Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Front tire replacement, (upgrade) ?

The OEM front tire that came on my '03 TBA is a Bridgestone, 3.5OS18, MAG.MOPUS-L303.

As my riding skills has improved, (read faster & more agressive), I have had the spooky feeling of the front tire sliping sideways. Also at very slow speed I have locked up the front wheel, and had the bike slide out from under me. This happen at night on dry pavement, with an air temperature of 55 F.

Whats a good replacement tire ? I want a improvement in handling and overall control.

Hi John,
Anything is better than the stock tires. My first replacement was with Metzlers, which a lot of folks here seem to like. I was impressed with them and Avons in the past. Pirelli makes a great tire but they always seemed to wear fast. My last rear tire Avon took a nail and had to be replaced. I got a Dunlop Elite2, one size smaller that original. I love that tire, big difference in the wet surface traction especially in the curves. Three months later, my front tire went out, and I went to order another Dunlop Elite2 from the dealer but instead of parking my bike for a week, I took a Bridgestone Battlax110/80-18 mounted and balanced for $100. Couldn't pass that up. The Battlax is a great tire compared to other Bridgestones, and I've seen a lot of sportbikes wearing them. Great traction also. I always disliked Bridgestones, but some of these sportbike riders swear by them.
Now, there are some here of slightly diminished mental capacity that "only change tires in pairs". That ain't so bright. Why would you change out a near new tire because the other tire took a nail and was ruined? I'd love to have that kind of timing, to change 'em both together everytime. I've been riding regularly since 1967.
My recommendation would be Metzler, Dunlop Elite, Avon.
Ride Safe,
Dennis

Quote:

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My recommendation would be Metzler, Dunlop Elite, Avon

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Ditto those, in the same order!

OK, I'm open to trying any three of the brands listed...the trick is that none of them make a 110/80-18 front tire...

Hey Coker,
Here you go:
DennisKirktiresearch They have Metzler, Michelin, Avon, Dunlop, BridgestoneBattlax.
Good Luck & Ride safe,
Dennis

Thanks. One more question: Radial is better on pretty much all vehicles, but what about motorcycles? Is there a need for a bias ply tire? What advantages/disadvantages does a bias ply offer when compared to radial?

Avon Venoms are the only way to go. I've had mine on for about 12,000 miles and will get another set when these wear our.

I agree with you Shakey. Night and day difference over stock. I will run Avons from now on.

While talking to Chy at the GA Rally, he mentioned that his back Avon wore too quickly and he went back to a Metzler. I believe this can be attributed to riding two up (Hi Di!!) and his fairly aggressive riding style.

Perhaps he will comment here....

Well, I ordered my tires after putting together a spreadsheet that contained all known tire brands and configurations that would fit the Speedmaster. I kept the stock sizes all around. If you want to go Avon and adhere to Triumph recommended tire sizes for the Speedmaster, this is your only option:

170/80H15 Rear Avon Venom X (AM42)
110/80VB18 Front Avon Low Profile Sport (AM22)

Note: The Avon AV45 will also fit the front, but its a radial, so it won't mix with the bias ply Venom X (the only Avon Rear that will fit).

The front size on the speedmaster is a tough one to match, looks like Triumph had a tough time too, since the stock configuration has a Metzler laser in front and a high mileage 880 rear.

From all the hoo-hah and yadda-yadda I've been hearing about these Avon tires, I thought I'd give them a try.

If I remember, I'll post some thoughts around 4k miles.

Coker

The Avons are perhaps the best tire set up for any medium to heavy cruiser. I've gotten great wear out of them and will keep a set on the bike as long as I own it. I like the look of them as well.