Best For Multi Dvt

A question that you'll get a range of answers to Sean, everyone seems to have their favorites.

I tried the Roadtech 01s a few years ago when they first came out as they got rave reviews but found them not quite up to the Michelin Pilot Roads that I was tending to use otherwise. Still on that path, now the Road 5s, just ordered a new set yesterday morning. Great grip wet or dry and wear well though I always wind up replacing them before their time due to wanting a fresh set when heading off onto the continent. Don't want the hassle of having to find and change tyres on tour.

 

I have had Michelin PRs from their PR3 through to PR5s on a variety of bikes as diverse as Buell Ulysses, Honda Pan European, Kawasaki Versys 1000 to my current Yamaha XT1200Z and I am a huge fan of them.

 

Road 5 are ace.

 

Metzeler Z8s. Great road tyre and a bit more sporty profile than most

 

I've just fitted a new set of tyres on my Multi 1200S (MY 2017) and was recommended Michelin Road 5 GTs by RPM Bikes (Northampton). I've used Pilot Road 3s, Pilot Road 4s and Road 5s over the years but never the GT versions. I've found the Road 5 wore more evenly than the PR4s (less cupping, especially on the front) and I think they are better in the wet when worn. I don't get much more that 4,500 miles out of a rear and usually change the front at the same time.

From what I understand, the compounds are the same as the Road 5s but there is extra belting to make the sidewall and tyre overall stiffer. So wet grip should be the same and maybe not anymore mileage. I've only done 600 odd dry miles so far on the GTs, so far so good but without a European tour this year it could be while before I wear them out.

 

You might as well ask a total stranger to pick your next girlfriend. Give the Metzelers a chance before you start looking for a replacement. If they don’t suit, there is a huge choice of manufacturers with a wide range of tyres for most compromises. For the record, I have the Roadtec 01s on my 2012 1200 and rate them highly for touring. Took everything the Picos in northern Spain and north Portugal could offer last year and will do the Vercour in a month’s time. Buy yourself a spare pair of light weight wheels and run ultra sports tyres for scratching and keep the OE wheels for touring tyres. You know it makes sense Andy

 

Andy, what's your take on the impending news today regarding France and quarantine requirements on return? I'm meant to be off to France in a month too and am considering going anyway if I can get travel insurance cover (current annual policy is I think not valid if travelling against FO advice). However there are apparently policies that will provide cover so would look into one of those on a single trip basis. Travelling through low risk areas and camping until I reach Corsica, where the infection rate seems quite low, where I'm in an apartment.

Of course if France introduces tit-for-tat quarantine restrictions then I'll have to cancel. My dogs are the biggest stumbling block as I won't be able to leave the house for two weeks on my return.

 

We are planning a route down that avoids major areas of population and I think our party has every room in the small hotel in the Vercour so I’m inclined to say ‘sod it’ and go regardless as 14 days self isolation doesn’t affect me being retired. Sadly there are 8 others to consider and each has to make their own decision. Brittany Ferries have ‘promised’ our money back if it all goes pair shaped. Hadn’t started to consider health insurance but as you say, COVID cover is out there but no idea at what cost. Andy

 

I've now done a couple of thousand miles on my set of Michelin Road 5 GTs. I think the ride is maybe a bit harsher than the standard Road 5s especially when solo and no luggage. I've not done any miles two up and full loaded, when the stiffer sidewalls of the Road GTs should help. The wear rate is about the same as the standard Road 5s and I'll be lucky to see 4,000 miles on the rear.

 

Charlie, I'm off to Spain tomorrow to look for a house (also against FO advice and 2 week quarantine on return). I used Battle Face insurance for single trip cover and I'm very happy with it.

 

House move, dogs and new work contract alongside quarantine on return killed off my Corsica tour. Postponed until next year, both Brittany and Corsica Ferries allowed 12 month deferral on my bookings though the latter charged me €60 for the privilidge. Hotels were understanding and gave full refund/cancellation without penalty.

Have a great trip and good luck with the property search. I guess you're on the lookout for an alternative with a ticking clock?