i like the elite 3 for my 1500, not sure how it would do on a 1200, I don't care for the dunlop 404, I got less than 10,000 miles out of it on my 1200. I've never tried the others.

 

I've had my '85 21 years now, has Progressive F&R suspension & I have tried lots of different tires on it .... next set I get for it will be Avon's Cobra model AV71 on front and model AV72 on rear. I am anxious to try them as I've read nothing but good things about them.


:wink2:

 

I'm warning you against all of them :rofl:

they cost $$$$

been too many years since I owned a 1200, will let the others guys give you the scoop.

 

The only one I can say is a no go is the D404, it's just a really flimsy tire that won't hold up on a wing.

 

if you fully load your 1200 wing ( or any wing ) makes sure the tires you buy have a load rating high enough for the weight being carried, 404 dunlops do not

 

MICHELIN Commander II

 

What's on the front?

 

First let me say thank you to everyone for this. http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/images/emoticons/extrasmilies2/toast.gif

I currently have the Dunlop 404's on the bike. front looks ok at this time the back is showing cord.

This thread also has me looking at tires I didn't even notice during my search for tires. I will probably be ordering the tie later today so I will let everyone know what the wife and I decide on. I will keep reading all comments until I order it.

Thanks again.

 

my 87 Aspy has 25K on E3's and refuse to wear out,the D404 i had to buy on a Canadian trip lasted 7K and wore out,bad handling tire even on my Aspy,two Metzler only lasted 7-8K before tread separation in hot weather
will try the Commander II's if my E3's ever wear out,think running 40/42 helps tread life too

 

running 40/42 helps tread life, definitely...

 

Do not get the pirelli. Had one didn't last 3 months before it started to come apart. I questioned pirelli rep and was told they don't recommend ANY tire they make for a goldwing-too heavy.

 

I'm on my third set of Pirelli M-66 Routes and haven't had any problems with them. They handle fairly well, stick real well and run fairly quiet. They do not cause head shake like Metzlers and Dunlops do on a 30 mph hands off decel, even at the end of their tread life.
Their only downside is they wear pretty quickly. 12 to 14 K miles is about all I can get out of them.

 

Ck out Shinko tires (formerly Yokohama) see if they have anything that fits
I went with them after E3 cupped and whined with the slightest lean angle.
Motorcycle Superstore is a good source of info.

 

Well it looks like I will be staying with the Dunlop 404's. At this time one of the big factors is the tread. With the driveway I have I don't want to run what I call slicks. They handled well for me just looks like I will have to deal with replacing them once or twice during the summer. The cost isn't that much. I also want to keep the wife happy, she feels more comfortable with a good tread on the tires.

I want to really thank everyone for there input. We read every one and looked at the tires compared pricing and really talked things over.

Thank you all again.

Mike

 

Well it's a sure thing if I tell someone not to buy something they will, every time.

 

The good news, is you get to check and re-apply moly paste to your rear spines more often.

 

Don't forget I'll also be able to keep a good eye on the break pads. I just replaced them all with the last tires so I should be good for a while.

 

dont forget the 3 oring on the rear wheel hub that seal the special moly area.
Breakage on any 1 of those very thin rubber rings will stop the repair until the new ones arrive
10 bucks for all 3!
Replace them with every other tire if you ride a Valkyrie, once a decade or sooner if you ride a normal Wing~
Thats figuring most of us get ~2 to 5 years to a rear tire, depending on miles and load carried.
Tires over 5 years old are considered to be aged and time for replacement, same as your helmet- 5 years is considered time for a new one!
most of us- probably wearing 10 year old helmet!
Its UV exposure to both items that is the main concern

 

Thats figuring most of us get ~2 to 5 years to a rear tire, depending on miles and load carried.

Good grief, if tires lasted me that long I would have to wonder if I needed a motorcycle. Until a couple years ago I was going through 3 sets a year. My riding has slowed some so it's only 2 sets a year now.

 

reminder: rear brake pedal is interlinked with one of the front brakes
If you are braking properly = using the rear a lot- thus giving you 2 brakes in action
vs one when only front brake is applied, That front pad set needs extra critical look when you are doing inspections

Reminder 2: flush the brake- and clutch hydraulics (if equipped) once a year!
makes a big difference in control feel, operation and metal parts and seal longevity.
wiki hygroscopic for details
not to be confused with hydroscopic which is the ability to see underwater

#3 when the rear wheel is off-- its a great time to service the diff, maybe a flush- pour thru- or just new 80-90 HYPOID Gear Oil.

 

Cmon Dave- by now you realize I often throw out any random number! Better to be loud or first-- than right!

Didnt get out to ride as much as I wanted this first year, now should be much better and I will learn how many tires it really eats-
better grip at reduced miles is ok with me. I like traction

Something Wing related is happening in Oregon-Idaho?? thats a do-able trip...

Testing the Shinko radial 890 on a 94-1500, keeps getting better with each trip!

 

I ran Michelin tires on my 1200. Everything was good but a tad noisy in curves. Mileage good, handling good not terribly expensive.

 

Actually, I think the average mileage logged on the average motorcycle is about 3 grand a year.
So, and I really hate to say this :cooldevil:, but this time, Tom may be correct.

 

And for domestic V-Twins the average is likely less than 1k.:surprise:

 

This tire should get 30 - 40 thousand miles

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Classic&tireModel=All+Season&partnum=68TR5CAS



2 maybe 3 years for me.

I keep thinking about it at $80 seems like a good buy if it rides well.

 

This tire should get 30 - 40 thousand miles

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Classic&tireModel=All+Season&partnum=68TR5CAS

If they made this for the 1200 I would probably jump for them. From looking real quick I don't see them in the correct size. http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/images/GoldwingFacts_2015/smilies/tango_face_crying.png

 

I run E3 on my 1100 and my 1200. As soon as I get the tires wear out on the 1800 ,looks like it will be the first of May, I'll be putting E3's on the 1800. I don't like whats on it now.

Yes, the "typical average" rider only puts around 3,000 - 5,000 miles a year on a bike. Some may actually get close to 10,000. But me, I'm not the average rider, I easily do 30,000 yearly between several bikes. On my primary daily rider, I'll burn through 3 sets of tires a year. Like Dave, 5 years I need to replace, maybe on my 77 or 79 that hardly get ridden the expiration date MAY come into affect. but not likely.

 

Well when I first saw the darkside post with the tire size I thought great. But after seeing this I've rethought it. I guess if I want to go to the dark side I will have to do the 1500 rim switch. Not in the budget right now so that will have to go on the back burner for now.