[Hacker-Pschorr]

I know, I know, this is a hot topic and yes I did a search and read every thread I could find on the subject.

Long story short, my 03 VRSCA is my first "real" motorcycle, purchased last August.
I started riding in '08 when I picked up a barn find Honda VT500FT Ascot. I did a mechanical restoration and still have a lot of fun riding it.
I also "borrowed" for a few years a friends Yamaha FJ1100. He needed to store it and wanted me to ride it so it wouldn't just sit. Win win for me.

I never rode very much, I'm into cars and have a few of those to play with and the fun season is very short up in Wisconsin. Now that I finally have my dream motorcycle, 2019 my wife and I plan to do a lot of riding (well, a lot for us).

So now that you've bored yourself with this intro, here's my dilemma with tires:
I'm looking for the best all around tire, not ultimate performance or even longevity. If I put 1,200 miles a year on my V-Rod that will be a lot.

I'm a novice rider, I'd prefer a tire that will give me the best traction if I get caught in the rain or on a cold day (last time the wife and I rode last year it was in the low 40's).

My experience with performance car tires is, once the temps start to drop, such tires turn rock hard and outright dangerous. I have no idea if this translates to motorcycle tires. I replace my car tires every 6-7 years regardless of tread, they just don't see the miles and such tires really degrade with age.

So.....with all that in mind, any recommendations? I really didn't want to start this thread but all my searching made me even more confused.

Some reviews for the Michelin's lead me to this video:

He loves the Dunlop American Elite, but that's for a cruiser HD, not a V-Rod.....??

Flame away if you feel I deserve it........

 

[flybigjet]

Personally?

I'm a fan of the Metzler ME880 Marathon (120/70/19 front) & ME880 Marathon XXL (200/50/18 rear) for your year of bike-- however, if you ask ten forum members here, you'll get 12 different answers-- (more if there are beers involved-- Heh!). But, for all-around performance, handling and wet-weather grip, I haven't found anything better than the Metzler's. I've run them on my buddy's A, my old R, my F, and my wife's Nightster. (and the fact that I put those tires on the bike my wife rides, who is someone I love and adore, should tell you something), and have never been less than totally pleased with them.

Note that you have a "narrow-frame" bike. They changed in 2006 (or 2007?) to a wider rear frame that allowed a larger tire to be fit. Your stock rear tire is a 180. You can, however go to a 200 with little to no modification. Said modification is that on a few early bikes (i.e. a 2002 A), there is a flange on the left inside of the upper rear fender that might (or might not) need its edges ground down just a bit so it doesn't chew up the left side of the tire. It's a backing plate for a bolt hole as I recall.

Good luck. I've heard good things about the Pirelli's and Michelin's as well, but personally? I wouldn't put Dunlop's on the bike of my worst enemy. Not a fan-- they call them "Dunflops" for a reason.

R.

 

[LL Cool K]

I agree. I've had just about every tire available for a V, and you will be happy with either the Metzler or the Avon Cobras. They are both excellent tires.

 

[flybigjet]

Or Avon's. I *knew* I forgot one, but it was late and I was tired. Thanks for the reminder, LL!

 

[semathes]

Vrod is an American Cruiser. Not a sport bike. Dunlop American Elite gets my vote on all Harley’s.

 

[Pr0jekt]

Vrod is an American Cruiser. Not a sport bike. Dunlop American Elite gets my vote on all Harley’s.

Pretty sure the bike's power level and your riding style dictate the type of tire you need, not the kind of bike it is.

I don't have experience with anything except the stock Michelin Scorcher's but they've treated me great so far.

 

[gagman666]

What you'll thoughts about Pirelli's Night Dragons? Regular rider, nothing aggressive.

I've had two set of Michelins Commanders II's....averaged about 8K miles per set.

Thanks!

 

[Nimquish]

Pirelli Night Dragon's are very good. One minor point: their wear is more than regular. But the riding is excellent.
Now riding on my second set mounted on a VRSCF.

 

[vrodwogi]

I'm in the same shopping for new tire's phase. Now I'm more unsure of what I will buy. Dunlop, Metzler or Michelin?????
I have a 06 narrow frame, Thanks to flybigjet for info that I was seeking on installing a 200 tire on these frames.
My question to you'al is this, of the three That I am considering, in your opinion witch tire would net me the best wet traction, and best ware. I don't do burnies, I ride a 30/70 city to interstate ratio. Love this site, learning a ton about these bikes thanks to all the info you all put into the many threads I read! THANKS AGAIN

 

[LL Cool K]

Both the Metzelers and the Avon are very good in the rain and will serve you well. Wear on both is around the same...lousy.:rofl: They're usually done before 10K miles.

 

[vrodwogi]

Both the Metzelers and the Avon are very good in the rain and will serve you well. Wear on both is around the same...lousy.:rofl: They're usually done before 10K miles.

Thanks for your experienced opinion LL:notworth:

 

[semathes]

Rake and trail and swing arm length and weight and center of gravity and lean angle, ie bike design type determine pretty much how forces vs grip interact at road contact. Most people’s power and riding style don’t vary much on the street at all. Probably why you’ve never tried any other tire.

Vrod is an American Cruiser. Not a sport bike. Dunlop American Elite gets my vote on all Harley’s.

Pretty sure the bike's power level and your riding style dictate the type of tire you need, not the kind of bike it is.

I don't have experience with anything except the stock Michelin Scorcher's but they've treated me great so far.

 

[Pr0jekt]

Rake and trail and swing arm length and weight and center of gravity and lean angle, ie bike design type determine pretty much how forces vs grip interact at road contact. Most people’s power and riding style don’t vary much on the street at all. Probably why you’ve never tried any other tire.

You almost hurt my feelings and all but I haven't tried another tire because the tires were new when I bought it and only have 6K miles on them.

Weight, center of gravity and lean angle all play into riding style. Maybe everybody you ride with on the street rides the same but that certainly isn't true for everybody. If you're regularly riding mountain roads versus highways, that determines riding style as well.

 

[swampboogiedoug]

My bike stock had Dunlops. They were hard and heavy. I did the Pirelli Night Dragons because they were scratch designed for Harleys. They are WAY better than the Dunlops but I haven't run the Metzlers.

 

[JJrod]

I tried Metzler, Dunlop's, and Avon's. The best tire I have used and still use on a 180 wheel is the Bridgestone excedra. It was the same tire that was used on the Vmax and works with my turbo without side stepping.

 

[john928]

Hi Hacker!
I just picked up a pair of Avon AV91/AV92 Cobra Chrome that I need to install. Had a set of Avon's on the Magna and was pleased with them.