Pilot Road 5 or 5GT?

[Droptarotter]

I need some new tires for my 12S. Would a Pilot Road 5 be better than a 5GT??
I see the GT is meant for heavier bikes, but what is a heavier bike??? The 12S??

I never carry a passenger but will carry luggage, maybe 40lbs??
Spirited two lane travels are what I like to do.

Any suggestions??

Cheers

[hellfishtat]

I picked up a razor knife blade in my (R12s) rear PR5 and because I only had 2.5k I opted for the Pirelli Angel’s. I got a pair for less than a new rear PR5. They seem to be a little less grippy when they’re cold, but other than that, I’m very happy with them

[Square Kopf]

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

I need some new tires for my 12S. Would a Pilot Road 5 be better than a 5GT??
I see the GT is meant for heavier bikes, but what is a heavier bike??? The 12S??

I never carry a passenger but will carry luggage, maybe 40lbs??
Spirited two lane travels are what I like to do.

Any suggestions??

Cheers

PR 4/5 GT are usually used for touring bikes such as RT, on-road going GS/As and similar. I have 4GT on my LC GSA and have been ie. still am extremely happy with its performance dry/wet and exceptional tire wear. Once it wears out, I'll try 5GT...

Either 5 or 5GT should work great on R12S and both 190/50 and 190/55 are available so pick your "poison"...

Otoh, my R12S still wears a set of Pilot Power 3CTs as PPs were sportier tires back coupla years ago than PRs so I'd think that there's equivalent to be tried out too - ymmv...

[BikerMiker]

12S is a very light bike. I would avoid the 5s due to the stiffer sidewalls.

I'm using Power RSs right now but you probably don't want those or you'll be changing
your rear mid trip...

I was really impressed with the PR2s when I had them. Long lasting and really good
grip once they heat up. A lot more than I expected and I pushed them really hard
(before kids ).

I don't know much about the 3s or 4s except that the 4 I think is good in the wet.

I didn't like the Bridgestone S21s. Just never felt comfortable with them.

[Ridgetopboy]

Had PR4’s and they were a good all around tire, very competent in all conditions but not super grippy in the twisties, lasted about 6k miles. Running Pirelli Angel GT’s because I picked up a pair for $149.They are noticeably better on the mountain roads I live on but have not ridden in the wet with them. Have read good things about the PR5 but can’t imagine why you’d want the GT’s they are for cruisers not a sport bike like the 12s. Would probably ride like rocks.

[Trex]

I imagine the PR5GT might be heavier than the PR5.

[Droptarotter]

Thanks guys.......I'm gonna try the PR5's, not the GT model.
I had a buddy that has a similar riding style run the Angel's and at first was very impressed, but has gone back to the Michelins.

So many variables, so little time!

Cheers

[jgrm1]

I've run both GT and non-GT on my R1200RS. I think the non-GTs ride a little better, but I'm about install another set of GTs, due to a great deal I got on a set, without hesitation. Your R12S will go down the road with either flavor.

-Jeff

[Droptarotter]

Thanks Jeff.......PR 5's have been ordered.

Cheers

[surlyguy]

I have the Pilot Road 5's. Love them. Really happy with the feedback.

Accidentally had the GT version of the 4's. Not so happy. Better when I ran lower pressure but the 5's have nicer feedback.

[Droptarotter]

Regular PR5's are ordered. I always ran 32F and 36R on my PR2's and Pilot Powers, do these pressures still work on the 12S and 5's for spirited riding??

Cheers

[Mitch1100]

I've always run with 32F and 36R (cold) on my PR2's, 3's, 4's so i'd stick to that..run the same pressures in Dunlop Alpha's on HP2.

[Droptarotter]

I have used up my Pilot Road 5 on the front in 6200km's, but was really happy with the performance of the tires. Not happy with the mileage.
I do need something that will work with wet conditions and that was one of the reasons I went with the Road 5. I was also a fan of the Road 2's.
I have Bridgestone 21's on my HP2 and I like those, but that bike is not used in the wet.
Any other recommendations for tire, good in the wet, sporty riding and has some longevity?
Or do I have to pick two of my wants?

Cheers

[Chris Canning]

Power RS on the front of all my bikes, then it’s RS or 5 on the rear depending on where and when.

[pwillikers]

Bridgestone has a rebate ongoing, $50 per set, until 11/30/2021 for the sport touring T32 (among others). bridgestonerewards.com

I'm very familiar with the predecessors, the T30, T30 EVO and the T31, and I like them very much. They are compliant with a round profile which yields consistent, progressive turn in. I obtained around 7K miles on the rear of my R11S, much more on the front, and around 10K on my SV rear. I've not used their current offering, the T32, but it is purported to be of better wet weather performance bridgestonemotorcycletires.com/t32. Just like Michelin, Bridgestone produces a GT variant of the T32 for heavy bikes. I would not recommend it for your R12S. Here's a kinda fun T32 promo video with stunt rider Aaron Colton.

I buy my tires at americanmototires.com and mount them myself. They consistently have the best prices and fast delivery.