Michelin Pilot Power Pure

I was happy with the old PIlot Powers on my 2006 GSXR1000. They had good feel, lasted well, but were a harder compound than the latest tyres out there. Despite that, they never seemed to lose traction, put up with a lot of hard road use and the obligatory knee down action.

So, when I saw the Power Pures advertised, I got excited. Twin compound would bring me bang up to date, so I dropped the wheels off at the local shop and handed over the readies.

What a fantastic tyre! So quick to turn, and with such confidence! Usually a little time is needed to adjust, but not here - the chicken strips were gone on both tyres within 50 kilometres (no word of a lie). I don't particularly like the tread pattern, but that's a tiny issue considering the actual performance.

So do they let up? Lose traction? Get out of shape? Actually yes, but it feels sublime! This is the first time I've had the confidence to push this hard. The Gixer will sometimes spin up out of bends when you're trying hard, but it's not a bad thing - you always feel in control.

So, my gripe? They've been on for five months and the edges are worn out. The centres still have around 2-3mm on them, but the sides are nearly bald! I don't ride on track at all and I thought maybe these weren't for me until I saw the mileage covered. 4336 kms (about 2700 miles) which is actually pretty good.

Well done Michelin, I'm off to buy a new set.

Have a 2008 Suzuki GSX750F (aka Katana) with near 20000 miles on it. Chucked the OEM Dunlops fairly early, ran a set of Pilot Road 2CTs which did quite well. Now after having suspension upgraded decided to try a set of Pilot Power Pure from Michelin. Biggest difference is how easy the bike is to flick from side to side, you can feel the lighter construction helping the bike feel much sportier. Upgrade of suspension has helped of course, yet these tyres are just so grippy I can only get them to spin up or slip in the wet, and then only when provoked. The downside is the shortish lifespan, I reckon I'll struggle to get beyond 4000 miles. All my riding is done one-up, the odd trackday, mostly sport touring and commuting in all weather. Would go back to Pilot Road 2CTs as the Power Pure is too much tyre for my bike, but hey the grip and confidence it gives are just awesome.