Pirelli SL26

iamryan25 · Post by **iamryan25** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 3:23 am

Picked up a screw in my stock front tire, good thing I got nearly 5000 miles out of it, replaced it with a Pirelli SL26.

I love this new tire, it is so much better and vaslty improves the riding experience.

I'm not quite due yet, but I'll be putting the same tire on the rear so I can match tread pattern.

The sidewall of this tire calls for max cold 47psi, versus the 36psi from the stock tire, and it certainly feels more robust in the front.

I did see another thread stating the Pirelli was "too slippery" but I did not feel this way whatsoever.

There is still quite a bit of sand on the roads from the snow in my area, but we've had a nice two weeks so I've been riding on the grit and have felt less slippery than stock.

I would have to say I'd definitely recommend this tire.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:02 am

The side wall number is the MAX pressure. The manufacturers pressure is under your seat. All Buddys I have seen are rated for 30 psi...some like to run a few pounds higher but 47 is way overinflated and can be just as bad as underinflated

evilbean42 · Post by **evilbean42** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:59 am

Definitely agree with BuddyRaton here, don't follow the sidewall pressure, go by what is recommended for the bike. Sidewall pressure is there because the tire fits many bikes which all call for different pressures and they want to make sure you don't exceed that pressure. Each bikes pressure is based on the bikes weight and suspension and should be followed to get optimal handling. This same concept applies for cars as well.

Also, I'd consider rotating the new tire to the back, or replacing the back tire as well. The sticky front tire will make your bike feel more planted because thats where you get road feedback through the handlebars. However, your worn rear tire will still break free long before you reach the handling limits of that new front tire. This means in a slick condition from water or sand you could cruse through a turn feeling planted but the back tire will slide out from under you before you ever realize its happening.

That said I'm glad to hear you give it the thumbs up, I've been looking to replace tires on my bike and I'll have to give this one some consideration.

iamryan25 · Post by **iamryan25** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 3:01 pm

Hey good info guys thanks for the replies!

Looks like the mechanics at the shop have offered different "opinions" about scooter manufacturer versus tire psi.

I'll be putting the new on the rear this Friday.

Will report back with more details!

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:37 pm

iamryan25 wrote:I did see another thread stating the Pirelli was "too slippery" but I did not feel this way whatsoever.

My experience with the Pirelli SL26 is that it has excellent "road gripping" ability. As the rubber compound is softer than some, it also wears more quickly than tires with harder compound such as Heidenau.

iamryan25 wrote:Looks like the mechanics at the shop have offered different "opinions" about scooter manufacturer versus tire psi.

It is not an opinion to say that the max tire pressure molded on the sidewall of a tire is just that - the maximum pressure at which the tire can safely be run. It is not anybody's recommendation for the pressures at which you should run your front and back tires. Any "mechanic" who tells you differently should not be let near a scooter. I'd suggest you start with the manufacturers recommendations and adjust from there. A heavier rider or a passenger will result in needing somewhat higher pressure, especially in the rear tire.

iamryan25 · Post by **iamryan25** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:10 pm

Dooglas wrote:It is not an opinion to say that the max tire pressure molded on the sidewall of a tire is just that - the maximum...

May have been a communication error I'll report back.

Dooglas wrote:A heavier rider or a passenger will result in needing somewhat higher pressure, especially in the rear tire.

Are you calling me heavy

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:56 pm

iamryan25 wrote:
Dooglas wrote:A heavier rider or a passenger will result in needing somewhat higher pressure, especially in the rear tire.
Are you calling me heavy

I'm saying that each rider will find their optimal front and rear tire pressure to be different based on rider weight, passenger, top case, cargo, and a number of other variables including riding style.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 7:47 pm

Just for a little additional information the recommended pressure for your car is almost always located on a sticker located inside the driver's door jam.

And totally off topic the cars paint code is often located inside the glove box door.

iamryan25 · Post by **iamryan25** » Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:53 pm

Intersting opinions on psi Dooglas.

BuddyRaton I appreciate your style (however I don't own a car)

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:50 am

iamryan25 wrote:Interesting opinions on psi Dooglas.

I think you will find my "opinions" on tire pressure are pretty much mainstream. Hopefully you will work out what works best for you and your bike.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 3:57 am

Dooglas wrote:
iamryan25 wrote:Interesting opinions on psi Dooglas.
I think you will find my "opinions" on tire pressure are pretty much mainstream. Hopefully you will work out what works best for you and your bike.

Agree.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/ ... techid=196

Tire Specs Explained: Maximum Inflation Pressure

Maximum Inflation Pressure

A tire's maximum inflation pressure is the highest "cold" inflation pressure that the tire is designed to contain. However the tire's maximum inflation pressure should only be used when called for on the vehicle's tire placard or in the vehicle's owners manual. It is also important to remember that the vehicle's recommended tire inflation pressure is always to be measured and set when the tire is "cold." Cold conditions are defined as early in the morning before the day's ambient temperature, sun's radiant heat or the heat generated while driving have caused the tire pressure to temporarily increase.

