Hey Gang,

Been tire shopping last couple day stopping at local shops while I've been out riding in the unseasonably warm temps (mid to upper 60s here in the Northeast).
I'm in need of a new front badly since I've got about 15600 on both front and rear (front is pretty bald on ctr. and back still good for maybe another 2k). I've been set on ME880s after reading about them on here and elsewhereand was going to order them cheap and get mounted but lots of shops round my area now would rather not install if they dont sell them and if they do install them for you when purchased elsewhere they want over $30 or more each when taking them the wheel. So I was shopping the best deal on just a front tire for nowpurchased and installed locally tryinto give some biz. to the small indy shops. Anyway the last custom builder I stopped in today talked me out of the ME880 saying through the ones he and his father had run this past yearplus several he'd installed had short life problems and blistering. So for $136 mounted and balanced I'm getting an Avon Venom X 90/90 21 put on tomorrow. I know its a little more than I wanted to spend but like I said I wanted to give some biz to the local guys and most now hitting harder with installs on tires they did not sell I agreed to it figuring if I order online the install would jack the cost higher anyway.

Anyone running these tires care to comment on how good/bad they are and what mileage they're getting?

I hate to think of getting the back done now since the tire cost from the same guy is like $195 (shops round here get pretty much retail and install free if you take the wheel.I guess if they grip good wet/dry plus give me at least 8-10k or more miles I guess I'll be happy.

 

This isn't the exact answer you want, but the some of the Goldwing riders on yahoogroups are using them, and they LOVE 'em. personally, I don't have 'em but I'd be tempted when the time comes.

 

a lot of guys like them over on the xl forum, you mean the AM41+AM42 i assume, better handling and a little less wear, the motorcycle pro shop has great prices and cheap delivery, i got dunlop 501GT for my lo about $225 delivered promptly

 

Just put a set of Avon Roadriders on this weekend (1/5-1/6). Front was a piece of cake, rear took a bit more intestinal fortitude. First ride was Monday, then Tuesday, then today. Superb ride, excellent handling, cornering very confident. Simply the best tires I've ever ridden on. (Metzler Lasertecs on the Yama 650 and much more $). Everything I read was positve and now I know why. The Avons were from Ron Ayers online for about $180 shipped. Good luck with your choice. Oh, the new tubes were $40 from the local HD dealer (I like to kick the small stuff his way to keep his hopes up). Really, get a set of tire irons and try the front yourself if your adventuresome. Save some scratch. I have a lil red jack but the 2 by 6 or 8 quickie jack would work just as well to get the front end up.

 

I had 2 sets of them on my Dyna's , liked them a bit more than the Metzelers , and WAY more than the dunlops. Good stick rain or shine and good durability

 

The Goldwing guys use gasoline... does that mean I should avoid it, too?

 

I ran them on my last bike and I loved them. It was like owning a different bike after I installed them.A friend of mine is running them on his 1200 and loves the way it handles in the twisties. I'll be ordering tires soon myself and I'll definitely get them for my Sporty.

 

Thanks all for the comments. I too had read a few reviews of them over on XLF. I'm anxious to see how they ride (though anything will be better grip wisethan the stock Dunlops).
Hey Sportacus, I here ya on the DIY job. I do all my own work and have a bike lift but after changin tires with irons years ago on another bike (scratching the rim, pinching tube, cussing and what not) I said never again besides they need to be balanced again based on the wheel wgt. thats on there now. I'll pull the wheel todaywhen he calls me and run it over and hopefully get a ride in before the heavy rain moves in. Other than the price I think I'll be happy and even if he charged me retail plus mount and balance (which he gets $10-15 ea. for) I guess I dont mind since small shops gotta make something to stay alive. I bargain shop alot but being self-empl. running 2 small businesses (charter fishing & woodworking)I understand what it means to patronize local folks even for a little more $$ especially this time of year when business is slow and bills are high.

 

Go with the "X." I am running those on a 2004 FXDP which is lowered and built. No comparison to the runflat Dunlops, stock Dunlops or Metzlers. I have Metz's on two other bikes, will be switching to Avons when new tread is needed.

Good choice ditching the Metzles. The difference I have noticed between Avons and Metzlers is the Metz seem to be sluggish in the turns. Avons are responsive and provide a smooth ride.

 

The biggest change I noticed was the height of them. They are about an inch higher than the stock dunlops. I know cause when I lowered my front end, and put in 5 degree triple trees it was almost too low for my kickstand. Then I did the tires right after it and my kickstand and stance was higher.
I am going to switch to Metzlers next I think. (To enter the Metzler bike show if I do).
As far as durability and traction, they have been great so far. But I am a bad example, especially for the rear tire. I ride pretty hard and burn-out quitea bit. I burned the last bit of "oil slick" that is on your tire when it comes new off the edge of my tire while riding The Tale of The Dragon this year in Tennessee during the HOG national rally. They worked great out there, even in the rain which it was pouring down on the way back to Knoville.