Which Tires to Choose?

[Jaydoggy]

I am interested on what tires people would buy for their VTX again. I have a 2003 VTX1800C (130/70/18 front and 180/70/16 rear) I am considering either the Z rated Bridgestone G851F / G850R combination or the H rated Avon Venom R AM41 /AM42 combination. I read on HDL that people love the Avons, but haven't heard yeahs or neahs on the Bridgestones. X on my bike stands for extreme so am leaning toward getting the highest speed rating I can find, but am concerned that I'll be able to go fast with confidence, but not turn worth squat. Recommendations?

[kevtx]

I'm currently on my second set of Avon Venmons and I have been happy with the milage I have been getting. A friend of mine had Metzler's and he didn't get much more mileage than his original Dunlops, he is currently riding on Avons at this time.

[Jrsess]

I have a 2002c, I replaced the old Dunnies with Avons at 10500 miles.I now have 15000+ miles with no notice able wear.The difference in handling is unbelievable, at least to me! Especially in the corners.I would recommend them to anyone with an X! Ride safe Jrsess

[Wyandotte Kid]

I have worn out two sets of Metzlers. Good tire for traction and rain, BUT they wore out fast and the front tire cupped. I have had the Bridgestone Battleax 200 on the rear and the 851 on the front for about 4,000 miles now. The rear is wearing very well while providing excellent traction wet or dry. So far I can not feel the slightest hint of cupping on the front. Unless something new and better comes along these will be my choices from here on. Just my opinion after 24,000 miles.

[Carl Brackett]

Jaydoggy,

Just ordered the Venoms: http://www.tireexpress.com/

Check this site before you buy.

[Drywallman]

I had the Battaxx 200 on my bike for about 4000 miles and wore it right out. I had the Metz stock size 180 on the rear and it lasted about 7000 miles. Now I have a 200 series Metz on the rear and it's been about 4000 miles and it looks good so far. I've gone through three rear tires to one front tire. My front was a Metz and I just replaced it with another Metz. No cupping with the Metz on the front, I keep my front pressure at 40 psi and my rear at 38 psi.
I don't have any experience with the Avon's but I would like to try them. Oh I have 24,000 miles on my bike as of now.

[Retro Rocket]

I still have the stock Dunnies that came on my bike and it has over 20 K on them. What do you guys do to your tires to wear them out so fast ? LOL ! Believe me when I tell you I ride my bike pretty darn hard but always make sure I'm running my tires at 40 psi front and rear. The front tire is starting to show some wear but the back looks like new. I don't baby it either if you could see my driveway it looks like a burnout pit at the track from spinning the rear tire all the way up the driveway into my garage. LOL !When I do need tires Avon Venom will be my choice.

[Drywallman]

I still have the stock Dunnies that came on my bike and it has over 20 K on them. What do you guys do to your tires to wear them out so fast ? LOL ! Believe me when I tell you I ride my bike pretty darn hard but always make sure I'm running my tires at 40 psi front and rear. The front tire is starting to show some wear but the back looks like new. I don't baby it either if you could see my driveway it looks like a burnout pit at the track from spinning the rear tire all the way up the driveway into my garage. LOL !When I do need tires Avon Venom will be my choice.

I guess my running hard and your running are a lot different. I think I only got 7000 miles on my dunnies and I also was running 40 and 40 psi. But then again, out here we have nice mountains and really nice twisties that we can burn them up on :) .

[Retro Rocket]

My idea of running hard is going 70 to 80 mph on average on the highway with an occasional blast up over 100, but there aren't much in the way of twisties where I live. I do like talking off from a light like a bat out of hell too. I spin the rear tire every chance I get. I must of just gotten a good set of these tires. I do realize the mileage on my tires does seem to be on the high side from compared to what everyone has said but I really don't baby my bike in the slightest but I do try to arrive alive at my destination. :choppersm

[FL_VTX_GA]

I used to spin the stock 'Lops every time I rode, too. The only problem is that I didn't try to. They just have no traction. In the rain I had to creep around every corner and make sure I had tons of stopping distance. I don't know how many times I grabbed the front brake and locked up the tire on clean, dry pavement. I never used the front brake in the rain 'till I put the ME880s on. Now with the Metzlers the bike stops faster in the rain than it did on dry pavement with the OEMs. I'm not kidding, it really does! I can clamp down in the front on wet pavement with no fear that the front will lock up with no warning.

