Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

[undodgy]

Only a few kms on my new tyres, but really happy so far. I'm comparing against the factory tyres.
On road, they handle just fine - I certainly haven't noticed any issues. At high lean angles on the road with 'spirited' riding, I can feel they turn in less and perhaps they just turn in slower overall but that's not where the main intent of the tyre anyway.
Off-road they are far more competent and give me more confidence. Overall I'm quite happy but of course I haven't done any long tours yet.
A couple of short trips planned in the next couple of months, then a long trip in October.

[Sergio]

Those rims are awsome

[motorman]

Now that its been a year how do you like the STRs?  I have them on my Desert Sled.  I'm wondering how the bike handles on and off road, dry and wet.

[undodgy]

Originally Posted by motorman

Now that its been a year how do you like the STRs?  I have them on my Desert Sled.  I'm wondering how the bike handles on and off road, dry and wet.

I still like them. But..
I did a short trip into an area where there are many sharp rocks and the rear tyre does have some small cracks in it. I don't want to exaggerate them, they are not big enough to worry about and I think it could happen to other tyres as well (I don't know). It hasn't stopped me from riding the bike :)

In fact I've done several thousand km's since with no problems in that condition.

I did have to replace the front tyre because I hit a steel cattle grid at high speed. It didn't damage the rim but I got a lump on the side of the tyre. Again, I don't blame the tyre. I also dented the bash plate on the same trip.. so I was going much faster than I should have been!  I'm actually not usually a fast rider.

Would I buy them again? Probably? I still think they handle really well onroad and are capable offroad.


Also, I just completed a ride with a group of other Multistradas and Desert Sleds. The Pirelli STRs were the most popular tyre of the bunch, and the Desert Sleds were definitely very capable offroad. I didn't ride one myself, but I think they're great bikes and would love to have one in the shed..


First three pictures are from the trip where I damaged the front tyre and bash plate. Last picture was from the group ride about a month ago

[YoungF]

Great photos undodgy,

[motorman]

Great pics!  I see you've been in the clay?  I rode my Desert Sled in the mud with those tires and not bad at all since they aren't deep knobbies.  How many mi/km are you getting with them.  After 3500 mi in the Desert Sled I can tell they are wearing down a little bit and so I think they would wear out faster on the MTS 950 due to obvious more power (esp from hard acceleration on road.)

Looks like a great group ride!

[Conman]

Just had a week on a Desert Sled and I'm well impressed. Even on those tyres it handles really well, and the clutch and grearbox are heaven compared to the cable operated Multi. I hope the new hydraulic clutch is as good. Only downside to the Sled is the wind blast above 60mph. I now have a bad neck (seriously) 

[motorman]

Desert Sled is a great bike.  I added a windscreen from Touratec to mine.  It was kinda pricey I think 220 USD $.  Also it does throw the wind up to my helmet and it gets loud over 70 mph.  I plan on taking off the windscreen for the summer.