Almost time to retire

[cactusjack]

I was checking my air pressure yesterday and noticed my ME-880's I have been running since JUNE (barely over 7,000 miles ago) are going to need replacing soon. I should be able to get through the holidays, but then it will be time to replace them.

I'm not really thrilled by the life of these tires. I got 11,000 out of the OEM Bridgestones. When we moved to AZ, my wife started going through a set of tires a year on her car. I believe the extreme asphalt temperatures here combined with the rubber compound in these particular tires weren't very compatible. I switched her car to a different brand and the rapid tire wear decreased. I wonder if I may be in a similar situation with the Nomad?

Suggestions? Also looking for online vendors with the best tire prices.

[fish]

Move up north where the snow flies then you won't be able to ride, that way your tires will last longer ...OK, I'll shut-up

[schoeney]

CJ,

I have followed many threads regarding tires. I think I have decided on Dunlop Elite III's. The consesus seems to be they have the best combo of performance + treadlife. Sounds like Avons may stick a little better but don't have the treadlife as the Dunlops.

Good luck!

[waterman]

Dunlop E3 have been good for me so far. I ride on gravel and pavement. Seems like this year there has been a bunch of chip sealing in the area and I think that can be quite hard on tires.

Good place for rears is www.shadetreepowersports.com and includes free shipping. Another reasonable place is www.jakewilson.com.

This place carries both the 150 front and 160 or 180 rear. http://www.americanmototire.com/cata...ath=33_120_131

[nomad561]

Thanks for the info waterman.
I'm looking at tires as cwell,but I am looking at the Bridgestone G850/851

[dkdixie]

I'm sure you have read the posts by VulcanE, TC, and redjay about Avon Cobra's. Very high marks from all. I have Cobra on front and it is so much better than Metzler.
When I need rear, in a couple thousand miles, will definitely go with Cobra.....if I don't go DARKSIDE!! Whatever I decide to do, plan on going with dynabeads as well.
Right now I'm leaning toward car tire.

[phenrichs]

I would absolutely stay away from Avon Cobras. Avons are generally a softer compound for traction and one would think that would not work as well with Arizona temps. Elite III's have had good reviews. I would talk to a local shop to see what people in the area are getting for mileage and what tires they are using. Notice I said local "shop" not dealer. He He He. The best site I have found for tires is:
http://www.americanmototire.com/cata...65_172_602_604
THis links directly to the metz for a 06 1600.

[flavor]

Has anyone wore out a pair of Avon Cobra tires yet? Yes the Avon's are know to be softer but the Cobra being new this year and created with the touring aspect more in mind I'm wondering about mileage reviews.

Put them on my bike last week and love them.

[cactusjack]

When I bought my ME-880's in June, I was sick and didn't feel like dealing with pulling the wheels myself, so I took it to the dealer. This time, I'll mount the new tires myself and balance with dynabeads.

How difficult is it to get the dynabeads through the 90* bent valve stem? I assume that's how you install them?

[redeye]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

When I bought my ME-880's in June, I was sick and didn't feel like dealing with pulling the wheels myself, so I took it to the dealer. This time, I'll mount the new tires myself and balance with dynabeads.

How difficult is it to get the dynabeads through the 90* bent valve stem? I assume that's how you install them?

When mounting the new tire you just dump the DynaBeads inside before airing up to set the bead.

[MarkG]

CJ, I picked up a couple of Dynabead packages, $5 for each 2oz package, from one of the local shops. Evil Twin Custom Cycles, 2534 West Broadway Rd #5 Mesa AZ. They said the same thing as Redeye. Set the first side of the tire. Before you set the second side, pour in the beads. If you have to use the valve stem method, just vibrate it a bit and take your time. There is a video someplace on the web that shows it. Guess I will find out in a month or so when I replace the tires on mine.

[Top Cat]

When we put the beads in my tire we just dumped them slowly while tappiny the valve stem with a big screwdriver.
As far as the wear on the Cobras, I don't think they have been out long enough for anyone to wear them out. I bought them because I was not happy with the Metz and the Cobra advertise a long wearing compound in the center and a softer compound on the edges. Supposedly this will give good milage on a crusier.
Time will tell. But if I get 10,000 miles on a rear tire i will buy them again. I like them that much

[flavor]

Top Cat:

I feel the same way about first impressions of the Cobra, outstanding (if you didn't see any of my other post about the tire). Now to see how they wear.............

[VulcanE]

TC & Flavor, I'm with you on the Cobras. I am VERY impressed with them, and if I get 9000 miles, I'll buy them again. If not, I might try the Elite IIIs. Right now though, the Cobra is the only tire made, IMO.

[nomad561]

I'm getting new rear for my bike in the next few days.
The Stealership wants $60 a tire to change them. How hard is it to change the tires on a Nomad?