Best Tire Mileage

[wiplash269]

 I know this question has come up before but I haven't seen it. I have been running Avon's on my 2000 IS I love the ride and handling aspect of the tire but just can't get decent mileage out of them. I would like some input from other rider's on tires that I can get better than 8 to 10k on and not lose ride and handling. Thanks' and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.   

[old2soon]

What pressures are you running? You need about 42-46 P S I front and 40-44 P S I rear. DO NOT fergit how HEAVY our machines are. Others WILL chime in. MERRY CHRISTMAS and RIDE SAFE.

[98valk]

E3 on tourer. 13k right now should get to 17k

[indybobm]

The roads you ride on make a big difference. County roads in central Indiana eat up tires quickly.

[BobB]

Old2soon has it pegged right.  I rode with lower pressures on Avon Cobras for years and would get 12-15k in front and 8-10k in the rear.  Lately, I run with 41 psi cold in the front and 44 psi cold in the rear.  I get about twice that overall millage now.  About to go to the Dark Side with an Austone Taxi Tire in the rear but still a new Avon Cobra up front. 

[Challenger]

I have run about every tire brand available including Avons and never have seen over 9000 miles on a rear. (almost always two up) Have always kept pressure up to or above 40 psi. I ran my Metz at 50 psi as per the Metzeler Rep. It made it 7500 miles before cords were showing. Currently running a Michelin commander Bias ply on the STD and it is looking better. I have been dark side on my I/S since 07 due to the crappy mileage from MC specific tires. My opinion is that it is the road surface and load and not so much the pressure. Been wrong before!

[Bighead]

I have run about every tire brand available including Avons and never have seen over 9000 miles on a rear. (almost always two up) Have always kept pressure up to or above 40 psi. I ran my Metz at 50 psi as per the Metzeler Rep. It made it 7500 miles before cords were showing. Currently running a Michelin commander Bias ply on the STD and it is looking better. I have been dark side on my I/S since 07 due to the crappy mileage from MC specific tires. My opinion is that it is the road surface and load and not so much the pressure. Been wrong before!

+10
Never got over 10k on a rear and yes I run 42-44 psi. But I do hear claims of 20+ but would have to ride side by side for EVERY mile of those that claim it to believe it.

[97BLKVALK]

Running Avons on my Std, riding 90% solo.  Currently at 10,622 miles and hope to pick up another 1500 this spring before Inzane.  Then my new ones will be put on.

Michael

Merry Christmas

[bentwrench]

I was getting 15-17k from the venoms,not doing as well with the cobras.Maybe 12-14k.

[fudgie]

Metz rear-10,000-12,000 200 series
Metz front-22,000-24,000

[old2soon]

Just checked my Shinko S E 890. Has a bit more than 15000 on it right now and will be good till the weather warms up again-March or April. And for the price I got this one-$92.00 delivered to the house-cost per mile will be VERY nice. If I can get a GOOD price I'll go with another Shinko S E 890. RIDE SAFE.

[f-Stop]

18,500 Miles, Dunlop E3 Radial…



OK, so maybe I went a little too far on this tire, but still not bad mileage at all.  Dunlop recommends 42 psi front and rear on their E3 Radials.  The chart on your rear fender says 36 psi rear and 33 psi front.  I followed this recommendation on my first set of E3's and got about 13,000 miles on my rear and 15,000 on my front.  I'd say that's a pretty significant difference just due to tire pressure!

 

[Hoser]

Best I have got is Dunlop American elite, 180/65/16.  20k vs new.
  Honestly though, I probly should have changed tires a couple of thousand miles less, but I was a long way from home.  Hoser 

[rainman]

E3 on tourer. 13k right now should get to 17k

that is what I ran when I had the 04 wing and didn't even get close to that maybe 9k. are counting trailering and road miles LOL 

[Chrisj CMA]

From my experience, Avon tires are up there with the best of them as far as mileage.  What actually determines your mileage is a couple of things (some have already been stated)

1.  your normal roads

2.  Riding style

3.  Air Pressure

If you are already running pressures in the 40's and you aren't interested in changing your riding habits, well then you are getting the best you are going to get.

If you are not in the 40's and /or you can refrain from max performance take-offs every time, you should get way more than you are getting now.

The E-3 Dunlops as far as I can tell get comparable mileage to the AVON's and all the rest get less......so its up to you to decide, Im talking all M/C tires.  Maybe darkside is for you...

[pago cruiser]

I'm relatively new to the Valk world; but if you are getting 10000-17000, 19000 miles on a rear, you are blessed.
I'm lucky enough to have a few bikes, and the ST1100 (70000 miles in about 4 years) until recently, gets no more than 5k on a rear Avon.  Switched to a Michelin C3 about a year ago, and it looks like I can now get to about 12k; yippie!  But... it is definitely a harder compound, felt mostly in turns involving paint in the middle - like crosswalks. And when wet.  And when pushing a bit on curvy roads and tar snakes are encountered...
About the same thing with my solo naked GL1200 on E3's.  I have never got over 6k.  Less than 5k on the sidecar GL1200.
I ride a lot, mostly at a good pace (the freeway part of my 50 mile commute is posted 75 - but at 80 you will be passed often) you will be ).  I worked it out a bit ago - until switching to the Michelin C3 I was spending just about the same on tires as I was on gasoline...    Mentioned it to the wife - bad idea; "Why don't you just take the car?".   ??? Sigh.

