[Whitecliff_Winston]

I recently read something about road noise being an issue with Michelin PR2s after some wear. I put a set on my 2010 RT last spring and seem to have encountered such noise, to the extent I thought the FD was beginning to fail. Subsequent check by certified BMW mechanics say FD is solid (yes they noted the complaint in case it fails after warranty expiry). The noise is so annoying I have reverted to playing music inside my helmet to block it out.

Has anyone else experienced this with PR2s? What about PR3s? I am averaging around 20,000 km/yr so will need to be replacing the PR2s this summer and don't want the same issue again. I miss riding with just the sound of the motor and wind.

 

[BMWED]

Mine do the same, especially when cornering.
Ed

 

[Moot]

I now have about 1,500 on new P3s after a set of P2s. The P3s are much quieter and smoother. I have ridden about 300 miles in the rain on them and unless it is my imagination, they have noticeably better traction. On dry, rain grooved pavement, they are not only quieter than either Metzlers or the P2s but feel more stable making the grooves far less noticeable. Cornering traction is outstanding. So far it is the best tire I have had on the RT.

 

[japachap]

Road noise..
I'll bite- is it more of a whine or a howl... :histerica
Sorry, but with your attached pics my thoughts were led astray...

Seriously though, have never had a problem with the PR2s. Avon Azarro STs were bloody awful- a sort of harmonic vibration at certain speeds, but I never really noticed anything with the PR2s. Im now on PR3s- also with no problems.

What I did notice was I changed the make of brake blocks I was using last year and got a real whirring sound under heavy braking...

Moot- totally agree. PR3s grip well down to about -5degC on a dry road. Any thing above 5degC and they are happy. Had the footpeg down on the work run last week on a balmy 12degC morning... The extra "micro-grooves" seem to allow the rubber to flex without excessive wear or change to the tyre profile.

 

[cessna]

I've got 5700 miles on my PR3's and have no issues at att. I think that they are a great tire.

Regards,

 

[dennismusil]

Second set of PR2's. Front tire starts getting noisey at about 5000 miles.
Howls on turns. Going to try PR3's next time.

 

[beech]

A couple of years back I thought I was the only one complaining about the Michelin tire noise. Louder than the air and bike noise. I move to another brand, Metzler.

 

[deanwoolsey]

Ride it in a straight line with the tire pressures set to maximum by the sidewall ratings on the tires. Then lean side to side and listen for any change in the noise level. Increased noise level when leaning is consistent with simple wear pattern, particularly when leaning left as the left side of the tire will normally wear faster than the right. The best defense against a noisy tread is to run the tires at maximum recommended pressure. While this will cause the tire to wear visibly faster in the center of the tread, this is usually offset by longer tread life.

 

[ka5ysy]

I had PR2's on my R1200R for about 7000 miles. At about 6000 I was turning a corner and heard a howling sound that startled me enough to stop and see if there was something mechanical going on with a wheel bearing. Not finding anything, I started up again and then started doing S-turns and realized that the front tire had developed cupping at the sides of the center rubber transitions to the soft stuff on the sidewall, and when running on them in turns the howl occurred. That lasted for the next 1K miles when I was able to obtain the first PR3's to land at my Cycle Gear shop.

PR3's are far superior, and quiet.

 

[Risky]

I had PR2's on my R1200R for about 7000 miles. At about 6000 I was turning a corner and heard a howling sound that startled me enough to stop and see if there was something mechanical going on with a wheel bearing. Not finding anything, I started up again and then started doing S-turns and realized that the front tire had developed cupping at the sides of the center rubber transitions to the soft stuff on the sidewall, and when running on them in turns the howl occurred. That lasted for the next 1K miles when I was able to obtain the first PR3's to land at my Cycle Gear shop.

PR3's are far superior, and quiet.

After reading this thread, I know what that sound is.....
I can see a pair of 3"S for me. :rotf:

 

[TWheels]

I having a pair of 3's installed on Friday. I was little concerned by this thread but it appears that the 2's are noisy but the 3's aren't.

 

[JayJay]

I think that noise starts to happen when the front begins getting a bit cupped from wear. I noticed it in both sets of PR2s I've had. I have about 12K on the second set now and they're starting to sing a bit (and the rear is flattening noticably). Time to change. I don't find it a biggie, just a little reminder to start paying attention to the tires. I was planning on switching to PR3s next time anyhow so this thread just seals that decision.

FWIW (and tires/tire pressure is almost as much fun as oil) I run 36/40 unloaded, 36/42 loaded.

JayJay

 

[jeffkyle]

FWIW (and tires/tire pressure is almost as much fun as oil) I run 36/40 unloaded, 36/42 loaded.

JayJay

Ha Ha ... you very slyly did that to get comments like.... I wonder if the reason your tires sing is because you run the front tire too low... I run the 36/40 unloaded, but go on up to 38/42 loaded..

Ok... you got it...

 

[McWideglide]

I noticed a howl, like worn bearing too on PR2's. Last time in for a 12K service, nothing found in the final drive fluid. My howl starts coming on between 55 & 60 MPH. It does get louder if you run a zig zag pattern. I am glad I found this post as I thought my final drive was going and dealer dodging the bullet. Thanks, and PR3's in a few months.

 

[Alaskan]

I now have about 1,500 on new P3s after a set of P2s. The P3s are much quieter and smoother. I have ridden about 300 miles in the rain on them and unless it is my imagination, they have noticeably better traction. On dry, rain grooved pavement, they are not only quieter than either Metzlers or the P2s but feel more stable making the grooves far less noticeable. Cornering traction is outstanding. So far it is the best tire I have had on the RT.

X2....the 3's are outgstanding!!

 

[OU812]

Ride it in a straight line with the tire pressures set to maximum by the sidewall ratings on the tires. Then lean side to side and listen for any change in the noise level. Increased noise level when leaning is consistent with simple wear pattern, particularly when leaning left as the left side of the tire will normally wear faster than the right. The best defense against a noisy tread is to run the tires at maximum recommended pressure. While this will cause the tire to wear visibly faster in the center of the tread, this is usually offset by longer tread life.

Will this not effect handling?
hopz?

 

[gblakelock]

I have always used the 2's and have never heard anything out of the ordinary with them. The road's are bit rougher down here in AUS so we probably don't know any better.

 

[05Train]

Will this not effect handling?
hopz?

Yes. It's the best defense against decent handling, decent tread life, and safety as well. Yet another tidbit of internet wisdom that is a really, really bad idea. You will not find a single OEM or tire manufacturer that will recommend this practice.

 

[ka5ysy]

FWIW: A number of members of the R1200R board have taken the unusual step of taking a belt sander to the scallops on the PR2's and smoothed them out. This actually quiets the tire for the balance of the life of the tread. Anyone bothered by the howling should give this a try.

 

[ka5ysy]

Will this not effect handling?
hopz?

The problem with this practice (Running max tire pressure per the tire sidewall information) is that it causes a much smaller contact patch, thus causing loss of traction which is a really bad idea. Use the recommended pressures in the MOM and things will be much less thrilling in tight turns or emergency braking situations.