Tires
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Joined: Feb 2008
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Tires
Ok, I know it's probably been on here before and I know I'll probably get the generic response of whatever you like best...but I have to ask as I'm due for a new set....
Should I go with Metzler's, Avon Venom, or the stock lops?
The other question I ask is that if you respond, please give me you reason why you would go with that brand...
I got 10K+ on the stock lops...still have 3/32 left...but know that ain't much...spend time riding 2 up but also like going solo through the corners...
Thanks,
Darryn
Should I go with Metzler's, Avon Venom, or the stock lops?
The other question I ask is that if you respond, please give me you reason why you would go with that brand...
I got 10K+ on the stock lops...still have 3/32 left...but know that ain't much...spend time riding 2 up but also like going solo through the corners...
Thanks,
Darryn
RE: Tires
Unfortunately you got it spot on, and no one can tell you what is best. All tyres are a compromise between various attributes, comfort, durability, traction, to name but a few. You may find a mix of attributes which suite you but that I hate. The one thing I can tell you is you will not find a tyre which gives both maximum traction and maximum longevity.
If you want high miles I would suggest you stick with the OEM tyres, I doubt you will find many harder. I am a little biased and I dont like the OEM Dunlops, I think they are way too hard for all but warm roads, and positively unnerving on cold wet surfaces.
I went with Avon Venoms although the wheels arnt fitted to my bike yet, but I know the brand and although I may loose a few thousand miles between changes I know they will offer more grip and better wet performance.
It looks like I will get about 12,000 mile on the OEM tyres, and would expect to get maybe 8,000 on the Venoms, but I will have to wait to confirm that.
The only thing I would suggest is that you find a tyre that matches or exceeds the speed and load ratings for your bike, failure to do so could result in increased wear, tyre failure, prosecution, instabillity, and no insurance payout in the case of an off, to name but a few.
Some people will no doubt state that it dosent matter and they have done it for years. Yeah and a guy playing Russian roulett will tell you its perfectly safe and he's done it many times, right upto the point his luck bottoms out.
If its any consolation the tyres we use today are way better than those we used even 10 years ago, and we all managed fine.
If you want high miles I would suggest you stick with the OEM tyres, I doubt you will find many harder. I am a little biased and I dont like the OEM Dunlops, I think they are way too hard for all but warm roads, and positively unnerving on cold wet surfaces.
I went with Avon Venoms although the wheels arnt fitted to my bike yet, but I know the brand and although I may loose a few thousand miles between changes I know they will offer more grip and better wet performance.
It looks like I will get about 12,000 mile on the OEM tyres, and would expect to get maybe 8,000 on the Venoms, but I will have to wait to confirm that.
The only thing I would suggest is that you find a tyre that matches or exceeds the speed and load ratings for your bike, failure to do so could result in increased wear, tyre failure, prosecution, instabillity, and no insurance payout in the case of an off, to name but a few.
Some people will no doubt state that it dosent matter and they have done it for years. Yeah and a guy playing Russian roulett will tell you its perfectly safe and he's done it many times, right upto the point his luck bottoms out.
If its any consolation the tyres we use today are way better than those we used even 10 years ago, and we all managed fine.
RE: Tires
Since you chose to reply to me, although I wasnt aware I posted a question
I would draw your attention to the 4th sentence in the first paragraph.
I would start by saying no offence intended because I really dont intend any offence, but experience has taught me that someone usually says that to me right before they offend me. In this case however I am only attempting a little dry wit.
I would draw your attention to the 4th sentence in the first paragraph.
I would start by saying no offence intended because I really dont intend any offence, but experience has taught me that someone usually says that to me right before they offend me. In this case however I am only attempting a little dry wit.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 1
From: Tallahassee, Fl
RE: Tires
I like the stock Dunlops. They wear well and seem fine in most all road conditions. I'm not one to hot ride a bike so I get good wear out of mine and that's what I'm looking for. I don't want to be spening money on tires and mounting every time I turn around.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
RE: Tires
The stock Dunlops are just fine for normal riding. If you spend alot of time carving up twisty roads and like to push it a little then the Metzelers are best but don't give the mileage that the Dunlops do.
My last rearDunlop gave me 16,500 miles - mostly freeway commuting. Front tire gave me 27,000 miles.
My last rearDunlop gave me 16,500 miles - mostly freeway commuting. Front tire gave me 27,000 miles.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 6
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From:
RE: Tires
The lops do give good milage but do not ride all that great, the metz were better butroared in the curves after a couple of thousand miles. I loved the avons I used the 20 and 21 and had great traction in the wet and rode terriffic. They will replace my stock lops soon.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,783
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From: Oh
RE: Tires
Ah yes, the age old question about tires and which is best. Got to say I have tried many different brands and they all have good / bad points. I am currently running ME 880's on my road king and lops on the pan. The Metzlers really came thru for grip when I rode the Dragons tail last year and I was impressed. Having also run them in pouring rain for hours they also gave good grip. The lops run harder, don't grip as well in rain but, I do get better mileage. Funny thing about the ME880's is, if you go to their website they recommend a higher air pressure than other tires. When I use their recommendations I get more wear on the tires, so I dropped back the pressure and still get a good ride. I am on my second pair of the metz's, front and rear, will probably stay with them.
