I posted this in the tire section, but I have zero replies there, so i figured I'd post it over here where it wil get more traffic instead.


It's almost that time. The stock Dunlops have about 8300 miles on them and will need to be replaced soon. I was wondering what kind of options do I have? I have heard people talk about Dunlop, Avon, and Metzeler. Are there other brands that are good as well? My main concerns are:

-tread life
-performance
-size (I don't want them throwing off the speedo too much)

I have zero experience with any tires except the stock ones, so any help here would be greatly appreciated. I want to be edumacated when it comes time to buy.

 

I like Metzelers......but 8300 on a rear tire is about the norm.

 

Avons is my preference especially since I get them at wholesale...lol

 

Is there a reason why (besides being able to get wholesale pricing) you guys like those tires?

Pricing is obviously a factor here too, but I'm just curious as to what makes you guys choose those tires above something else.

 

I have a night train also. I got 10,000 on my dunlops. there are many tires out there but the dunlops have been a good tire for me so I think I will be staying with them.

 

I found the Avoms to have better handling the Dunflops. Also since I have an RG and Ultra, Avon makes a rear tire with the correct load rating for those bikes where Metzler does not.

Now granted I have not tried the Dunlop "Elite III" tires and I haveheard from people on the forum that have them and they like them...and I can get those at wholesale as well which means I might need to try a set of those on my RG when it comes time to change the tires in a month or so.

You really can'tgo wrong with Metzler, Avon or the Elite III.

 

Anybody have any experience with Pirelli?

I can get a pair for a good price on ebay, but can't find anybody that has ever tried them.

 

I am on my 2nd Avon Venom X on my Heritage Classic. Got 10K out of the first one. Much better handling than the OEM Dunlop. I have an Elite 3 on the front and really like this combination. I installed a front Avon back about 2000 miles ago and replaced it with the E3.

 

Can't comment on tread life because my Avons only have about 1100 miles on them, but as far as handling they are night and day better than the stock Dunlops. I also like that my front tire has a bit more beef to it.

 

As long as we're doing this here, let me ask...

I have the 07' Fatboy and will replace tires this year. Past experience says regardless of wear, change them both at the same time so I will.

I checked both the Metzeler and Avon websites and neither shows which tire they offer will fit my bike.

So, help?

Metzeler, Avon, Elite III.... front and rear, which size do you buy?

Thanks.