I live in West Palm Beach, FL and Hiawassww, GA. In both locations it rains more days than it doesn't, so I had to go with a tire designed for wet roads. Front tire is stock size and rear is 200/60, both with 40psi nitrogen. The wider rear actually gives me a little more room to corner, (lean angle), and I corner to the pegs wet and dry. I wouldn't try that with the OEMs on a bet.

I also think that the nitrogen helps keep the pressures constant; the pressure doesn't increase as much when hot and the larger nitrogen molecule doesn't leak through the rubber as fast, so I top them off less often.

Jay

[BlurpleX]

I want to thank every one for their input on tires. I too am in the market for some new tires and this has been helpful to me also. I have a '02 R that I will be buying for before spring.

[MxNut]

stock dunlops 9000 kms 50% worn

[roadranger417]

Dunlop Elite 3 front and rear........the only tires that ... REALLY hold in
extreme rain situations .I'm 64 yrs old and have tried quit a few diff. tires in my life time. the elite 3 is a new type radial tire. id advise using them in pairs. go to http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=91 (http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=91) and read what they have to say about this tires specs. we finally got our daily downpour of rain to day and i rode 60 miles to work in a windy all out down pour. first time ive used them in rain., there advertised not to hydroplane...........guess what ??? THEY DONT. WAS REALLY IMPRESSED. I was riding at 80 & 85 MPH.....be for you all e-mail me and tell me how stupid it is to ride that fast in the rain................don't normally.........just want to know what these tires would do.........also on dry pavement, there is a curve that all I could trust the old style Dunlop tires I had on to do was 60 mph.........after break in ..........I have pushed these elite 3's up to 80 mph and they stuck light glue

[roadhag]

elite 3's are a fairly new relaease for Dunlop ???
any data/info or more opinions out there on this tire???

[BADLEG]

I still have the stock Dunnies that came on my bike and it has over 20 K on them. What do you guys do to your tires to wear them out so fast ? LOL ! Believe me when I tell you I ride my bike pretty darn hard but always make sure I'm running my tires at 40 psi front and rear. The front tire is starting to show some wear but the back looks like new. I don't baby it either if you could see my driveway it looks like a burnout pit at the track from spinning the rear tire all the way up the driveway into my garage. LOL !When I do need tires Avon Venom will be my choice.

There is something very wierd about you getting 20k plus on stock tires. Ive ran 3 stock dunnies on 3 different 1800's , retros and never got over 6k out of any of them. And guess what I never burned one of them , ever! Always ran 40 psi.

You have either
a, a very hard tire,
b, a faulty odometer, or
c, well Im gonna have to refrain from saying what else I think! :hmm2:

I ran a battleaxe 200 -got 7k
Currently have the Avon venom r and have 5k on it, about 50 percent left

One Metzeler Marathon 880 on the front has 10k and is about to be replaced.

20k on a set of stock dunnies is too hard to believe.

[mevbo]

No one here ont he dark side? I think I am going to go there when my stock Dunny runs out which will be soon. I'm at 6500 right now. Looking at the Goodyear Triple Tread 195/60/16. Heard lots of good stuff about it.

[Retro Rocket]

There is something very wierd about you getting 20k plus on stock tires. Ive ran 3 stock dunnies on 3 different 1800's , retros and never got over 6k out of any of them. And guess what I never burned one of them , ever! Always ran 40 psi.

You have either
a, a very hard tire,
b, a faulty odometer, or
c, well Im gonna have to refrain from saying what else I think! :hmm2:

I ran a battleaxe 200 -got 7k
Currently have the Avon venom r and have 5k on it, about 50 percent left

One Metzeler Marathon 880 on the front has 10k and is about to be replaced.

