Tire choice, flip of a coin.

1982 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Tie_One_On, Oct 12, 2018

LouisF

Discussion Starter · Aug 16, 2018

I need new tires for my 03. Of course, I want to upsize the rear tire. I have read several threads on the forum and have obviously came up with the Avon tires or the Metzeler 888.

I like the Avons with the 200/55/18 V-rated rear size. The previous owner of the bike changed the sprocket. I don't like the high rpms at highway speed, so I know the tire will drop the rpms down a little. I'm not worried about a slower take off, a twist of the wrist takes care of that. I'm also not worried about the speedo being off a couple mph. What worries me is that they are Bias ply tires and not radials. Will they handle as good as the Metzeler888?

I have had Metzelers on previous rice rockets and always like the way they handled. I have read a lot of great info on the forum about them. I like that the 888 are an improved version of the proven 880 model. The 200/50/18 is H-rated, which concerns me. I don't like pushing a tire to the limit. I know I don't want to think about my tire speed rating when I'm hitting 130mph. If I could find 888's in V-rated or higher I would probably go with them.

So here I sit, ready to flip a coin to select my tires. Any input would be helpful.

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

flybigjet

· #2 · Aug 16, 2018

I really, *really* like the Metzlers-- enough that I've run them on an A, R, F and Nightster exclusively since 2009.

And seriously? The only way you should be doing 130 on a V-Rod is if you drop it off a cliff.

It's NOT a sport bike-- it's a power cruiser.

Unless you're on a track, high speeds like that get you (or more importantly, other people) killed.

Get the damn Metz's, ride responsibly and reasonably, and enjoy the bike.

Now, get off my damn lawn!

See less See more

Save

LouisF

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 6, 2018

I went with the Avon tires due to the profile. It dropped my rpms down slightly. I trimmed the fender supports but did not have to cut into the belt guard. The rear tire fit in perfect and definitely looks and handles better than the old scalloping Dunlops.

I power cruised it up to 120mph with no issues. :moped:

Save

Tie_One_On

· #4 · Oct 6, 2018

LouisF said:
I went with the Avon tires due to the profile. It dropped my rpms down slightly. I trimmed the fender supports but did not have to cut into the belt guard. The rear tire fit in perfect and definitely looks and handles better than the old scalloping Dunlops.

I power cruised it up to 120mph with no issues. <img src="http://www.1130cc.com/forums/images/smilies/moped.gif" border="0" alt="" title="moped" class="inlineimg" />

What ?? only 10 more power cruising mph and you would have been a sportbike.

Save

Gearheadesw1

· #5 · Oct 11, 2018

I laugh, I run my X up to 155 on occasions, and guess what??? NO one died, no one saw me, no one cared, so why should you. I ride my bike like I want, you can do the same.

Save

Reactions: 1

Tie_One_On

· #6 · Oct 12, 2018

Gearheadesw1 said:
I laugh, I run my X up to 155 on occasions, and guess what??? NO one died, no one saw me, no one cared, so why should you. I ride my bike like I want, you can do the same.

haha I take the R model AFAP ( as fast as possible) every chance I get and only worry that a fking cop may see me. not that he may catch me just see my plate number

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month