Replacing tires on VTX 1800N - Any tires people are passionate about?
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Dunlop American Elite and the new Elite 4 tires. Far better mileage than the Avons, like 3 times as far due to their dual compound tires for touring. Had the forerunner of these tires on my Ultra Classic and I changed them at 18,000 miles only because I was gong back out on the road for a long trip again and didn't want to have to find tires on the trip. A guy at the dealer put them on his bike and he said he put another 7,000 miles on them before he had to get new.
http://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/tire-line/elite-4-2/
http://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/tire-line/elite-4-2/
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The Avons you have been running are one of the best in my OP and what I run. I have used the E-3s a bunch on another brand bike and like them much. I think the E-4s will be a great tire but have heard some negatives like they do track tar snakes and are a bit noisy. Still would be my second choice after the less expensive Avons. But I'm sure any of the top name tires will do a good job. I do stay away from the lower tier tires like Shinko and Kenda. Also will not buy Pirelli again after a terrible experience.
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I had the Dunlop American Elites on my Harley as well, and I can say they are a long lasting tire. I was told the Metzler 888 will last as long, and my price was much better, so I'm giving them a try. If not, I'll be back on the American EWlite's or the E4s next change.
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I find I'm most passionate about the tires I'm taking off the bike, considering all the fond memories I built with them.
As far as new tires going on, I've always been happy with the awesome grip and performance Metzelers have given me. However, our relationships only last around 8-9k miles for a rear tire.
I'd be happy to try Michelin Commander IIs, Elite 3 or 4s, Venoms, etc. if my timing ever hits the right sales
As far as new tires going on, I've always been happy with the awesome grip and performance Metzelers have given me. However, our relationships only last around 8-9k miles for a rear tire.
I'd be happy to try Michelin Commander IIs, Elite 3 or 4s, Venoms, etc. if my timing ever hits the right sales
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Thanks for the replies - gave me a good short list to compare against.
One follow on question - are most of you finding your tires online or local? If online, let me know your favorite online store.
I bought my last tires online and took them to have them mounted.
One follow on question - are most of you finding your tires online or local? If online, let me know your favorite online store.
I bought my last tires online and took them to have them mounted.
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3,321 Posts
I have had great results with Shinko, believe it or not! I do run a car tire on the rear but the front I am on my 2nd Shinko 230 Tour Master. The first one I got more than 23,000 out of and the second I have a little over 16,000 on with quite a bit of tread left.
Dan
Dan
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I would be satisfied with any of those four you named. A friend says he does not like the wet traction on the Michelin, never tried one myself. Almost all brands have someone saying something they don't like about a certain brand. I've run Metzelers before with good results but several people complain about chunks of rubber separating from the tread. It is amazing at the difference in mileage different people get out of tires. I think it is more the person/riding habits and air pressure maintenance than the brand.
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Since most of us have to have a shop put the tires on, I will find a good price on-line for the items I want then bring that print out to the shop so he can try to match it. Most will come close to matching it and then I let them buy and install to help keep the local business open
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I have found Jake Wilson to have good prices often. Prices do change a lot. Of course your on line tires will most likely cost you more to mount as the bike shop is not making money on your purchase. https://www.jakewilson.com/c/346/Cr...motorcycle tires&utm_content=Motorcycle Tires
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32 Posts
Dan,
On your 07 vtx1800N, how wide is the car tire you put on the rear? I haven't really explored going dark on the back - but am curious. With the extended rear fender of the N, do you get much of a visually different look? If you can send any pic of the rear tire on the bike it would be enjoyed/appreciated.
Craig
On your 07 vtx1800N, how wide is the car tire you put on the rear? I haven't really explored going dark on the back - but am curious. With the extended rear fender of the N, do you get much of a visually different look? If you can send any pic of the rear tire on the bike it would be enjoyed/appreciated.
Craig
I've always run Metzlers 880 on mine after stock Shadow 1100 needed replacing, I tried them on VTX once then switched to Avon Cobra. I really like them.
For a tire I look for #1 how they hold the road, how quiet they are, how smooth they are then how long they last. To me the cobra is the perfect combination of all the above for the heavy cruiser.
There are many good ones as mentioned in this thread by several experienced guys. It boils down to personal preference and individual rider's needs.
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I'm in-line with your tire priorities and have loved my Avon Venoms. That said, I was lucky to get 6K on them, so I'm hoping I can find a tire that sticks to the road, is quiet, and can get me to double digit K miles. How many miles do you have on your Avons?
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I used Avons too and never once got more than 7k on them....cross them off your list.
Dunlop American Elite or the new Elite 4
These will get your great wet and dry, no cupping and at least 16k if not 25k.
Dunlop American Elite or the new Elite 4
These will get your great wet and dry, no cupping and at least 16k if not 25k.
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32 Posts
I'm not finding the Dunlop American Elite for my N model. I do find the E3 and the E4 coming up for my bike. Let me know if that sounds right, or if you would have thought the American Elites would have fit.
Of the E3 and E4, I'm leaning towards the E3 as I don't like the looks/thought of a continuous groove around the center of the tire; and the E3 has a similar tread pattern as the Venoms I've been happy with.
I like what I'm learning of the Metzler, but not getting clear on their model that would work on an N.
Thanks for your input - helpful.
fyi - I spent a lot of time in St. Charles when I worked for Andersen Consulting/Accenture, and relocated to Atlanta area from Wilmette, IL in 2015.
Of the E3 and E4, I'm leaning towards the E3 as I don't like the looks/thought of a continuous groove around the center of the tire; and the E3 has a similar tread pattern as the Venoms I've been happy with.
I like what I'm learning of the Metzler, but not getting clear on their model that would work on an N.
Thanks for your input - helpful.
fyi - I spent a lot of time in St. Charles when I worked for Andersen Consulting/Accenture, and relocated to Atlanta area from Wilmette, IL in 2015.
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I have looked and looked for a few pics from the rear with the ct but can't find any. Its raining right now or I would go out and snap a couple. We are supposed to have sunshine tomorrow, so I'll get a pic or two. I have a 195/55-16 on there now, original ct was a 185/55-16. I know guys say a 205 will fit but I kinda like to have some room to play with. Its not hard to get the wheel/tire under the fender, just have to jack it up high enough
I ran the ct and Shinko in the Black Hills around Sturgis for more than 2000 miles in 2 weeks and both handles great, even in a rain storm.
Dan
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