Yes, I know, another tire thread, use the search (I did), etc, etc.
Current tire is a Michelin Pilot 4 and is about done. Not sure on mileage on it since it was on the bike when I go it (was told it was "newish"), but I have put a little over 1500 miles on it and needs replacement. Looked good before the start of my trip, and will get me home.
Looking to go double dark (205/50/17 Hankook Ventus V2 on rear now).
First, seems most go to a 130/70/17 due to availability of rear tires in this size. I have read a post or two about needing to move the front fender up a bit to keep the tire from rubbing at speed, but again, only 1-2 posts about it. Is it just some tires that do it, or all 130/70/17?
As for which tire, reading here seems Avon Storm 3DXM tires were popular, but no longer available. Some have mentioned the Avon Roadrider Mk II as a possible replacement, but no real feedback on it.
No other real front runner for a double dark front that I can find.
I know on the Goldwing forums, the BattleAx BT45 was a popular option (has been replaced by BT46), but is a H rated tire (not that I plan on doing over 130 MPH). Did not see anyone use one here (but some here complained of poor wet tire traction with standard front/rear combo Battleax BT45).
Also reading a lot of good about the regular front 120/70/17 Dunlop Roadsmart 4. Seems some are getting close to 10,000 miles out of it.
Any suggestions?
I am leaning toward trying the Battleax due to its longer life (on Goldwings at least), but also thinking maybe the Dunlop RS4 could work for me.
I am hard on tires.
I am a fat guy, and my one up weight is most peoples 2 up weight (yes, I am working on it), and I like the throttle.
While I live a flat and straight area, I do take trips to the twisties.
Current tire is a Michelin Pilot 4 and is about done. Not sure on mileage on it since it was on the bike when I go it (was told it was "newish"), but I have put a little over 1500 miles on it and needs replacement. Looked good before the start of my trip, and will get me home.
Looking to go double dark (205/50/17 Hankook Ventus V2 on rear now).
First, seems most go to a 130/70/17 due to availability of rear tires in this size. I have read a post or two about needing to move the front fender up a bit to keep the tire from rubbing at speed, but again, only 1-2 posts about it. Is it just some tires that do it, or all 130/70/17?
As for which tire, reading here seems Avon Storm 3DXM tires were popular, but no longer available. Some have mentioned the Avon Roadrider Mk II as a possible replacement, but no real feedback on it.
No other real front runner for a double dark front that I can find.
I know on the Goldwing forums, the BattleAx BT45 was a popular option (has been replaced by BT46), but is a H rated tire (not that I plan on doing over 130 MPH). Did not see anyone use one here (but some here complained of poor wet tire traction with standard front/rear combo Battleax BT45).
Also reading a lot of good about the regular front 120/70/17 Dunlop Roadsmart 4. Seems some are getting close to 10,000 miles out of it.
Any suggestions?
I am leaning toward trying the Battleax due to its longer life (on Goldwings at least), but also thinking maybe the Dunlop RS4 could work for me.
I am hard on tires.
I am a fat guy, and my one up weight is most peoples 2 up weight (yes, I am working on it), and I like the throttle.
While I live a flat and straight area, I do take trips to the twisties.