20k on a set of stock dunnies is too hard to believe.

Well I got 20K on my dunnies they were pretty bald but When I took it to the dealer to have some accident damage fixed the dealer pretty much told me he wasn't releasing the bike back to me until I put a new set of tires on it. I guess I should of replaced them sooner but I waited until the end of winter to replace them. And of course I couldn't resist taking it out almost every weekend during the winter. LOL! ;)

[Scooter_mac]

I have run Dunlop , Perrilie , Metzler, Avon , front and rear ,
Have got anywhere from 9000,k to 16000, k per rear and usually change front out every second rear tire ,
dam its expensive :o)
I run a 2002 retro , bought in 04 with 9 k on it , now have 82000 ,
if you enjoy the ride , tires are cheep ,have found mixing brands tends to suprise you in high speed corners ,
,end story run what you are comfortable with and enjoy the ride

[BADLEG]

No one here ont he dark side? I think I am going to go there when my stock Dunny runs out which will be soon. I'm at 6500 right now. Looking at the Goodyear Triple Tread 195/60/16. Heard lots of good stuff about it.

Im all ears on the triple tread. Ive been eyeing that one up for my bonneville. Rated best in its class at tirerack.com

[Retro Rocket]

All the talk about the "DARK SIDE" aka a car tire on a bike makes me wonder how a tire designed for a car could actually perform as well as a tire that is actually designed for a bike. I would think handling would suffer big time. You might get more mileage out of a car tire but what about safetly ?

[mevbo]

Hope I don't get into trouble for this post! This is a link to a tread on another VTXsite regarding the Car tire on a bike. I read all 20 pages and the feedback from everyone on it is good. They all say it is a different feel, but safe, sticks to the road, better ride, cheaper, and last longer. Ride on!
:choppersm
http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=138135

http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=138135

[Retro Rocket]

I've read the threads on the VTXOA. They just leave me shaking my head in disbelief. One person does it and a bunch of others jump on the bandwagon. Bunch of me too's. Sorry there is no amount of proof that would get me to put a car tire on my bike. But I also feel others have the right to do whatever they want. It's just something I feel strongly about. Not putting anyone down.

[SeaRider]

I'm still running on my stock Dunlops with 7200 miles. The rear still looks like it has plenty of miles left, but I'm a little concerned on the front. I do most of my riding on the back country roads north of Houston, and these roads have a definite crown to them. My front tire is showing wear on the left side, much more than in the center or right side.

My question is when can you tell it's time to get a new tire with the wear only on one side? I don't appear to be anywhere near the wear marks, so I wonder how far can I safely push the mileage? Does anyone have any experience on this type of wear?

[mevbo]

Just make all right turns!:)

If you are uncomfortable with it, replace it. 7000+ is good wear for a mc tire.

[SeaRider]

Just make all right turns!:)

If you are uncomfortable with it, replace it. 7000+ is good wear for a mc tire.


Yeah, that could work. Three right turns = 1 left turn!:D Unfortunately, I live in a cul-du-sac, and I need to go left out the driveway to get out!:icon_conf

[2FS4LV]

I've read the threads on the VTXOA. They just leave me shaking my head in disbelief. One person does it and a bunch of others jump on the bandwagon. Bunch of me too's. Sorry there is no amount of proof that would get me to put a car tire on my bike. But I also feel others have the right to do whatever they want. It's just something I feel strongly about. Not putting anyone down.


+1 on that!

[Retro Rich]

Does anyone have any experience on this type of wear?
The left-sided wear on the front (uneven wear that is, right quicker than left) is very common from what I've seen out there on the X models (both 1300 and 1800). There are a lot of philosophies out there as to what causes it (crowning in the road, right side of bike being heavier with stock exhaust than the left, etc., etc., etc.)--but, who knows what the real answer is. If you're not near the wear bars on the left, I would believe you are ok to still run it. I have seen several guys out there (including me) that run higher than factory reccs. on tire pressures. I agree they are too low by factory reccs. I run 40 rear, 38 front and haven't seen any uneven wear at this point on the stock dunny's (if I remember correctly the max. cold pressure is 41 psi stamped on the sidewall). Most guys that have run these higher pressures are claiming more even wear. Just something to think about. :hmm2:

[SeaRider]

I'll keep a good watch on it and see how it goes.

