I'm in the market for a tire that is good in the long haul. I'd like something that can withstand a 8000km - 10000km trek this summer over graveled roads and smooth pavement. The Honda dealer in town suggested Avon Azaro. But it is my understanding that it has a rating for speed (RR) at 149mph+ but there is no accounting for tread wear. The stock tires that are on my '05 VFR are rated the same (VR) at 149mph+. And these tires would wear out in a flash for this trip.
Anyone out there with long-haul experience through some rough terrain that has the experience to suggest a good tire for the VFR? Thank you in advance.... :)
i had a michelin macadam 100x rear last 10,000 commuting and touring miles . the front sucked though. it cupped rolling out of the dealer shelf
I've had great luck with Dunlop D220's. I live in Arizona and do some canyon carving with ease. Also the milage is pretty good, about 5 -7K on the rear. Good Luck!!
Cheers!
John :D
Thanks for the advice - I'll look into those tires!
Hey - Grizzledog - are you still alive and kicking? What type of tires did you use to come up this way from Minneapolis MN? Did you have any problems along the way? What should I look for?
I think if you look in the vfrd tire survey you will find the AV45/46 Azaro gets the most mileage of any tire reviewed.
Another option might be Metzeler's ME880 - popular with the ST1100 crowd and certain to get the mileage you want and more. Some people might tell you it's not sporting enough for the VFR but you shouldn't be playing racergirl on holiday thousands of km from home anyway.
SAFE-T, Feb 19 2006, 02:58 AMI think if you look in the vfrd tire survey you will find the AV45/46 Azaro gets the most mileage of any tire reviewed.
Another option might be Metzeler's ME880 - popular with the ST1100 crowd and certain to get the mileage you want and more. Some people might tell you it's not sporting enough for the VFR but you shouldn't be playing racergirl on holiday thousands of km from home anyway.
:+1: on the ME880. It's the tire of choice for the LD crowd.
Unf, it only comes in a 170/60-17 rear size, but it WILL work on the VFR.
Slightly narrower, but one aspect ratio taller, it should make your bike steer lighter and seem more flickable.
The matching front comes in the correct size, a 120/70-17. They are both radials.
AZVFR99, Feb 19 2006, 01:34 AMI've had great luck with Dunlop D220's. I live in Arizona and do some canyon carving with ease. Also the milage is pretty good, about 5 -7K on the rear. Good Luck!!
Cheers!
John :D
I second the D220 for a rear. I've got 5,000 on mine with next to no sign of wear. It's slabbed with me to and from Knoxville, slain the Dragon and ridden my favorite twisties all summer long. Not to mention my slab commute 100 miles a day. Of course, all of my travelling is on
paved roads but you mentioned some gravel and such. I can't comment on its off road ability.
I'll be buying another one
if this one ever wears out!
Gypsy, Feb 18 2006, 06:45 PMI'm in the market for a tire that is good in the long haul. I'd like something that can withstand a 8000km - 10000km trek this summer over graveled roads and smooth pavement. The Honda dealer in town suggested Avon Azaro. But it is my understanding that it has a rating for speed (RR) at 149mph+ but there is no accounting for tread wear. The stock tires that are on my '05 VFR are rated the same (VR) at 149mph+. And these tires would wear out in a flash for this trip.
Anyone out there with long-haul experience through some rough terrain that has the experience to suggest a good tire for the VFR? Thank you in advance.... :)
i bought Metzler Roadtecs two years ago, over 4,000 miles mostly in the palomar mtns and they still look new. the tires felt good from 0-150 mph indicated. doing track day next month so i am putting on pilot powers then. :P
Gypsy, Feb 18 2006, 06:45 PMAnyone out there with long-haul experience through some rough terrain that has the experience to suggest a good tire for the VFR? Thank you in advance.... :)
I'd go with Pirelli's phenomenal Diablo and turn your dealer on to one of the top rated
sport touring tires... I can say from experience that they generate more rider confidence
than Avon's Azaro...
