opinions wanted! New front tire needed?

[EOD MOE]

I am on my way to Minnesota and believe I have enough front tire to get me there and back. A couple buddies commented on my lack of front tire tread and think it needs to be changed right away. I agree it's worn, but explained to them the Elite 3's don't show much of a tread pattern when new. Now they have me doubting myself, so I come to the board for some wisdom, guidance, and a general consensus. Round trip is expected to be about 3000 miles. My cheap a$$ wants to get the most miles I can before buying new rubber, but don't want to kill myself  (or the wife). If the prevailing opinion is (replace that sucker!) Where is a good place to buy a repacement Dunplop Elite 3? Thought I found the correct size for $150.00 shipping included on line, but now can't seem to find site anywhere.

[junior]

that needs changing.....................really

[JimC]

I would not try to put 3,000 miles on that tire.
Jim

[John U.]

I have to agree, that tire is done.
It's not worth being stranded far from home, or worse.

[EOD MOE]

Three in a row is enough to convince me. I knew it needed replaced soon, just thought I could squeeze one more trip out of her. Can anyone steer me towards a good deal? Rear Tire is a Dunlop Elite 3 with plenty of tread. I'm not against mixing brands if I can get it for a good price. Thanks..   Moe

[mooserider]

Honda direct line has this tire for $182.99
   Dunlop new design Elite 3 150/80HR17 front tire for the Valkyrie and VTX1800 Retro. FREE SHIPPING!! BB-DUN03030018 AA314431

http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=4800&str=2

[Ricky-D]

Just received an e-mail from "Bike Bandit".

They are having a big tire sale right now.

Seems like really good prices.

[R J]

I am on my way to Minnesota and believe I have enough front tire to get me there and back. A couple buddies commented on my lack of front tire tread and think it needs to be changed right away. I agree it's worn, but explained to them the Elite 3's don't show much of a tread pattern when new. Now they have me doubting myself, so I come to the board for some wisdom, guidance, and a general consensus. Round trip is expected to be about 3000 miles. My cheap a$$ wants to get the most miles I can before buying new rubber, but don't want to kill myself  (or the wife). If the prevailing opinion is (replace that sucker!) Where is a good place to buy a repacement Dunplop Elite 3? Thought I found the correct size for $150.00 shipping included on line, but now can't seem to find site anywhere.

You don't say where you are coming from, but if it is any distance, you is planning a death wish in my opinion.....   You can be tight in the pockets, but your life is on the line with that tire........    Buy a new one and be done with it.........  That is very cheap life insurance in my book.

I might be biased here as I rode a motor for a living and saw tooooooo many tire failures in the 32 years I served.......

These tires take a rather large time to wear down to that point on the front, but from there on to cords, it is about a tenth or less of the original wear.......

[Tundra]

Love your wife? Get a new tire!  Don't mess around  

[john]

tires are the only thing between you and the pavement ...

[EOD MOE]

I agree with everyone. I am putting my old worn out tire to rest, as well as this thread (I hope). Thank you for all the replies, I was a bonehead to think I could go any farther on that tire, I think I got my moneys worth out of it already. Thanks Ricky-D, Bike Bandit has an Elite 3 for $160.00 (free shipping) so I'll have a new one on my doorstep next week.

[ironman]

wow thats using all the rubber you can.  pay a new tire or stay home. 

[aviaator]

What does the rear tire look like?  I was out riding with the club a few weeks ago and one of our members who owns a Gold Wing started complaining about his bike's handling.  We pulled over and his rear tire was going flat.  It was the baldest tire I have ever seen on a (non-racing) bike.  No tread whatsoever - with cords showing in spots!

Oh yeah and he was riding two-up