For the reasons indicated above, It is also normal to experience "hot" tire pressures that are up to 5 to 6 psi above the tire's recommended "cold" pressure during the day if the vehicle is parked in the sun or has been extensively driven. Therefore, if the vehicle's recommended "cold" inflation pressures correspond with the tire's maximum inflation pressure, it will often appear that too much tire pressure is present. However, this extra "hot" tire pressure is temporary and should NOT be bled off to return the tire pressure to within the maximum inflation pressure value branded on the tire. If the "cold" tire pressure was correctly set initially, the temporary "hot" tire pressure will have returned to the tire's maximum inflation pressure when next measured in "cold" conditions.

A tire's "maximum inflation pressure" may be different that the assigned tire pressure used to rate the tire's "maximum load." For example, while a P-metric sized standard load tire's maximum load is rated at 35 psi, many P-metric sized standard load performance and touring tires are designed to contain up to 44 psi (and are branded on their sidewalls accordingly). This additional range of inflation pressure (in this case, between 36 and 44 psi) has been provided to accommodate any unique handling, high speed and/or rolling resistance requirements determined by the tire and vehicle manufacturers. These unique tire pressures will be identified on the vehicle placard in the vehicle's owner's manual.

The tire's maximum inflation pressure is indicated in relatively small-sized print branded near the tire's bead (adjacent to the wheel) indicating the appropriate value. Because tires are global products, their maximum inflation pressure is branded on the tire in kilopascals (kPa) and pounds per square inch (psi). These values can also be found in the industry's tire load & inflation charts.

iamryan25 · Post by **iamryan25** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 5:15 am

Hey thanks for the source BuddyRaton!

Some tech specs for the Pirelli:

TIRE SIZE: 3.5-10
POSITION: Front or Rear
TIRE WIDTH: 3.5 in.
RIM SIZE: 10 in.
SPEED RATING: J
LOAD INDEX: 59
SERVICE DESCRIPTION: 59J
TUBELESS: Yes
DESCRIPTION: SIZE: 3.50-10 TL, LOAD/SPEED INDEX: 59J, POSITION: Front & Rear

I don't see anything about P-Metric on this thing, does that mean it is not P-Metric rated? It is a performance tire, so up to 44psi?

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 4:44 pm

It's a decent tire but not what I would consider "performance"

J rating is 62 mph at max load

On my stock vintage...especially the SS 180 and GS 160 I run J rated Zippy 3s. They are a decent tire with a vintage tread pattern

On my kitted vintage bikes I run SIP Performer tubeless which are L rated - 75 mph, the highest speed rating I have been able to find in a 10-inch

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 4:59 pm

iamryan25 wrote:Hey thanks for the source BuddyRaton! I don't see anything about P-Metric on this thing, does that mean it is not P-Metric rated? It is a performance tire, so up to 44psi?

You are reading what you want to hear. The article stated

For example, while a P-metric sized standard load tire's maximum load is rated at 35 psi, many P-metric sized standard load performance and touring tires are designed to contain up to 44 psi (and are branded on their sidewalls accordingly).

This was an EXAMPLE. It is your choice to run your tires how you wish, however I would suggest doing more research. You only have two tires to keep you upright proper selection, care and replacement are critical.

bBiz · Post by **bBiz** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 6:45 pm

I am currently running the sl26 on the rear. It's an ok tire. I felt like it wore out quickly. I also felt less confident then I did with the stock Maxxis tire. Like the Pirelli had less grip.

It's an ok tire if you're just commuting, but I will be replacing mine with something else. Going back to Maxxis or maybe Michelin.

iamryan25 · Post by **iamryan25** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 9:02 pm

Pirelli calls it a performance tire, I wish it had a higher speed rating but on the buddy I don't have much business going too fast anyway.

So far what I've gathered is the Vin plate says to use 30 psi front rear, the tires max cold air may be higher due to it being an almost performance tire, and a consensus that inflating to max cold ratings is over inflated.

Thanks for all the info guys!

iamryan25 · Post by **iamryan25** » Fri Feb 28, 2014 9:13 pm

bBiz wrote:I felt like it wore out quickly

How many miles did your pirelli get you? How many miles are you used to out of a tire?

lovemysan · Post by **lovemysan** » Sat Mar 01, 2014 6:01 am

BuddyRaton wrote:It's a decent tire but not what I would consider "performance"

J rating is 62 mph at max load

On my stock vintage...especially the SS 180 and GS 160 I run J rated Zippy 3s. They are a decent tire with a vintage tread pattern

On my kitted vintage bikes I run SIP Performer tubeless which are L rated - 75 mph, the highest speed rating I have been able to find in a 10-inch

What about heidenau k61? It's available in 100/90 10 and m rated. It's a heavy tire compared. To the stock one.

bBiz · Post by **bBiz** » Sat Mar 01, 2014 6:49 am

iamryan25 wrote:
bBiz wrote:I felt like it wore out quickly
How many miles did your pirelli get you? How many miles are you used to out of a tire?

The stock rear tire had to be replaced at around 3300 miles because of a puncture. So I don't know how long it would have lasted but the stock front tire seems fine after 8000 miles.

The stock rear tires on my old kymcos lasted around 7 thousand miles, maybe more.

The sl26 only gave me around 4600 miles.