 New tires
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 274
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 274 |
After a lot of thought and comparisons I have ordered some new skins for the America. A 120/90 Metzler ME 880 for the front and a 170/80 Michelin Commander II for the rear. The current tires are Shinko Tour Masters and they were worth maybe a small portion of what they cost. They were cheap and I got what I paid for. Low mileage for both front and rear and a slight wobble on the front. No more Shinkos for me. I have used the Michelin before (110/90-18 & 170/80-15), and would have them front and back again, but they no longer make any 18 inch bias ply front tires.
I've wondered if anyone here has gone against (imagine that) manufacturers advice and put a radial on the front of our bikes?
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Re: New tires
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Maybe just me, but I can't tell the difference between Bias and Radials when they are mixed or matched, furthermore, I changed out some Shinko s, not because they wore out, (mine wore like Iron), I just got tired of looking at them.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
All the tire websites I know of strongly recommend against mixing radials and bias tires on a bike. My only experience is from cars, years ago when radials first came out and I would run anything cause I was so poor. Makes a car do strange things.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,937 |
O.T. I replaced my originals with Avon's. They SUCKED in the mileage department! I'm fixin' to buy another set though. I'm a slow learner. 
And you may see me tonight
With an illegal smile
J. Prine
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Life is too short for bad bike tires.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
I need a new rear ASAP! Was just looking it over and found a small gash in the grove. Was planning on Bridgestone S11, really like them but the prices have gone way up, any other recommendations.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2 |
we should do this every weekend!
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,073 Likes: 82
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,073 Likes: 82 |
Quote:
metzlers
Indeed....
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5 |
Quote:
Was planning on Bridgestone S11, really like them but the prices have gone way up, any other recommendations.
anything but Bridgestones
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Quote:
metzlers
Indeed....
Ditto!
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: New tires *DELETED*
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
I've gone through several sets of the Venoms. I get about 12,000 miles on the fronts and 8-9000 miles on the rears. I like the feel and the handling.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
OEM on mine were METZ 880, I got a solid 10k outta those, front really didn't need it but changed it anyway. 2nd set were the Bridgestone S11, got another solid 10k on them as well, changed the rear and when with a Shinko, grip was well to begin with but its worn out with about 5k on it, still got a Bridgestone s11 up front with about 6k and it still looks great. Not opposed to METZ in at all but seriouly been thinking about the Michelin Commander II. Either way I need gotta order one this afternoon.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 5 |
I like the Commander II so far, have couple thousand miles on it at this point
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 41
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 41 |
I just put on a pair of Kendas. Very happy with them so far, lots of grip, look good, and inexpensive. I don't rack on the miles, so tread wear should be fine for me, as I would probably have to change them due to age before them balding, like my last set.
05 Speedmaster, airbox gutted, BC Cocktail Shakers, 135 mains.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 274
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 274 |
I got the new Michelin Commander II and the Metzler Marathon 880 on the America last week and couldn't believe how much difference they made in the ride and handling. I guess that the decline in ride and performance is gradual as tires and riders age. I 'm thinking that I just forgot how well the America can handle with some great rubber on her.
Another thing that I had forgotten in the last year or so since I put those Shinkos on was how much I despise changing tube type bike tires. I said many years ago (before I bought the '02 America with spoked wheels) that I'd never own another bike with spoked wheels. In case I forget, if I post here that I'm looking at another spoked bike, please remind me to get mags or solid wheels. Thanks
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37 |
Funny you should say that Longmtnman, after 2 flats with spoke wheels I just put Metzlers on a set of 08 America mags yesterday. I prefer the look of spokes but I can fix a tubeless flat a whole lot faster and be on my way. After Bridgestones time will tell how much better the Metzs really are, 120 mile run seemed to feel noticably different - in a good way.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 32
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 32 |
I have Avons on my Speedmaster. A Roadrider on the front and Venom-x on the back, as recommended by Avon. They are head and shoulders above the OEM Metzlers. Much better cornering. Don't know how they will hold up, only about 1000 miles on them.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 242
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 242 |
Quote:
I like the Commander II so far, have couple thousand miles on it at this point
Agreed. Very happy with the Commander II.
08 America
Rinehart exhaust, Clearview shield, Viking bags and magic carb's
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Re: New tires
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
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Joined: May 2010
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SpeedyJon, glad to hear your comment about the Avon Roadrider. I just ordered an Avon AM26 Roadrider 110/90-18 from Bike Bandit. Unfortunately, I won't be able to comment on the mileage wear on it until next summer.