Another question for you folks out there. Does the aspect ratio number in the tire size mean a whole lot? The 1800 F calls for a 180/55/18 radial. They have this size in the Avon Venoms, but the Dunlop Elite 3's only appear to come in the size for the Goldwing at 180/60/18. Does the 60 vs 55 make any difference?

[BADLEG]

I'll keep a good watch on it and see how it goes.

Another question for you folks out there. Does the aspect ratio number in the tire size mean a whole lot? The 1800 F calls for a 180/55/18 radial. They have this size in the Avon Venoms, but the Dunlop Elite 3's only appear to come in the size for the Goldwing at 180/60/18. Does the 60 vs 55 make any difference?

The first number is the width, this one is 180 mm.
The second number is the height, based on percentage of the width, like 55% of 180mm wide.
The Last number is the wheel size, in this case 18".

So if you get the same tire but in 60 series, its slightly taller.

Hope this helps

[edlorentz@gmail.com]

I'm one of the "me too's" went to the Darkside it's a matter economics tire manufacters know that average motorcyclist ride 1,900 to 2,000 a year cars drive 10,000 to 12,000 a year so the tire is built to last for a 3 to 4 year period. Goldwing riders average more miles so their tires are designed to last a little longer. A car tire was not designed for a sport-bike where you need all the cornering you can get but any cruser vtx, vulcan etc. will scrape floorboards before all tire can be utilized. The tire is not designed for a cruiser but it will work very well on one. Those who have not tried one will be the first to say it can't work . I tried it along with thousands of others and am happy with them.

[VTX Candy Red]

http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/503/178DSC00015-med.JPGhttp://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/503/178DSC00017-med.JPG

[Steve591968]

I also think that the nitrogen helps keep the pressures constant; the pressure doesn't increase as much when hot and the larger nitrogen molecule doesn't leak through the rubber as fast, so I top them off less often.

Jay

Jay, out of curiosity where do you get nitrogen from.

I have only had stock Dunnies on my 02 S model and I average around 10K. I dont seem to have the handling problems I have seen others mention. Could tire temps be an issue with these tires? In Florida I probably get my tires to operating pretty quickly in the summers. Plus There are few twisties here to really push the big X. I am getting ready to replace my rear this week and I am 90% sure I am going with the Dunlop Elite IIIs.

Thanks,
Steve

[FL_VTX_GA]

Costco only uses nitrogen for instalations. Unfortunately, they don't do motorcycles. However, if you know someone there or stop by just before closing and ask real nice, they just might take care of you. There happens to be three Costos in the Orlando area.

The nitrogen is essentially free but the other tire shops like to charge five to ten dollars a tire.

I happen to have a couple of miles of twisties on the way to work, otherwise the commute would be rather boring.

[jlhills]

I had the same problem with excessive front lft. side tire wear on my stock Dunnies. bringing the pressure up to 38 or 40 lbs. seems to help and cornering and handeling has improved.
I also live in an area with alot of back roads with high crowns and course pavement. It seems to help to stay off the crown abit and ride in the trough (where an auto's left tire rides in the right drive lane). The slight rut caused by outo and truck traffic has segnificantly less crown than near the center line. Just a thought, but seems to help, since life isn't all rt. hand turns.

I had the same problem with excessive front lft. side tire wear on my stock Dunnies. bringing the pressure up to 38 or 40 lbs. seems to help and cornering and handeling has improved.
I also live in an area with alot of back roads with high crowns and course pavement. It seems to help to stay off the crown abit and ride in the trough (where an auto's left tire rides in the right drive lane). The slight rut caused by outo and truck traffic has segnificantly less crown than near the center line. Just a thought, but seems to help, since life isn't all rt. hand turns.

