The stock front tire is a joke. At least for me. I ride it probably harder than majority of folks here, nevertheless, 100/90/19 Dunlop has no grip. Every time I go a little faster in curve front starts giving warnings (it's a nasty feeling front going skidding), every now and then it locks up when braking a little harder (very nasty feeling). One should expect the rear come up instead.
It has 12k miles on it now and is bald.
I'm shopping for something stickier, any recommendations are welcome. I'd avoid increasing the diameter while getting a little wider one. So obviously 110/80 would be the choice ... very few tires of this size out there.
One is here http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...ront-Tire.aspx
Anybody has experience with Bridgestone?

 

Avon or Metzeler have been widely recommended to me for when my factory shatlops go.

 

Right. But I don't think they make 110/80/19.

 

Continental Raod Attack, Michelin Pilot Road,

 

I stopped pushing limits when I stopped riding sport bikes, and I try to buy US made tires so I try to find a Dunlop I like.. But right now my Sportster still has stock tires and I don't have an issue with them.. but did upgrade my touring bike to Avons.

But I have heard the E3s are much better than the 401s and 404s, and there is a front MM90-19 E3 which is the same diameter as the stock and .1 inch wider,, should fit fine. It also has a much higher load rating.

If that is not good enough I would recommend Avon Venoms. They come in 100/90 and 110/90-19 Actually the Avon Cobra is a better tire, but they don't make a 19in Cobra. I think when it comes time to change the Sportie's tires I will try the E3s.

 

Thanks Superfly and MisterPX and hig4s.
I found Avon has 110/80/19, so has Continental (will never buy Michelin in quiet protest for ruining F1 race in the US).

 

The only 110/80-19 Avon I see on their website is the Azaro-ST which is a raidial tire..

Some people say you shouldn't use radial tires on a bike that was not designed for them, and even those that disagree say you shouldn't mix radial and bias so you would need a radial rear too.

 

Having a closer look at Avon I'd say you are right. And I definitely do not want radial in front with rear bias. Leaves Continental as the only choice ... I just don't trust Dunlop any more ... maybe next time.

 

For the past several years I've used Metzeler 880s and have been happy with them. I just switched out my last 21" front tire after about 15k miles.

It wasn't completely worn out, but I decided to go with a 19" for better handling. Haven't had a lot of time to try the 19 out yet - the weather has been horrible lately.

 

I has skinny chicken strips,,,

Just sayin

You ride a skiiny front tire custom,,,
You also need a fork brace.