Tire Question size and Price

[donguer]

Anyone ever use METZELER ME880 130/90H-16 FRONT tire?
Instead of the 150/80-16. If so what do you think?
I'm going nuts looking at tires and what brand to go with.
It all comes down to whom,has the best deal on the set.
I'm open to anyone's advice here.
What i'm asking is "who's really got the best price on tires?
Thanks in advance.

[cactusjack]

I searched all over for tires, I found the best deal is to buy the tires online, pull your wheels and take them in to have them mounted. But, I was running out of time, was sick for 2 weeks and ended up going to the dealer. I paid about $100 more than I had to, but I didn't feel like messing with it. I bought the ME-880 150/80x16 and 180/70x16 for about $420 installed. Probably the next set, I will pull the wheels and take everything to an independent shop I trust and save myself some money.

[phenrichs]

I agree. Buy them online and have them mounted by a private shop that you trust.
best online price i have found is at :::::
http://www.americanmototire.com/cata...65_172_602_604
$115 front
$175 rear

[donguer]

Cj,
I can always count on you.
I've been looking online,it gets frustrating.
I don't think i'm going to take the tires off myself cause i really don't have the space to leave the bike laid up like that. I'm gonna suck it up and have an indepenent shop handle it. I've checked out a few the cost is reasonable. I'm curious if the 130/90-16 works cause from looking at the magazines, I like the thinner wheel look up front. I just don't want to give up too much road grip. I'm thinking the 130/90 up front with the 180/70 in the rear might have a nice look to it.
The main question is still who's got the BEST DEAL online? AND! Why don't they make a whitewall in 180/70?

[donguer]

Thanks phenrichs, I've checked them out. It seems some online dealers go cheap on the tire then hit you on shipping or vice versa.

[Yellow Jacket]

Not sure I would want to use the smaller 130/90H-16 in place of the 150/80-16 on the front.

[donguer]

Thanks Bob, That's why i'm askin I need opinions, it makes a difference.
BTW, Nice outfit, they can sure see you coming. Where did you get it?

[Yellow Jacket]

donguer,

It's an Aerostich Roadcrafter one piece riding suit. Ballistic nylon and armor in knees, elbows and sholders. Pretty much waterproof also. It comes in many colors, I picked the Hi-Vis yellow to help other folks see me. The only drawback so far is that here in Georgia when the temp gets above 90 with the high humidity, it is uncomfortable to wear.

Here's the web site:

http://www.aerostich.com

[donguer]

Originally Posted by Yellow Jacket

donguer,

It's an Aerostich Roadcrafter one piece riding suit. Ballistic nylon and armor in knees, elbows and sholders. Pretty much waterproof also. It comes in many colors, I picked the Hi-Vis yellow to help other folks see me. The only drawback so far is that here in Georgia when the temp gets above 90 with the high humidity, it is uncomfortable to wear.

Here's the web site:

http://www.aerostich.com

WOW Bob,
They want alot of Ching for them suits.
Maybe NASA can make me a better deal on a space suit? LOL :)
Think I better look for tires right now, thanks.
Keep on keepin on.

[Yellow Jacket]

Yeah, that's what I thought too. But when I compared the price of a really good leather jacket and leather pants (not chaps) it was about the same. Plus, I didn't need to buy a rain suit to carry.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by donguer

Thanks phenrichs, I've checked them out. It seems some online dealers go cheap on the tire then hit you on shipping or vice versa.

That's why you need to shop around. I think because of the size and weight, you don't find many free shipping deals on tires. I could have bought the tires from a local shop for $330, and they would have mounted them off the bike for free. They charge $95 to pull the wheels if I don't do it myself.

Originally Posted by donguer

Anyone ever use METZELER ME880 130/90H-16 FRONT tire?
Instead of the 150/80-16. If so what do you think?

I haven't tried it and I don't think you should either. I didn't think the Excedra 150/80-16 had the greatest traction in the crorners, and I thought the Metzler 150/80-16 had even less until it got broken in a lot. It sure looks rounder and skinnier than the Excedra. If I could get a 160 on the front I think I'd go wider myself. I don't think it'll work on a 1500 though.

[racinchef]

Originally Posted by Yellow Jacket

Yeah, that's what I thought too. But when I compared the price of a really good leather jacket and leather pants (not chaps) it was about the same. Plus, I didn't need to buy a rain suit to carry.

Dang!!! That outfit is kinda like the clothes your grandmother bought you for Christmas and then wearing them to school. Something like that can get you beat up in some places.

[dogdoc]

My only advice on buying tires on line be sure you can find somebody else to install them. Alot of the dealers wont touch them since you didnt buy from them. just be cautious.

The best deal I found was ronayers.com After riding a honda shadow with a skinny front tire I will NEVER go back. The wider front tire gives you a LOT more stability (huge difference IMO) With a skinny front you're gonnna feel every crack in the road. The 1st thing I noticed when I got on the nomad was the way it would run over small imperfections and uneven pavement. The honda shadow was a butt tickler with the skinny front every time the handlebars would jerk going over cracks in the road. The only thing between you and the road are your tires. Don't skimp!

Like doc said call before you take it in. Most shops around here don't care but there are some that will not install unless you buy from them