Tires (again)

[Farther]

I was going  to go for a ride today and enjoy the 70 degree mountain air.  Went to the barn and found a flat almost bald rear tire.  This time around I am going with an Avon rear and Metzler front.  The best I have found is Dennis Kirk at $415 for the pair with no shipping or tax. Anybody know a dealer with better prices on these tires?

[sandy]

MC tires and their tread patterns are designed to work together. Mixing brands isn't the best way to go. Both tires should be Metzlers or Avons. I've mixed them in the past only because I was changing one tire but ultimately wanted to switch to the new tire choice.

[John Schmidt]

My only suggestion....don't go with the 180 factory size in back. You'll get more mileage and stability with the 200, regardless of brand. I've had nothing but Metz on my bike for the last ten years. Have a c/t in back with a Metz front now, it has over 15k on it and still running good. I'll probably replace it next spring mostly due to age, barring road damage before then. If you're an aggressive rider, Metz probably isn't for you but they work great for me. I generally got over 12k on the 200 size rear Metz prior to going with a c/t.

[Farther]

Checking Amazon got sme interesting results.  Amazon is known for finding free shipping on certain items and there are some chices for Valk Metz tires. 

Front tire for $152 ! and free shipping 

http://www.amazon.com/Metzeler-ME880-Marathon-Front-Tire/dp/B000IOJC6Q

http://www.amazon.com/Metzeler-ME880-Marathon-Motorcycle-1042600-NEW/dp/B000WP5ZOE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_1

Hey Mase: Thanks for doing the research and finding this.  I have run exclusively Metz since the original Dunlops but am thinking of the Avon for the rear this time for the reported better milage although the Amazon stuff could persuade me. 

Sandy: I don't think my bike knows the difference between tread design.  Every darksider runs different tread with no complaints.  There are even people mixing bias and radial with no apparent downside.

[Hoser]

"Sandy: I don't think my bike knows the difference between tread design.  Every darksider runs different tread with no complaints.  There are even people mixing bias and radial with no apparent downside."


I am guilty of the above statement  and agree with it.  At the present time I have a Radial Avon on the rear and a Dunlop Bias on the front, and have mixed and matched for many years with no problems whatsoever.  Hoser 
 
 
 

[Farther]

I am getting Avons on both ends.  The Medford, OR Honda dealer matched the internet price I found.  I have always had a good experience at this Honda dealer and expect to this time too.

[cma1]

try jake wilson, he's priced fair and pays the shipping

[Farther]

It's a done deal.

[salty1]

You'll like your Avons! 

[MarkT]

"Sandy: I don't think my bike knows the difference between tread design.  Every darksider runs different tread with no complaints.  There are even people mixing bias and radial with no apparent downside."


I am guilty of the above statement  and agree with it.  At the present time I have a Radial Avon on the rear and a Dunlop Bias on the front, and have mixed and matched for many years with no problems whatsoever.  Hoser  

+1     So have I - every possible combination I think.  No problems at all mixing brands, ply types, putting back tires on front, running them backwards, all different pressures, and using car tires.  Except the GYTT, hated that one.  Advise to not mix tire brands etc is great for dealers and tire makers but I'm thinking in practical use,  is for perfectionists aka anal retentives w/o real problems to deal with IMHO.  I mean that in a good way and no offense...

[cma1]

yep, i agree mark. i've tried it all with no difference that i could tell.

[Farther]

Now that I have the Avons on, what pressure do people run in their Avons?  The dealer set the pressure at 35/41 but I usually ran 45/45 in the Metzlers.

[Len]

I run my Avon Cobras at 40F/42R. I have the 200 rear, will try the Bridgestone Exedra Max in the 200 series in a couple of weeks. I tried running the rear at 44-46 psi rear, but I will not exceed the manufactures max psi rating again...noticed cracks/splits after thee weeks with 44-46psi (2,300 miles).

[sandy]

The handling anal guy runs 42F and 46R. The current rear has 25K on it and I might get another 1000 out of it. The Valk has progressive springs F and Works shocks R. The Wing has a Progressive R and Hyper Pro springs F. The 20 yr old F150 has upgraded shocks, sway bars F & R and Michelins. I got this way from racing an old sports car and taking it to rookie of the year way back when.

[salty1]

Now that I have the Avons on, what pressure do people run in their Avons?  The dealer set the pressure at 35/41 but I usually ran 45/45 in the Metzlers.

You will like the Avons: 42 front  44 rear