Triumphrat

pogue54

Hello again
Anyone willing to give some advice on tires? Looking for reasonable dollar value commuter-type tires for a '79 bonneville. The rear one is conti k112 which is maybe ok for now (only about 20 yrs old) but the front is older, pretty weather checked and I dunno how far to trust it. How old is too old? Uhh, maybe shouldn't ask that - someone might suggest a mirror, or something, ha ha.

daveforty

I have been using Metzelers for lots of years, I am perfectly happy with them. Metric sizes; 100/90 - 18 front and 110/90 - 18 rear. They are tubeless by design, but having a tube in doesnt seem to be a problem. Its probably a bit subjective, everyone will have their own favourites. When the original Avon Roadrunner was discontinued I fitted some of the 'new' Roadrunners and hated them, worst tyre I have ever had, others may recommend them.........

Beemie

I had Contis for many years but got tired of the weird handing that resulted if the pressure wasn't "quite right".
Went back to original type Dunlops; they just look right and act fine for me.

outdoors

I just replaced the Continentals that came on my bike ('79 T140D)with a set of Avon roadriders. The continentals had lots of tread left but were really hard and showed cracking of the sidewalls from age. With the continentals on the bike it had a tendancy to follow the road cracks and wobble some at road speed. I've only had the roadriders for about a week but so far they are a transformation for me. Very steady and excellent handling, both strait up and leaned over. In fairness, newer continentals would be fine for commuting and perhaps give longer tread life, a set of Dunlop K70's would look orginal, but I think the Avons are sweet. Also, since my bike is the D "special" with Lester mag wheels I was able to mount them tubeless.

Your mileage may vary. Tire and oil threads usually bring out more personal opinion (like mine) than hard facts. Most any quality brand of tire that is available in the sizes we need should perform well for commuting duties.

panda

All tyres feel different. You may, or may not like the differences.. Years ago I found running a Dunlop on the rear and Avon on teh front was best for me. Usually it is perceived wisdom not to mix tyre brands. I have just replaced the Avon Venom ( or was it Viper) on teh front of my BMW with a metzler. The Metzler is much much faster in its response and makes the bike handle the way I like it. I have never known a tyre make so much difference. Incidentally I am having to run the front tyre although tubless with a tube becaus ethe rim wont seal the bead properly ( is why the tyre was changed). I prefer tubes anyway. In many years of riding/driving I have only had problems with aluminium rims and tubeless tyres, no other combination ever gave me any faults. This is a 100% record of problems with aluminium rims and tubless tyres ( twice) and 100% no problems with any other combination.

__________________
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A genius learns from other peoples mistakes.