I cant say specifically for the Wing, but a year ago I put a set on my Valkyrie, and I really like them. I know that in the Valk world, Venom-R tires seem to be the obvious replacement tire of choice.
I bought mine from Honda Direct-Line, and haven't regretted it.
I ran them for years on my VTX and have them on the wing now. Have over 9,000 on the front and have several thousand left. One of their engineers told me to run 42 front and 43-44 in the rear and that is what I have done. I personally think they are great tires.
I've used Avon Venom R's on two Valks (one Tourer and one I/S), my Bandit (1200S), the '85 Sabre V65 and my previous '03 Wing. No problems with any and handling/wear has been excellent.
That said, current '03 Wing has Bridgestones and they are handling/wearing just as well so far (and, I recently got to try them out on ice/snow/sand and they worked out well there too).
I'll prolly go with Avon's when the next change is due but can't complain about the 'Stones.
I only got 6k miles out of mine. I had alot of chord showing at 6k when I changed them out. I like the crown of the tire (which effects handlebar pressure in various parts of a turn). Traction was great for the first thousand miles but seemed to drop considerably after a thousand miles even though there was lot of tread left. I enjoyed experimenting with the Avons, but for me, the higher price combined with the lower milage did not fit my value system. The additional traction (if any) during the first thousand miles was not enough to warrant the additional cost and shorter tire life.
Only negative I've heard is that the local service shop refused to put them on my buddies 05 because he (my buddy) isn't known for his attention to tire pressure. Service shop said that to run Venoms you had to be religious about pre-checking your pressures. That wouldn't stop me from purchasing a set this next go round, I haven't been all that impressed with the Elite III vs. the OEM Dunlop model.
A little late, but my opinion is Avon's are the best tire for a Goldwing that are being made today. That my story and I am sticking to it. And by the way I have not had any air issues with any of my Avon's, just make sure the installer knows what he is doing. I think some of the air issues are old valve stems (replace every time you repace a tire) and the tire is not properly seated (stiff) three ply sidewalls and six ply tread.
On my second set - love them - using 70 on rear - love the benefits of that even more. First set went about 12k - about 1k longer than I should have run them.
I've got about 6k on mine and like them fine. As a bonus, they even serenade me everytime I go around a curve. Never had a set of tires sing to me like those Venoms do!
They do grrrrr! a lot, especially on turns. Grip like glue, i use the radio or music alot so no bother for me. Got 4000 miles on em before a mini jackdaniels bottle sliced the side wall in a parking lot, but never lost air! Just changed it with another. Happy!
You're supposed to throw your empties into the trash can GL03, not just drop them on your way in to the bar..
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