That Michelin is good stuff isn't it. I say that it inspire confidence. I have another tire I would like to sing its praises. I have ridden in two hard rains lately. My Metzeler 888 grips the road better than any front tire I have ever used save for my 880 on my 109. Its a solid performer.Originally Posted by BuzzzPhotos
Nothing wrong with Metzler ...best rain tire(front) I have ever owned...just don't last very long!
" Truth is often deemed rude, blunt and to the point which is why so few make their friend " Freddy Hayler ..352-267-1553 Sanford, FLA Gutterman6000@Gmail.com
888 is supposed to remedy that Steve. I'll let you know in about 15,000 miles.
Just shy of 20K miles on my Bridgestone Battlax BT45. The center of the tire hardly shows any signs of wear but both sides, off center, are scalloped/cupped. Amazingly there is no vibration and the tire is as nimble as ever in the turns. The Ax is a duel compound "REAR" cycle tire and has been extensively used by GL1800 Trikes with great success. As there is little "leaning of the tire" on a trike folks report getting 30K miles + wear. I suspect, in my case, to get approximately 25K miles wear as I regularly hit the many twisty roads here in NE Pa. Like my OEM Stone, the Ax will be severed/cross sectioned when it's retired and plenty of photos taken to document what remains of the tire thread thickness
Could higher air pressure be the cure? On the stock tire, most recommend 40 psi to prevent that so maybe there is an optimum air pressure for the AX as well.
Ken (Hornblower)
Since the Ax has been installed I've run 40/41 PSI! Here's a pic of the tire! If you look closely you can see a fine line defining the hard and soft rubber!Could higher air pressure be the cure? On the stock tire, most recommend 40 psi to prevent that so maybe there is an optimum air pressure for the AX as well
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Bob, do you have a fork brace on?
And the verdict is? I am not a fan of the OEM brand on my B and always loved my 880's. Went thru several sets on my VTX, had just gotten an 888 front went I semi-retired the VTX. I'm looking at the 888 before I try running on the Darkside...
I've had good use out of my 888. If course like everybody I've been in the rain with it several times. To me the 888 is as good as the 880 was. Guys we all know the dangers of riding in the rain. Some of it is common sense. I've seen guys riding in the grooves on the hwy when it was raining. That's where the water is the deepest. Foolish. I don't care what tire you have you can hydroplane. You just have to slow down.
True all tires will hydroplane.... But some are tested and better than others. One of the main reasons I chose Bridgestone Driveguard had to do with traction in water since I live in FL. Rain is everyday here in June-Sept. Have been in many storms with no issues so far. Common sense is the best way not to go down tho.....
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