So what's the consensus on tires?

[Dunnspeed]

Hey kid...Thanks for the reply. I saw that post when I was doing my searches. I thought it sounded awesome and I've had decent luck with Dunlops on ole speedy. Then I read that part about a wierd noise and it detered my interest. Could you expand on that noise a little? What does it sound like? Is it loud? All the time or only at certain speeds? etc...

 

[rainman]

i average bout 11-12000 miles on my rear metz but i went darkside and have over 25000 miles on that tire and im running a avon cobra on the front cant say on milage for that yet

 

[CanberraR3]

I've tried Metz, Avon and currently Bridgestone on the rear. Metz and Avon on the front.

Rear Metz when new is OK with good grip. Had 2 disappear on me in less that 5,000km each.

Rear Avon was better. Bit skitish in the wet but probably no more than the Metz. Lasted for just under 7,000km

Rear Bridgestone (240-55) is easily the best in terms of grip and ride comfort. Shows very little wear after 2500 km and much much better in the wet than Metz or Avon.

Front Metz was only on for a short while and seemed OK. Front Avons are awsome with no negatives I can point to. 8-9,000 km easily.

That's what I'd recommend. Front Avon, rear Bridgestone.

 

[TriumPhil]

Hey Phil
You never said what you're running on the back or I misread the post.
Could you let me know what you're rolling back there? Thanks.

I appreciate the input from you fine fellers so far. Keep it coming!

Chris

My bad, Chris. This link should have been included in my post: https://www.denniskirk.com/bridgest...55zr-16-blackwall-tire.p543986.prd/543986.sku

This tire, which came out this past May, was specifically designed by B'stone for large super cruisers and is touted by the mfr. to deliver considerably greater mileage than its predecessor (the Exedra)/competitors' tires will due to a special, long life compound. We shall see...

 

[BigAl52]

I'm running a Bridgestone 240/55 on rear, only had it on for a month. It's significantly better than the Metz in ride and handling.
I had Metz front and back both original from new. Got 17000 k's from the rear but should have changed in about 15000!!
The front is about to be changed and I'm going with Richards suggestion of the Avon,
Incidently I run 32/34lb front and 42lb rear, I drop the front to 32lb if it's constant rain. Honestly I dont know if it makes a difference but thats just one of my quirky things I do!!!

 

[TriumPhil]

The Exedra Max is a great tire.

My only problem with it , actually not a problem, more so a consequence of its construction, is that with the colder weather it seems to be a bit less grippy when accelerated hard in conjunction with steeper lean angles. Since B'stone has seemingly not put out any data about the longer wearing compound they've employed with this tire, I can't be sure if the skipping is due to the compound or the snot (urea) they now treat our roads with for snow and ice (freak storm 5-6 weeks ago). I do know that the chicken**** derivative they are now using in lieu of salt, stains and can corrode the heck out of our aluminum wheels... it is very difficult to remove thoroughly if it sits on the rims for any period of time!

 

[CanberraR3]

The higher profile translates to almost 3 inches greater rolling circumference. This means that with every 4 revolutions of the back wheel you've travelled almost an extra foot (about 11.2 inhes in fact). At the same engine speed it's easy to see the potential impact on actual fuel consumption over a trip (3% improvement) - but keep in mind you may not see the difference if you simply divide gallons into miles on your odometer because your speedo won't adjust to the different tyre size.

 

[roadster]

so it is ok to run two different brands or compounds frt / back. I was under the impresion they had to be the same

 

[Dunnspeed]

I REALLY appreciate everybody's replies. All of them are very helpful and I've actually been looking at Bridgestone but I wasn't sure if they were OK still because I understand they were recalled back when. I see things are fine and there is confidence in the brand for these bikes. I'm going to go with the Exedra Max on the rear and maybe the same on the front or an Avon on the front. Still comparing that.

I found what I think is a good deal for the Exedra Max at rockymountainatvmc.com. They have a rear 180/70R16 for $143.99 and a front 150/80R16 for $107.99. Or I could get the front Avon Venom for $143.99 shipped. Hmmmmm.... decisions decisions.

 

[Dunnspeed]

Hey Roadster,
It's fine to run two different tires between front and back. They don't have to be the same make and model at all.