Triumphrat

salamander · 03-26-2005, 06:19 PM

hi folks,

i've got a TBird with about 6500 miles on the stock tires, Pirelli Dragon GT's.

i've seen folks mention and recommend Michelins and Dunlop Cruizemax tires as replacements, any opinions on if that is a upgrade from the Pirelli's? any reason to not just get another set of Pirelli's for $200 online and have the local (triumph) shop put them on (for $60 a tire) ?

the Pirelli's I've got on there now are 110/80 ZR18 in front and 150/80 ZR16 in back.
the local motorcycle parts shop (not a triumph shop) suggested i try 90 instead of 80's if i go with the Cruizemax or the comparable D404's. any thoughts on that?

also - i'm assuming these need to be replaced as the front wheel is wobbiling a wee bit - hitting the wear treads, i think, although there is plenty of tread left on the tires. that being said, i'm taking the TBird cross country from Boston to LA in August, so new tires are probably a good idea before that

anyone wanna come for part of the ride?!?!?

cheers,
andrew

JWoodsie · 03-26-2005, 06:47 PM

I'm running a Michelin Pilot Road on the front, a Michelin Macadam 100X on the rear.
I replced the stock pirelli on the front with another Pirelli of the same size and rating, with a different tread pattern, the originals were no longer available in Australia. the replacement tyre wasnt half as good as the original.
I find the Pilot Road/Macadam combination very good, I wish I couldget the pilot road in the right size for the rear.
Alot of people on this board are running Avon Azzaros(sp?) with a lot of success.
I dont like the idea of changeing the profile size, but thats me.
I hope this helps, get on the net and check out the tyre manufacturers websites.
.........................Jim

upNorth · 03-26-2005, 07:29 PM

My 00 TBird loves the Michelins! I've had Bridgestones and Pirellis in my 32,000 + miles but once I tried the Michelins, I was sold. They grip better, longer. No, I don't work for Michelin! I did find the Pirellis a bit greasy in the rain.

A 'bird going transcontinental huh? Very ambitious. I might be interested in part of that ride. Gimme a PM with more details. 2 birds making that same trek would be noteworthy!

salamander · 03-26-2005, 08:20 PM

thanks guys

upNorth - what Michelins do you use?

anyone else got suggestions?
especially with any experience of tires for long rides?

[ This message was edited by: salamander on 2005-03-26 18:24 ]

MickMaguire · 03-26-2005, 11:20 PM

Avon Azaro ST AV45 & AV46 are my recommendation. They are great on the TBird, they last quite well too. What's more thay are made in England!

Cuppa500 · 03-27-2005, 12:01 AM

I'm with Mick. Avon Azaro's are the business. A huge improvement on the several sets of Pirelli dragons I've worn out.
regards
Cuppa

Jodel · 03-27-2005, 07:18 AM

Avons Azaros get my vote too - I find them quicker steering and more grippy than the stock Pirelli Dragons, particularly in the wet. I also liked Michelin Macadams - both M90s and M100's but would give Avons the edge. The Avons are also available in TBird stock sizes too.

I think that tyre compounds are sometimes changed to suit conditions in the different countries in which they are sold so the UK 'mix' might not be the same as the US - consequently we may not be comparing like with like.

jp99tbirdnm · 03-27-2005, 08:56 AM

Ditto on the Avon Azaros.

upNorth · 03-27-2005, 12:10 PM

Quote:

On 2005-03-26 18:20, salamander wrote:

upNorth - what Michelins do you use?

They're Macadams, M100 on the front, I think it's a 50 on the rear - stock sizes. They turn in quicker than anything I've tried and grip longer. Never tried the Avons but the hearty recommendations given here got me thinking...

salamander · 03-27-2005, 12:27 PM

hey - thanks to everyone who replied.

i'm leaning towards the Michelins, mostly becuase the Avon's look to be a bit more towards the Sport Touring and i'm thinking they wont ride as well on the long stretches of highway when i cross the country this summer.

but either way - looks like i'll be upgrading my tires soon!