Front tire....what are you running?

[John Schmidt]

I have a Metz on the front with about 16k on it, plenty of tread left but beginning to gato-back and it feels a bit squirrley as a result. I've had good luck with Metz and would like to stay with them, but the only source I can find that's realistic is Jake Wilson's site for $153.99.  With the c/t in back I want something in front that will grip like the Metz has for me, what are the opinions of the E-3's, Bridgstones, and others? I know this is opening a can of worms, so I just want factual input, not opinions. How is your tire on wet roads, mileage expected, etc.  The E-3 seemed like a larger tire to me, really filled up the fender....just an observation. I know many are sold on the Avon, but I've been watching and reading and I'm just a bit leery. Also, I've read of some buying a rear tire and reversing it on the front. What's the deal with that...what is it supposed to accomplish?

Not looking for cheap tire, just the best bang for the buck. Going to be heading for Ohio in a couple weeks and need to get a tire and have it mounted for summer travel. Hopefully it includes a secluded spot in Michigan where I understand a number of nut-jobs are gathering for a few days of uninhibited jocularity, kicking of tires, telling of lies and other tall tales.      I plan to join those miscreants, God willing, but traveling on the present tire isn't an option.

[Farther]

I run a Metz on the front too and will probably go with another when this wears out.  If you like what you got, stay with it. 

Of course if you really wanted to be a "true" dark sider. You would run a bias ply MT rear (reversed of course) up front and diesel truck oil in the crankcase along with your CT in the rear.

[MarkT]

I'm running a Dunlop Elite II (K-491) bias ply rear tire on front.  Has aggressive tread pattern and sticks very well - especially in the slop.  Along with the 200 Cobra in the rear, best tire combination I've had yet for handling on the Valk - and I've had all M/C tires that fit the Valk, including Dunlop, Avon, Metzeler,  Bridgestone, and even tried the Darkside with a GY TT 205-60.  I put the Dunlop on 11,500 miles ago - same time I put on the 200 Cobra (just a coincidence they both needed it same time).  The Cobra is now bald and I have it's replacement (same thing).  But the Dunlop measures 8.6/32nd tread depth left.  At that rate, it will last just over 50k before it's bald.  

Several advantages to a bias rear tire, including longer life, often more aggressive tread that's twice as deep, softer ride (you use less pressure), in my experience better handling partly from the narrower width and taller profile I'm sure.  I might have missed some points here.  Drawbacks - some say can be squirrelly at triple digits - doesn't matter to me, I can use the benefits and rarely get as high as 90.

The K-491 is discontinued.  But they have practically the same tire in the D404, with just 2/32 less tread depth.  Motorcyclesuperstore has it on sale - at $76.99 w/ free shipping - a better price than Jake Wilson.  Size is 130/90H-17.  JW often has the best prices I can find, unless somebody's sale beats them.  Address is http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/31/401/9955/ITEM/Dunlop-D404-Metric-Cruiser-Rear-Tire.aspx

[Mildew]

I've tried nearly every brand and the metz beats them all. I've never tried the bias reversed tire yet but next week i'll will be using one of those kendas or bridgestones just to see if I like it better.

[SANDMAN5]

My opinion...
Dunflop E3....Dangerous, wouldn't buy another if it was free...
   looks great, though....slid with me on a dry road more than my
   Metz slid in the rain...threw it in the trash at 8,000 miles
Avon Cobra....Still on my first one....OK but not as cofident feeling
   as the Metz...probably the longest lasting of those I've tried
Metz 880.....My favorite....great road feel in any weather....if I
   knew I was about to hit a snow-covered road I'd want a Metz front
   I'm going back to one when the Avon is gone, probably next year
   Probably the fastest wearing of the bunch...keep an eye on the psi
Haven't tried any others (except for the oem Dunflops) so I can't comment
I would vote for the Metz...then the Avon, but it's not really close. YMMV

[humshark]

I'm running a Dunlop Elite II (K-491) bias ply rear tire on front.  Has aggressive tread pattern and sticks very well - especially in the slop.  Along with the 200 Cobra in the rear, best tire combination I've had yet for handling on the Valk - and I've had all M/C tires that fit the Valk, including Dunlop, Avon, Metzeler,  Bridgestone, and even tried the Darkside with a GY TT 205-60.  I put the Dunlop on 11,500 miles ago - same time I put on the 200 Cobra (just a coincidence they both needed it same time).  The Cobra is now bald and I have it's replacement (same thing).  But the Dunlop measures 8.6/32nd tread depth left.  At that rate, it will last just over 50k before it's bald.

MARK!  My exhaust ready yet?! I'm dyin!  You got time to post so I'm assuming your done with work! 
SERIOUSLY - just giving you a rub...  You have saved me and my Valk and I will be indebted to you! 

Running E3 for about 1k, after my Cobra was chewed up in 8k and got slippery.  I may try flipping a rear around for the front.  I may or may not try a new DS combination with a spare rear rim... 

