Dunlops vs Metzlers

[waterman]

From that forum, he had a bias with good results. Changed to a radial and had 7300 miles with severe cupping. Mine is the bias.

[dogdoc]

and the story goes ON,,,,,

[vulcanero03]

Originally Posted by fish

same here

well. as a matter of fact, i am taking mine tonight to get the rear tire replaced, my last dunlop 404 only got me 7,500 miles, so i am mounting a conti tour tire this time just for kicks and see how it performs. i will report later whatever findings. anybody ever used them on a nomad??

[rickyboy]

I don't know.....I need a rear tire,...ah yesterday but can't decide on what to buy. I've managed to get approx. 15,500kms. or 9,600 + miles on my orig. Bridgestones. That's not so bad is it? I wonder about getting away from the orig. sizes the bike came with just to try another tire. Any thoughts?

[waterman]

Ricky,

Either go with the 180/70 or 160/80 for the rear. Either one will work.

[rewindgy]

Well over 20,000 km's on Avon Venom 160/80-16 Bias @ 50 psi. And that's pullin trailer 2 up alot! Rear Stone lasted just shy of 10,000 km and then died a horrible death! Front made 20,000 km then started to cup real bad and do the shimmy. Will be puttin new rear on over winter and doin the swingarm grease zerk thing at same time. Know people who run the Dunlop's E3 bias and they claim to be gettin real good mileage? I have never been a Dunlop fan - not sure why? Ran Metzler's for years on the old style Ventures and got real good mileage out of them. However, last set of Metzler's on my 88 Venture were the 880's and I didn't like them all that much! They seemed okay?? But, just didn't seem as good as the old Marathon ME88 or ML2's - IMHO.

[rickyboy]

If I can carry this conversation a bit further,....I thought I was sold on the Metzlers 880 Marathon Touring radial. {thanks refugio} decided against the Dunlop's D206 & the D254,..... then I looked at the Avon AV72 and the AV71 Cobra. Does anyone have anything to report on the Avon Cobra's?? Are they British made??

[rickyboy]

Well no comments ......... I'm guessing either nobody has used these Avon tires.....or maybe the thread was missed so I'll ask again . Anyone had any experience with Avon tires.?? They're a little more money than the Metzlers by a few $$$. Thank$ Still unsure what to replace the Bridgestones with.

[bosko]

Originally Posted by rickyboy ... #00722

Well no comments ......... I'm guessing either nobody has used these Avon tires.....or maybe the thread was missed so I'll ask again . Anyone had any experience with Avon tires.?? They're a little more money than the Metzlers by a few $$$. Thank$ Still unsure what to replace the Bridgestones with.

I've got Avon venoms on my Suzuki right now. The stock tires were Bridgestones which lasted just over 11000kms(rear tire). I replaced the rear with a Metz 880. The Metz felt great compared to the old Brickstone, but then any new tire will feel better than one that has 11000kms. One thing I didn't like about Metz was it seemed slippery when the weather or tire was cold. I got about 11000kms on the Metz as well. Then I bought Avons front and back. The Avons have about 11000kms and they have been great. The front will last at least as long as the Brickstone (20000km) and the rear I guesstimate will get close to 14000kms. The Avons haven't felt slippery like the Metz when cold and they seem to be outlasting both the Brickstones and the Metz. So far I'm very pleased with the Avons. Keep in mind that Suzuki is a completely different animal.

[VulcanE]

Originally Posted by rickyboy ... #00722

Well no comments ......... I'm guessing either nobody has used these Avon tires.....or maybe the thread was missed so I'll ask again . Anyone had any experience with Avon tires.?? They're a little more money than the Metzlers by a few $$$. Thank$ Still unsure what to replace the Bridgestones with.

I ordered a set of the Avon Cobras today (180/70HR-16 rear, and 150/80VR-16 front). They will be here Friday, and should have them mounted in a week or two, as soon as I get the time to tear it down and do the swing arm and driveshaft thing. I will post where they're made when they arrive.

[schoeney]

Rickyboy-Check out this website. Seems like pretty reasonable prices on Avons...especially the bias ply. I have never bought here so I don't know about service.

Good Luck

[schoeney]

oops here is the link.
http://www.motorcycleproshop.com/tir...FRsRagodfBNP6A

[Top Cat]

I ordered an Avon Cobra AV72 Radial Rear Tire Monday. They said it should be here Thursday. Will get it put on Friday or Saturday when ever the dealer can get me in.
The Metz I have on there now looks like this after 12,000 miles.

Yeah, those are the steel belts you see
I figure it is time to change it

[rickyboy]

thanks schoeney, bosko, VulcanE, TopCat, hard to know who to deal with online. My best price I found was at www.motoxoutlet.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=498818
both Avon Cobra's, frt. & back for a total of $302. plus $20-$25. shipping.

TC did you buy from the dealer?? How much $$$

I'll be ready for the ride to Custer S.D. come next June

[VulcanE]

Rickyboy, get your best price (including S&H) and call Dennis Kirk, They'll beat it by a dollar. The only catch is, they have to be able to find the web-site your comparing to verify.