Time for a new pair of tyres

My Tiger came fitted with a pair of Pirelli Scorpion Trail tyres from new. I have always been a fan of Pirelli / Metzeller tyres ( they are part of the same group of companies), and have used them on many of my previous motorcycles.

So, they'll be alright won't they? Er, no. They are pretty shocking if I'm being honest. And, I am not the only Tiger owner to think so. There is a wealth of internet forum threads debating just how bad the Scorpion Trail tyres are. I am of the opinion that they were part of the Triumph accounting department's cost cutting measures.

The Pirelli's did a job. They just didn't do it very well. Ever since I first got the bike, they have never been exactly confidence inspiring. This lack of confidence was even more evident if there was a hint of moisture in the air. Something of an issue what with living in the UK. My first trip on the Tiger in the rain, had me wondering if I had bought the wrong bike!

I experimented with different tyre pressures, but resigned to the fact that I would have to change them sooner rather than later. I looked at the various options and settled on either a pair of Conti Trail Attack 2's, or Michelin Anakee 3's. The Michelin's were on a special price promotion at the time. So, discounted Michelin Anakee 3's it is then.

I have had a pair of the Michelin's sat next to my workbench ready to fit for a few weeks. I was just having trouble finding the time to fit them. I also had a few long motorway trips to do. So, rather than square off my new tyres I decided to kill the Pirelli's instead.

I finally got round to fitting the Michelins this week. The Pirelli's were worn down to about 3mm, so still perfectly legal. But, the front was wearing unevenly and the rear was squared off.

 

Nasty worn Pirelli Scorpion Trail front tyre



Even worse badly squared off rear



Front: New Michelin Anakee 3 on the left and old Pirelli Scorpion Trail on the right.

Rear: Old Pirelli Scorpion Trail on the left and new Michelin Anakee 3 on the right.
 

The Michelins were a bit of a pain to fit. The bead area was difficult to seat, especially on the front. This meant using a little more pressure than I liked. But, the tyres eventually went on with a satisfying pop, and I was able to breath again!

The Michelins have a cool looking tread pattern that has little teeth within the main tread. Lets hope they "bite" into the road better than the Pirellis did!

I now need a chance to get out and ride so that I can see how they perform. There has been constant rain for the last few days, and lots of flooding and surface water. So, it may be a while before I can report my thoughts. Watch this space.