Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > Monsters > S4R Michelin Tyres

[YoungDucS4R]

I recently contacted Ducati with an enquiry over the condition of Michelin Pilot Power tyres fitted to my new S4R

I noticed some concerning circumferential marks on the tyres about 1000 miles ago. I initialy thought I'd riden over something, but these marks are still there now!

I will try to attach photos:

Has anyone seen anything like this before? Neither I nor anyone Ive spoken to has?

Meanwhile Ducati have told me not to exceed 60mph till they get to look at them!!
I still await a reply from Michelin UK

[YoungDucS4R]

And here is the rear!

[Lee1980]

Looks interesting not noticed them on mine but I'll take a closer look tommorow

[Lee1980]

none on mine but ive only done just over 500 so far

[Lee1980]

I have just noticed these on mne at 600 miles,

YoungDucS4R did u get anything about it from the dealer?

[YoungDucS4R]

I have been in touch with both Ducati and Michelin.

Michelin told me to go back to dealer and persue a claim. Ducati told me to take bike in and not exceed 60mph on the bike! Impossible!!

I have removed the tyres and fitted another set. These are being dispatched to Ducati tomorrow.

I eagerly await their response!!

[Lee1980]

Mine look identical , to yours hhmmmm might mention it at my service on Friday, might take it slowly to

[bazzer sps]

I have just had a conversation with a guy from Michelin and he has told me the mark is a antistatic strip see email:
In summary no need to worry
"Thank you for your e-mail.

From what you describe they sound like the anti-static strips that are in the
tyre tread.

You can continue to run the bike at normal speeds and these strips will
'disappear' within a few hundred miles .They have no detrimental effects on the
performance of the tyres.

All Pilot Power/Sport/Road tyres have this strip but only a few riders notice
it!"

I have attached a 'simple' diagram as explanation.

Pilot Power



A circumferential groove approx. 2 to 3mm wide and 3 to 4mm deep


Two Wheel Department,
Michelin Tyre Public Limited Company

[YoungDucS4R]

Mmmmm..................interesting!!

I have copied and pasted a similar response as follows.......

".....they sound like the anti-static strips that are in the tyre tread.

You can continue to run the bike at normal speeds and these strips will
'disappear' within a few hundred miles .They have no detrimental effects for the performance of the tyres.

All Pilot Power tyres have this strip but on a few riders notice it!

Two Wheel Department,
Michelin Tyre Public Limited Company"

.........seems we are seeing a standard response to what seems a re-occurring complaint.

I do not for one moment think that "only a few riders notice it" if something so obvious is staring us in the face each time we wheel our pride and joy out of the garage!

I had done 2250 miles on my new S4R when I removed the tyres, and these marks had been evident for over 1500 miles. Far in excess of the "few hundred" quoted above.

Can I ask that all who may have had similar experiences or occurrances with Michelin Pilot Power tyres to contact:

Barry Robinson
Technical Manager
Two Wheel Department,
Michelin Tyre Public Limited Company
email: 2wheelinfo@uk.michelin.com

maybe this will make them aware of a problem which has so far gone unnoticed or for which they have been unaware.

These tyres are good, but are we seeing an inherent fault which is so far unrecognised??????

[Lee1980]

Very interesting, I will take pics of mine and send them to Barry to.

Mines not a grove as such either just looks a different colour really.