I would be surprised if I will have much to say on the handling, I do not think I am the kinda rider that notices those things, but maybe I will.
2009 America
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Re: New tires
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 214 |
I am happy to say I just got back from a 2,200 mile trip, and all positive about the above mentioned Avon up front. My wobble is certainly gone as well.
Hopefully I can find an Avon for the rear when I need it.
2009 America
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Re: New tires
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490 |
I have almost 6000 miles on my Kenda Kruz front and back...they look like new & I am aggressive on the twisties. I know I sound like a broken record but I will never go back to the wobble inducing Metzlers (my experience.)
Ride like you mean it.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
I see that for 2013, Michelin has a 130/70-18 in the Commander II Series. Anybody have any experience with this one yet?
I'm wavering between the fatter, shorter Michelin or the narrower, taller Avon this time.
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 Re: New tires
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,240 |
I put an Avon Storm 2 Ultra - 110/80ZR18 - on the front last Fall. I know I have 5-6K miles on it now, and I'm impressed with the radial. As a career tire man, I would not have ordered this tire myself, had I known it was radial, but I had told my shop I would try a Avon after all these years and miles of running the Metzler Lasertec. So they ordered it. And I like it. It has definitely changed the way I ride, and actually enhances the front suspension. Handles great, very responsive. Looks great, too, after wearing in. Time will tell how long it lasts, but so far, this has been a very nice improvement in an area I did not think I needed improving. 
Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Thanks. I am leaning toward the Avons (and this months $40 rebate doesn't hurt). Was thinking of the Venoms, but will take another look at the Storm. For me, mileage isn't that big of a deal (within reason). I want handling and wet weather grip. Nothing worse than a hard tire in the rain.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497 |
Everything I've read about the Avon AM26 110/80-18 and AM42 170/80-15 combo sounds good to me. Had Avons on other bikes in the past and loved them. Have ordered the front on today, as its needed now and will get the back in a month or two when needed. Will let you know how I get on regards feel and life. 
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Those Michelins are tough to beat.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,669 |
Yep, I'm running the Commander on the rear, had is since last August, only about 4k on it but still looks relitivly new 'cept for the chicken stripes. Grips good too wet or dry. I'm happy with it.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
I've always run Michelins on my cars/trucks - and like them. But had written them off since they didn't have a front tire to fit. Now that that's changed, they're back in the running. Just not sure how another 20mm width on the front will feel. I followed my dealer's recommendation and put Pirellis on the Honda. No complaints, but no great impression either. I haven't run Avons in probably 30 years, but used to like them in the wet. I guess I'll be off to the dealers in the morning to see how much $ it'll be. 
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
Take vaseline with ya cause its gonna hurt.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I got tired of going through two pr three set of tires a year.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
Take vaseline with ya cause its gonna hurt.
Well, Michelin made it easy for me to decide. No fronts in stock at the dealer or distributor and no anticipated date for them to arrive. So, Avon Roadrider in the front and a Venom for the rear it is. Tires & tubes, balanced and on the bike for $383.89 out the door. Not too bad.
They should be here Friday. It'll be the first time I've used this dealer for service in about 20 years. Fingers crossed.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497 |
Quote:
Everything I've read about the Avon AM26 110/80-18 and AM42 170/80-15 combo sounds good to me. Had Avons on other bikes in the past and loved them. Have ordered the front on today, as its needed now and will get the back in a month or two when needed. Will let you know how I get on regards feel and life.
WELL! Like many a great plan this one got thrown out the window as soon as I tried to implement it.
Despite the distributor listing an Avon to fit they didn't actually have one and its a 2 month wait till new stock arrives.
So I have fitted a Michelin Pilot Activ in the original size which I will match up to a Commander 2 when I need it (have one on order so it will be here when I need it).
So far have only done about 50k's on it, but feels quite good. Will give more feed back over time
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,467 Likes: 3 |
Well I hope your delay doesn't indicate a trend. My dealer was to call me Friday to fit my Avons. He told me that the Michelins were unavailable, but the distributor had plenty of Avons.
Here it is Saturday and still no call. I hope they'll be ready when I get back home next week.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 108
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 108 |
I need to replace my original Bridgestones for the first time and yes I've searched, but I need a little more clear information. Sorry if the bias/radial question is a basic one.
