Need new tires ?

[jay02904]

hey i have browsed some threads on tires and have noticed a variety of different sizes being used. i looked online and fitment charts only show 2 sizes. i was wondering if i could get some suggestions for my riding "style" and particular bike. i have the 08 nomad 1600 mostly alone but several times a year 2 up. have the stones on got 10,000 miles out of them looking for a better ride. i also ride in all types of weather, cold, hot, rain ( i was out the other day 37 degrees f and snow all over the side of the road, but anyways ) i am 5'10" 200lbs. whatcha think? thanks all :)

[ccmjr77]

Dunlop Elite 3 are nice tires. 180/70R-16 rear tire and 150/80-16 Front.
The Dunlop D404 are good tires as well. Avon Cobra or Venoms are very good performing tires are well.
Some will suggest putting a car tire on the rear, which I have not tried yet, but if you are interested search for darkside or car tire and you will find many suggestions about them.
I currently have an Elite 3 on the rear and a D404 on the front. Very good ride and so far good wear.
I would stay away from the bridgestones and metzlers. The stones are like stones and wear is not good. You getting 10K is unusual for the stock tire. I used to like metzlers on other bikes, but the ones I had on my nomad were horrible and did not last long.

[ndbigfish]

I will vouch for the Dunlop D404 as a good tire. I have passed through Metzler and I am trying Avon. Still hard to beat the D404 when compared with any other bias tire IMHO. Price is usually good too. It is not uncommon to find a pair of D404s for under $200.

[jay02904]

bigfish...how are the avons?

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I replaced my Bridgestones at about the same mileage as you. I now have the Dunlop Elite 3's front and back. 150-80-16 on the front and 180-70R-16 on the rear. Great tires with very little noise. I now have about 2,000 miles on them and can't see any wear at all. They still look brand new. I would recommend them to anyone. Plus, made in USA.

[jay02904]

+1 for made in USA thanks i will check those out too!

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I know a lot of guys ride the Avons but I have owned Dunlop's on a lot of bikes. Actually every bike except the Nomad. Dunlop's came standard on all my Honda's. Being made in America means a lot to me. I wouldn't recommend them if I didn't trust them and believe they are as good as any bike tire on the market.

[ringadingh]

For the price and decent mileage I get out of my Dunlop D404 I find it a pretty good tire, I have a new one in the garage ready to mount shortly.

[jay02904]

i just looked up the elite 3 pretty expensive. i am torn between the avon and dunlop. i live in new england and ride in the rain and have those damn bridges and crack filled roads...maybe the elites??? they are marketed for those things it seems like. thanks. and i will be sure to let you all know my opinion :) i am not 100% on the stock stones but i have got 10000 miles on them and just hitting rear wear indicator (ok well they are flush to the tire). just went for a quick ride its 18 degrees out F BRRRR cold the tires feel really slippery even with dry pavement, i don't trust them anymore... i have a lot of riding planned this season americaide, laconia, canada/maine....who knows! thanks again

[dabull]

i have the Avon Cobras.....got about 10k on them....and they still look good! I didn't realize i had that many miles on them!! They are smooth, quiet, and provide GOOD grip.....

[landman]

i run the dunlop e-3 bias tires and like them very much.150/80-16
in front and 160/80-16 on the rear.at 9100 miles they still have
lots of tread left.

[ndbigfish]

Originally Posted by Jay

bigfish...how are the avons?

I have no compliant with the Avon tires so far.