Just thought I would post this bit of info after looking for tires for my bike.

http://www.tireexpress.com
Avon Cobra 240/50-16 - $244.42
Avon Cobra 150/80-17 - $168.99
Shipping - FREE
Total - $413.40

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com
Metzeler ME 880 Marathon 240/50-16 - $209.99
Metzeler ME 880 Marathon 150/80-17 - $158.99
Tire Fee - $ 10.00
Shipping - FREE
Total - $378.99

Avon Cobra 240/50-16 - $251.99
Avon Cobra 150/80-17 - $165.99
Tire Fee - $ 10.00
Shipping - FREE
Total - $427.98

http://www.motoxoutlet.com
Avon Cobra 240/50-16 - $206.99
Avon Cobra 150/80-17 - $146.99
Shipping - 25.00
Total - $378.99

http://www.denniskirk.com
Metzeler ME 880 Marathon 240/50-16 - $209.99
Metzeler ME 880 Marathon 150/80-17 - $158.99
Shipping - $10.00
Total - $371.98

Avon Cobra 240/50-16 - $270.99
Avon Cobra 150/80-17 - $181.95
Shipping - 10.00
Total - $462.84

I thought the Avons were suppose to be cheaper or at least give the Metz a run for the money. It looks like they are higher, the only way I would switch is if they lasted twice as long.

I went ahead and ordered Avons this time to try them out anyway from tireexpress.com. Obviously, if I don't like them, I'll be back to Metzlers.

OH.. I also know that the new Suzuki C109RT is running Bridgestone Exedra G852 rear tire. 240/55-16. I looked and looked for this, but coudn't find it readily available yet. Once this tire is available, I believe it will be cheaper. Although, I don't think it's V rated. They also have a G701 front tire, 150/80-17 for the Valkyrie that will fit ours.

Dang.. I should have called the local Suzuki dealer first..

I just replaced the Bridgestones on my R3T with Avon Cobras. I checked the prices at swmototire.com, where I've always found reasonable prices and free shipping. They listed the prices at $178.95/$149.95. Note that's for the 180 rear, not the Standard's 240.

With those prices in my pocket I stopped by my dealer and asked the prices on the same tires. The parts guy quoted me $273/$215. After showing him the online prices, he took out his calculator and dropped his price to $191/$151 and included free mounting and balancing.

Don't know if it will work with your dealer but its worth a try.

__________________
Harry
2008 Rocket 3 Touring

I was going to give the dealer a try.. but last time I called, they would only do full retail. $290.00 for the rear Metz!!!!!!

Plus they're 60 miles away. I have a local motorcycle shop closer that I have a good relationship with, so I'll just take my Avons there.

You knew this was coming

Riken Raptor 225/55ZR16 - $73 + $19 shipping at Discount Tires From Cooper Tires, Falken Tires & More.

Dunlop D404 150/80H16 - $97.55 + $7.50 shipping at Tire Express: Motorcycle, ATV, Tires, Tubes, Wheels, Suspension, Exhaust, Acessories

Total - $197.50 and won't have to do it again for another 3 yrs.

I am in need of my 5th front tire very soon. I have been through 2 metz., one d404, and an elite 3 on the front. 7k is all I can get from a front tire before the edges are worn away. I was hoping to hear some great news about the Avon before I bought my next one.

__________________

I do much better on tire mileage out of the Metzelers than alot of you guys. I average 10,000 on the rear tire and got 20,000 out of my first front tire, but this front didn't last that long. I'm coming up on 33,000 miles on the big girl now.

Most of my riding is highway miles, about 70 miles a day for the work trip. I have some high speed sweepers around my immediate area that I enjoy though.. and I'll intimidate some Hardleys once a week at the local bike night but most of my riding is at a steady 75-80 MPH.

I've really thought about going to the "dark side" because so much of my riding is highway miles I don't get to hit the twisties very often. Maybe next time.

noooooooooooo!
don't do it Dave! it'll be trouble in paradise! so many questions! you'll be exhausted from answering them all the time! noooooooooooooooooo!


greg

DARK SIDE HERE I COME!!!
tdragger stopped by my job today with his new addition. I am going to give it a try. The tire looks awesome and my rear wear bars are letting me know its time. At $200.00 a pop every 5k the money is the deciding factor for me with the great wide stance look being the icing on the cake.