Need Tires at 7K miles

[jandreu]

Just finished cleaning the Nomad and while I knew the tires were getting thin I never expected to find the rear almost bald at 7K. Stock tires that came on the bike. Front is not much better. Very disapointed in the wear on these tires but I do 98% twisties and mountain roads with almost no highway long distance riding so expect the tires will wear a little quicker than you mainlanders that are putting down several hundred miles in a day on highway roads. Sooooo.....it's time for tires.

I'm looking at the Kenda K673 series, 150/80-16 front and 160/80-16 rear. Found a fair price at Motorcycle Superstore $229.98 for the set with free shipping.

Any comments from folks who are using these. The 160/80-16 being a taller tire looks like it will help correct the speedo error but is a little narrower than stock and I like the fat tire look.

Any suggestions or comments? I was thinking about going with Avon Cobras but they are way more expensive. What's the pro and con of bias vs radial?

Also was thinking about going to the darkside, Goodyear Triple Tread 205/60R-16 but just can't make the jump right now. If this set wears out as fast as the stock tires the Darkside may be looking better. I see several folks are running this tire with good results and I like the look. Which front tire would be best matched with the GYTT and what's the pro and con of mixing a radial rear with a bias front?

Thanks all,

[markclark57]

I like the Goodyear Triple Tread 205/60-16 on my '06. It took a couple of rides to get used to the difference in ride dynamic. After that its been all pluses. More comfort, traction, control, better handling (especially at low speeds).

I've heard some say not to mix radial and bias tires. Heard others that are doing just that with no issues. I think that the Avon's are available both ways, so I'll be looking for a radial front when the time comes.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I have Dunlop Elite 3's front and rear. Have almost 5,000 miles on the rear and no wear showing yet. Front has about 3,000 with no wear showing. I really like the Dunlop's and they are US made. Never used a Kenda and probably never will. Name just don't sound right to me. Proud to be an American and my made in US tires.

[MAS Tequila]

I'm currently running a Metzler Me880 180/70/16 on the rear. It has a sidewall height difference of 0.06" with the 160/80/16. I have about 9500 miles on it an other than being a little scuffed it still looks like new. Most of these mile were put on in the NC hill country.That is the Valkyrie tire and it has 'Made In Germany' on the side of it. Apparently this is one of the sizes not made in Brazil.

MT

[ringadingh]

Ive never had any luck with the Brazilian Metzelers.
Whats the difference if you use Kenda tires on your made in Japan bike, it keeps it all Asian.

[VulcanE]

I don't have any experience with the Kenda K673 series tires so I can't comment on them. I'm running the GYTT on the back, and it has a little over 10,000 miles on it, and it still looks new and I've been very pleased with it. I just ordered a replacement front tire (Avon Cobra 150/80R-16 71V). It will be replacing a Avon Cobra 150/80R-16 71V with 17,579 miles on it. IMHO, the Cobra is the best tire comb to go with the GYTT. 7,000 miles is my average on 5 other rear MC tires (stock stone 170/70B-16, 3 ME880 Metzelers 180/70R-16, and a Avon Cobra 180/70R-16). The best MC tires I've had was the set of Cobras, but I like my current combo (GYTT+ front Cobra) the best. I still have about 2mm before getting to the wear bars on the Cobra, so I could probably get another thousand or so miles out of it, but it's close enough to go ahead and replace it. 97% of all my riding is in the Appalachian mountains, and I'm not easy on it, so our riding conditions are similar. I'm not trying to talk anyone into a CT, but for me, it can't be beat.

[nomadrider]

Check the Dennis Kirk Website.Last time I looked at a set of Kenda Kruz tires was less than $200.00 with free shipping.

[wiz]

I had very good luck with Kenda Kruz tires on my C50, I just wish they made a slightly larger tire for the rear on the Nomad. Later this year I'll be replacing my Cobras and the car tire looks very enticing for the rear.

[jandreu]

Thanks for the replies...

MarkClark57..I have seen in a couple of your posts the comment that the low speed handling is improved, in your opium, with the GYTT. That is my main concern with the CT. The Nomad is a heavy beast with bad manners in slow speed maneuvers and I don't want to make it worst. If you don't mind please explain why you feel the GYTT is better at low speeds.

VulvanE...I know you have had the GYTT for awhile. How do you feel about the low speed handling?

Were you guys able to mount the GYTT yourselves or did a shop do it for you? Also what psi did you finaly settle on in the GYTT. As you can see I really want the GYTT but there's something that just keeps telling me to stay with a MT.

[ponch]

Prior to the beemer, I always used metzlers, which were always better than what the bikes came with. The stones suck. The E3's are good too. Either the 880 or E3's will make you think you have a new bike.