Pirelli Link Pirelli Article... (IMG:
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/okapi.38-alain.reversat/images/t-max/Yamaha/Pneus/pirelli-diablo.jpg)
BusyLittleShop, Feb 19 2006, 12:28 PMI'd go with Pirelli's phenomenal Diablo and turn your dealer on to one of the top rated
sport touring tires... I can say from experience that they generate more rider confidence
than Avon's Azaro...
Pirelli Link
Pirelli Article...
(IMG:http://perso.wanadoo.fr/okapi.38-alain.reversat/images/t-max/Yamaha/Pneus/pirelli-diablo.jpg)
screw the diablo's. i had 80 % rear tire life left before my trip from atlanta back to tampa. 530 miles. by valdosta georgia the rear was starting to bead up like a track tire and by the time i made it back to home i have a bead of cord all the way around. running the standard 36/42 psi. never will i again try a diablo for a touring/sport tire. maybe the strada but i am tainted towards the pirellis now. the damn rear looks like a square block it flat spotted so bad.
BusyLittleShop, Feb 19 2006, 11:28 AMI'd go with Pirelli's phenomenal� Diablo and turn your dealer on to one of the top rated sport touring tires...�
Read it again Larry, she's looking for an ST tire that affords MAXIMUM treadwear.
You could try a Diablo, but if you rode from Whitehorse, YT to Edmonton, AB, you'd be shopping for a new tire already. That's 2000 kilometers of nasty roads, Ironbutt rally to Alaska style. Mr. RC45 would not be amused.
For what Gypsy is asking, the Metzeler ME880 is it, followed by all the other tire Mfgr's ST offerings.
http://www.metzelermoto.com/en_86/tires/te...ME_880_MARATHONNote that the ME880s with a (B ) in the tire designation are a
bias tire.
There is however a 120/70-17 and a 170-60-17
radial that will work on a Viffer.
veefer800canuck, Feb 19 2006, 10:30 AMRead it again Larry, she's looking for an ST tire that affords MAXIMUM treadwear.
You could try a Diablo, but if you rode from Whitehorse, YT to Edmonton, AB, you'd be shopping for a new tire already. That's 2000 kilometers of nasty roads, Ironbutt rally to Alaska style. Mr. RC45 would not be amused.
For what Gypsy is asking, the Metzeler ME880 is it, followed by all the other tire Mfgr's ST offerings.
http://www.metzelermoto.com/en_86/tires/te...ME_880_MARATHON
Note that the ME880s with a (B ) in the tire designation are a bias tire.
There is however a 120/70-17 and a 170-60-17 radial that will work on a Viffer.
Thank you veefer800canuck! At least you sound like you know the roads up here! And I appreciate it very much!!!! I'll be looking into the Metzeler ME880. Thanks again.
Larry - though I'm grateful for your advice - I don't think you realize what type of roads I'm talking about this far north. Don't be offended but I'll look into veefer's advice. Maybe the Diablo is something I could try for another ride - say if I'm in the California area sometime? But up here we're talking about some smooth asphalt with a heavy dose of chip-seal, gravel and some broken pavement from the spring freeze-thaw. Therefore, I need a tire with tread wear.
Veefer - I never thought I was riding "Iron butt style" up here. But, you know, you're right! LOL! I just got used to the roads is all..... :lol:
Gypsy, Feb 19 2006, 12:06 PM
Larry - though I'm grateful for your advice - I don't think you realize what type of roads I'm talking about this far north. Don't be offended but I'll look into veefer's advice. Maybe the Diablo is something I could try for another ride - say if I'm in the California area sometime? But up here we're talking about some smooth asphalt with a heavy dose of chip-seal, gravel and some broken pavement from the spring freeze-thaw. Therefore, I need a tire with tread wear.
Hiya Gypsy... I'm still smiling... but you know me... I go for quality rather than budget...
I flew into Alaska once courtesy of the USAF and just like a magnet to steel... riders
attract riders... next thing I know we are in a big BS session... but we did compared
notes and I gather the roads up there are special... however if your dealer
recommends Avon Azaro... a tire not known for anything special including longevity
then I know the Diablo beats it... but Veefer is right... the Marathon wears like iron...
perhaps you will consider the Pirelli Diablo Strada as well??? for the love of quality... 8-)
Pirelli Link (IMG:
http://www.seastarsuperbikes.co.uk/tyres/diablo-strada.jpg)
Perhaps it's not the roads so much as the distance covered. Under 10,000 km is pretty weak for a rear tire when you are specifically looking to travel long distance.
