Pirelli Angel GT: long-term tyre test

The Pirelli Angel GT tyres (launch review here) have finally had their time to shine in at least some of the conditions in which they were designed to excel. Melbourne’s wet end to winter certainly proved the hoops could live up to their manufacturer’s claims of ‘improved wet-weather performance’.

Equally, drying roads and corners where run-off water formed a slick across an otherwise completely dry surface did little to shake the Angel GT’s purchase. In fact, they didn’t even flinch.

The tyres hold up well from a cold start with feedback that seems virtually instantaneous. Fitted to my 2013 Triumph Street Triple R, the Pirelli rubber communicates effectively right from the get go, and remain predictable from cold through to operating temperature.

Unlike some all-weather tyres we’ve sampled, the Angel GTs don’t squidge around under hard braking or on rapid changes of direction. The tyre’s carcass feels quite robust and the tread stable. It’s like riding a really good touring tyre with none of the ‘at-limit’ downsides.

Interestingly, the Angel GTs also seem to maintain pressure better than the Diablo Rossos that were fitted as OEM. Previously, I’d experienced a couple of PSI drop in pressure when returning to the bike after a few days. But the Angel GTs seem to be far more stable in this regard.

A couple of long trips have now also proved that the Angel GTs are quite happy on longer runs, and seem to be resisting the tendency to wear in the centre more than any other tyre I’ve experienced. With around 3000kms now clocked on the ‘new’ tyres, it’s impressive to see that wear across the centre is only now starting to show.

I’ve also found that sudden manoeuvres do little to upset the Angel GTs. A recent run down to Wilsons Prom showed how quickly the tyre responds to a sudden brake-and-swerve move -- you know, the type you have when you come around a blind corner to find a tourist driving on the wrong side of the road?

On the near-derelict surface of the road into the National Park I’m convinced any other rubber would have had a very different, and possibly not so desirable outcome.

Now that I’ve had the opportunity to sample the Angel GTs in full-wet and drying conditions I’m pleased to report that the hoops offer very nearly the same amount of adhesion as they do in the dry. It’s a rare combination in a tyre, and one I can’t recall in any other I’ve sampled to date.

Let’s see how they continue to hold up as the kays pile on.

Pirelli Angel GT price guide (as tested):

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