RIDING {Motorcycles} WITH PASSION

This is a review of the new Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR. It is based on my personal experience and opinion. I was riding one set on my KTM 1190 Adv. to the end and have fitted a second set.

Period of usage: July/August 2017
Mileage used: approx. 6000 kms
Dimensions used: 120×70/19 Front, 170×60/17 Rear
Riding conditions: 70% solo with luggage, 30% solo
Price: approx. CHF 250 (only tyres without fitting)

What Pirelli says:

• Conceived for the latest generation of adventure, dual purpose and street enduro bikes, also capable of handling long trips and excursions, including off road sections.
• For those riders that are seeking versatility, balanced on and off road performance and a knobbly tyre with an aggressive look that does not sacrifice grip, safety on wet roads, mileage, stability and comfort
• A compound high in silica content that provides excellent grip in any conditions of use and high mileage.
• Excellent traction off road thanks to the new tread pattern.
• Performance on the road that boasts handling, stability and grip in both dry and wet conditions.

My findings are:

• Balanced on and off road performance: OK
  I would consider this tyre as 60% on and 40% off road. The drawback is the soft casing in combination with the soft rubber which can lead to a tyre damage on fast, rocky tracks.
• Onroad performance: Very close to a street tyre
  Due to the shape which resembles more a street tyre than an offroad tyre cornering is extremely easy. The tyre is very direct and agile and holds its line precisely. Cornering speed is outstanding. Safety on wet roads is excellent, I had a feeling like on dry roads. Feels very safe in heavy rain. Comfort is also excellent, the tyre produces very low noise.
• Grip in any conditions: Affirmative
  As mentioned before, outstanding grip on tarmac as well as on gravel roads. Front feels very stable on gravel roads.
• Excellent traction off road: YES
  Not much wheel spin in steep terrain, even if loose gravel.
• Handling of long trips, durability, including off-road: Average
  

  

  I was using the tyre during an alpine trip and a 6 day rally, in total about 6000kms. During rally it was mainly used on narrow alpine mountain roads with hairpin corners using a high level of acceleration and braking. 20% of the mileage was on highways with average speeds of 140 km/h and top speeds of 200 km/h. Offroad usage was approx. 10-15% in total. At the end the rear tyre was at the minimal allowed tread depth. The front tyre was still good for another 3-6000 kms.
  The only negative point was a puncture on the rear on a rocky gravel road towards the end of life. It could be fixed with a gummy worm. My buddy was using the same tyre on the same bike model and had a complete breakage of the casing. It seems as if the tyre is not well suited for fast and rocky tracks.

Conclusion:

This is an excellent tyre as long it is not used on fast, rocky tracks. It will hold at least 6000kms which is not to bad given the performance it delivers. Most of the time I pushed this first set to it’s limits. Overall it get’s my thumb up, as it holds the promises made by Pirelli. Maybe not for world travelers but for those riders that emphasise on street performance and still want to be able to do some gravel. And watch your speed on fast, rocky tracks!