Alpha tire size

[jetmechmarty]

My tires are banana skins, front and back. It's time to re-tire.

What's the difference between MM90-19 and 100/90-19? How about MT90-16 and 130/90-16?

I'm considering something longer wearing than what I've been running. What's the consensus on E3 or ME880? There's a large price gap between the two.

[BA80]

Those are the correct sizes for the XS. That's the size Donlop Elite 3 I have on there right now in the rear.

If you want something that will wear well and perform the E3 is the fella to get. A little more expensive but will pay for itself in the long run.

[jetmechmarty]

The E3 is cheaper than what I have on the bike now. (GT501)

The local bike shop might have ME880 in stock, but they'll be over $300. The E3 is much less expensive. It looks like they haul the same load.

[BA80]

I've had this rear on here for a little over 3000 mi now and I can't see much wear on it as of yet. I had it over in Arkansas on and around the Pig Trail up near Eureka Springs and let me tell you it handles REAL well. I scuffed the tread all the way to the sidewall on the twisties an it didn't slip once.

[DGXSER]

I have Dunlops on mine and they wear well so far and ride well. As to the ME880s, a fellow XSive has those and has stated he has alot of wear on the back for the miles.

[bikerphil]

Good bang for your buck and handle and grip real nice is the Bridgestone S11, $130 and change for a pair shipped right to your door. JMHO, YMMV, etc. Oh, I have used them up in the mountains too.

[skids]

and let me tell you it handles REAL well. I scuffed the tread all the way to the sidewall on the twisties an it didn't slip once.

That must be the road we did on an xs11 rally long ago. Interesting ride, an a winery for lunch.

[BA80]

Hmmmmm............don't recall seeing any winery. Lots of pig and chicken farms.

Whew, Arkansas REALLY stinks at some places out there in the Ozarks.

[jetmechmarty]

GT501 doesn't get me much over 3 to 5K. It seems I change them at least every season. I put a S11 on my Special and rode it hard and two-up over a long weekend. My license plate was covered in black from the tire. Bike is too heavy for the S11 if it's loaded heavy.

But... I didn't mean to start a tire thread. Is there a difference in 100/90-19 and MM90-19? or, are they the same?

[BA80]

They're the same Marty. I will say, if you are planning to buy the E3s, some have said that the E3 front tire is a little scary in the rain because the tread pattern is reversed from other directional tires. It has been said that it doesn't dissapate water well because of that.

But then some others say there is no problem. Just a heads up.

[Woof]

I had it over in Arkansas on and around the Pig Trail up near Eureka Springs and let me tell you it handles REAL well.

Northern Arkansas is without a doubt a great area for riding. My wife and I rented a cabin there last year after buying my XJ. The state roads throughout the Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas region are very well maintained and I love all the switch backs. If anyone has the opportunity to ride Arkansas State Highway 123 don't pass it up. It was by far the the most fun Iv ever had on a bike and I would have even found it to be challenging in a sports car.

[old_chopper]

I've had this rear on here for a little over 3000 mi now and I can't see much wear on it as of yet. I had it over in Arkansas on and around the Pig Trail up near Eureka Springs and let me tell you it handles REAL well. I scuffed the tread all the way to the sidewall on the twisties an it didn't slip once.

I've got a 240 E3 on the rear of my V-rod. It has worn well but I haven't liked it in the rain. I almost lost it on I-44 out on the west side of town in a small shower. Out by the I-44 and I-244 split on the west side going around the curve westbound in a light rain I almost spun out. Same thing several other times in the wet, never any trouble in the dry. Great price and tread wear though.

[BA80]

I've got a 240 E3 on the rear of my V-rod. It has worn well but I haven't liked it in the rain. I almost lost it on I-44 out on the west side of town in a small shower. Out by the I-44 and I-244 split on the west side going around the curve westbound in a light rain I almost spun out. Same thing several other times in the wet, never any trouble in the dry. Great price and tread wear though.

ANYTHING will slip out from under you in the rain. These things weren't designed to handle wet or they would have windshield wipers, soft tops and heaters. LOL

You gotta be real careful in wet conditions with any tire. You can't have the best of all worlds with any of them. You just gotta chose what's best for you.

For me so far, the E3 kicks ass.

[jetmechmarty]

I like the GT501 in wet conditions, but for me, it wears out too fast.

[cywelchjr]

I like the GT501 in wet conditions, but for me, it wears out too fast.

That would make some sense, since sticky tends to be softer which tends to mean wear faster. That's why there are so many dual compound tires out there now, harder longer wearing rubber in the center with softer better gripping rubber on the sides, the Conti milestones and the bridgestone spitefires are both supposed to be dual compound. They do seem to handle well in the rain (yes, I have ridden them in the rain much to my dismay) but I don't know how they wear yet, but I'm not anywhere near as aggressive a rider as it appears you are. I'm not saying that you being a more aggressive rider is bad or that there is anything wrong with it, it's just that we have different riding styles so a tire that is right for me may well be very wrong for you even on pretty much the same bike.