Yes, another one, but hopefully I going to ask it in a bit different way. It's time to replace my stock sized Dunlop due to wear and that nail that's hanging out of it. I plan to replace it with a 170/80-15, and I'm torn between Dunlop, Metz, and Avon.
What I'd like some input on is what tire have you picked, or run in the past, and why you picked it.
I am not interested in going darkside for my own personal reasons, so let's not go there. Price wise, the Metz and Avon are similar, while the Dunlop is a bit cheaper. My understanding is the the Avon and Metz appear to wear longer. Everything else is up for discussion,,, so make me intelligent gentlemen!
I'm south of Houston, so any leads on a close/cheap place to mount a tire would be appreciated.
Rod...
I've never had a Metz on the back of my Magna, but my wife has one on the back of her 03 Sabre.
I have had two Avon Venom's and I liked it enough to buy the 2nd one. I got more then 15K out of each of them (on V-max version, one regular).
I've been very happy with the Metz on the front.. I would have gone with the Avon Venom Front tire, but they don't make Magna size, but my wife has one on hers and it has been good.
So, IMHO, I don't think you can go wrong with either Avon or Metz..
Thanks Hoot. Anyone else?
On my first '96, which I have had for four years, I am on my third Dunlop on the rear. I have yet to wear out any of them, as I, like you, get nails, screws, or other UIMOs (Un-Identified Metal Objects) through the tread, typically near the sidewall. So tread life, at least in my experience, takes second consideration to initial cost. I am only on the second front tire. I have put about 16K miles on the bike since I bought it.
On my second '96, I went darkside, again because of the initial cost. Don't have much history to report, not that it matters to you -- but might to others, because it has been wet an cold almost from the day I got it mounted.
In the "for what it is worth" department, the Cycle Gear store here in Austin will mount and balance a tire, at least that you purchase from them, for $20. They are competitive on price, order the tire for me, (typically takes two days), and are courteous and punctual. You have to take the wheel to them. A bit more tedious for the back wheel than the front, but neither is a major deal if you have access to a lift.
Good luck. Let us know what you decide, how much it costs, and how you feel about it after riding it a bit.
Lawrence, thanks. Yes sir, the UIMOs got this tire, and also my last tire, so I have been seriously considering cost vs. "will-it-make-it-to-wear-out". At least with the current tire, it made it to "I-should-get-this-replaced" status before it was de-flowered.
Last tire, I took it in to get it patched due to a screw hanging out of it, but then found out that that screw and three of it's nail friends were having a bit of a party in there. It was replaced with plenty of life left.
There's also a Cycle Gear close enough to me. I had called them a couple weeks ago to ask about mounting prices and got the same answer as you. Still haven't found a reasonably close shop with reasonable prices to mount a take-in tire, if I choose to go that way. Seems they all want around $35-40 if I don't buy the tire from them.
Thanks for the input, I'll update when I decide how to proceed.
Just a note, I have had good experience with Metzler's on other bikes. I have bridgestone's currently.
What might be more of interest to you is that I have a manual tire changer that you are welcome to come over and use. I live in NE Houston.
Interesting, how far NE? I am in Pearland. Also, how much time/effort is involved, and how do you balance it?
Rod...
Quote from: Lurkin on December 15, 2009, 01:37:57 PM
... and how do you balance it?
Rod...
Dyna-beads. See Allen (Roboto65). If he doesn't have some in stock, I can send you some. Seems a little counter-intuitive, but they work.
Yep, Dyna beads is how I balanced mine and am very happy. I don't have any but know Allen was selling some on here dirt cheap.
If you bring the wheel over off of the bike I would say less than an hour, to be on the safe side. I have only done it once, well I did my front and back tire the same day. It went really smooth that time, about 15 min per tire doing it all by myself (and I am just a wee man).
I live near Atascocita. @ BW8 and W. Lake Houston Parkway. From my house to my friends house in Pearland is about a 45 min. drive. BW8 the whole way pretty much.
DG, I appreciate the offer. Let me check into the actual tire prices vs. the gas to drive on up (I analyze this crap way too much for my own good :?) and I'll get back to you if I decide to try and come that way.
BTW, for anyone else interested, I found a guy advertising on Craigslist who charged $15 to mount a tire on a take-off wheel.
So many options!!! Tire price, mounting price, +/- shipping charge, +/- sales tax....... Time to just shutup and do something.
Anyone else have input on the tire, per my original request above? I'm leaning toward the Avon as it has shown good wear for a bit cheaper then the Metz. But the fact that I've had to replace 2 consecutive tires due to nails/screws is still stuck in my head.
Rod...
QuoteLet me check into the actual tire prices vs. the gas to drive on up (I analyze this crap way too much for my own good ) and I'll get back to you if I decide to try and come that way.
I understand completely. I was thinking the same thing. By the time you pay the tolls, the gas and the time spent it adds up.
The offer to use the tire changer is open to all MOOT members of course.
$15 is worth it IMO. Oh, just a thought you have not mentioned yet. Valve stem. I replaced mine with an all metal one. Guys on here love the angled ones for good reason. Mine is not angled, but is only 3/4" and works well also.
I bought this tire stem for my rear tire..
They are nice, a little pricey ($30 for two), but I figure it's going to last a while. It does make it much easier to check pressure and add air..
http://kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=142 (http://kurveygirl.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=142)
Just take note that valve stem torque to 7Nm to 10Nm.
Note: Excessive torque may damage the all aluminum valve stem threads.
This is not much and can be easily over torqued.. The guy I had mount the tire had a small click type torque wrench..
I have run all 3 you mention, I personally like Avon, even if it is among the more expensive...
Just an update to close out this thread. I decided to go the cheap route, for a 170/80-15 anyway, and bought a Dunlop. I decided to go the Dunny route since my last two tires ended up getting replaced due to getting road debris raped prior to being worn out. If I hadn't let my cheapness win out, then I would have gone with the Avon.
I also found an independant shop to mount the tire for $20. For anyone looking for a good mechanic in the SW Houston area, look up JK Performance. He works on everything, and definitely isn't a Harley-snob about it. When I was there he was working on a Honda CBX, a VFR, a Harley Sporty, and a Honda Shadow, along with a couple of Sea-Doo's. I understand he spent alot of years at Stubbs Southwest before going his own way. Seems to be quite a few supporters from the Houston Chapter of the Southern Crusiers.
FYI, As for prices see below, all 170/80-15 and shipping/tax noted (went with Dennis Kirk):
Dennis Kirk: delivered, Dunlop, $124; Metz, $148; Avon, $148
SW Moto tires: delivered, Dunlop, $132; Metz, 149; Avon 147 (free shipping, short term deal)
American Moto tires: Dunlop, 140; Metz 149; Avon 149 (does not incl. shipping)
Cycle Gear: delivered to store, Dunlop, $140; Metz, $170; Avon $150 (does not incl. tax) $20 mount if bought there.
On the Border (local shop): no delivery, local, Dunlop N/A, Metz $179; Avon $169; $10 mount if bought there
At the end of the day the Dunny from DK, along with the local shop's mount, was the best way to go.
Thanks for the help and advice.
BTW, the 170/80 sure makes putting it up on the centerstand easier :-P
Rod...