Need Front Tire for my 96

[VoyKimmer]

My front tire on my 96 is worn enough and not feeling right so I want to replace it. I’ve been using Dunlop E 3 ‘s for many years now but that ship has sailed. No longer available. Even the newer Elite 3 130/ 90 B 16 are not available . I’m thinking about going with pirelli or Michelin . Thoughts please .

[Rhbrandy]

been using Metzler 888 , great grip and good milege out of it.

[Nails]

Ah, another tire thread.

Happy with Pirelli Route 66 (MT66), front and back. Did well on the Dragon &etc, lots of wet roads. Also had one high pucker-factor hard turn on the interstate, after riding about 850 miles that day (tired). After dark, curve much tighter than expected, passing a semi (probably blocked a 45MPH sign). Way leaned over at 80, couldn't even see the shoulder in the dark. The tires took care of my dumb ass.

I think they have a reputation for poor wear. Mine are fine after that 4K trip. Dunno.

All I'm saying is that I'm not asking for anything more out of tires. I'd recommend them to a friend.

[cushman eagle]

I have switched to the E-4s on both ends,and am happy with them.The e-4 on the front does require 35 lbs to keep from having a slight wobble in the 30-35 mph range.
My front has 12,200 miles on it and has 3.4 mm tread depth at the center groove yet,so I do not know how much range I will get out of that tire.
The rear only has 6600 miles on it yet,too early to get an Idea on it's range.

[VoyKimmer]

Thanks fir the replies . I’m leaning towards the pirelli’s . I’m looking for a softer tire that sticks to the road good. Not worried about the wear yet.

[Nails]

Not worried about the wear yet.

That's exactly why I didn't go darkside: I've thrown away more tires that were too old than that were worn out. Okay, until recently I wouldn't get new tires until the old ones were pretty-much both. But I've decided that I have enough money that I don't need to ride tires to the bitter end anymore. If I rode as much as Neal, I reckon it'd be another matter. But as it is, I'm happy to get new tires every few years.

I didn't pick these Pirellis, and I didn't really care a whole lot. I got what the local (independent) shop guy had. Good call, and just another reason I'm happy to support his business, too. I'm sure he's more up on the tire market than I am.

[ekap1200]

My front tire on my 96 is worn enough and not feeling right so I want to replace it. I’ve been using Dunlop E 3 ‘s for many years now but that ship has sailed. No longer available. Even the newer Elite 3 130/ 90 B 16 are not available . I’m thinking about going with pirelli or Michelin . Thoughts please .

Avon did reply back to me , an assured me the avon COBRA, CHROME WOULD FIT. I ordered an it came in last night. it is a 74 H so I am good to go . back should be in some time this week also in the COBRA , CHROME.
GENE K.

[ekap1200]

Hey Kim, I see I was not the only one having trouble with a listings for the front, thought I was going to have some grief over locating one.
the few sites I did visit DID NOT list the weight and speed listing and had me worried. I know I will never get it up to 130 mph but feel more at ease with a much greater speed and weight rating. It was hard to believe I had went 2 seasons with that set of tires on the bike.
Had to call the custom bike builder that usually gets me the tires to give me the date of when I had him get these. and dig through a pile of paperwork to find at what mileage I mounted them at his place. We think the true mileage may be just a bit over 19,265 . still not to shabby of a run on a rear tire, I must be getting old and a bit easy on the throttle. Avon had told me they are constantly changing compounds in the middle of the tire and the outer sides . So I will have the grip on wet road cornering and a slight bit more wear resistant in the center for longer life. I am relieved now that I have some new tires for the next season and plan on putting flame to engine . I had backed off with the throttle ever since I noticed the wheel hub and damper were pretty much worn to the limit.
I will be needing to spend more time in the shop to keep my mind busy.. Can you believe that another holiday has taken another family member. Seems like only a short time ago we put to rest, my daughter and now her son, only 25.... Man bring on summer ,,,, winter su~ks.

Be sure to let us know , what tire you go with. '"Since you have also been know to go great distances .."
Gene

[cushman eagle]

Hey Kim, I see I was not the only one having trouble with a listings for the front, thought I was going to have some grief over locating one.
the few sites I did visit DID NOT list the weight and speed listing and had me worried. I know I will never get it up to 130 mph but feel more at ease with a much greater speed and weight rating. It was hard to believe I had went 2 seasons with that set of tires on the bike.
Had to call the custom bike builder that usually gets me the tires to give me the date of when I had him get these. and dig through a pile of paperwork to find at what mileage I mounted them at his place. We think the true mileage may be just a bit over 19,265 . still not to shabby of a run on a rear tire, I must be getting old and a bit easy on the throttle. Avon had told me they are constantly changing compounds in the middle of the tire and the outer sides . So I will have the grip on wet road cornering and a slight bit more wear resistant in the center for longer life. I am relieved now that I have some new tires for the next season and plan on putting flame to engine . I had backed off with the throttle ever since I noticed the wheel hub and damper were pretty much worn to the limit.
I will be needing to spend more time in the shop to keep my mind busy.. Can you believe that another holiday has taken another family member. Seems like only a short time ago we put to rest, my daughter and now her son, only 25.... Man bring on summer ,,,, winter su~ks.

Be sure to let us know , what tire you go with. '"Since you have also been know to go great distances .."
Gene

Gene,I did not know about the lose of ,not one, but two family members I am so sorry!

[VoyKimmer]

Gene,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have spoken to pirelli and they could not answer all my questions.
I wasn’t impressed with the rep I talked to. Could you let us know the Avon tire you got for the front. I might end up with an Avon front. Sounds like a good tire.

[cranky]

.. so very sorry for your loss, I especially hate to see the young ones pass,
they never got to live their life. Healing and Comforting Prayers
God Bless

[ekap1200]

.. so very sorry for your loss, I especially hate to see the young ones pass,
they never got to live their life. Healing and Comforting Prayers
God Bless

thanks to all of you for your prayers
Gene and Marie

[ekap1200]

Gene,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have spoken to pirelli and they could not answer all my questions.
I wasn’t impressed with the rep I talked to. Could you let us know the Avon tire you got for the front. I might end up with an Avon front. Sounds like a good tire.

Hello Kim, here is the data on the front tyre

MT90B16
( 130/90B16 )
74H RF
FRONT TUBLESS
COBRA CHROME
AV91
2120196
90000031652

I did find same rear tire as I had , it is a AV72
SO , thats what I ordered, even though it may be a year old already,
I did say AVON does list on the data a 15,000 mile warranty so the 19 or so thousand isn't bad.
Gene Kap

[VoyKimmer]

Thanks Gene,
I ordered that tire. I think I got it for a good price.

[SgtSlag]

I ran a few sets of Pirelli MT66's on my Voyager. They're incredible on tar snakes, when fresh, but they lose grip with miles, on the Voyager. They will fit, they will grip -- superbly on wet roads, likely the best I've experienced thus far... But, they wear out faster than I want. Not really great mileage out of them, but otherwise, fantastic tires! I ran them on three bikes: 1979 Honda CB750K (absolutely superb!), 1983 Kawasaki KZ440 LTD (absolutely superb!), and the Voyager. Only complaint was the lower mileage/life in them.

Switched to Michelin Commander II's, front and back. Very happy with them, but not as high of performance, as fresh MT66's. Expect longer life, though. Will buy Commander II's again, when these are worn. Cheers!