[toxictavrn]

Just finished cleaning the Nomad and while I knew the tires were getting thin I never expected to find the rear almost bald at 7K. Stock tires that came on the bike. Front is not much better. Very disapointed in the wear on these tires but I do 98% twisties and mountain roads with almost no highway long distance riding so expect the tires will wear a little quicker than you mainlanders that are putting down several hundred miles in a day on highway roads. Sooooo.....it's time for tires.

I'm looking at the Kenda K673 series, 150/80-16 front and 160/80-16 rear. Found a fair price at Motorcycle Superstore $229.98 for the set with free shipping.

Any comments from folks who are using these. The 160/80-16 being a taller tire looks like it will help correct the speedo error but is a little narrower than stock and I like the fat tire look.

Any suggestions or comments? I was thinking about going with Avon Cobras but they are way more expensive. What's the pro and con of bias vs radial?

Also was thinking about going to the darkside, Goodyear Triple Tread 205/60R-16 but just can't make the jump right now. If this set wears out as fast as the stock tires the Darkside may be looking better. I see several folks are running this tire with good results and I like the look. Which front tire would be best matched with the GYTT and what's the pro and con of mixing a radial rear with a bias front?

Thanks all,



ahyup them stock bridgestones never got me more than 7500 on a rear and no more than 10k on a front,

tried the metzlers and avons 180 radial rears, i wont use them again, i killed those in less than 3k miles, they cant handle heavy loaded hard riding,

been running 3 sets of dunlops, first set was the e2 160, great tire, got 10k out of a back, but they dont make em to fit a nomad anymore, its now the dunlop e3, 160, overall a great tire, noisy, but got almost 10k outta 2 rears, just changed my front at 15k, right down to the wear bars, just put on a kenda kruz front, so far i like it, i have the matching kenda for the rear but still have a month or so to change that, and that will be a 160 as well, i ll have to give a report later on this season!

the 160 really doesnt look much different than the 170 or 180, but i can say they do get better mileage out of the 160s, so far i am liking the price of the kendas, which i also got from motorcycle superstore, they were the only place i could find that stocks the 150 front tire!

[ccmjr77]

The original stones were bad, but I got almost 11K on mine. Second set was metzlers, I did not like them any better than the stones. Got about 12K on the front and 8K on the back before getting a nail in it. I now have a dunlop Elite III on the rear and a Dunlop D404 on the front. I like both the dunlops very well. I have about 10K on the rear and it is still good. I have about 4 on the front also still good. I am considering darkside rear when I change, probably this summer sometime.

[waterman]

I have tried several brands of tires on my Vulcans. The roads out here are hard on tires. They chip seal them for protection. Best I have done is 10,000 out of a rear.

Went to a CT on the rear Continental Vanco 2. I have 7,000 miles on it and I like it. As mark stated, the slow speed control is a plus. My guess is a flat tire keeps you more upright.

[Kawhead]

I have the GYTT on the rear and Cobra. You mentioned you like the look of a big tire and she's a "Looker". Symmetrical tread pattern and wide. Low speed handling is smooth ONCE you get use to it. I don't ride as aggressive as VulcanE but he gives it hell. I pass this along to anybody that mounts this tire, torque your axle first, then torque your gear box to the drive shaft tube. Otherwise, you'll pull your shaft tube into your tire. You only have 3.0mm clearence (3 credit card thickness) between the tube and the tire. But it'll never touch. If it dose let us know, because yours will be the first. Oh, and ride a new tire easy for at least 500 miles to remove the mold release.

Not trying to talk you into a CT.
I'm just sayin'. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[bogatyrs]

I just had to replace my rear tire on my 3010 Nomad the original tire has only 8,500 miles on it - unfortunatley the only tire I could get that fits the 2010 is another Bridgestone. The tires are:

Rear - 170/70 - B16
Front - 130/90 - B16

If anyone has any suggestion on alternative tires I welcome it. 8,500 on mostly highway miles just doesn't seem right when I was getting 12- 14K on my last bike.

Thanks,

[ponch]

I just had to replace my rear tire on my 3010 Nomad the original tire has only 8,500 miles on it - unfortunatley the only tire I could get that fits the 2010 is another Bridgestone. The tires are:

Rear - 170/70 - B16
Front - 130/90 - B16

If anyone has any suggestion on alternative tires I welcome it. 8,500 on mostly highway miles just doesn't seem right when I was getting 12- 14K on my last bike.

Thanks,

I never got more than 9500 out of any tire.

