tire irons

[Curtis_Valk]

I think what I get from this is: As long as the tire is the same size the brand won't matter too much, quality aside.

Well pretty much, but I learned with the Metzelers that you can't count on the same number size being the same physical size brand to brand.  The 150 Metz I put on the back was a full 1 1/4 inches narrower than the 150 Dunlop.  That is why most folks go with the 180 size for the rear if they go with Metzeler.  I stuck with the stock size and it was a mistake.  A 180 might not have dropped into the turns as quickly and also may have put a little better contact patch on the pavement to stop the slipping that I experienced.

Curtis

[ThomasMagna]

Again, Thanks Curtis. At least I didn't say that I "assume" about the tire thing. Guessing didn't get me closer to the truth, but it didn't make anythig of you and me.

I pretty much made up my mind to go with the Qualifier. I like the white on the raised letters and the one I have, though damaged, has given me good service.

Woke up to 1/4" of ice on everything this morning. This is one of the days that had been predicted as being in the 40's. That has been revised down. I'll have to look for a snowmobile suit this spring when the prices are cheaper. I could have ridden a lot more this winter if I had warmer clothes.

[Curtis_Valk]

You're very welcome.  Just bear in mind that my experience comes from the 3rd gen Magna and may not apply to vintage models.

I had a snowmobile suit back in the mid 80s when I was riding a '75 Gold Wing.  Now though, I prefer to "layer up" since our weather and termperature is so variable over the course of a day.  I've seen rides where it was 35 at the beginning of the ride and 85 in the middle and back down again in the evening.  The suit would work for those "cold all day" rides though.

Hope you get a ride in soon, but stay off the ice! he he he

Curtis

[ThomasMagna]

I will keep that in mind, thanks. Maybe in twenty years I'll have 3rd gen Mag. Better start saving now.

This winter has been mild at times and I layer up and can handle 40 degree okay. There are so many days that are colder that I could ride if I could stay warm. I just remembered a friend about my size has one. I should try that to see if it works. There is freezing rain right now.

I am checking with friends to see if they have irons so I don't have to buy them.

Thanks one and all.

[Magna 4 Me]

It looks like you have the mix and match thing figured out, I'll comment on changing both at the same time.  When I got my bike they both needed replacing at the same time.  Since then I change which ever one needs it when it needs it.  The front lasts a lot longer than the rear and I haven't had a problem with handling and I am over 60,000 miles now.  The bike had 8,000 on it when I got it.

I buy my tires off the internet and take the tire and rims to the local dealer and they have always given me a pretty good deal, I know the service manager pretty well.