So I took my bike in for a minor service and they found the front tire has dry rot. Yikes.
I think I have the stock Avons on the bike. I'd really like to get something that is more sticky and sporty. This is my first purchase for tires on streetbike.
I'm diggin the Pirelli tires that come stock on the new Ducatii sport. I think thier called the Phantom Sportscomp. they would look cool on our TBS bikes.
I've heard that Bridgestone, Dunlop, and others are good as well.
What do you all recommend regarding sport tires for a 2000 TBS?
How many miles on the bike? I don't recall the TBS coming stock with the Avons. What model are they? The newer Avon ST tires are some of the best you can get for this bike.
I have not had good luck with BS or Dunlop. I agree that the Mich Pilots are good, but stay away from some of the ME models. Metzler is another good choice, and I also like the Conti Road Attacks, though they are a bit lower on life expectancy that other sport touring tires.
I recommend a full sport tire for the front, and an ST for the rear. Been running this combo in Avon and Conti with great satisfaction. The tires wear out at about the same time this way...
Not sure which model they are, I'll have to check.
I've read some good reviews on the Dunlop Roadsmart tires and the Avon Storm ST's. Although, one thing to consider is that I never ride in the rain. So wet performance isn't a concern.
I just need something sticky and reliable!
The Pirelli tires have really caught my eye, but they are pricey.
My manual says to match tire brands front and rear to maintain optimal handling. I see some of you guys have overlooked this. Let's hear what some others say. Is it really important?
I put the Pilot Road 2's on my bike last season and could not be happier with them. They give my Legend a sportier look and the handling to match. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a significant upgrade over the OEM stuff.
My '99 Thunderbird Sport apparently did come with Avons - it only had 2200 miles on the clock when I got it in 2007. I figured the tires were the original and confirmed that by checking the date code.
I replaced them with Avon Storms (one of the few tires that are available in the correct sizes) and have been pleased with them for 8,000 miles or so.
Ksound, how do you like the Storms so far? I need a new front tire...little to no tread left down the middle along with small cracks in the middle groove the whole circumference of the tire. I honestly think I have the original tire that was put on the bike back in 2000.
going from the 10 year old Avon tires to these new Avon Storm ST tires is like night and day. It's an amazing difference.
I now have 500 miles on them and they really stick to the road. They have a much softer feeling than the old tires which is great.
I don't have alot of experience with different tires, but I can say that these tires have been great so far. I also hear that they are some of the best tires for the rain.
I had Avons on my old Tbird & liked their handling very much.
My Legend came with new Conti RoadAttacks, rear only lasted 5,000 miles, front, surprisingly, not far behind.
My current Dunlop Roadsmarts have now done about 7,000 miles. The rear might get to 10,000, the front a few 1,000 more. Wet grip is noticeably better than the Contis & Avons both, dry grip slightly better or similar. The Dunlops are a dual compound tyre introduced ~ 2yrs ago & got 5 stars (joint 1st place) in a Bike magazine Sport/Touring group test last year. My personal experience suggests the test report was bang on the money & I'll be buying again. (The bike has also been in a higher state of tune for most of the Dunlops' mileage.) Rear options are 160/60 or 170/60, I've used the latter with no problems. (Ride & gearing lower by 10mm & 3% over 160/70)
I really like the Storms. Have a set on my Triumph and had them on the previous Kaw Concours. Who has them on sale? I'd like to replace the Dunlops on the current concours.
I'm trying to decide if I should pair a B'stone BT-021 front with the new BT-021 rear that was mounted before I bought my bike, or pick up an Avon. Price-wise, the Dunlop Roadsmart would slot right in the middle.
Oh God, stay the hell away from the BT 021's!! It turned my bike into a dangerous ill handling death trap.
I ran BT 020's for years and loved them, and could usually get about 10,000km (+/- 1000KM) on the fronts and about 7000km on the rear. The BT 021 came off the front at 4-5000km as it was flat out dangerous (replaced it with a BT 020 BMW K1200LT spec tire) and the rear was not better than the BT 020. I switched to Metzler Z6's last year and the difference was astonishing. The extra money was well worth it. Also, I tried a 160/60 17 on the rear and found that I dragged pegs too early, so I found a 160/70 17 for it, as it was originally equipped.
Both of my TBS's, the 1999 and the 2000 came with Avon AV235 (?) which were a step down from the Z rated tires.
avon is know to dry rot fast.....pour quality tires
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