Tire brands

[bob109]

I agree with what you say Bob. Do you think Dunlops attempt to make a high mileage tire by using a harder center compound results in a tire that delivers less wet road traction to go along with the higher tread life?

Not a tire engineer by any means, I'll take a stab at your question and guess that "tire siping" and "compound softness/composition play a major role in "wet traction". If you "Google" pictures of motorcycle racing tires you'll find some great pics of "wet" and "dry" tire thread characteristics. I'm sure you'll find it enlightening. The "new thing" in cycle tire manufacturing is, of course, "duel compound". I can personally attest to the Bridgestone Battle Ax BT-45 having a extremely hard center compound with softer compound both sides off center. I have some pics of the worn Ax but unfortunately can't post them! I'm a "Double Dark Sider" and use the Ax on the front of my 6. The tire is a rear tire hence its hard center! 20K plus miles and the tire exhibits cupping in the soft off center rubber yet the center has plenty of "good rubber" So goes my "unscientific experimentation".

I would think the bottom line is for each of us to try a brand specific tire and closely observe its performance and longevity! As we each have our own distinct riding styles and encounter different road surfaces, depending where we live and ride, there are many variables which will effect wear and performance. That said, two different riders with the same bike and tires could have remarkably different results!

Ride Safe

bob109

[Brasco]

Posted on a similar thread a couple weeks ago but this issue. I had to put a Michelin Commander II on the rear due to need to make an emergency replacement while on a road trip. I got some great input on that thread and did a lot of research -- including reading those poor wet traction reviews for the Dunny Elite 4 on the GL1800 forum. Despite generally positive reviews for the E4s on this forum (which I agree is kinda confusing given some pretty negative comments from full Wing riders) I decided to go back to the Stone OEMs both front and back. For me the decider was much better price point for the Stones and the fact they do their job just fine on the F6B.

Sure, I'm not going to get the same tread life out of them but for the price savings that's not a huge deal when you consider price of E4s or other dual compound makes. By the time this new set of Stones of mine is worn out I figure enough time will have passed that there should be a clear opinion on whether the E4s can get the job done long term (he says hopefully!). Not saying tire choice should be a decision based exclusively on price, but they sure ain't giving dual compound makes away so you want to make sure it's going to be worth it from a $$ standpoint when compared to OEMs.