another tire discussion

[elvis]

My bike turned 20000 kms (12427 miles) in the last trip and the tires have been very annoying. I've read many threads about tires on our boards and people seem to like the Avon Cobra and the Dunlop 404.

What are your preferences on brands and specs? Any recommendation on a shop for replacing the tires in the Lower Mainland (don't mind riding across the border, either).

Thanks,

Elvis

[ringadingh]

Id avoid the Metzelers, the D404's and Avons are good. Why don't you considor a car tire on the rear. It should give you a much longer life and they are cheaper as well.

[elvis]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

Id avoid the Metzelers, the D404's and Avons are good. Why don't you considor a car tire on the rear. It should give you a much longer life and they are cheaper as well.

Thanks Ringadingh. I stopped by three local shops this PM and two of them could not find a matching D404s, probably the other guy did not care about specs too much. I phoned the dealer that I bought my bike from and they cannot locate a matching D404s, either. I'm more inclined to the Avons and trying to learn more about them.

A car tire? If I had a chance, I'd want to test ride it first.

Cheers,

E.

[rickyboy]

I've stuck with the stock tire size that my dealer has recommended. It's a Bridgestone with a new tread design. It's fine for my riding. I just went from Langley to Medicine Hat in the rain, most of the way. The price was right too.

[voyager]

I went to the Avon Venoms so I could compare their bias ply to the stock Bridgestones. Can't say I'm sold on them as of yet, they appear a little more slippery than the stones but that just could be me and the way that I ride. I'll try the Dunlop Radials or the Avon Cobras next go around.

[elvis]

Thanks guys. I've been searching more info on the tires and found the following testimonials on Avon website, I think I'm going for Avon Cobras http://www.avonmoto.com/testimonials:

John Brockell, NY wrote on: 05/4/2010
VN1600 Nomad 2006 Kawasaki

I switched to Cobra tires (150/80VR16 & 180/70HR16). I run them front 40psi and rear 42psi. This works out well even though I ride solo, since I weigh 250lbs. They are the best handling tires I’ve had on the bike! I had Dunlops, which weren’t bad, but I feel a distinct difference in the handling, especially in the curves. It is a much more secure feeling. The rear tire for this bike is a size over from 170 to 180, but there is clearance and it corrects the speedometer error to within 2-3 mph high from 7-8 mph high.

Dan Jarvis, FL wrote on: 06/09/2009
Kawasaki Nomad 1600

I have a 2008 Kawasaki Nomad and recently had the stock tires changed to Avon Cobras, 150/80-16 on the front and 180/70-16 on the rear. As far as handling goes, the new Cobras are great! Turns near my home that I used to slow down for or had to countersteer for, I just go sailing smoothly thru now. They really hold a line easily and they feel much more stable than my stock tires. I hadn’t been unhappy with the stock tires until I changed, but now I sure appreciate the difference.

Brian Wottle, OH wrote on: 06/17/2008
Kawasaki VN2000

I have a 2004 Kawasaki VN2000 that I’ve been running the OEM Bridgestone tires on, actually three sets in 17,000 miles. I just installed a set of the Cobra radials on Friday, and did they ever make a difference in the way that the bike rides and tracks. The bike was always stable and handles pretty good for a big cruiser. But with the Cobra radials the bike just tracks through corners like it’s on rails, and the ride is much smoother and less harsh. A great tire that I hope will surprise me with more mileage as well.

[leadbelly]

I'd like to hear your opinion on the Avon Cobras after they get slapped on and ridin a bit.
Checked out my stock rear and it's looking like I'll be needing one some time this season.

[psychocycle]

Just had front and rear Dunlops D404s installed two weeks ago. Got home from a 3500 km ride and the cords were through on the rear

So far I like the new skins, much better than the Metz 880s I was running.

[elvis]

Just ordered the following tires at a local non-Kawi shop. They will be installed on Tuesday:

Avon Cobra 150/80 - 16 Front: C$200
Avon Cobra 180/65 - 16 Rear: C$250
Install FR & RE: C$90
Tire Enviro Levy: C$10
Plus Taxes

Looking forward to the new tires.

E.

[elvis]

Gents,

Thanks again for the input and recommendations. I got the Cobras installed and posted some photos to a tire thread that has been going on for some time http://www.vulcanbagger.com/phpBB3/v...16784&start=15.

I particularly like the textured side walls featuring snakeskin pattern. I immediately wanted matching boots but my wife didn't like that idea.

Now let's see how Cobras will compare to Brick Stones.

Cheers,

Elvis

[leadbelly]

I couldn't wait my rear tire was making me nervous, well into the wear marks on the stock rear, roughly 10,850 Km. I replaced the rear today with a Dunlop Elite 3 180/70R-16. only rode it for 35 km seems fine. I sure hope it lasts longer, if not I'm going to a car tire. My front BridgeStone is still in great shape.
Elvis, you sure got good pricing on those Cobras, the places I checked in Calgary were considerably higher.