Topic: yes, another tire thread

[FLo]

Okay, the PO of my 78 cb550k had a set of 120 Kendas on the rear or should I say Kendon't.  3k later, the rear tire looks like a box and is really square.  I've been reading up on this forum about tire recommendations and have found very valuable information on here, especially from TT.  So, I'm going with
4.00-18 rear and 3.25-19 front probably a Metz or Avon.  I'm not too worried about the vintage look, so I'm asking your thoughts on the best performance and handling tire.  I'm leaning towards TT's suggestion of the Metz laser tech in the front and ME77 rear but I came across the Avon Roadrider and wanted to know your thoughts about it.  Looks good on paper ... or screen I should say

http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=246&products_id=453

Has anyone compared the ME77 with the Roadrider, or other brands (old inch sizes) on the road?

[HavocTurbo]

For the sizes Metzeler and Avon are the best in the business.

But for those wanting to not spend so much $$ on tires I have found that either Michelin Pilot Activ tires or Shinko Tour Master Tires are a good alternative.

I personally prefer the Avons over the Metz tires b/c of the ease of replacement when I wear them out. Seems to me (and I could be the only one) that Metz sidewalls stiffen over time and exposure. I know I have had to cut a few off to avoid damage to the rim.

As for handling... Metz and Avon are about the same with Avon a little ahead. They just seem to inspire confidence in any condition and in any lean angle. Where as the Metz tires seem to need to be worked into more aggressive riding.

Michelin is good but the Skinko's are so close that I rarely justify spending the extra $$ between the two.

[alltherightpills]

I've got those Avons on my bike and simply changing the tires and truing the rims made a night and day difference in the handling.  The previous rear tire was almost perfectly square and the front tire was a Cheng-Shin, so obviously putting any new tires on would improve the handling.  I have a lot more confidence on these tires and the modern tread design helps to keep them from weaving and wandering on grooved surfaces.

I'm currently updating my suspension, so the handling should get even better, but the tires themselves made a world of difference.

[lowmileage]

I'm locking in on this thread cause those are the sizes I need and brands I wasn't considering.

[FLo]

I'm leaning towards the avons.  The thread definitely looks more modern compared with the old school metz

Here are the ME77 for reference

[Inigo Montoya]

I have not used either but looks wise, that me77 is an ugly tire!
One thing to watch for, if you have rain grooves on your roads like we do here, those center channels sometimes like to grab the groove a little and it can make for weaving is believing fun!

[Johnny-5]

Quick question whats the biggest rim we can go up front and rear on the CB550's? With that said and done whats the biggest tire we can go with no issues?

[cb350twin]

I have the Avon roadriders Like them a bunch. I was a little disappointed in them in the rain but, it was also right after it started raining so maybe  I shouldn't judge. My old Cheng Chens made the front end bounce these are nice and smooth.

[jeepster]

The Pirelli Sport Demons have a wavy groove to address this problem. I would say they are awesome, but the only tires I can compare them to are the 26 year old Dunlop Qualifiers that came with my bike.

I have not used either but looks wise, that me77 is an ugly tire!
One thing to watch for, if you have rain grooves on your roads like we do here, those center channels sometimes like to grab the groove a little and it can make for weaving is believing fun!

[FLo]

The Pirelli Sport Demons have a wavy groove to address this problem. I would say they are awesome, but the only tires I can compare them to are the 26 year old Dunlop Qualifiers that came with my bike.

I have not used either but looks wise, that me77 is an ugly tire!
One thing to watch for, if you have rain grooves on your roads like we do here, those center channels sometimes like to grab the groove a little and it can make for weaving is believing fun!

Hey Jeepster, What size deamons do you have on your ride?

[jeepster]

Stock sizes: 3.50 S19 PR on the front and 130 /90 16 on the back. My first choice was the Metzeler Lasertecs, but they were backordered and a bit pricier if I remember correctly. Also had a bit longer wear in time, at least according the people who reviewed them online.