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From: toddv@copper.UUCP (Todd Vierheller)
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Pirelli MP7 (Near) Radials
Message-ID: <310@copper.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 28-Apr-86 16:28:40 EDT
Article-I.D.: copper.310
Posted: Mon Apr 28 16:28:40 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 2-May-86 21:30:05 EDT
Organization: Tektronix, Inc., Beaverton, OR
Lines: 39
Keywords: Radials MP7 Pirelli

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I recently put a set of Pirelli MP7 Radials on my bike, and the handling
changed dramatically.  (And I *love* it.)

The new tires are narrower (particularly the front), more rounded,
and of near radial design.   I replaced H rated tires with V rated tires.
(H is fine for me, the radials don't heat up as much and get a V rating.)
The new tires also weigh about half of what a conventional tire would weigh
and have a slighly lower profile.  Front: 100/90 VR 18  Rear: 120/80 VR 16

After I replaced my rear tire, it stopped sliding in the curves and only my
front tire slid.  (I find front tire slides unnerving.)  After replacing the
front tire, I noticed the most change.  The bike has an increased tendency
to "fall" into the turns now, and I have better traction at steeper
lean angles.  (It doesn't slide at all.)  I am not a canyon racer.  I commute
at 55-85mph on the highway or as fast as I dare up over a twisty swicthback
type road--both often in the rain.

My questions:   Would the narrower more rounded tire account for the
difference in cornering?   How much of the increased handling can I blame
on the radial design?  On tread and tire shape?  Do any of you racers
have experience with radials? Has anyone read any evaluations of this tire?
Do they break loose suddenly and without warning (as I fear) or do they
warn the rider of immpending doom?

I (with my limited experience) recommend these tires (at least for the
commuter).  They have excellent traction in the rain and in the dry.
Time will tell what kind of tread life they have, but the radial design
(and the sales hype) promise good mileage.

			Any comments appreciated,
 
			Todd Vierheller
			Software Development Products
			Tektronix Inc.