207s haven't been around for a long time. Yes you can still get them as a OEM replacement tire but it is in a 18" rear and a 17" 65 series front, neither of which fit this bike.
I am also very aware of the different manufacturing plants that Dunlop uses. In fact the English 207s were the ones where the front worked better mounted backwards.
The 208s were also dropped more than a few years ago. So all that I can say is that if you were running a "number" series Dunlop, they were old, unless they were 211 GP-As or 616s.
It is true that everyone likes something different but in the 13yrs I've had my SH I've only run Dunlops (204s-220s-207s-208s-Qualifiers-Q2s) and while I didn't like a couple of them, mainly the 220s & 208s (well the 204s were pure garbage but that is a different story), I have never had a grip or feedback issue even in the pissing down rain, except for the 204s which didn't like water at all .
Then again if everyone liked the same thing, there would be a shortage of it.......
I am also very aware of the different manufacturing plants that Dunlop uses. In fact the English 207s were the ones where the front worked better mounted backwards.
The 208s were also dropped more than a few years ago. So all that I can say is that if you were running a "number" series Dunlop, they were old, unless they were 211 GP-As or 616s.
It is true that everyone likes something different but in the 13yrs I've had my SH I've only run Dunlops (204s-220s-207s-208s-Qualifiers-Q2s) and while I didn't like a couple of them, mainly the 220s & 208s (well the 204s were pure garbage but that is a different story), I have never had a grip or feedback issue even in the pissing down rain, except for the 204s which didn't like water at all .
Then again if everyone liked the same thing, there would be a shortage of it.......
10-04-2010, 10:49 AM
#11
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It's a real shame that people think the Qualifier and the Q2's share any similarities with the 207/208's. Those damn 208's weren't worth a damn but the Qualifier and the Q2's are outstanding tires. For the money, forget Michelins, they cost way too much for what you get.
10-04-2010, 11:48 AM
#12
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If these are new tires, and especially if the previous tires were "flattened" out like mine usually get, then the combination of a new round tire (relatively less contact patch) that's also still getting scrubbed in, might have been more slippery than what you had with the old tire. I am running power pures, and I squealed the tire down-shifting a few times, even though that tire's middle compound isn't super hard. But I never had any issues in turns.
10-04-2010, 11:54 AM
#13
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Well I was just responding to what you posted. Maybe you got the numbers wrong but 207s haven't been around for a long time. Yes you can still get them as a OEM replacement tire but it is in a 18" rear and a 17" 65 series front, neither of which fit this bike.
I am also very aware of the different manufacturing plants that Dunlop uses. In fact the English 207s were the ones where the front worked better mounted backwards.
The 208s were also dropped more than a few years ago. So all that I can say is that if you were running a "number" series Dunlop, they were old, unless they were 211 GP-As or 616s.
It is true that everyone likes something different but in the 13yrs I've had my SH I've only run Dunlops (204s-220s-207s-208s-Qualifiers-Q2s) and while I didn't like a couple of them, mainly the 220s & 208s (well the 204s were pure garbage but that is a different story), I have never had a grip or feedback issue even in the pissing down rain, except for the 204s which didn't like water at all .
Then again if everyone liked the same thing, there would be a shortage of it.......
I am also very aware of the different manufacturing plants that Dunlop uses. In fact the English 207s were the ones where the front worked better mounted backwards.
The 208s were also dropped more than a few years ago. So all that I can say is that if you were running a "number" series Dunlop, they were old, unless they were 211 GP-As or 616s.
It is true that everyone likes something different but in the 13yrs I've had my SH I've only run Dunlops (204s-220s-207s-208s-Qualifiers-Q2s) and while I didn't like a couple of them, mainly the 220s & 208s (well the 204s were pure garbage but that is a different story), I have never had a grip or feedback issue even in the pissing down rain, except for the 204s which didn't like water at all .
Then again if everyone liked the same thing, there would be a shortage of it.......
i wont be testing that one 
10-04-2010, 12:22 PM
#14
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The D204's doesn't like being ridden, period... And I disliked them completely... But other than those, the Dunlops I have tried was fine...
However, the PP 2CT's need scrubbing in, and are only fun if you have the right pressure... But with that done, they are definetly more confidence inspiring than any Dunlop with exception for the Q2's...
However, the PP 2CT's need scrubbing in, and are only fun if you have the right pressure... But with that done, they are definetly more confidence inspiring than any Dunlop with exception for the Q2's...
10-04-2010, 12:25 PM
#15
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Need some input from you guys running the Pilot Power's. These are my first non-Dunlap tire and the other day while riding the rear end got squirrly when down shifting. Nothing major but made me have to alter my driving. I know the center compound is not as sticky but it kinda made me nervous as I'm not used to it.
Before I go throw these tires into a corner I wanted to know how well they do when dragging a knee. Is that side compound as sticky as they say it is? Going to Deal's Gap this weekend and haven't had any time in the corners with them yet.
Thanks
Before I go throw these tires into a corner I wanted to know how well they do when dragging a knee. Is that side compound as sticky as they say it is? Going to Deal's Gap this weekend and haven't had any time in the corners with them yet.
Thanks
The rear end getting squirrley is probably due to poor rev matching technique. This bike has a **** ton of engine braking.
FWIW your typical pp2ct can easily, run sub 2:30 - 3:00 at ThiunderHill.
Hell, some people get 2:15 with sport touring tires.
Last edited by Karbon; 10-04-2010 at 12:31 PM.