[Steve591968]

I already raised my front tire pressure to 40 psi. I ordered a Dunlop D251 200/60-16 from bikebandit.com and I am waiting on it to show up. I think I got a fairly good deal paid $162 with tax and shipping. I will see how this new rear wears and let every one know. I know of a few people that have put a Metz 880 200 series rear and they like them. But I have not heard of anyone that has used this new Dunnie. If anyone has used this tire let me know what to expect. If its unfavorable I can always send it back and get the Elite III

Thanks

Steve

[Show]

Darkside!!!.........................

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/BigShow1969/Car%20Tire/14July200624.jpg

Click the picture below...........
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/BigShow1969/Car%20Tire/th_DSCN0526.jpg (http://s15.photobucket.com/albums/a358/BigShow1969/Car%20Tire/?action=view&current=DSCN0526.flv)

[FL_VTX_GA]

Just bought a 205/60R16 Nexen N2000. Will mount it tomorrow and let you know how it works. This tire seems to have a more rounded profile than most, and the tread pattern is perfect for So. Fla. (It sometimes rains here at the rate of 12 inches per hour or more.) Cost delivered was $63 and change.

[toasted_3111979]

A tad over 5k and the rear Dunnie isn't worth spit. It breaks loose all the time. I'm going dark side, refuse to pay close to $200 for tire and only get 5 k out of it. That's less than a seasons riding. :choppersm Just got to find a tire local if I can, if not I'll order it online. Going to a 160/80r/15 for the 1300 read. :cheers:

[mevbo]

Well I did it! 350 miles so far and I love it! Running a 205/55/16 with 40 psi. I changed out my final drive with a 1300 at the same time and a new from metz to boot. She runs and rides unbelievable now!


http://bigbikeriders.com/photopost/data/500/6855Darkside-thumb.JPG

[Green Ghost]

Every review I've read on Avons has been good. I've run the dunny's and the Metz 880. I have'nt tried the Avons yet. But they will be on there in the spring. Every one running this tire that I've talked to says It has unreal wet and dry traction. And the wear is better than Metz or Dunny.:D

[Hardtimes]

I already raised my front tire pressure to 40 psi. I ordered a Dunlop D251 200/60-16 from bikebandit.com and I am waiting on it to show up. I think I got a fairly good deal paid $162 with tax and shipping. I will see how this new rear wears and let every one know. I know of a few people that have put a Metz 880 200 series rear and they like them. But I have not heard of anyone that has used this new Dunnie. If anyone has used this tire let me know what to expect. If its unfavorable I can always send it back and get the Elite III

Thanks

Steve
will a Dunlop D251 200/60R16 VTX Rear Tire fit my 03 vtx1800c? with no mods? any draw backs if the tire will fit? was afraid to order one with out knowing postive... thanxs in advanced...

[Steve591968]

will a Dunlop D251 200/60R16 VTX Rear Tire fit my 03 vtx1800c? with no mods? any draw backs if the tire will fit? was afraid to order one with out knowing postive... thanxs in advanced...
I know the tire fits the R models with no mods so it should fit the C. But I learned a valueable lesson in this ordeal. VTXs with spoke wheels only have 15" rims. I asked my buddy who has a retro with the cast wheels what tire he had and so I ordered a 200/60/16 not bothering to check my tires. It ended up costing me and extra $100 to learn this lesson.

Everyone I have talked to says that a 200 will fit VTXs with no mods. Hope this helps

Steve

[FL_VTX_GA]

Metzler goes so far as to recommend a 200/60R16 as an upgrade for the 1800C on their web site.

http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/media/2006_metric_upgrades.pdf;jsessionid=LU2J5ZFY1SRPJF YKJOPCFFA

It fits with no mods. I have to let the air out to get a 205 on, but the 200 slips right in.

[Hardtimes]

thanxs..... appreciated..