One thing you might also want to consider is that the Azaro has one of the thinner/lighter carcasses. This may or may not be desirable if you are rolling along rough roads.
If you want to try Pirelli and you are going to be doing a range of paved/gravel riding, check out their Scorpion Sync tire. This is OEM on bikes like Ducati's Multistrada.
http://www.pirellimoto.com/pzone/editorial...li_scorpion.htmI have 5,000 miles on My Diablo strada rear and maybe 1000 miles left. The front should be good for around 10,000. I too want longer tire life but am not convinced that any other tire out there will last longer AND STILL PERFORM AS WELL. These tires are confidence inspiring, handle rough roads, abuse, any weather conditions, and heavy loads. I'm willing to try diff. tires but am afraid I'll be let down.
I'd love to hear others opinions who can compare experience with the Stradas to other tires.
I had good luck with Pilot Roads for a touring tire. Had ~ 1000 mi on a set before striking out on a trip to The Gap. I took it pretty easy going over ( and zig zagged a lot since I have an O C D about going over 10 miles in a straight line ). It was never a severe hindrance during the week in Nirvana, and I put the wood to her coming home ( to central TX ) and still had a wee bit of life in it when I got back. Nothing really bad or good about the front.
I believe I remember a Macadam on the rear doing real well for touring too.
The sidewalls on Avons are real supple, but the center will go fairly quick.
I'm 100 Kg kitted.
SAFE-T, Feb 19 2006, 03:55 PMIf you want to try Pirelli and you are going to be doing a range of paved/gravel riding, check out their Scorpion Sync tire. This is OEM on bikes like Ducati's Multistrada.
http://www.pirellimoto.com/pzone/editorial...li_scorpion.htm
Now there's a thought. Multistradas are built for exactly the type of roads and riding that Gypsy is bound to encounter in the YT, so it stands to reason that the Scorpion Sync would perform admirably under those conditions.
Now I wouldn't want to bank on them for a trackday or serious canyon duty, but that's unlikely to be a problem in WhiteHorse.
Plus, they come in a 180 rear. I'd still bet on the Marathons to wear longer, but the Sync's have a more agressive tread which might be better for stability on marginal road conditions. :unsure:
theoxmole, Feb 19 2006, 09:08 AMI second the D220 for a rear. I've got 5,000 on mine with next to no sign of wear. It's slabbed with me to and from Knoxville, slain the Dragon and ridden my favorite twisties all summer long. Not to mention my slab commute 100 miles a day. Of course, all of my travelling is on paved roads but you mentioned some gravel and such. I can't comment on its off road ability.
I'll be buying another one if this one ever wears out!
I'm going to give a x3 on the D220, *although* my experience with the set I have is with them mounted on my F4i. I currently have just over 3200 miles on the set, and look like they have another 3200 left. Granted, the F4i is lighter, but I ride it pretty hard, and on adverse roads too. The Catskills are known for their not-so-great roads, as many of them are oil and stone jobbies that get chewed up by the snowplows every year. The D220s are also available in the recommended size for your bike, and can be had for relatively little cash(how does $176US sound for a pair?) Check'em out!
BusyLittleShop, Feb 19 2006, 01:38 PMHiya Gypsy... I'm still smiling... but you know me... I go for quality rather than budget...�
��
I flew into Alaska once courtesy of the USAF and just like a magnet to steel... riders�
attract riders... next thing I know we are in a big BS session... but we did compared�
notes and I gather the roads up there are special... however if your dealer�
recommends Avon Azaro... a tire not known for anything special including longevity�
then I know the Diablo beats it... but Veefer is right... the Marathon wears like iron...�
perhaps you will consider the Pirelli Diablo Strada as well???� for the love of quality... 8-)
LOL! You're right!!!! Ah - you make me laugh Larry - Only one trip to Alaska my friend? Prefer the warmth of California perhaps? Sorry - I couldn't let that go by without one little ribbing......LOL!
