Best tires?

[trbig]

Money was an issue when I bought a Cheng Shin for a front tire. Anything was better than what was on there. I just about wrecked a couple weeks ago when the Cheng Shin slipped away when the Avon in back held firm.

Avon hasn't proved itself for me yet either. The jury is still out, but it's been good so far. So not promoting anything... but giving my opinion on maybe what NOT to buy??



Tod

[skippy344]

my $0.02

So I have Metzeler Lasertechs on the front and back. And boy do they stick like velcro, wet or dry!

However, with all the 2-up riding I have been doing lately, my new rear is almost down to the wear bars, with about 3000 miles on it. It may make it to 6000, but I don't know.

The front is at about 5000 and is almost down to the wear bars, and may make it to 7000.

So, while the Lasertechs are awesome tires, 2-up is eating them alive. For 1-up riding, they are awesome!

I may switch back to the ME 880 Marathons and see if they will last longer, 2-up.

greg

[trapper_492001]

I have been running Dunlop k627's front and back. I have 10,000 on the back and still tread left. I ride a full dresser and ride a lot in the rain and not a problem. I don't hot rod it but do get on it once in awhile.

Trapper

[LoHo]

"Best tires" and "best oil" are pretty much the same as "most attractive woman" questions...eye of the beholder, financial wherewithal, personal preference, availability...too subjective to make any hard and fast rules. We have guys on here who want to mount a tractor tire on the back to go with their chain-drive conversion...and guys who think Roseann Barr is a pretty hot number.

[JACKHAMMER01]

Dunlop is a great tire for these bikes, but I run Duro's on both front and rear on mine. I switched to these about 5 years back, on my old 81S, and have always gotten great mileage, handling, and also a great price on them. Great for wet or dry riding.

[beegshot]

Perfect Timing

My Dunlop Elite II front tire is ready for replacement. I've just started looking online, but I'm not finding Elite II's with RWL anywhere. All I can find are blackwall Elite III's.

Does anybody have a source for MM90-19 Elite II's with RWL?

Also, is a MM90-19 the same as a 100/90-19? The Elite III's are not sized with MM, MT, MU, etc.

Robert

[JACKHAMMER01]

Robert;

Looking in my tire book, I find the following:

MM90-19 = 110/90, 3.75/4.0

Also, in Dunlop, the following is available from Parts Unlimited:

Dunlop Qualifier F11, 100/90H-19 RWL, part # 4120-25, $111.95 (Parts Unlimited)

Dunlop Elite II 491, MM90H-19 RWL, part # 4075-73, $132.95 (Parts Unlimited)

Hope this helps. Call your local tire supplier/dealership, and have them order from Parts Unlimited the tire of choice. The prices may be a little different, but these should be close.

[JACKHAMMER01]

Beegshot, out of curiosity, where in SC are you located? I may be able to locate your closest dealer for tires for you. I'm in Myrtle Beach.

[beegshot]

Location in SC

I'm in Greer...a suburb of Greenville, SC. FWIW, I've never bought a motorcycle tire from a local shop...I've always ordered by phone or online to save as much ($) as possible.

[JACKHAMMER01]

That being the case, the best bet will be through J & P Cycles. Here is the part #

214-023 MM90H-19 RWL Elite II $85.99

That is the latest price I have, they may have gone up some. Don't forget to add shipping, but they will tell you how much when you place the order.

The phone # for ordering is:
1-800-318-6847

Online is WWW.JPCYCLES.COM

[saddle up]

Originally posted by LoHo
"Best tires" and "best oil" are pretty much the same as "most attractive woman" questions...eye of the beholder, financial wherewithal, personal preference, availability...too subjective to make any hard and fast rules. We have guys on here who want to mount a tractor tire on the back to go with their chain-drive conversion...and guys who think Roseann Barr is a pretty hot number.

Since getting back on the saddle again with A XS1100, after a 22 year absence, I just wanted to know what is available for our classic bikes... I remember that Conti's worked pretty good back in the day. Plenty of traction wet or dry, but the mileage was mediocre. Metzler Marathon was good for the mileage but could get a little sideway's in the rain. Michelin's where super sticky but didn't last for crap. And come to think about it I had a couple of Dunlaps (touring elite's when they first came out and I was not impressed) I could give a hoot about brand loyalty, price, or trends. Price is no object,,, not that I am going to buy the most expensive tire just because I can. I just want results. So therefor I am asking for riders opinion.
Preferably those who ride all the time rain or shine...
Easy Bro's

[LCS249]

This has turned into a very good discussion with lots of good advice.

Even though everyone may have an opinion, someone with no current info (me) wouldn't even know where to start.

So I very much appreciate the specifics that have been provided here.

Best, Leon

[LoHo]

Saddle Up, your post proves the point...it depends on if you want long wear, sticking in the corners, straight lines in the wet, and so forth. We all want it all, I'm sure, but individual experiences vary too much for any real meeting of the minds.

We could just create a file in the files section that lists brands and sizes and a consensus of tire traits...although any consensus on this list is doubtful. Maybe a grid checklist: Give Duros a check next to price and durability, but maybe not next to traction. Give me slippery oil and sticky tires!

[LCS249]

got it to mechanic today

He said the rear Metzler is the best tire they make (but old and somewhat dried out), and the front King is in pretty good shape, but one of the worst tires ever made ... total mis-match.

After the bike is running smooth, on to tires.

best, Leon

[STEPPENWOLF]

I have been using the Dunlap Touring Elites for a long time,they seem to fit my bike and style of riding( I can keep up with a fully loaded school bus on a mountain road:-)) Don't know how many miles I get as I don't keep track but just keep an eye on the tires and pressure.I have always felt comfortable on the tires in rain,open road or in the twisties but I don't scrape any metal in the turns.A good all around tire for my type of riding.