Let me anticipate a response. "I don't like that gap below the spacer." I've never seen anyone crawling around my bike that close who would notice it, but if it bothers you then just fill it with a piece of rubber gasket.
This is a DIY install of the Exedra Max on the new 3R. It requires minor modifications to the forward most rear fender and, if doing it yourself, a tire stand and Mojo Lever - I'd say about a two beer rating for time/difficulty. The result, in my opinion, is a less expensive tire that provides...
I decided I could put a fender rail on a Harley, I mean it's only five bolts right? Well I got the four on that fit it to the fender but I could not install the nut on the threaded bolt at the front. There was very little room for my fingers( and as the Mouse has said i have a lot of finger experience) doing dentistry of course. but I just was having a tough time. I dropped it nearly a hundred times for 40 minutes then had to admit I was not able to do it. I took it over the the Harley shop and they said no problem. It took them an hour for the one nut. It turns out the threads of the screw were fouled by primer paint so they had to take off the wheel and re-thread the bolt.
I was vindicated. I'm not totally mechanically incompetent, just partially.
I think your assessment of the new Rocket owners is spot on. There is not a lot of aftermarket for it yet, it is better out of the box and there are far more electrical components to consider. These factors influence the do it yourself ideology plus the new buyers may be younger on average and less inclined to tackle mechanical issues.
Excedra Max R 240/55R16 has every bit of the grip of the Avon when both are warm and slaughters the Avon in the cold, but less sharp profile so feels a touch slower tipping in.
At 1/3 the price and 50% more wear resistance I don't understand why anyone puts the Avon on.
We've been mixing brands on rear and fronts for years on the2.3s and so I haven't hesitated to do that with the 2.5. Currently the Exedra on the rear and Shinko on the front. Favorite front is Dunlop American Elite
The whole brand mixing thing, I think it's widely misconstrued.
There are definitely some oddball behaviors possible when mixing V profile tires with hemispherical shaped tires though, particularly it can be off putting with a sharp V rear and rounded front.
On the 2.5 I'd be using the Emax rear and Avon 140/75 front, combined they tip tip in a touch slower than both avons, but faster than Metzlers.