10-04-2010, 12:30 PM
#16
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Need some input from you guys running the Pilot Power's. These are my first non-Dunlap tire and the other day while riding the rear end got squirrly when down shifting. Nothing major but made me have to alter my driving. I know the center compound is not as sticky but it kinda made me nervous as I'm not used to it.
Before I go throw these tires into a corner I wanted to know how well they do when dragging a knee. Is that side compound as sticky as they say it is? Going to Deal's Gap this weekend and haven't had any time in the corners with them yet.
Thanks
Before I go throw these tires into a corner I wanted to know how well they do when dragging a knee. Is that side compound as sticky as they say it is? Going to Deal's Gap this weekend and haven't had any time in the corners with them yet.
Thanks
10-04-2010, 02:26 PM
#17
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10-04-2010, 07:32 PM
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I haven't really scrubbed these 2CT's in yet but have a ride on Wed to work them out and get a buddy who wrecked recently back into some corners for technique training. I'll take the advice on the pressures and check that before my ride (they should be at 32 but worth checking). Nice to hear the feedback and that others have had good response.
The bike does have a **** ton of engine breaking and I'm used to matching rpm to wheel speed. The Dunlaps just seemed to stick more when downshifting, even when cold. It was just some fresh tires which got me asking the question in the back of my mind of how much can I trust these ("It's all in your head").
Thanks for all the feedback. Looking forward to the ride Wednesday to sort them out. 3 more days till the Dragon...
10-04-2010, 09:16 PM
#19
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All you have to do to scrub in new modern tires is to break out the orbital sander with some 80 grit to rough it up. Whatever mold release compound they use or used to use isn't too much of concern, and isn't as slick as you think it its.
FWIW, from what I gather based on tire profile, your typical pp2ct tire will have a tendency to tip-in/fall into the turns quickly, but is rather stable once leaned in. Mid lean line corrections should be easy enough to make. Once again you might just be getting used to the new profile.
Alternately, you might want to also check re adjust your suspension settings, and get your geometry set to your riding style. Remember, steering and road-holding componentry is a system; changing one factor in this system affects another.
good luck.
FWIW, from what I gather based on tire profile, your typical pp2ct tire will have a tendency to tip-in/fall into the turns quickly, but is rather stable once leaned in. Mid lean line corrections should be easy enough to make. Once again you might just be getting used to the new profile.
Alternately, you might want to also check re adjust your suspension settings, and get your geometry set to your riding style. Remember, steering and road-holding componentry is a system; changing one factor in this system affects another.
good luck.
10-05-2010, 05:00 AM
#20
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I'm not much for riding in the wet and always ran Qualifiers. They stuck great for my riding and had good response in the bends. I felt like I could trust their response and knew where the line was.
I haven't really scrubbed these 2CT's in yet but have a ride on Wed to work them out and get a buddy who wrecked recently back into some corners for technique training. I'll take the advice on the pressures and check that before my ride (they should be at 32 but worth checking). Nice to hear the feedback and that others have had good response.
The bike does have a **** ton of engine breaking and I'm used to matching rpm to wheel speed. The Dunlaps just seemed to stick more when downshifting, even when cold. It was just some fresh tires which got me asking the question in the back of my mind of how much can I trust these ("It's all in your head").
Thanks for all the feedback. Looking forward to the ride Wednesday to sort them out. 3 more days till the Dragon...
I haven't really scrubbed these 2CT's in yet but have a ride on Wed to work them out and get a buddy who wrecked recently back into some corners for technique training. I'll take the advice on the pressures and check that before my ride (they should be at 32 but worth checking). Nice to hear the feedback and that others have had good response.
The bike does have a **** ton of engine breaking and I'm used to matching rpm to wheel speed. The Dunlaps just seemed to stick more when downshifting, even when cold. It was just some fresh tires which got me asking the question in the back of my mind of how much can I trust these ("It's all in your head").
Thanks for all the feedback. Looking forward to the ride Wednesday to sort them out. 3 more days till the Dragon...
Of course your tires are an integral part of your bike's suspension and that's what great about lower pressures and bump absorption/contact patch, but your suspension should be set up in terms of weight-matched springs and sag for adequate handling on twisty roads.
10-06-2010, 11:58 AM
#21
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Just got back from the ride and was able to get some time in the corners. They seemed quicker to turn in and held well. I had a couple times they stepped out but nothing I wasn't used to. Good post on scrubbing them in. I actually have such a road and ran it five times today to get a good feel and push them to the road limits I knew.
10-06-2010, 12:06 PM
#22
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did you run over tarsnakes or slippery stuff? Sometimes a stepping-out feeling can be caused by poor or unbalanced suspension setup.
I found when i have too little rebound damping in the shock the *** end feels like its kicking out.
I found when i have too little rebound damping in the shock the *** end feels like its kicking out.
10-06-2010, 07:18 PM
#23
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Just got back from the ride and was able to get some time in the corners. They seemed quicker to turn in and held well. I had a couple times they stepped out but nothing I wasn't used to. Good post on scrubbing them in. I actually have such a road and ran it five times today to get a good feel and push them to the road limits I knew.
10-06-2010, 07:31 PM
#24
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definitely true. Running lower rear tire pressure can band aid that a bit, but you wanna have both set up right for absorbing irregularities. I like to set rebound on the light side so i back it all the way off and keep adjusting till I can feel/see resistance when I push firmly down on the seat and watch it rebound. But that's a personal preference.
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