tire recommendations

[seriousjimmy]

Got the '80 Special sorted out. Runs like a beast...
Need new tires.
Any recommendations for good grip/smooth ride/good tread life?
Live in sunny Southern California...rain isn't much of an issue...anymore.

Thanks!

[fxrer]

Do a search, on the left, for tires. There are dozens of threads on the subject, with lots of different opinions. I'm sure you'll find something that's suitable for your needs.

Me, I prefer Dunlop Elite II's

[DiverRay]

I agree, Dunlops work well. I tried the Metzlers, but they don't have the grip.

[Michael March]

Save yourself the search and time. Just get the Dunlop Elite IIs. They're the ones.

[pathfinder]

IMHO go with the Dunlop Elite IIs.

[seriousjimmy]

If it looks like a DUNLOP, rides likw DUNLOP, is recommended like a Dunlop...
Say no more, Gents...
Thanx sooooooooooooo much!!!

SJ

[Phyxius]

Alright, you've finally piqued my curiousity. I want to know what kind of mileage you Dunlop faithful out there typically get. Just for average riding, mind you. No burnouts, attempts at wheelies (what for, who are you trying to impress???), or insane high speed running. I have a friend who practically spits and forks the evil eye when he hears the name Dunlop, says they wear out too fast for what they cost. I'll admit his riding style is rather different from mine. I think he's a crotch rocketeer trapped on a cruiser, personally. I like to ride along and look at the scenery (which is why I ride a cruiser not a crotch rocket), not rip along knowing that it's there, just can't see it 'cause it's all a blur.

So let's hear from the faithful out there. Give me your best numbers and maybe when it's time for the ole gal to get new shoes, I'll be convinced to try a pair of Elite II's.

[Michael March]

Well I'm out Phyxius, I haven't done any average riding since I traded my Honda GL1000 for this XS11 late last summer. I'm sure I will someday, because I too like to look at the scenery. But I also like to redline that baby through three gears. I'm honestly not trying to impress anyone, I just like the way it turns my stomach over, kind of like riding on a swing or a rollercoaster. Try ripping through first and second going up a hill, and you'll see what I mean
And with this gas guzzling style I get 30 miles per gallon most every tank, premium or regular doesn't seem to effect mileage or performance. My Dunlops hold the road like glue and if they wear out faster (and I don't know that they do), that's not nearly as important as their performance. I once saw a Bell helmet poster in a shop about thirty? years ago that said: "If you've got a $5 head, then buy a $5 helmet." Amen to that and slap on the Dunlops please!

[Phyxius]

Now don't get me wrong, Michael. I didn't say I never turn the ole gal loose and let her run. I'm very aware of the thrill these beasts are capable of giving a person , I just don't find it necessary every time I throw a leg over the saddle. I've only heard his version of the Dunlop story and am looking for other points of view, is all.

As for the Bell ad, I've also heard the question 'How much is your head worth to you?'. Might make you think a bit before snapping up that 'excellent' deal on that cheap helmet you're looking at.

[Jerry]

I guess I'm a "gentle" rider, but weigh 260 and often pull a small trailer, get 8 - 10K on rear tires, 12 - 15K on front.....

Am on my 3rd set of Elite IIs in 4 years. I've developed a confidence in them, know how they will handle in just about any situation, including rain, and would have to be presented with a *very* convincing arguement to change.

Granted most of my riding (miles ridden) is straight up superslab. (300 miles per week commuting to and from work.) I ride the local twisties for fun. If your riding style is different, another tire may be better suited; the Dunlops are not the stickiest tire out there, for example, and canyon-carvers may look to another tire. For general riding I don't think you can beat the Dunlop Elite II series for all-around performance and good value for the money.

[DiverRay]

Phyxius;
If you read my first reply, you will know that I've used the Metzlers and have NOT been happy. They wear like iron, and hold the road like an iron band as well. I did have Avon Venoms on my last bike, and they seemed to work well. That was a crotch rocket, and it needed that type of tire.
The weight of the XS1100, and tire clearance, dictates the variety of tires available. I commute about 70+ miles per day, over a "hill" with great sweeping corners. The dunlops seem to hold the road very well, and they don't wear all that fast. I did go through the "stock" tire on my old "E" in 4500 miles, and back then, the goodyear was about the best.

[7911special]

i went from elites to the Dunlop sport GT501K or something 501 dunlop.....more like a arrowhead patter, seem to bite nicely, i have only about wipe out once on a hard corner with alot of throttle. The tire slipped for a sec or two then caught....

[strom]

I cant get elite IIs here... 501 or something similar can be obtained, but these are for lighter bikes. So I went for Avon... venom front and roadrunner rear. The rear one did bout 7000 miles, will do another 1000 or so, not much more. Cornering is great, if the tire slips, well... it only does on wet road markings or when too much rear brake is applied. After 7000 miles the front one looks like new, but rear needs replacing soon. I can scrape the centerstand on corners with 1.5cm higher v-max shocks on. I still have bout 1-1.5mm clearance to the edge of the rear tire.

LP

[sermn8ter]

width of tire

Has anyone tried to put a wider tire on the back? Is it possible, and what would the ramifications be handling wise?

[MAXIMAN]

I'm certain I will be chided for this but I must tell the truth.

I put a Cheng Shin Hi-Max on Kong ('80 full dresses Special) back in March. That rear tire now has right at 7200 miles on it. Dave asked me to look at it tonight. Still looks pretty good to me. Looks like it has good 1000 miles left on it maybe a little more.

I was surprised it went that far. I had never used CS tires before. But the Hi-Max on Kong rode good....handled very well and had good grip in the turns. We even rode through light rain going up to Monument Valley and got into a little coming back as well. I think they did fine.

Considering the tire cost $43 and you can get 8,000 miles out of them...I wouldn't count them out.
it was SHOT!