Because of its superb grip and handling qualities especially on dry ground, the Pirelli Angel ST has gotten the attention it deserves. While it provides a stable ride with excellent bump compliance, its predecessor, the Pirelli Angel GT, attempted to achieve the same with a dash of improved compatibility in wet conditions and long-distance travel – which also increases the price of the latter model.
The question is, is it worth the hike?
Tire Comparo Time: Pirelli Angel ST vs. Pirelli Angel GT
Whether you’re driving an underrated or high-CC motorcycle, if its tire capacity is low, then the ride makes no sense at all.
Although motorcycles only have two wheels, it doesn’t make them any less compared to a car, as it generates more speed and demands quality tires to perform at their maximum potential.
Italian tire brand manufacturer Pirelli knows the drill. In fact, it has been swiftly racing to reach the finish line of both good and evil.
After waving the flag of its popular Diablo lineup (which means devil in Spanish) for high-performance motorbikes, Pirelli allowed motorcycle enthusiasts to taste a slice of heaven with the more capable Angel series.
Ready to rule the road, ready to guard the ride – that’s the Pirelli Angel promise. Let’s see how two of its guardian models, the Pirelli Angel ST and the Pirelli Angel GT, can unleash the good and evil out of your touring and commuting hustles:
Tire Comparison between Pirelli Angel ST VS Pirelli Angel GT
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Year Launched: 2009 | Year Launched: 2013 |
Tire sizes available: 17" Rear and 17" Front | Tire sizes available: 17" to 18" Rear, 17" to 19" Front |
Width: 120 | Width: 150 |
Aspect Ratio: 70 | Aspect Ratio: 70 |
Pattern: Tubeless | Pattern: Tubeless |
Vehicles Supported: Kawasaki Vulcan S, Kawasaki Ninja, Harley Davidson Street Rod, Honda CBR, Ducati Monster, Triumph Speed Twin, Honda CB, Harley Davidson DYNA* | Vehicles Supported: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350, Royal Enfield Classic 500, Hero MotoCorp Karizma, Hero MotoCorp Karizma ZMR, Kawasaki Vulcan S, Harley Davidson SPORTSTER, Honda CRF, Yamaha VMAX* |
Notable Features: Good grip for city roads, stylish street tourer, Angel series successor | Notable Features: Excellent grip, all-weather and temperature capability, bi-compound, longer travel and tread life mileage |
Pirelli Angel ST: The Divine Sport Touring Pioneer
As the first model to carry the wings of the Angel series, the ST variant carefully considered the right amount of speed resistance and impressive tread life span.
Design
The tread pattern on the Angel ST is unique, with noticeable, long-lasting rib, and low-flex tread blocks. Its front and rear designs create a groove that offers a balanced and reliable ride.
Front rain slits are connected across the whole profile for high fluid distribution where it is most essential. To enhance stability and braking, the shorter front grooves get limited tyre movement while the longer ones improve the drainage at all corners.
Performance
Compounded with high silica content for sports touring, the Pirelli Angel ST has good control over both wet and dry conditions. However, there’s another feature that makes the Angel ST stand out according to its reviewers: its responsiveness. The riders may feel a strong linkage between the throttle or brakes and what’s going on the roadway, resulting in a seamless, comfortable ride.
For better imagery, the Angel ST also incorporated apparent imprints of angels with eyes, wings, and a halo to the tread. However, once you reach a certain road mileage, it is set to unleash more demonic images with squinty eyes and forked tails. From good to evil again it is.
Enthusiasts who enjoy fast pace would consider giving up as much tread as necessary in exchange for enhanced grip. But here comes the miracle: the Pirelli Angel ST was developed with as much grip as possible while also guaranteeing safety and endurance.
In a nutshell, the Angel ST has the combination of Pirelli’s high-performance DNA capped off with a touring attitude for the daily commute.
Pirelli Angel GT: Going for the Greater Mile
In 2013, the successor of Angel ST was born. A better, bolder boy it is.
Pirelli didn’t spend years designing to unmeet expectations, and the manufacturer made sure that the fresher Angel GT (Gran Turismo) variant will not just give a fresher look, but also have more impressive functions and comfort-centric characteristics.
Design
Although its looks are not far from its predecessor, the Angel GT still holds the iconic contour multi-radius design that assists in water drainage efficiency.
According to Pirelli, the Angel GT’s state-of-the-art Rayon carcass delivers 30% greater wear and a bigger contact patch than the ST.
The rear tire features a dual mix compound with Cap&Base technology to provide grip in the upper layer while maintaining control in the lower layer.
It’s also an all-weather performer. For wet circumstances, the front tyre, on the other hand, uses a single blend of 100% silica compound.
Performance
Even when you twist your motorcycle handles on dry roads, the Pirelli Angel GT provides a high level of grip. Even as the handling becomes less aggressive, the grip and profile on the pavement remain confident, which can be seen even on wet roads.
Known as the Angel ST’s evolved soul, the Angel GT has extended the notion of Sport Touring into Gran Turismo which brings the style and sportiness of the tire to a wider range of usage and of course, farther distances.
Verdict
When it comes to performance, the Pirelli Angel ST impresses with its straight-line steadiness when tested on a city road. It is highly recommended for daily use and commuting.
The GT variant does the same. But for more complex roads and weather conditions, it also has more advanced features to ensure rider comfort and safety.
In terms of performance, both has the Pirelli Angel blood to fuel journeys. However, if you wish to drive longer distances, the newer Angel GT can be a better companion.
The Pirelli Angel ST can be driven for 5,000 to 9,000 miles by an average rider, while the new Angel GT is built to last a little longer, likely reaching 10,000 miles or more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Typically, Pirelli Angel GT tires will last for around 12,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on the type of motorcycle you have, how you ride, and the conditions you typically ride in.
For example, if you ride a lot on rough roads or in hot weather, your tires may not last as long. Conversely, if you ride mostly on smooth roads and in cooler weather, your tires may last longer. Ultimately, it’s important to check your tires often and replace them when they start to show signs of wear.
Pirelli Angel ST | Pirelli Angel GT |
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