My recently acquired Valk 2 has a CT from the PO; still getting used to slow speed turns.  But if folks are getting around 15k from a stock Avon, I may switch back to eliminate the CT slow turn uniqueness...

[Chrisj CMA]

I'm relatively new to the Valk world; but if you are getting 10000-17000, 19000 miles on a rear, you are blessed.
I'm lucky enough to have a few bikes, and the ST1100 (70000 miles in about 4 years) until recently, gets no more than 5k on a rear Avon.  Switched to a Michelin C3 about a year ago, and it looks like I can now get to about 12k; yippie!  But... it is definitely a harder compound, felt mostly in turns involving paint in the middle - like crosswalks. And when wet.  And when pushing a bit on curvy roads and tar snakes are encountered...
About the same thing with my solo naked GL1200 on E3's.  I have never got over 6k.  Less than 5k on the sidecar GL1200.
I ride a lot, mostly at a good pace (the freeway part of my 50 mile commute is posted 75 - but at 80 you will be passed often) you will be ).  I worked it out a bit ago - until switching to the Michelin C3 I was spending just about the same on tires as I was on gasoline...    Mentioned it to the wife - bad idea; "Why don't you just take the car?".   ??? Sigh.

My recently acquired Valk 2 has a CT from the PO; still getting used to slow speed turns.  But if folks are getting around 15k from a stock Avon, I may switch back to eliminate the CT slow turn uniqueness...

I use E-3 Dunlops and a riding buddy uses Avon Cobras and we get similar mileage.  Never less than 20K on the rear and a bit over on the front.  By buddy got close to 30K on his last front Cobra

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm relatively new to the Valk world; but if you are getting 10000-17000, 19000 miles on a rear, you are blessed.
I'm lucky enough to have a few bikes, and the ST1100 (70000 miles in about 4 years) until recently, gets no more than 5k on a rear Avon.  Switched to a Michelin C3 about a year ago, and it looks like I can now get to about 12k; yippie!  But... it is definitely a harder compound, felt mostly in turns involving paint in the middle - like crosswalks. And when wet.  And when pushing a bit on curvy roads and tar snakes are encountered...
About the same thing with my solo naked GL1200 on E3's.  I have never got over 6k.  Less than 5k on the sidecar GL1200.
I ride a lot, mostly at a good pace (the freeway part of my 50 mile commute is posted 75 - but at 80 you will be passed often) you will be ).  I worked it out a bit ago - until switching to the Michelin C3 I was spending just about the same on tires as I was on gasoline...    Mentioned it to the wife - bad idea; "Why don't you just take the car?".   ??? Sigh.

My recently acquired Valk 2 has a CT from the PO; still getting used to slow speed turns.  But if folks are getting around 15k from a stock Avon, I may switch back to eliminate the CT slow turn uniqueness...

I use E-3 Dunlops and a riding buddy uses Avon Cobras and we get similar mileage.  Never less than 20K on the rear and a bit over on the front.  By buddy got close to 30K on his last front Cobra

Man those roads in the Florida panhandle must be as smooth as a babies butt. ???

[Bighead]

EDITED to keep the peace

[O-B-1]

What about the rear shock preload setting? Wouldn't that also have as much effect as the tire pressure?

I know all the cheap ass chip seal they use around here eats tires. Don't remember the last time I saw an actual asphalt machine & rollers... Just a tar truck, gravel trucks & brush machines.

[desande]

I had a Valk Trike with a Michelin Activ Pilot front tire that I got 24K out of and it still was serviceable.  Changed it out mainly due to age.

[fudgie]

What about the rear shock preload setting? Wouldn't that also have as much effect as the tire pressure?

i doubt it. U are still 200 pounds whether shocks are set on 2 or 4.

[BF]

About 14,000 on E3's. 

I try to keep the front at 42 pounds and the rear at 45. 

My front is getting fairly worn, but the rear still looks pretty good. 

I may try to bump the front's pressure up on the next set.

[Kunkies]

Dunlops Elite III Radials

Noisy yet good longevity.  18K at 42PSI all around, 10-20% two up, very rarely get on her.  Went through 2 sets.  Just mounted Avon Venoms, we'll see how they do.  Initially, they quieter and seem to have a little more bite in the twisties.

[2qmedic]

On the front ME 88, I get about 9-11 k. (much better with 42 psi)
Back ME 88 would be 8-10 k.
GGTT I replaced at 50,684 miles.
(Don't recommend that long as it was showing signs of tread separation along the edge  )

Currently I'm running the Vredestein Sportrac 3 and love it. 
It has a more rounded profile and handles like a MC tire and traction galore. No worries of it braking loose on max cornering.

