Michelin Anakee 3 Squaring

[mzflorida]

Living in Florida, we have a lot of straight roads.  So, we expect tires to square off.  I generally ride pretty tame off the line to avoid premature squaring.  And, I am not suggesting that the tires squared prematurely (or complaining that it was too early...is what it is).  About 5k on them.  But, what I am writing about is that the crazy handling characteristics on the squared tires. Maybe it's just never happened to me before and maybe it is usual.  But, I can tell you that it is pretty scary with this tire and never felt it this bad before.  The rear is pretty square.  The front is mildly square.  Wide radius turns, it feels like the bike is on ice.  Decreasing radius turns, like you are on ice with an abrupt tip into the lean, rear kicked out slightly.  Tighter radius turns, you are just fighting the bike into the turn after the abrupt tip-in.  Wide paint lines, pucker factor.  Just a word of caution and telling you all about my experience with that tire.  There is actually still a ton of tread left.  I'm going to replace them with Dunlop road smart IIIs. 

[andyrob]

Had that feeling many a time on all sorts of bikes and tyres, but only in the wet when I'm being more cautious tipping in. Not nice.

Bin them. Its stopping you enjoying riding. Roadsmarts are an upgrade, grip and feel wise so when they do start to get shagged the effect may not be as noticable.

I would also have a check of your wheel balance (weights all still there?) and head-bearings (need a nip up?)

[mzflorida]

Yup.  They are on the way from revzilla.  Timing is perfect as my daughter needed new scooter tires so earned a few extra reward dollars.    I'll probably replace the wheel bearings while off given the recent comments here and on facebook about their premature failure.  And yes, you are one hundred percent right about the head bearing.  I'll be sure to check and replace it if indicated. 

[Hartley]

I’ve had several sets of Anakee 3s and I agree that when they are pretty squared of the can feel worse than other tyres I’ve used.

My guess, and it’s only a guess is that it’s due to them being harder and less compliant than a lot of other tyres. They are definitely the longest lasting I’ve ever used.

[mzflorida]

Originally Posted by Hartley

I’ve had several sets of Anakee 3s and I agree that when they are pretty squared of the can feel worse than other tyres I’ve used.

My guess, and it’s only a guess is that it’s due to them being harder and less compliant than a lot of other tyres. They are definitely the longest lasting I’ve ever used.

Well, I guess misery loves company!  Kidding aside, it is very odd.  Your point on hard compound might be spot on.  As I said, there is just loads of tread left.  I was not super happy overall with the tire so no love lost in replacing them.  I know they are adored by many.  I find them noisy and provide a harsh ride.  I've had the Dunlop Road Smart IIIs on two bikes now and they were awesome.  But, they were much lighter bikes that I had them on.  There have been two reports so far on the facebook owners group of their wear being subpar on the VFR.  Others say they are just fine and the longest wearing, blah blah.  I'll take the shot and see how it goes.  The Dunlops are multi-compound tires.  I believe the Anakees are single compound. 

[DaveinNC]

My stock tires are doing the same thing rear, and cupping in the front. I run the recommended pressures, my chicken strips were ripped off long ago but commuting in a straight line tends to square them off. I'm gonna give the Pirelli's a try. 

[mzflorida]

Originally Posted by DaveinNC

My stock tires are doing the same thing rear, and cupping in the front. I run the recommended pressures, my chicken strips were ripped off long ago but commuting in a straight line tends to square them off. I'm gonna give the Pirelli's a try. 

 

Hi Dave.  Hope things are going well for you!  I looked at the Pirellis and Continentals too.  They, and the Dunlops, have better reviews than the Anakees.  My bias toward the tires is really what led me to go with them.  I guess the good news is that our riding season has arrived so I'll get a couple or a few thousand miles on them when others are going to be taking thier bikes out of storage; hopefully, i can report on their performance to help out a few others. 

[Grabcon]

My wife's F700GS had the Mitas on it and when they squared off it turned really quickly when you would hit the square edge. An uncomfortable feeling. It would quickly just go to the side of the turn when you hit that edge.

On my CT I really liked the Continental Trail Attack 3. I pushed 9000 miles on them. I am an 90/10 rider and I really like this tire on the pavement. Very sticky in the curves.

I just switched them out for a set of Continental TKC 70's. The only reason is that I needed something a bit more aggressive in the dirt but still needed a pavement tire too. I have zero miles so no comment at this point.