[snakearmspatrolers]

think the car tire is worth a try.
i deliver in general bay area re
san francisco surrounds & go
thru tires incredibly fast ~ often
getting only a few thousand per.
ws case w 96 suz intruder 14 &
same now w 03 hon vtx 18c. so
i look forward to diggin on a more
stable & solid jam w the grip &
pull & rotate & flow & who knows
even the show of slamming on
down the roads via more hefty
wham on the flat & swerve on
the curve! also braking & street
conditions, whewys, city is arg
terrible! shd b pretty good. ah,
yes. we see how goes! fire on!

No one here ont he dark side? I think I am going to go there when my stock Dunny runs out which will be soon. I'm at 6500 right now. Looking at the Goodyear Triple Tread 195/60/16. Heard lots of good stuff about it.

[coopi]

I'm still running the stock Dunlops om my 1800 F now have 4500 miles on them with just a speck of wear on the left side of the front tire , rear looks new.
When I switch out the front, should I replace the rear as well?
Keeping in mind if I only change the front I will need to go back with a tire of the same tread design (Dunlop) .
coopi

[mevbo]

Changed the 205/55r16 GYTT to a 205/65r16 Michelin Hydroedge. Loved the car tire, but the 55 diameter was defeating the purpose a bit of the 1300 drive. (Raising the rpms). With the 65, she is smooth and sweat, I think it is a little better handling too on the corners and side to side. Just waiting for spring to log some new miles.

Mevbo
2003 Retro Darkside member 205/65/16 Michelin Hydroedge (balance Beads), 1300 final drive, Flip flop paint, Body LED's, Custom Dash LED's, GPS, Desmog and opened stock airbox and K&N, Cobra Slashcuts, PCIII With Dyno MAP @ 98.17 HP and 112.66 FP Torque.

[fisher]

hey everybody, if you go to the top the page and click on vtx links, then scroll down to chets vtx pages, there is a good article on tires. it explains alot. hope it will help.

[TUCKER]

HERE-HERE FOR THE DUNLOP ELITE3's. I've put around 3,000 miles on mine with no noticeable wear. I run the stock tire pressure, (33 front and 36 rear), they handle good in the heat, cold and rain. Plus they give a smoother ride.

[Retro Rocket]

Ok heres a pic of my rear tire with 23000 miles on it. Pretty bald huh? LOL! Have a new Avon Venom R waiting to go on if I get up the nerve to try and change it myself. Lack of funds at the moment are keeping me from taking it to the dealer to have it done. Wish me luck ! If you don't hear from me the bike fell off the lift and crushed me to death LOL!

[Rebelscout]

I am interested on what tires people would buy for their VTX again. I have a 2003 VTX1800C (130/70/18 front and 180/70/16 rear) I am considering either the Z rated Bridgestone G851F / G850R combination or the H rated Avon Venom R AM41 /AM42 combination. I read on HDL that people love the Avons, but haven't heard yeahs or neahs on the Bridgestones. X on my bike stands for extreme so am leaning toward getting the highest speed rating I can find, but am concerned that I'll be able to go fast with confidence, but not turn worth squat. Recommendations?

I just ordered a set of the Bridgestone G850 & G851 tires for my 2002 1800C. I ordered them mostly because the honda dealer couldnt quite put it together to order the Metzler 880 marathons that I wanted. Another reason for the Bridgestones was I looked at the price of the Metzlers and the Dunlop Elite's :icon_yike . I got a pretty good price on them and I figure Ill try the Bridgestones and see how they do.

Anyone have any specific long term trials on such a set of tires?

[H3nut]

I only have 4500 miles and already having to replace the second rear tire. The first evidently went flat after something came out of it at about 85mph, the second lost pressure at about 70mph with passanger after something apparantly came out. Not sure why I seem to be getting nails or screws in my tires so much but it is getting frustrating that nobody will fix the tire and it cost over $200 to buy and replace the tire.

Just ranting a little bit but would like to know if anyone has simular experiences and what tire you find best in high heat, high speed running.

I live in West Texas and ride long distances in 95+ degree heat and don't ever seem to remember having this many problems before.

Maybe I am just unfortunate to have gotten something in my tire twice in less than 4 months.