What tires do you have?

[Julio A.]

The problems were mostly the Metzeler interiors that came with the carcass. Apparently natural rubber disagrees with Philippine road conditions.

Tubeless Metzelers, like the Tourances that my Dad use is another different story.

[Semper Gumby]

Hi Shellhead210,

I really like Michelin.  The Pilot Active I think is the best tire made for our bikes.  However, the Bridgestone BT45 (F and R)and the Metzler Lasertechs are excellent tires.  Heidenau from Germany is starting to make DOT-approved race tires in our sizes.  My latest Vintage Views Magazine lists a company in Asheville NC that sells these tires.  www.motorradavl.com

I am spoiling to try a set of Heidenaus or Mefos on a bike I ride.  I have always been impressed with the toughness of the sidewalls when I could get my hands on one.

Whatever your choice, buy the best tire that money can buy for the reasons that are relevant to YOU -- and good luck.   8-)

[wa1udg]

There was a brief period back in the late 70s or early 80s  when Metzeler was selliing tires for autos here, mostly sizes for imports.  They were good tires at a reasonable price.  A place called Eurotire was one of the distributors.  I had a set and by the time they wore out Metzeler had stopped importing them.  

[Speyman]

I have Avon tires on my 1981 R65. Made in "Jolly Old". Nice tread pattern; grip well in wet and dry. Went on a 150 mile run this past weekend that included black-top, gravel and rain-grooved interstate 84. Handled everything well except the rain grooves are a little tricky. At work and can't name the model at present.

[Ed Miller]

Speyman, are those Avon Roadriders?  Those are what I have on my Triumph, also made in Jolly Old.

[suecanada]

I have Lasertec's on the '83 LS and Avon Roadrunners on the '09 Triumph Bonneville. Just got back from Cape Breton on the Bonnie and I gotta say i found the new Avons a bit squirrely on the tar snakes but the profile hasn't cupped like the Metzler OEM's did on them fairly early on.
When LRB needs new shoes next I will try Bridgestone B45's I think. Winston the Bonneville may get them too or the Michelin Pilots.
Would absolutely love to try Heidenau tires on any of my bikes. Two BC girls who rode the new Triumph XC800 to Alaska and back and did ALL the gravel roads (Dalton and Dempster) in rainy weather love them. Will check out the link in this thread and hope for something that would work other than race tire configuration as I'm too old for racing!!!