New Rear Tire

[Fitzgerald]

I found a crack in the sidewall of my rear tire that is about 1/8 inch wide.  So now I'm in the market for a new tire.  Any suggestions are appreciated.

[hootmon]

  So now I'm in the market for a new tire.  Any suggestions are appreciated.

Are you looking for advice on M/C tires or Darkside tires??
Brands or locations to purchase??

[Fitzgerald]

Brands?  yes, I have a metzeler 880 on it now but they are rather expensive, cheapest I've found is $139 plus shipping at shadetreepowersports.com

I've also looked at the Dunlop K555.  I found it at jakewilson.com for $104 and free shipping.

Also there is the IRC WF920 for around the same price as the Dunlop but I'm not familiar with the brand.

places/online stores to buy from?

I'm not sold on the darkside idea yet!

[dgc67]

I like my Bridgestone BattleAx better than the previous Metzler 880.  Not a high mileage tire though, but very smooth and sticky in all conditions so far.

[hootmon]

So I guess it depends on multiple factor.
How many miles you put on your bike, what type or riding you do, do you carry a passenger/cargo, etc. etc.
I have run Metz and Avon and they are both great tires and last a long time (for M/C tires). I run about 10K a year, so a M/C tire lasts me about 18 months..
I have found that a M/C tire tends to start getting hard after about a year and does not have the traction it once had.
Most people on the Forum that I have read prefer the Metz/Avon over the Dunlop for handling and traction.
I don't know too much about IRC, other than they are an up and coming tire manufacturer. I haven't heard anything good/bad about them..
IF $$ is a factor, then you have to look at each of the factors and weigh out what is the best compromise for you.
If you only put a couple thousand miles on your bike a year, then you may want to go with a cheaper tire.. You may replace it before it get's worn out due to the hardness of the rubber anywayz.

I know I haven't answered your question, and maybe you already knew all that I have typed, but I am just throwing out what runs through my mind when it's time for a tire for me..

Shoot (anybody on the board will tell you I'm crazy) my last tire I put on my bike was a used AVON tyre. It was in pretty good condition, and since I am out of work, the $25 looked really good to me, especially since I also had to buy a tire for my wife's bike also..
IF I was working, I probably would have never gone down that path, but Like I said, you have to look at the factors and make your best compromise...

[hootmon]

By the way, I bought my last M/C tire from Jafrum.com
rockymountainatvmc.com also has good prices.
I have also purchased tires from americanmototire.com

[DavidJRoberts]

I just bought the Metz's... they're sitting right here in front of me... off the bike... but they LOOK brilliant. Can't wait to get them mounted. My Dunlops that were 7 years old (from previous owner), were slipping in slow corners and I didn't feel very confident in them in faster corners as they probably failed the Lincoln test some time ago!

I was able to get a decent deal on them and pick them up in-store. Now if I can just find someone who isn't booked up to mount them I'd be happy.

That's my break from work, time to get some kip, it's 3am here!

[Fitzgerald]

My metzeller is still brand new looking except for the cracks in the sidewall.  The tire is about 6 years old.  I don't put much mileage on them since my twins were born almost 3 years ago. 

[DavidJRoberts]

hehe, I believe you there. Our second is about to come and I have a business too so if my bike wasn't my daily transport I'd be hard pressed to get out on it too. My dunlops are 7yrs but no cracks - although we might find some when they get taken off.

[Lurkin]

Sounds like you might have answered your own question.  If milage life isn't your driving decision factor, and time life is, then the cheapest tire is probably your best bet.

When I was looking at tires a few months ago, the Dunny price you've already listed is the cheapest delivered price I saw.

I was looking for a 170/80 tire and I was trying to decide between the Dunny, Metz and Avon.  Ended up going with the cheaper Dunny as both of my last tires ended up getting "nailed" and had to be replaced before their milage life was done.  If not for that fact, I would have gone with the Avon.

Also note that I recall hearing a couple bad things about IRC tires a year or two back.  Can't recall the specifics though, sorry.  Bridgestone makes a stock size tire to, Excedra and BattleAx.  If you require the front to match the rear tire, then your decision is Dunny or Metz.

[MagnaDaddy]

My old Metz 880 wore unevenly and quite oddly... unlike the original K555 on the bike when I bought it.  I'm trying a Dunlop 404 now and it seems to be wearing evenly.
BTW, handling seems to be comparable between the 880 and the 404

[gargoyleddriver]

I guess I will give the irc wildflare opinion. This is the second season with them on put about 6,000 on last year, still plenty of tread left. Rain traction is ok, slow speed dry traction is very nice. Look is awsome, and have them in both front and rear sizes to put the bigger tire on. I believe I paid around 200 for the front and rear tire.  And tes I would buy these tires again.

[drkngas]

If you're going stock size, go Dunlop K555.  If your oversizing I hear good thing about the Metz.  I replace mine every 2 years whether It's worn out or not and the Metz in stock size (150) was terrible in serious turns (do a metzler search on here to get other opinions).  I just put a K555 back on mine, what a difference!  The stickier, more rounded tire feels so much better.

[Fitzgerald]

I went with the Dunlop K555 for $103.99 w/ free shipping and handling at www.jakewilson.com  this is the same company as the rockymountainatvmc.com. 

I hope I can put a few more miles on this one and get my $$ worth. 

[Jennifer F]

I put new Metzlers on mine.  Love them