I am leaning toward Metzelers. The Lasertec is a bias ply tire and the 880/888 is a radial, right? I would like to buy locally and the tech at my dealer will give a decent deal on the price, but his first recommendation is to go with Laertecs. I know everyone will agree that they don't like the OE Bridgestones, but I have really not liked the feel and "tracking" I get from the tread pattern. I worry that the Lasertecs will feel the same. It seems that to solve that problem I need to go to a radial tire. I would like to get the new 888's but they don't make a front tire to fit yet.
Are there any issues with using radial tires on our spoked tubed wheels? I know not to mix the two, just wondering if there is any basic problem with radials and a tube. How have others solved this problem?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497 |
Quote:
Quote:
Everything I've read about the Avon AM26 110/80-18 and AM42 170/80-15 combo sounds good to me. Had Avons on other bikes in the past and loved them. Have ordered the front on today, as its needed now and will get the back in a month or two when needed. Will let you know how I get on regards feel and life.
WELL! Like many a great plan this one got thrown out the window as soon as I tried to implement it.
Despite the distributor listing an Avon to fit they didn't actually have one and its a 2 month wait till new stock arrives.
So I have fitted a Michelin Pilot Activ in the original size which I will match up to a Commander 2 when I need it (have one on order so it will be here when I need it).
So far have only done about 50k's on it, but feels quite good. Will give more feed back over time
Well, have now put about 300k's on the front. It has scrubbed in nicely. It seems to be a slightly different shape to the awful lasertec, I seem to be using it almost to the edge- about 5mm on either side till I run out of tire. 
Of course it could just be that I'm much more confident with this tire, but I don't think its all that. It just feels nicer. The 'feel' coming back through the bars is just so much better than before. More update's as time goes by.
Last edited by Cloudy; 05/16/2013 3:39 PM.
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497 |
Well, have now traveled 2300km on my new front and I love it. It has bedded in nicely and is offering excellent grip in the dry. My resent trip up North in the rain has been a real eye opener. I don't think I have had a tire that has performed so well in the wet before. I only had one moment where the front felt like it slipped over the four days and that was when I came out of a cutting into the open leaned over on a wet road and got caught by a big side wind,it wasn't huge and caught again almost instantly. More the fault of the wind than anything I'd say. I would whole heartedly recommend this tire to anyone. Life is still to be determined obviously but the signs are good that it will last well.   
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497 |
 Have now replaced my rear tire. Was to have been a Commander 2 but the new ME888 was available and since I was totally happy with the ME880 I decided to give it a go. Stock size but according to the Metzeler web site it has been re-profiled and looking at it on the bike it does seem to appear wider and slightly flatter. Looks like more of the tread will be able to be used as the edge's appear far less vertical. Tire has been on for over two weeks now and still not been used, no sooner was it on then I got the call to have a small lump on my forehead removed, 15 stitches do not allow for the use of a Helmet!!!!! Ready to take it out this weekend though. The tire I took off was upon inspection the original,date stamp 24/04, it had done 19200km. More to come once I have actually been out on it. Front has now done 4000km's and its great, definitely will use one of these again, barely showing any wear at all.
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 497 |
Update time. The front has now done 9470 km's and is holding up well. Unfortunately I never measured the tread depth when new but it is now 3mm in the center and 4mm at the edge's. I have been extremely happy with this tire, it grips well wet or dry and steering is very neutral.  The rear has done 5541 km's and is also behaving very well. Again no measurement when new but now is 6mm in the center and 8mm at the edge's. This tire also has been great. Some have commented on them being not so great in the wet but I have not had any issue's in that regard. Wet and dry grip is great.  The two tires seem to work very well together with the bike rolling comfortably into corners and holding its line well. At this stage when replacement time come's I will be replacing with the same, I am that happy with them. Although having said that, if the ME888 came in the stock front size I would prob go with that instead. 
05 Speedmaster,Reverse Cone Shortys,Thunderbike AIR Kit,K&N Air Filter,Snorkel Removed,Dynojet Stage 1 Kit(126 main),Needle-Clip 1 From Bottom,42 Pilot,NGK Iridium Plugs,Progressive Springs,Hagon 2810's,Barnett Green Springs,TTP Safe-Start,MOSFET R/R
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Re: New tires
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
Stephen, that's a good rep on the front tyre. What is it?
Cheers, Richard
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09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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