Tire brands

[3Chief]

I have run E-3s (bias) on another brand bike with good results for years. I'm now running Avon Cobras on my F6B and I like them for the short time I've had them. E-4s were to be my choice if I had not found a really good price on the Avons. Several people here run the Dunlops and like them. What I don't understand is that over on a GL board they hate Dunlop both 3 and 4s. Say they are terrible in wet weather. That feeling vrs what I read here is confusing. What is up with the differing opinions? I understand that the Bridgestones are good and may now be my second best choice due to all the bad talk about the Dunnies. I don't consider Michelin (bias) due to a local friend hating them on wet pavement. Metzeler is not an option due to all the reports of cracking. Ran Pirelli and they have a very short tread life, Shinko is garbage the one time I tried one. What will be my next tire? Please understand that a CT is not an option so please don't turn this into a darkside thread. I am interested in your opinions on motorcycle tire brands.

I thought the issues with the Metzler were with the 880's and not the newer 888's. May be worth investigating as I've run Metzler's on my VTX for years with no cracking.

[2wheelsforme]

The cracking and chunking issue might be related to only the 880. Good for them if they fixed that problem with the 888.

[wjduke]

I think it's a matter of keep trying until you find the one for you. I just have to try the E4's next. I've only run OEM's so far, but I know two folks who are completely satisfied with mileage and handling. One of who rides like an animal and got 22k out of "hers". Plus they were worn edge to edge. 53 is getting great mileage. I had the chance to ride with him once recently. He wasn't on his bike, but he doesn't baby it. I don't have surplus cash, but sometimes money shouldn't matter. Forum people like to embellish stories sometimes. I'm going with first hand experience.

That "other forum" is for full wing owners. Yes, they have an F6B section, but don't waste too much time there....my opinion.

[olegoat345]

I've always had great service from AVON, handling, mileage, ride always been great on every bike I've put them on. AVON makes a tire just for the GW. Call AVON USA tech rep. 800# to get P/N. From Dennis Kirk, delivered for just under $300. 1oz beads in the F; 2oz beads in the R, @ 100+ mph smooth a silk. Nothing else to say.

[BobR]

I now have 2000 miles on my 2nd set of E4's. I had 6800 miles on them when I got a large bolt in my rear one. I replaced them with like kind. I do notice that these tires are very noisy off of center. They also seem to have a vibration whenever I get off center to turn one way or the other. I liked my original Bridgestones and got 13,500 miles out of the original set but was having a problem with the 40mph wobble and accelerated tire wear with the 2nd set of Bridgestones so my dealer said he wanted to replace them with a set of E4's under my tire warranty so I said go for it. I also had the neck bearings changed out for the AllBalz tapered bearings. The 40mph wobble is gone but I am really annoyed by the noise and vibration of the E4's and will probably go back to the stock Bridgestones when I wear through these E4's. BTW, those new tapered bearings completely changed the handling of the F6B. Steering is much tighter and precise.

[2wheelsforme]

Yes Avon has a Cobra tire made just for the wing. I'm sure the price has went up science I bought mine. Avon Cobras in all my searches have mostly positive things said about them like they sick well and are quite. The only thing I read negative is that they do not last as long as some others. So I think I'll stay with a tire that has great traction in wet and dry, runs quite, does not crack or chunk up, does not react to tar snakes, does not wander on cement or metal grating and balances out smooth as silk with little weight. Add that cost is low compared to some brands and I don't mind changing at 10 K or so. Numbers needed to get the Wing rubber:

Quantity Product Unit Price Price
1 Rear Cobra AV72 180/60HR-16 Blackwall Tire - 90000001418
Part #: 544272 $139.88 $139.88
1 Front Cobra AV71 130/70HR-18 Blackwall Tire - 90000001167
Part #: 543337 $118.88 $118.88
Thank you for your order!

If you have any questions or comments, please either email or call Customer Service: orders@denniskirk.com or 1-800-969-7501
Merchandise Total: $258.76
Shipping Charge: $0.00
Tire Fee: $10.00
Sub Total: $268.76
Tax: $0.00
Order Total: $268.76

[2wheelsforme]

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