[F6Viking]

I had fairly good luck with the original Dunlops on my 99 I/S, just a short life, around 10 K on the first and  the second until they were discontinued. Then I went with an E3 and not even half way into it's usable life I started getting a bad shimmy, if I didn't keep my hands on the bars the whole time, in the front end when coasting down thru the 50 to 30 mph range. It was so bad that if you didn't keep a hold of the handlebars it would have turned into full blown tank slap. I tore down the whole steering trying to figure out, thinking there was no way it was the tire, boy was I wrong. Put on a new Metz 880 back when they were running the free tire offer ( 3-4 years ago) and was scared the first time I took it out that I was still going to have the problem in the steering. I was sure glad when I let go of the bars and coasted from around 65 clear down to 20 with my hands just off the grips and no wiggle. Just put on my second new Metz this spring, on my own thanks to the help on here, don't know if I'll ever run anything else.....well maybe the rear tire backwards next time to go with my darkside I started running about the same time I put on the first Metz.

[R J]

The Metz is critical on air pressure.

I'm on about my 10th or 11th front Metz,
I run it at 45 psi.

Rear is a c/t:
Good Year Triple tread
I run it as 36 psi......

Knock on wood, I've never had a Metz try to slide out from under me in a curve, a gravel spill, or wet pavement.    Now, I have had one slip on me on those white arrows the DOT put in intersections.   Those puppies are slicker than s*ot on a glass door knob.    

[John Schmidt]

Everything you all have said about the Metz is exactly what I've come to expect from the Metz I've run in front. RJ, I run my front at 40-42, the c/t in back a 34-36...depending on load. I could run this one another 3-4k, but with the ridge developing in the center it has started feeling a bit funky, especially on wet surfaces. Not that we get any of that here in Florida.    Jake Wilson has them in the V rating for $153.99, guess I'll give them a call tomorrow.

Like Farther said....you find something you like, stick with it. 

[Hoser]

I presently am running a Dunlop D404 150/70/17 bias front tire, along with a Bridgestone G850 180/70/16 radail rear tire I got for just over 200 bux for both at the last big Jake wilson tire Sale.  The dunnie lists for less than 100 bux normally.  2K on them, can't see any wear yet, rode in the rain all weekend, Very satisfied with the handling of the Combo.   hoser  

[Steve K (IA)]

I have E3's front and rear and they give me all the confidence in the world.  Even in the wet.  Sorry, can't say that about Avon's.  Wouldn't put another Avon on either of my Valks if they were free.  Oh......the E3's are on my I/S and have Metz on the Std.  I like the Metz, but when the time comes, E3's will be on that one too....the E3's last much longer.

[Mildew]

I don't go below 42 psi or above 45 psi with my metz. I really watch the psi on this tire and it was put on my bike a loooong time ago. I

[bigdog99]

BACK TIRE 

[Snowflake]

Why is it no one uses the suggested 33psi front and 34 rear?

[DFragn]

Why is it no one uses the suggested 33psi front and 34 rear?

'cause none of the Flintstones mind a Rubble ride in exchange for better service life. 

No harm intended. I just prefer a more comfortable ride.

[franco6]

i run a metz 880 in front. always at 41 psi. tought the harshness in the front shocks was due to the springs in the fork.until i tried 36 psi what a diference that made , no more hammer hits ,no more rumbling in the turns .it rides real smooth.i m running 41 psi in the rear DS an d have noticed the squireling at high speed riding solo.  tomorow i ll try 36 psi as it was when first monted and there was no dancing at triple digits. i got  twenty one k miles out of the last  back E-3 and would recomand it to anyone

[X Ring]

If it wasn't for getting that Cobra for a ridiculous price with Jake Wilson's coupon plus the Avon rebate, I would have replaced my Metzler with another Metzler.  The Cobra is good but noisy.  When it's worn out, I might try a rear tire on the front.

Marty

[Tundra]

Avon Cobra on front, no complaints. I do prefer the tread pattern of the Avon Venom, although my old one leaked at a rate of 4psi per week. yup, it was coming from the cracks in the deepest part of the tread groove.
  Curious to see how this one does, freinds claim to have 18k on theirs I've never achieved that with any front tire. I get 14k max (safely)

[Jess from VA]

Why is it no one uses the suggested 33psi front and 34 rear?

'cause none of the Flintstones mind a Rubble ride in exchange for better service life. 

No harm intended. I just prefer a more comfortable ride.

Also, those pressures are/were recommended for the OE D206s, and simply do not apply to the universally better tires available today.  Plus, lawyers are involved in choosing published recommended air pressures, and what protects the company from civil liability is rarely the optimal pressure for either quality ride or tire longevity.   As a general rule of thumb with all motorcycle manual recommended tire pressures, look at the manual and look at the max PSI printed on the sidewall of your new tire, and go at least halfway between (if not a bit higher) (and closer to sidewall printed max PSI if you/your partner/and load approach the bike's max load limits.)

[RP#62]

The factory-recommended pressures are for a plusher ride, but it comes at the expense of reduced tire life. Higher pressure - toward the tire manufacturer's recommended maximum means less flex in the sidewall which means less heat buildup, which means longer tire life.
-RP

[Wildman]

Is there a Metzler for the rear?

[SANDMAN5]

Is there a Metzler for the rear?

Absolutely!! 880 front and rear. If (and that's a big IF) I ever
went back to a mc rear tire, it would be a Metz.