???INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW???
TIRE CARE AND SAFETY
Here are some Do's and Don'ts for the care of your tires and with this, your safety.
1) Do, keep the correct pressure in your tires. Tire pressure increases and decreases due to temperature,if you set your
tire pressure on a day it is 90 degrees outside then the next day it is 45 degrees outside, the pressure in the tire has changed.
If you set the pressure while the tire is still hot, when the tire cools
down the pressure will be incorrect. Check your owners manual for the correct tire pressure for your riding habits.
2) Do, keep a valve cap on your valve stems. Make sure it is a valve cap for a motor vehicle, with a rubber gasket in the top, and
not a cool looking pair of dice that you got at your local superstore.Valve caps do not only keep debris and water out of your valve
stem, they keep the air in your tire. The rotation of the wheel can be enough to cause a valve core to open due to the centrifugal
force generated.
3) Do, check your valve stems for cracks and deformations. If you have a rubber valve stem make sure that it stands up straight.
If your valve stem is bent to one side or the other it needs to be replaced. This deformity is caused by the centrifugal force
generated by the spinning wheel. There is nothing wrong with rubber valve stems, they just need to be of the short variety. Also it is
a good idea to use a light, but correct, valve cap.
4) Do, check the tread depth across the complete width of your tire. Michelin tires have wear indicators- they wear smooth
when the tread depth of your tire is less then .8mm (1/32"). If your tread depth becomes less then this your tires should
be replaced.
5) Do, have your tires installed and balanced by a reputable dealer. Don't let someone tell you, "it's a
motorcycle you don't need to balance the tires!". Calmly pick up your checkbook and run like hell.
6) Don't, use rubber-appearance-enhancement products on the tread of your tire; don't even get it near the tread.
These products can cause a loss of traction.
7) Don't, park your motorcycle in oil spots in a parking lot. You may pick up residual oil causing a loss of traction.
If you get oil, or anything except water, on your tires clean them with soap and water as soon as possable.
SPEED RATINGS
ISO (International Standards Organization) LOAD/SPEED INDEX:
This code, when present, appears after the size marking. The code comprises three characters--
two numbers and a letter. e.g. "67H." The two-digit number is a code for the maximum load carrying
capacity of the tire. The letter is a maximum speed rating indicating the maximum speed at which
the tire may be used with maximum load when the maximum listed inflation pressure is used.
Where the markings listed below appear in the body of the size description (between the width and
wheel diameter) and where no ISO Load/Speed Index is present, they have the following meanings.
(-) The DASH designates that, when maximum inflation pressure is used, the tire is designed for use
at the maximum marked sidewall load at sustained speeds of up to 95 mph (153 kph).
(S) When maximum inflation pressure is used, the tire is designed for use at the maximum marked
sidewall load at sustained speeds of up to 112mph (180kph).
(H) When Maximum inflation pressure is used, the tire is designed for use at the maximum marked
sidewall load at sustained speeds of up to 130mph (210kph).
(V) or (VR) When maximum inflation pressure is used, the tire is designed for use at the maximum marked
sidewall load at sustained speeds of up to 149mph (240kph).
NOTE: Certain "V" or "VR" rated tires may have a speed capacity greater then 149mph (240kph). Consult
Michelin for maximum speed information if your motorcycle excceds this speed capability.
(Z) or (ZR) When maximum inflation pressure is used, the tire is designed for use at the maximum marked
sidewall load at sustained speeds in excess of 149mph (240kph) and up to a speed deturmined by the tire manufacturer
when installed on a specific motorcycle. Consult Michelin for maximum tire speeds on specific motorcycles.
BIKE CONTROL IS GREATLY ENHANCED
With Michelin Pilot radials, you're the one in control. The Pilot Radials absorb more shock so there's less
tendency for bumps to upset the trajectory of your bike in straightaways, corners, or hairpin turns. Since Pilot Radials
soak up small road irregularities you have the option of stiffening your suspension for improved high speed control and
increased ground clearance on tight cornering. And they don't stop there. The Pilot Radial's construction translates into
quicker, easier cornering with less rider fatigue due to the reduced gyroscopic effect. This makes the bike easier to flick
from side to side.
EASE OF HANDELING AND STABILITY
The first thing most riders notice when they put a Michelin Radial-equiped bike through its paces is an amazing new
feeling of confidence. The Michelin radial design makes cornering so much easier and more precise that you will find yourself
taking the turns more aggressively.
And with this newfound cornering confidence comes a marked improvement in stability, giving the overall package a ride which
simply feels like magic.
CONSISTENCY AND DURABILITY
With our motorcycle radial technology, Michelin has rewritten the rules on performance and durability. Michelin radials
deliver mileage levels previously unheard of in tires of such outstanding performance. And that performance is designed to
last throughout the life of the tire.
IMPROVED HEAT RESISTANCE
The radial design reduces heat generated by eliminating much of the internal friction associated with bias-ply tires. Since
heat can greatly reduce tire life, both in the tread and the casing, the lower operating temperatures of radials can greatly
increase the life of the tire.
 |