[Tom Finch]

I posted a note on the general board to ask if anyone had enough miles on a 70 series rear tire to evaluate it and did not find anyone who had. I understand the Metzler 880 would be the tire of choice. I would appreciate hearing from anyone that has a 70 series tire on the back of their 1800 Wing and how they like it. My e-mail is [email protected] or you can post here if you have time. I have passed 13,000 on my 04 Wing and plan to change tires in the next month or so. Thanks. Tom Finch

 

[Phramed]

Tom,
I sent you a rather long winded reply. The 70 series caused me no problems but it picked up a nail and i had to get a new tire. I replaced it with the original size after a conversation with someone I repect very much regarding this machine. Readings on the speedo/odo with the 70 series tire is sooo accurate and the speedo/odo error is so consistent with our bikes, I wonder if the bike wasn't originally set up for 70 series and something changed minds?
bob

 

[yellow3dan]

I ran the 70 series Metzler for 7,000 miles,it didn't seem to wear very
well. I switch to the 70 series Avon,and I got 13,000 miles. I was very happy with the Avon. I am on the second Avon,and I won't go back
to a 60 series tire.

 

[Tom Finch]

70 series rear tire success?

Thanks for the info Yellow 3 Dan. Did the Metzler wear out at 7,000 miles or did you change it to try the Avon? Did you have a chance to ride the Metzler in the rain, and also the Avon? What other tires have you had on the Wing and how does each compare in the rain?

In the very old days, I used avon front tires on my British bikes. And then came rain grooved pavement. The tires were so tiny then and the only reason we did not notice the short mileage was the bikes themselves did not go very far. I had two new Triumphs and two new Ariel Square Fours in the '50s. The Japanese did not put the British out of the bike business back then, the British did.

Since you are sticking with the Avons, you must have had good luck with them. How about balance and evenness in tread wear? What do you use for a front tire?

 

[yellow3dan]

The Metzler would have gone another 2K,it seemed like it had soft rubber
in the 70 series tire compared to the 60 series Metzler. I have used all
three brands and prefer the Metzler on the front. Will go to the new Avon
on the front next. No trouble with the 70 series Avon in th rain. It does square off in the middle like the 60 series tires. Very happy with the
70 series Avon.

 

[Wingman26]

I wonder if the bike wasn't originally set up for 70 series and something changed minds?

That would be inconsistent with Honda's, and most other motorcycles, normal speedo error, you will note they all have approximately the same error.

All at indicated 65 mph
2004 Ducati Multistrada--60.9
2003 Kawasaki ZR1000-A1--59.5
2003 Suzuki SV1000S--59.4
2003 Kawasaki 1600 Classic--59.3
2003 Suzuki SV650S--61.2
2003 Honda ST1300--61.5
2003 Ducati 999--61.92
2003 BMW R1200CLC--60.2
2002 BMW R1150RS--61.0
2002 Kawasaki ZX-9R--61.0
2002 Yamaha YZF-R1--60.2
2002 Honda GL1800--61.5

 

[jerryeg]

i have a avon rear tire. the stock dunlop fot the 1800 wasn't a bad ride ( i thought) but did not wear well. so i went to the 70 . no lumps or bumps and what a smooth ride. did not change the height and turns with a safe'er feel . love my wing and live in central florida, what a combo
mr. grumpy