vaquero tire survey

[bunky]

Yes...another tire thread....

My OEM vaquero tires have 14,000 kms (8700 miles) and look about ready for replacement.
I have been reading about replacement tires and am confused. ... How much play do I have in a tire that doesn't have the exact OEM numbers? For instance, Dunlop Elite 4 rear is either 160/80B16 or 150/80B16. Do you go for the closest OEM number? Their front tire does match OEM.

The OEM size for front is 130/90B16 73H and rear is 170/70B16 75H.

I want to stay with the size that Kawi designed this bike for, so I am pretty much going with either of the three types.... your thoughts and experience would be appreciated.

1. Metzeller ME888
2. Michelin Commander 2
3. Dunlop Elite 4 (if possible)

Thanks,

[Old Bear]

Using Michelin Commander II. Front tire is a match, rear is a little wider and a little less diameter. Keep in mind that also affects MPH reading. I don't have the actual tire size handy, but I can say that I am on my third set!

[talon]

MC II's on my Vaquero. Stock size on front; 180/65/16 on rear. Rides better I think. Been using that size tire on the rear on my old Nomad and now on my Vaq. for about 8 years now.

[rozie]

I now have michelin commander ll tires front and rear on my vaquero. the oem rear was replaced last year with 12000 klms. on it and a 180/60/16 went on. three weeks ago I had the front replaced with 17500 klms. on it and a 130/90/16 went on. the rear is great. no problems at all. the front seemed a bit hard when I left the shop so I pulled over and aired it down from 42 to 38 psi and seems fine now. other people have said that michelin commanders are slippery when riding in wet weather. I havent been out in the rain yet.... but the tire was designed for a heavy cruiser so I cant see them being that bad on wet pavement. my bike is a cruiser not a sport bike and I ride it like a cruiser. I had metzler 888 on my old vstar1100 and they were just as good.

[bunky]

Thank you for the replies.
I ride with a friend who has a goldwing and he swears by the dunlop elite 4's.
My concern was the rear, for the OEM size is not an option with Dunlop. So I am to assume I would have to go to the 180/60R 16.
I dont mind paying for the premium price, but am I only looking at about 3000 to 5000 km difference in tire life? Compared to the cheaper OEM, I'm not sure whether more expensive is worth it.

[Old Bear]

Originally Posted by bunky

So I am to assume I would have to go to the 180/60R 16.

Yes, you are correct. This is the size most end up at.

Originally Posted by bunky

I dont mind paying for the premium price, but am I only looking at about 3000 to 5000 km difference in tire life? Compared to the cheaper OEM, I'm not sure whether more expensive is worth it.

If I get 9k out of OEM tires, I consider myself real lucky. On my MC II I fully expect 25k, or real close! That is well over twice the mileage. Remember in your figuring to include labor cost to replace as well as down time during replacement. For me, that counts for something!

[bunky]

Thanks Old Bear for confirming size.
The Dunlop Elite 4 are $442 vs $409 for Commander 2's and Metzeler 888's. That is for both tires, not including install.
The OEM's are $334, plus install.
So the more mileage I get per year, then it is cost productive.
Damn though....still a lot of money for 2 tires.....

[smokier]

Michelin's Commander II's for me, if you are still counting.. :)

Congrats!

Ride safe,
Smokier

[Fullcircle]

I just put a Dunlop Elite 3 in a 160-80-16 size on the rear of my Vaquero.
It is 1/2" taller than stock and this has had 2 benefits for me. The speedo is more accurate and I have gained cornering clearance, not a lot but it is noticeable.

I am wearing this tire to the edge but just barely when dragging the boards. I would not hesitate the run the Elite 4 next time.

[mike07nad]

I will add my choice to the mix
Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire - 180/65B-16/Blackwall

I have run the MCII's (Third Choice), Metzler 888 (good tire Second Choice), Stock (Worst tire), Car tire/General Altimax (It worked, not as much fun to ride), but my favorite is the Dunlop American Elite 180/65B-16. (Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner)

#1 - I would have gotten well over 15,000 miles on my last American Elite but I changed it out prior to a 4,000 mile trip. I have never had it slip at all, any conditions.
I did have a MCII get a little squirly on some wet tar strips once.

As for front tire - I use the Metzler 888, - I'm gonna guess that in the quest to resolve my front end wobble (finally put in All Balls Tapered Bearing and Garry Fork Brace). It is my opinion that the front tire tread pattern brings out the wobble in the bike. (It does not cause it, but it sure amplifies it) Here is the order of least wobble #1 Stock OEM Bridgestones, Metzler 888, Commander II, Dunlop Elite 3 - (I never tried the American Elite on the front). This tire experiment was on 3 Voyagers since 2009. Hope that helps. Mike

[bunky]

I thank everyone for their take on which tire to buy.
I appreciate the many nuances and personal opinions of the tires they have tried. Very much appreciated.
I enquired the cost for both tires.......holy O hell!!!!!
Tires, plus labour, plus tax equals $722.00
Mind u thats Canadian, but even in US thats $535.00

[Fullcircle]

have you checked out Fortnine? Based in Montreal if I remember correctly.

I paid just over 200.00 for the rear Dunlop including shipping.

[davidjmurphy]

Check Pete's Supercycle in Quebec good tire prices not sure bu I think it's Pete's-supercycle.com

[bunky]

I did check them out and the difference was $50 bucks between my dealership.
I'm not gonna quibble for $50.