Triumphrat

witecap4u · 08-31-2005

Need to change both of the tires since they are both dry rotted. What do you guys recomend? I ride mainly to work and back 30miles one way with no curves. Kinda looking for a well rounded(decent wear,decent handling) tire. Also, do I need to have matching front and back?

cs

birdwh · 08-31-2005

If you are looking for maximum longevity, you might try a touring tire in back with the sport-touring counterpart in front. For instance, Metzler ME880 back and Roadtec Z6 front. I haven't tried this combo yet but know a long-distance ST1300 rider that recommends it. I am strongly considering it next time around.

I think my favorite tire so far is the Metzler Z6 roadtec front and back. They last much longer than bridgestone BT020's, and don't cup in the front NEARLY as bad. Otherwise handling characteristics seem identical to BT020's (very good).

Avon Azarro ST45/46 combo is great, they look good too and last a long time, minimal cupping. However the back does tend to float a bit on water patches especially if you are trying to pass in the rain. Because of the rear's larger cross-section perhaps? The handling is also different...not better/worse, just 'different' turn-in rate and response than the more curved hemicylindrical shaped rears like Z6/BT020.

I haven't tried Continentals or Pilot Roads yet.

witecap4u · 08-31-2005

I stopped by Woods today since they were the only place open when I got off work. They were recomending the Sporttec M1's. The were about 260 for both tires installed and the sales people both like them but also referenced their 600cc bikes, not the monster Trophy. Im going to research them online and call the local guy out here in Bastrop, since he is usually my first stop for bike work and what not. I did see the Azarro online for a decent price, but for the install price, it might be worth it to just hit a local shop.

cs

Ramsey1200 · 09-01-2005

Chad- read this DO NOT GET THE SPORTEC M1"S they are junk i had a set on my ducati...i fell for that trick already!! bad bad bad traction especially coming out of corners the rear will spin and slid much easier with this tire, granted i was almost dragging knee but these are the only tires that i have ever had that i have had a oh***** moment everytime i rode hard. Get the Dunlop 220st they are a real good tire, i have them on my trophy and i just bought a new set of them in the hills, i am going to change from the metzlers on my st1300 now and put on the dunlops or the new diablo stradas. The sportec m1's belong on sportbikes, they wear fast and they are ***** anyway. I am not very impressed with metzlers, the rears wear like *****.

birdwh · 09-02-2005

Sporttec M1's would be a bad choice. They will disappear quickly and were never intended for a touring bike. Buy sport-touring tires as you will never use the traction from sport tires anyway. You will never get them hot enough.

The Z6 rear should last 8k or so. Mine are at 7k and other Z6 owners are telling me I have 1-2k left based on wear so far...excellent!

If you are on a budget, dismount the wheels and bring them to a shop. If you can find a small place that will mount tires purchased elsewhere, you can buy on the internet line swmoto and bring the wheels in.

Cyclegear in Austin at 290 and 183 ocassionally has 25% off sales and mounts on customer delivered wheels for $30. I once got a pair of AV45/46's plus mounting for $225...insane!

witecap4u · 09-04-2005

I've got it down to the Z6 or the Diablo Strada, or possibly the AV45/46, but most places I've called around in Austin dont have any of those in stock. I'll probably just order off the internet, ive found the z6 for $207shipped and the diablo stradas for 214shipped, just need to find a place to mount them. Im going to call cycle gear, I've never been there, but I'll check it out.

cs

sixtysix · 09-04-2005

I have tried B'stones and Avons on the Trophy...the Avon ST45/46 are awesome. Call South West Moto tire for free shipping on two or more tires.

South West Moto Tire

HMS1 · 09-05-2005

The Dunlops D220 suck. They track really bad on the cut grooves on the road. The rear vanishes after around 3.5K ND THE FRONT CUPS, YOu almost have to overinflate them. THe Metzler Z6 are awesome. I ride extremely agressively and they stick well to the road on the twisties. They have a great life span. I got 5K on the rear and it could have gone longer had I not put 4K on one trip with lots of cargo so the tire got a highway flat spot. THe front tire is still run great with 6.5k and still looks great. DO not entertain the D220 idea you will regreat it. THe BT020 is great but extremly soft. Awesome traction but will not withstand the weight of the bike.

Best of luck.

HMS1

Trophy96 · 09-05-2005

I have had Bridgestones and Michelin road pilot. The road pilot are a much better tire. Great in the corners and hold real well in heavy rain.
I have over 4000 on them and they still look good. But they won't go to the 8000 I would like to see.
Also. All of the tire guy's i have talked to all recommend that you put only matching tires on. It all has to do with matching the radius of the tire casing.

Ramsey1200 · 09-06-2005

Quote:

On 2005-09-05 20:25, HMS1 wrote:
DO not entertain the D220 idea you will regreat it.

HMS1

No you wont, dunlop rules. lol