Best Sport Touring Tire

[Razorback_Fan]

Hello, I've done some searching on here but have not seen what I'm looking for. I mostly do straight line commuting on my S3 with the occasional twisty. I'm looking to replace the stockers does anyone have any recommendations and where to buy? Also the dealer quoted me a install labor charge of around 175.00 does that sound right?

Appreciate the info...

[Curmudgeon]

On 2006-11-29 14:03, Razorback_Fan wrote:
Also the dealer quoted me a install labor charge of around 175.00 does that sound right?

That sounds very high, to me. I change my own tires, but, I think most places here charge about $20/tire if you take them the wheels and $40/tire if you ride the bike in to the shop. I'd suggest you go to a shop that sells a lot of tires, rather than a Triumph dealer.

[MotT3]

Metz Z6 don't square off too quick and still handle...I've had a few sets and still coming back for more :wink:

[cheapbastard]

Surely that price includes the tire!!! Have you tried the Continental Road Attack's yet? I can't vouch for 'em, cause I ain't tried 'em, but I've heard great things about 'em! :-D

[dml955i]

Avon Azaro 45/46 ST. I've got almost 3K on mine and they still look and grip like brand new. I ride mostly twisties with about an hour of straight line freeway riding to get there.

I don't push her too hard, but I'm expecting to get 8-10K out of this set...

They're not cheap, but they are great tires...

[Hairball]

I like the Pirelli Corsa lll much better than the Michelin's, But, $175. to change the tires out sounds outrageous!

For that kind of money you can just about buy all the tools needed to remove your own tires.
There is a rear stand on ebay in the Triumph section for around $80

If you decide to remove your own rear wheel, Remember, It takes a lot of @ss to break that big nut loose, I had my girl sit on the bike while it was on the floor and hold the rear brake while I broke it loose with an extension on my breaker bar, That was the hardest part.

The front, I used a floor jack, shimmed in places with s***** wood so I didn't crush the headers... Keep it on the rear stand to keep the bike vertical.

At first on the front, I used a standard sport bike rear stand with the rubber swing arm lift pads pushed in close enough to lift at the front brake caliper brackets, worked great at first but the forks got twisted on re-assembly and I couldn't get the axle back in, So I went to a floor jack to get the front wheel back on.

[Razorback_Fan]

Thanks for the opinions so far

The dealer quoted me 70 an hour as the labor rate One hour for the front and one and a half for the rear.

I can't locate the Conti's anywhere online the dealer quoted me 180.00 rear and 130 for the front on those.

I look into the others mentioned.

I take apride in doing my own work but I would rather have this done.

[Razorback_Fan]

***** can't edit my post...I sound like I'm still in Pre-K

[Curmudgeon]

On 2006-11-29 15:14, Razorback_Fan wrote:
The dealer quoted me 70 an hour as the labor rate One hour for the front and one and a half for the rear.

The dealer's trying to bend you over. Those time estimates are absurd. Also, they're backwards; it takes less time to change the rear than the front.

[scratch]

So far, I've tried BT020, D220, Metzler Z6 and Michelin Pilot Roads in the "sport-touring" category, and they all seem to wear and handle about the same. The Pilot Roads turn in a little slower because of their more rounded profile, but it wasn't a bad thing really, just different.

Since you're in the Woodlands, you might consider dropping your wheels off at Cycle Gear on I-45 near West Road. Their prices are significantly better than what you were quoted and they only charge 20$ to mount and balance, but your wheels do have to be off the bike.