Cheers 

[Bighead]

*

[Gideon]

I use a Dunlop 404 130/90-17 bias rear on the front in a reverse rotation at 42lb.
I am very happy with getting 14,000 miles.

[vicnelson]

I have had my '99 Touer for a little over two years and just replaced the rear tire I had put on when I bought it. I have been cross country several time (Arizona to Fl, Keys, AZ to MI twice) and put 14k miles on a rear metzler 88. I need to keep better track of the front tire presure because I have been running it low and cupping is beginning.

[Bighead]

14k is pretty darn good I just ordered the American Elite that Hoser posted above. It is the same tire that fits the FLHX (street Glide) HD and I got 17k on one on my Street Glide I just hope to get maybe 12 on the Valk.

[dpcarson]

I just saw last night that there is a 50 dollar rebate on a pari of american elite dunlop right now.  Considering that on one bike and darkside on the other for a comparison (once the IS actually gets on the road that is)  My question is about wear.

I have had my standard for ten years now, and I go through 2 front tires for every one rear tire.  I know that I use primarily front braking as I figure most do.  But, why would you think I am wearing out front tires so much faster than rears.  I have been running Metz radials since I pulled the oem's off.

[Bighead]

I would think it has to do with air pressure. I wear a rear out before the front about 9k on a rear is all.
Front braking 75% to 25% rear is proper braking.

[Jess from VA]

I have had my standard for ten years now, and I go through 2 front tires for every one rear tire.  I know that I use primarily front braking as I figure most do.  But, why would you think I am wearing out front tires so much faster than rears.  I have been running Metz radials since I pulled the oem's off.

Before darkside, I ran multiple pairs of steel ME880s on my two interstates (45psi rear, 44psi front, harder than most), and I could only get around 8-9K of good miles from either the front or rears (I could go up to 2K more of not so good to downright dangerous miles, but don't do that anymore).  Of course the 880s are the fastest wearing tires available (and best sticking IMHO; Avons being close, and probably getting a couple K more good miles).

Traditionally, and with all my other bikes, I would go about two fronts per rear (and I still think this is about normal for most bikes).  But not on my Valks.

 

[Farther]

I have had my standard for ten years now, and I go through 2 front tires for every one rear tire.

Interesting, I go through 2+ rear tires to every front tire.

[dpcarson]

I guess I just ride like an old man until I get into the curves or something.  But 2:1 has been my norm.  A few years ago I even got real critical of my riding style making sure I was pushing the bike through the curves too much, but didn't feel like I was, and my wear has been pretty even as far as any cupping on the front goes.  Oh, well.  Every other bike I have always had a pretty consistent 1:1 wear rate.  On the metz I am running 40 lbs

[2qmedic]

I have had my standard for ten years now, and I go through 2 front tires for every one rear tire.  I know that I use primarily front braking as I figure most do.  But, why would you think I am wearing out front tires so much faster than rears.  I have been running Metz radials since I pulled the oem's off.

Before darkside, I ran multiple pairs of steel ME880s on my two interstates (45psi rear, 44psi front, harder than most), and I could only get around 8-9K of good miles from either the front or rears (I could go up to 2K more of not so good to downright dangerous miles, but don't do that anymore).  Of course the 880s are the fastest wearing tires available (and best sticking IMHO; Avons being close, and probably getting a couple K more good miles).

Traditionally, and with all my other bikes, I would go about two fronts per rear (and I still think this is about normal for most bikes).  But not on my Valks.

   

Just a thought... could you have perhaps installed "V" rated tires up front (with softer tread)?

I normally get about 10-12k out of my front, but I had one tire that I ran 17K. Have no idea why either.

[dpcarson]

LOL  Maybe i don't ride like an old man then.  I get about 8k out of Metz rear and less than that on a Metz front.  Maybe I should start riding like an old man.  These tires are freaking expensive, but they do stick good!

[Jess from VA]

I slowly worked the pressures on my steel ME880s up from 42/42 to 45/44, and the higher pressures do get a few more good miles. 

I have never been accused of riding like an old man, except maybe for the rest of the day after receiving a performance award.  (Though not counting warnings, verbal and written, I have only one moving violation on a motorcycle ever.  Not that I don't deserve about 1000 more.)

[vicnelson]

I am baffled by the results some of you are getting from Metzler 880 tires. I just replaced my rear with 14KM  and since I am planning a trip to Alaska, I was convinced to replace the front even though I thought there was at least 5km left on it. I have used Metzler tires on a number of tour bikes and I always got twice the miles out of a front tire as I do a rear.

[2qmedic]

This is the second set of rear tires and the 3rd front since I have been using "Ride-On Tire Sealant".
I do believe that it does help to increase the mileage of the tires... but more importantly... they are glass smooth (because they do balance the tire and I do not use weights) and IF you have a puncture, it seals it so that there is no flat tire issue on the road. It does not harm the inside of the rim and wipes clean.
I highly recommend it.

[Chrisj CMA]

I would be going to a car tire if I was only getting 8,000 miles on a m/c tire that's for sure.