Man, you got a 3010? You lucky bastard. I can't wait to see the options on that one. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif ;)

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I noticed that 3010 model also. But then he caught it the next time and went with 2010.

[markclark57]

MarkClark57..I have seen in a couple of your posts the comment that the low speed handling is improved, in your opium, with the GYTT. That is my main concern with the CT. The Nomad is a heavy beast with bad manners in slow speed maneuvers and I don't want to make it worst. If you don't mind please explain why you feel the GYTT is better at low speeds.

VulvanE...I know you have had the GYTT for awhile. How do you feel about the low speed handling?

Were you guys able to mount the GYTT yourselves or did a shop do it for you? Also what psi did you finaly settle on in the GYTT. As you can see I really want the GYTT but there's something that just keeps telling me to stay with a MT.

There is a change of ride dynamic due to the shape of the CT compared to a MT. The CT has a much "flatter" face on it so if your straight up at any speed the ride is a lot more stable. The flip side of that is that it resists the lean in soft or "sweeper" turns and tends to "dive into" the twisties when you are getting close to the foot boards. Its not a bad thing, just different.

The only time I've lost traction with the GYTT was an unexpected quick stop on the freeway. I was surprised how quick and how stable the bike stopped. Especially compared to similar situations with the same Nomad on the original "stones". Probably saved me another collision and the shorts were still clean. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I'm not a "wrench head". I even pay for my oil changes. I had the GYTT installed with the diferential/drive line service. I'm running at 30 psi nitrogen.

BTW I've taken several corners with the GYTT that I scraped boards on before with the OEM MT, at higher speeds than before without touching the boards.

[Jared]

I helped budy put Kendras on his 1600 classic. He has about 3000 miles on them and they are still looking great.

[bogatyrs]

I just had to replace my rear tire on my 3010 Nomad the original tire has only 8,500 miles on it - unfortunatley the only tire I could get that fits the 2010 is another Bridgestone. The tires are:

Rear - 170/70 - B16
Front - 130/90 - B16

If anyone has any suggestion on alternative tires I welcome it. 8,500 on mostly highway miles just doesn't seem right when I was getting 12- 14K on my last bike.

Thanks,

I never got more than 9500 out of any tire.

Man, you got a 3010? You lucky bastard. I can't wait to see the options on that one. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif ;)

Ok I was in a "parellel universe"; but I am back ::)

Just had a suggestion that I can put on:
Rear 160/80 B-16 (Goldwing 1500) Metzler

Any thoughts...

[ponch]

I never got more than 9500 out of any tire.

Man, you got a 3010? You lucky bastard. I can't wait to see the options on that one. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif ;)

Ok I was in a "parellel universe"; but I am back ::)

Just had a suggestion that I can put on:
Rear 160/80 B-16 (Goldwing 1500) Metzler

Any thoughts...



That bike uses bias tires? I am surprised.

[ringadingh]

If you want great tire mileage install a car tire on the rear, its cheaper and they last a lot longer.

[deacon]

I am getting a gytt mounted as I type this. The bike shop owner called around to some friends who mount tires for bikes and talked to two who have mounted them on the 1600. They said it was a close fit, one of them also said he had a customer who used dyna beads and didn't like them (I don't know why). I am going on a 1500 mile trip to Maine this weekend, I'll post something when I get back. We will have good weather here for the next few days so I will put some miles on before we head out Friday. Any suggestions on what I should start with for pressure? (sorry Jim, not trying to hijack your post! I was going start a new post on this subject b4 I found this one :-[ )

[ringadingh]

Id start at about 33-35 and youll probably end up at 28-30, but everyone is a bit different. Try a few settings and see what feels best for you and that particular tire.

[landman]

i run the 160/80-16 dunlop e-3 bias on the rear.currently have about 11,000 miles on it but will replace it before leaving for the redwoods rally in august.being a taller tire it will remove about half the speedo error.my
gps shows 67 mph at an indicated 70mph.

[markclark57]

I gave up on the speedo correction in favor of an awesome comfortable ride and lots of traction. I know how far off the #'s are and compensate. I agree with the use of the GPS for confirmation, but I was looking for wide more than tall due to traction factors multiply faster by adding width. That was a lot more important when I had a 50 mile daily commute in the Puget Sound convergence zone. But it's still a nice tire. . . GYTT 205/60-16. :)

[jandreu]

Mark I have to tell you that you have an evil twin in North Carolina. My best friend looks almost identical to you especially in your sig pic with the family. Every time I see your post I get flash backs of some of the best times in my life.

