Triumphrat

Wells · 04-11-2011, 01:05 PM

So, I am looking at replacing my rear tire in the near future (again)... this will be the fourth tire on the bike.

First tire (Metzeler ME 880) lasted up to about the 6k mark, when I had it replaced early due to an upcoming long-distance trip that I knew I was not going to be able to complete on that tire.
Second tire (also an ME 880) lasted right up to the last fifty miles of that trip, when I holed it on the Interstate.
Third tire was a Bridgestone Exedra Max (I think... it could also be an Exedra G852-G... not sure, and I need to look more closely at it) which I have about 6k on at the moment.

The wear bars on the Bridgestone are now showing, which tells me it is time to start looking. I am thinking I will replace it at the same time that I do the 18k oil change and other maintenance, which means I will get about 7k out of this tire.

My question is, are there any recommendations for other tires? I am looking around, and the only three that come up as cruiser style tires are the Metzeler and the two Bridgestone's mentioned above.

There are some Sport-Cruiser mentions as well, but they are mostly from companies that I do not have any real experience in.

dazco · 04-11-2011, 01:53 PM

people have been using the Avon storm and cobra models. I don't think either model comes in the exact sizes for both front and rear, but if i recall the cobra rear does and the storm front does. Don't quote me. Plus some have been using the storm rear in a slightly larger diameter....200/55/17. One or 2 people have said so far the wear looks like they will go considerably further.

Always remember tho...more mileage usually means less grip. If you ride at all hard don't compromise or you may wish like you never wished for anything in your life that you hadn't. the only time i can see a tire of equal grip lasting much longer is in the case of dual compounds, (and thats only in turns, not straight lines where they'd grip as well) but no one makes them in our sizes. Michelin is coming out with a dual compound finally that will fit our front, but after calling them i was told that they may look into making our size rear too, but if they do it would be a year at the very least.

MickeyBoy · 04-11-2011, 02:22 PM

I'm running a Dunlop RoadSmart 200/50/17, Dual Compound tire and it is wearing great. I should probably get 9000 out of it.

dazco · 04-11-2011, 03:28 PM

I get 7k out of metzeler rears, so i'd have to do a good 11-12k before i'd take a chance on handling to switch. 2k more isn't enough to make me switch. I'm 100% satisfied with the handling so i won't chance a possible reduction in handling safety for less than another 4k or more.

Ray548 · 04-11-2011, 09:13 PM

I got 8150 out the first rear tire, would have had 9000 but got a small leak and replaced before a trip. I may not be as aggressive as some but I can live with the mileage. The front has 11200 and not at the wear marks yet. Ordered a new set of Metzlers while on my 2 month hiatus. They are in the garage, good to a set ready to go.

Sabber · 04-12-2011, 01:01 AM

Hi guys .... I'm on second front and third rear.. first rear got about 8.5k and second got about 9.5 , The front i got 18k befor replacing it the third rear .. i had no problems with the front with the kms on it . I ride pretty hard and was happy with the handling of the Metzlers but wont change just to get better kms you have to compromise the grip of the tire and the kms you get ... Me i would rather have the grip and keep the Bird upright... the kms is not that bad out of the Me880's .

linkdog · 04-12-2011, 02:41 AM

Hey WELLS how was the wear pattern on the different brands?

Wells · 04-12-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linkdog

Hey WELLS how was the wear pattern on the different brands?

Pretty much what you would expect in Florida... wearing out right down the middle, lots of tread left on the outer edges. For the Bridgestones, I have only had it down here in Florida, so they have only really experienced long, straight, flat roads.

I know where the twistys are in my area (all three roads that really count) and I hit them on a regular basis, but it just isn't enough.

BullClark · 04-12-2011, 09:18 PM

I contacted Avon Tires / Tyres and the Rep told me that they would have something for our bikes out this summer in our correct sizes.

dazco · 04-12-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BullClark

I contacted Avon Tires / Tyres and the Rep told me that they would have something for our bikes out this summer in our correct sizes.

Wow ! So did I about 2 months ago and they said they'd look into it. I told them how popular the model is becoming and how it won cruiser of the year 2 years in a row I also suggested by making a set for our bike they would have the advantage of being the first to recruit a lot of customers that don't like the metzelers. Maybe they listened, but whatever the case i'm really glad to hear this.