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That's a good question, so I called the Avon tire rep. The tire tech's explanation was a lower profile tire is easier to turn and will have better handling but a higher profile is better for cruising. Makes sense as to why they put the smaller profile on the Speedmaster's and the higher profile on the America's now. Having said this, I'm going to stick to the original size 110/80 18 for my front.



Interesting. I originally figured the reason Triumph used Metzler ME880s on the rear and Lasertech on the front was that they didn't make a 110/80 18 ME880 (they also don't make a Lasertech 170/80 15). BUT, they do make an ME880 in 110/90 18 yet Triumph still chooses to use two different type tires.

It's hard to imagine that such a slight difference would be that noticeable in handling vs. cruising. I love the way my bike handles and have no problems cruising. Not too sure I'd want to give up anything. I'm so used to the speedo, being slightly more accurate does't carry much weight. Changes in bike performance would.

Bob 2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.