Tyre Review: Pirelli Angel GT Update

I’ve been running a set of Pirelli Angel GT tyres since May and I have to say they’ve really continued to impress through the cooler months, while never disappointing for the occasional sportier rides.

I haven’t managed to clock up the kilometres I’d have liked on the Triumph with them, but that just comes down to having our long term MT-07 Tracer around and plenty of test bikes. So it’s hard to complain as they’ll still be in top shape for the warmer riding weather. Spring is in the air!

Pirelli Angel GT tyres

One of the areas I also got to really test the Angel GTs in, was some rather frantic short distance commuting duties, which was lots of small trips through suburbia, with the cool weather quickly lowering tyre temperature once away from the bike. Just jumping on and having full confidence in the tyre in short order is a definite strength, having spent more time on this rubber, particularly around town where you’re facing slightly different conditions than the open road.

Frequent oil on the road surface, lots of tight corners in often wet conditions, other commuters who need to come to a complete stop to make a turn, or need to stop to check their phone, all the usual suburban challenges. Obviously a lot comes down to the rider, but you want good, reliable performance from your tyres in all conditions, the Angel GT is a great commuter option in my experience.

The Pirelli Angel GT tyre compounds ensure great front end feel and grip, with exceptional wear on the rear, particularly where you spend your straight line and commuting duties

Most of the traits that make these tyres an ideal Touring option, or Sports Tourer also easily lend themselves to commuting, with the bi-compound rear offering good wear, with strong sporty performance, excellent performance in the wet and the more neutral and round profile, with the handling characteristics that offers.

Add a pillion on the back and things only get better too, which while not a common commuter concern will probably be something that those on larger more sport-touring orientated machines will be considering.

The Pirelli Angel GT tyres on the Daytona 675R may seem a strange choice, but they offer great all round performance and are easily capable of handling twisties of a weekend, and with a 70km commute they aren’t wearing, particularly across the centre at a rapid rate like a softer tyre would. That means no squaring off and great feel for the longer life of the tyre.

And of course as mentioned previously the Angel GTs are flawless out on the open road, whether you’re mile munching on the freeway, or a country road, or fanging it through the twisties. They lend the Daytona 675 a more conservative feel and a much more deliberate turning response, but on a larger bike I can’t see that being anywhere as noticeable, and for regular road riding that’s hardly a complaint.

Overall the Angel GTs are an exceptional all-rounder, capable of a bit of everything, while doing everything well, and handling wet conditions exceptionally. Add the wear characteristics and you’ve got the ideal tyre to invest in if this sounds like your riding mix.

Link International is the exclusive importer and distributor of Pirelli tyres in Australia, with the Pirelli Angel GT’s available in the following sizes. Check with your local stockist for individual pricing.

Pirelli Angel GT tyres – They aren’t new anymore, but they certainly offer exceptional value and performance and are a great evolution from the ST

Pirelli Angel GT Sizes

Front:

• 120/60 ZR 17 M/C (55W) TL
• 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (58W) TL
• 110/80 ZR 18 M/C (58W) TL
• 120/70 ZR 18 M/C (59W) TL

Rear:

• 150/70 ZR 17 M/C (69W) TL
• 160/60 ZR 17 M/C (69W) TL
• 170/60 ZR 17 M/C (72W) TL
• 180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL
• 180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL (A)
• 190/50 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL
• 190/50 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL (A)
• 190/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL
• 190/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL (A)
• 190/55 ZR 17 M/C (75W) TL (D)
• 160/60 ZR 18 M/C (70W) TL