Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Tires (tyres) opinions on mileage and performance

Have 7200 on my stock tires, need a new set soon. From those who have replaced with other brands, how are they weighing in the mileage/performance categories?

Thanks,
ed

I'm a nail magnet, especially the rear tire, but I can give you some idea about the Metzelers on my Speedmaster. I got 16,000 miles out of the stock ME33 front before changing out to an ME880(it was $50 cheaper than a 33). That one lasted 12,000 miles before I got a cut across the center of the tire. Because of my nail jinx, I buy Motoguard road hazard warranty protection from Cycle Gear which only costs me $8.50. So I took the tire back to Cycle Gear and got a new one for 40% off(they prorate the warranty based on amount of tread depth left). It measured out at 7/32nd of tread depth after 12,000 miles.

I've been a Metzler fan for quite some time, and I really like the 880s. Good wear, good performance in the little rain we have out here, and they're good enough for me in the twisties where I usually ride 15-20 mph over what the little yellow triangle signs recommend. Now if I could just avoid those nails.

I had 8600 on the ME880 rear. I probably could have squeezed a few more out of it but I figured it wasn't worth the risk. Previous to this bike, I can't recall getting more than 5000 on any rear tire - So, I was pleased.

I'm still running the ME33 on the front. Its got 9200 + and it seems to have quite a bit of life left.

I did shop around for a front while shopping for a rear. What I've found is;
1. The ME33 is discontinued.
2. Replacing w/ a ME880 required going from 80 profile to 90. There's a big difference in the circ. Don't do it unless you're absolutely sure it clears the fender.
3. My tire dealer said that he can replace with the new ME33 TECH. (Its similar, but not exactly the same). They're hard to get and he would need several days advance notice to get one in.
4. His second recommendation is the Dunlop.

HAs anyone used Dunlop? Any feedback as to which "modle"?
ed

Quote:

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As opposed to being a babe magnet .. like me!

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Im at 12500 miles and both my metzlers look new.....Im a big fan of Bridgestones....they grip well but dont last as long.....Im considering white walls for my next tire...the metzlers were the stock ones on my SM

I have Dunlops fitted,back is K555 and the front is a K82,both st. size.The front was excellent but the back starts to drift if you corner too hard(over 100 mph)Got the ratio right this time with two back tyres to one front cause I've got to change again soon,averidge 6000 back and 12000 front.
Next I'll try Metzs back but stay with the Dunlop up front,the reason being the Dunlop has a really deep pattern and it suits the combination of paved roads and dirt roads we have up here:

What are some of your thoughts on putting the Green Slime in the tubes. Does this add an extra measure of flat protection? I have no clue.

I'm running Avon Venom X and have about 13,000 on them. They're still in great shape and handle like a champ. I won't run anything else from here on out. My stock Bridgestones went by the wayside at 8,000 miles.

I had my dealer order me Wide White Walls.
The front, a Dunlop K177 and the rear a Dunlop K555
I am having them install, balance and mod the fender to accomodate the slightly larger front tire.

I just picked my bike up today after getting new Avon's installed. I got about 6000 out of the stock Bridgestones and about 6000 out of my first set of Avon's. My front tire still had some wear left but the rear was shot. I mean bad, shakey, the end is near, jeez louise, down to the cords, wore out, shot.... I'm going to try to get a picture of it and post it on here...

THead,

I don't know but slime might give you problems as far as wheel balance. There is a product called Ride-On that claims to seal tires and not cause balance problems.

Ride-On

Check it out......

Went against the grain of what I said earlier and had Avon VenomX tyres fitted front and back yesterday(taking advice from the site)thankyou very much,there brilliant.I went for a 200 mile ride today and they handle very well,I was hammering round curves at a 100mph and they kept the line all the way through,only hope they last a little bit longer than the Dunlops