Been looking on line for tires and guess what.....either they will not ship to Hawaii or they want almost as much as the tire cost to ship it. Motorcycle Superstore just refuses to ship, Dennis Kirk want $68 to ship two tires which is the cheapest I've found. I'm use to the high cost of stuff but sometimes the premium for shipping just tweaks my a--. Of course none of the local shops carry anything but Bridgestones and Dunlop for Cruisers. The Kawi dealer on Maui is also the HD dealer so they are just plain ripping folks off. I checked with two indy shops and they have to order also so the freight is still an issue.

I'll keep looking for a few days. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[pagemastr]

Ok I was in a "parellel universe"; but I am back ::)

Just had a suggestion that I can put on:
Rear 160/80 B-16 (Goldwing 1500) Metzler

Any thoughts...


Bog:
I have metzler radials front and back and like them. Rear is the 180/70 R16 and safely get 9000 miles, any more is pushing it I learned.
My last rear at 11,000: the sides were as flat as the bottom when I replaced it, seems I am at a pretty consistent lean in my turns http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Local (ASK) dealer wanted $260 for the tire + installation, and a week with my bike. Fortunate to have Iron Pony near me... the tire <$200, installation was cheaper, and they did it while I waited.
Considered CT for all of about ten seconds, I'll spend the money on a tire I know is designed for the bike even having to replace it every year!!!

[markclark57]

Mark I have to tell you that you have an evil twin in North Carolina. My best friend looks almost identical to you especially in your sig pic with the family. Every time I see your post I get flash backs of some of the best times in my life.

Been looking on line for tires and guess what.....either they will not ship to Hawaii or they want almost as much as the tire cost to ship it. Motorcycle Superstore just refuses to ship, Dennis Kirk want $68 to ship two tires which is the cheapest I've found. I'm use to the high cost of stuff but sometimes the premium for shipping just tweaks my a--. Of course none of the local shops carry anything but Bridgestones and Dunlop for Cruisers. The Kawi dealer on Maui is also the HD dealer so they are just plain ripping folks off. I checked with two indy shops and they have to order also so the freight is still an issue.

I'll keep looking for a few days. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

I'm probably the evil twin for the look-alike. . . 2 of my 3 brothers have to be asked which one of us it is in family pictures. They are both older so it's easy to tell who's who in person. It's just a common Irish look I guess.

My decision for the GYTT was almost purely for performance (& that it looks good on the Nomad). Lots of darksiders get a CT more for the price. I've never been to Hawaii, but imagine there must be some CT stores around. There are several sizes and styles of CT that will fit. Just omit any information about motorcycles when you order and pick it up.

[jandreu]

This has been a tough decision, I've gone back and forth between the Kenda tires and the GYTT. I really wanted the GYTT mainly due to the look on the bike but I just could not bring myself to pull the trigger on a CT. So I ordered a set of Kenda Kruz K673 from Bike Bandit. Their price was about the same as other vendors but the shipping to Hawaii was way lower. So for $266.62 including shipping I'll be sporting a set of Kendas in a few weeks.

If these don't hold up any better than the stock tires I diffidently see the GYTT in my future.

Thanks again for everyones help.... http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[pagemastr]

That's a nice price on a pair of tires for the nomad, hope they work for you!!!

[Jared]

Definitely give us a review on them!

[jandreu]

Well I spoke to soon. Got an email from Bike Bandit today and they out right refuse to ship tires to Hawaii. Did not even offer to ship for additional charge! Go figure... http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/> ::)

I did find a site on eBay that has the same tires and confirmed they would ship to Hawaii for $20 a tire so I'll be ordering them from the site below;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260387986200&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

$110 for the rear and $105 for the front plus $40 shipping = $255 for the set. Still works out cheaper than Bike Bandit so I guess I win! http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

They claim they will ship USPS and the tires will be here in 15 days, we'll see.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Glad you were able to find someone that will ship to Hawaii without ripping you off.

[ringadingh]

Thats seems like a fair price for the pair, here you would pay at least that much for just the rear tire.
I don't know why a lot of places won't ship to Canada, Hawaii, or Alaska. Its the exact same process to ship there or across town.

[jandreu]

Tires arrived today via USPS. Ordered last week Wednesday, that's excellent service.

Now all I gotta do is find the time to do the swing arm maintenance, tighten the steering neck bearing and mount the tires. Couple of other items I would like to work in also, change the fork oil and wire in the handlebar switches I got from Catusjack. Figured I'd wire one switch to control my driving lights [currently they just come on when the headlight is on, hot wire to low beam controls the relay. I'll leave it like this but use the switch to completely turn them off should I wish to] and the other switch to wire in emergency flashers. Figure I need a full weekend down to get all of this done.

For now I think I'll go for a ride instead! http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif