TriumPhil
Living Legend
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2009
- Messages
- 11,444
- Location
- Long Valley, NJ
- Ride
- '07 Mulberry Red, Carpentered & Bruted R3 Standard
Yes, after running the Michelin Commander II 140/75 VR17 ( a terrific tire) I ran the Ex Max 130 (also a great tire) up front on my Mulberry (red) Mistress and, to my knowledge I was the first person to run either tire on an R3 - done voluntarily as the "crash test dummy" with the careful and considered advice of IMFASTTOO.
Both of those front tires enhance overall handling and maneuvering considerably, especially vs. the blimp-like stock 150 Metzeler. Yes indeed, the 130 makes the bike feel about 200 lbs lighter just as the 140 feels like it shaves about 150 lbs. The 140 can be safely utilized on any Rocket year/model, however the 130 is a no go for any R3 equipped with ABS, as it will cause the system to become inoperative.
My ride puts about 200 hp and 175 lbs of torque to the rear wheel and that is why I am going back to the Michelin in front. When pushed under hard acceleration the 130's tracking/traction is a wee bit too light, causing a bit too much front end dancing (just a shade too light) for my liking. The 140 stays noticeably better planted/connected and I believe, due to its Aramid belts, it can wear approx. 20% better than the B'stone 130.
For some reason, these slightly smaller sized options for the front wheel has remained a best-kept secret. Bottom line - they both provide better turn-in and tracking under normal riding conditions and they both "lighten up" the feel of our beasts under all conditions, but most noticeably during low speed maneuvering. Both will make your Rocket III more responsive (less rider input required) and make your ride handle better overall - it's almost like adding power steering, only in this case it gives the rider and much better, more precise feel for the road, while simultaneously making it ergonomically easier to "handle" the bike's mass and inertia. The improvement in ergonomics or in your bike's geometry is also best when paired with the 1/2" taller than OEM B'stone Exedra Max 240 on the rear.
Try it, Chip - you'll like it!
Both of those front tires enhance overall handling and maneuvering considerably, especially vs. the blimp-like stock 150 Metzeler. Yes indeed, the 130 makes the bike feel about 200 lbs lighter just as the 140 feels like it shaves about 150 lbs. The 140 can be safely utilized on any Rocket year/model, however the 130 is a no go for any R3 equipped with ABS, as it will cause the system to become inoperative.
My ride puts about 200 hp and 175 lbs of torque to the rear wheel and that is why I am going back to the Michelin in front. When pushed under hard acceleration the 130's tracking/traction is a wee bit too light, causing a bit too much front end dancing (just a shade too light) for my liking. The 140 stays noticeably better planted/connected and I believe, due to its Aramid belts, it can wear approx. 20% better than the B'stone 130.
For some reason, these slightly smaller sized options for the front wheel has remained a best-kept secret. Bottom line - they both provide better turn-in and tracking under normal riding conditions and they both "lighten up" the feel of our beasts under all conditions, but most noticeably during low speed maneuvering. Both will make your Rocket III more responsive (less rider input required) and make your ride handle better overall - it's almost like adding power steering, only in this case it gives the rider and much better, more precise feel for the road, while simultaneously making it ergonomically easier to "handle" the bike's mass and inertia. The improvement in ergonomics or in your bike's geometry is also best when paired with the 1/2" taller than OEM B'stone Exedra Max 240 on the rear.
Try it, Chip - you'll like it!
