Thinking of ordering a set of boots for my 1260 Diavel before the tyre rush starts in the spring. A set of 3s is £60 cheaper at Twotyres than the 4s. I've only used 3s to date as I only bought the bike last year. Perfectly happy with them. Can't unseat them no matter how hard I try and they return a decent mileage. Are the 4s significantly better? I don't ride this bike in the wet and though I ride balls out occasionally, it's not all the time and so far the 3s have covered all bases very well. Pirelli claim sharper turning characteristics, among other advantages. Will I notice this on the Diavel with the 240 rear? It feels very agile now and I've no complaints but I'd always take quicker steering if it's not at the expense of anything else. 4s worth the extra £60?
If the tyre you use gives you confidence and is cost effective (based on purchase price, wear rate and tyre life), my take would be to stick with it. Tyre evolution doesn’t always mean a better tyre for your bike. Standard fitments are often developed in conjunction with the motorcycle manufacturer, for that model. One thing for sure, riders who chase the ultimate tyre are fiercely brand loyal Andy
True enough that latest isn't always greatest. I run Conti RA3s on my KTM and I prefer them to RA4s. If the DR4s were the same as the 3s with quicker steering and/or lasted longer I might have given them a punt. Not that I'm complaining about the wear rate of the 3s. Hard to say as I only bought the bike last year but it looks like I'm getting about 3K from a rear. Maybe 3.5. I usually change both together on my bikes but I think the Diavel will manage two rears to one front. If so, for sports tyres on a bike like this I don't think that's at all unreasonable. On my 1098 and the Superduke I used to have I'd be lucky to see 2.5 K and they'd need changing as a pair.
LOl. Oh yes, the Diavel can play with the best of them. The tyre fitter inflated them to manufacturers recommendations. I played with pressures and ended up with 38R/34F, which is where my sweet spot seems to be on all the bikes I've had, including big cruisers.
