Rear Tire Opinion - Pleeze...

hootmon · December 03, 2013, 05:27:46 PM

My Car tire has developed a lump in the tread...

It has about 20K on it and still has some tread, but now is the time to do something...

I really like the "Sonar" tire, but they do not sell them in the states any longer..
I'm toying going back to a M/C tire...

I have a Michelin Pilot 3 front tire that I'm very happy with

I see three choices I would consider
1)Metzeler - ME 880 Marathon Touring Rear Tire
Size - 170/80HB-15
I've run a 150 before, and it was an acceptable tire.

2) Michelin - Commander II Cruiser Rear Tire
Size - 170/80-15
I believe this is a Bias tire.

3) Metzeler - ME 888 Marathon Ultra Rear Tire
Size - 170/80-15 77H
I don't know the difference between this and the "touring" tire...

So, Any advice, opinion that is helpful would be appreciated...
Anything else I should consider (I've had Avon's and Dunlops)

I need to do something quick, so POST UP!!!

Thanx

lragan · December 03, 2013, 06:04:30 PM

Hoot, I don't ride as much as you do, but I have been quite satisfied with my Nankang 165/80R15 It claims "low noise" on the side, but with my pipes, how would one know??

I ordered it on-line. Cost me $50, plus about $5 shipping. Mounted it myself. Took a rather high pressure to seat the beast, and I am running Dyna-beads for balance, but it has been trouble free for three years now. I like the way it rides, and even like the way it corners, after getting used to it.

hootmon · December 03, 2013, 06:13:40 PM

Quote from: lragan on December 03, 2013, 06:04:30 PM
Hoot, I don't ride as much as you do, but I have been quite satisfied with my Nankang 165/80R15 It claims "low noise" on the side, but with my pipes, how would one know??

I ordered it on-line. Cost me $50, plus about $5 shipping. Mounted it myself. Took a rather high pressure to seat the beast, and I am running Dyna-beads for balance, but it has been trouble free for three years now. I like the way it rides, and even like the way it corners, after getting used to it.

Thanx Lawrence, and if I go with another car tire (I've had a NanKang and it was good, but I liked the Sonar better) it would either be a Nankang or BF Goodrich T/A...
Just looking at my options..

Jerry G Turner · December 04, 2013, 05:06:53 AM

I have an avon on mine that I like very much. Also have a Dunlop elite 3 on my goldwing which has been really good to me.

hootmon · December 04, 2013, 07:46:41 AM

Quote from: Jerry G Turner on December 04, 2013, 05:06:53 AM
I have an avon on mine that I like very much.

I've had two Avon's, and I like them, but when it gets to near end of life, I picked up a odd front end wobble in corners..

hop along · December 04, 2013, 09:56:24 AM

I'm currently enjoying the Dunlop Elite 3, I forget who here first pointed it out to me. I'm at about 16,000 miles on the rear, with dyna beads, and have many thousands to go.
Scott

Magniac · December 04, 2013, 10:59:29 AM

My vote would be for the Michelin Commander II. It has dual compound construction, hard in the center for long life, and softer sides for cornering grip. They claim twice the mileage of even the Metz. Don't know about that yet, but I have one on both the Magna (4k on it so far) and the VMax (over 5k so far) and both still look like new.

Magniac · December 04, 2013, 11:01:11 AM

P.S. Anyone who's ridden with me knows I don't baby them . . . jus' sayin'

hootmon · December 04, 2013, 02:32:28 PM

Talked to my local shop and he has the commander in stock, so that's what I'm going with... Since it's a 270 I ordered a brake stay from dobie...

TLRam1 · December 05, 2013, 01:05:26 AM

Quote from: hootmon on December 04, 2013, 02:32:28 PM
Talked to my local shop and he has the commander in stock, so that's what I'm going with... Since it's a 270 I ordered a brake stay from dobie...

You will need something other than the brake stay rod for a 270.

hootmon · December 05, 2013, 05:36:54 AM

Quote from: TLRam1 on December 05, 2013, 01:05:26 AM
Quote from: hootmon on December 04, 2013, 02:32:28 PM
Talked to my local shop and he has the commander in stock, so that's what I'm going with... Since it's a 270 I ordered a brake stay from dobie...

You will need something other than the brake stay rod for a 270.

I guess I got hunting on the brain... Let's go 170...

Lurkin · December 05, 2013, 07:50:44 AM

Curious as to why you are moving away from the car tire? I understand why you went there originally, and you seemed quite "happy" with it. Has something changed?

Magniac · December 05, 2013, 11:05:25 AM

I know that "darksiders" claim the c/t handles as well as the m/t, and they are very adamant about it, and many say they will never go back. I would be very interested in an honest opinion from someone who has used the c/t and gone back to the motorcycle-specific construction. Hootmon, please post up after a couple hundred miles on the Commander II. I think it would be very beneficial for us all.

hootmon · December 05, 2013, 01:22:32 PM

I would go car tire again if there were more options on brands/styles, but with the Magna you are very limited.
I was super happy with my present car tire, but I would have to order out of Europe to get another one..
The only down side to a car tire I know of is IF you get a flat... The soft side walls let the rim fall to the ground level...
Otherwise, better traction, equal or better handling, but with more handlebar input...
The best is a car tire that is uni-directional and run flat... There are these features on a Goldwing...

Anything more needed?

Magniac · December 05, 2013, 04:08:49 PM

I'm just curious to see your honest opinion of the handling when going back from car to m/c tire, especially in the twisties.