Avon was just a thought when I was at Honda yesterday - the parts person being the only person behind the counter on a Saturday (with a line-up behind me) - I told him I'd look into the tire question and report back. I'll look into Marathon for this trip - and maybe "for the love of quality" consider Pirelli Diablo Strada for another trip..... :P
I can't wait for summer and the BS sessions with other bikers.....ya gotta luv this sport....LOL!
Heh Trav - Where's that bug screen? I'm gonna need it for up here....they are mini cannon's and a major pain-in-the-#$% the bugs up here....Trav - send info as to where to send the US money order....thanx luv.
sometimetimes a persons version of "quality" and "budget" are tainted so take a lesson from the old saying..."opinions are like %^$ holes, everyone has one". my experience with a pirelli diablo was not good...for others it is. some local riders here in tampa i talk to concider the diablo an odd tire with no turn in feel compared to pilots...i like the handling, they didnt. tread wear was attrocious even for a sport tire in my case. some dont fair as bad. you are going to get a multitude of opinions on this....it makes it all the much harder to make a decision of what will be your best tire as everyone believes they know whats best .
but i have to add an image. this would likely be the longest wearing option
(IMG:
http://www.harrywarrenconstruction.co.uk/assets/images/Fly-Wheel02.jpg)
FYI - "budget" is not really a problem here. I'll buy what I think is best and pay the price for the quality found. But, I will do my research first....3 more months until the bike is on the road...I've got a bit of time left! ;) Thanx for all the info people - much appreciated!
SAFE-T, Feb 19 2006, 01:55 PMPerhaps it's not the roads so much as the distance covered. Under 10,000 km is pretty weak for a rear tire when you are specifically looking to travel long distance.
One thing you might also want to consider is that the Azaro has one of the thinner/lighter carcasses. This may or may not be desirable if you are rolling along rough roads.
If you want to try Pirelli and you are going to be doing a range of paved/gravel riding, check out their Scorpion Sync tire. This is OEM on bikes like Ducati's Multistrada.
8000km-10000km is the approximate distance for all the planned travels this summer. We're also planning a few trips into Alaska. I've been to Anchorage a few times, but never Fairbanks or Haines. So - they are on the list.
Thanx for the info on the Azaro - I didn't know that! I'll look into the Pirelli Scorpion Sync.
I'm lucky to get 4500 miles out of my rear dunlop 220's riding secondary roads and interstate in WV.
Brian
BDKesling, Feb 20 2006, 05:56 AMI'm lucky to get 4500 miles out of my rear dunlop 220's riding secondary roads and interstate in WV.
Brian
Good to know - thanx Brian! :beer:
veefer800canuck, Feb 19 2006, 10:30 AMRead it again Larry, she's looking for an ST tire that affords MAXIMUM treadwear.
You could try a Diablo, but if you rode from Whitehorse, YT to Edmonton, AB, you'd be shopping for a new tire already. That's 2000 kilometers of nasty roads, Ironbutt rally to Alaska style. Mr. RC45 would not be amused.
For what Gypsy is asking, the Metzeler ME880 is it, followed by all the other tire Mfgr's ST offerings.
http://www.metzelermoto.com/en_86/tires/te...ME_880_MARATHON
Note that the ME880s with a (B ) in the tire designation are a bias tire.
There is however a 120/70-17 and a 170-60-17 radial that will work on a Viffer.
What is the difference between a bias tire and a radial tire? What should I look for?
Gypsy, Feb 20 2006, 05:48 PMWhat is the difference between a bias tire and a radial tire? What should I look for?
your bike was sold with ZR TIRES RATED AT 149+MPH. bike dealers and tire dealers should only install ZR rated tires to avoid liability. the overall performace of your bike demands this regardless of how you ride. the good news is it will give you more choices of the right tire as opposed to the bias tire (wrong). many bias tires are not round when cold and may thump you right off the bike if you don't warm them first, at least moreso than the radial :P
VFR FLYER, Feb 20 2006, 05:02 PMyour bike was sold with ZR TIRES RATED AT 149+MPH. bike dealers and tire dealers should only install ZR rated tires to avoid liability. the overall performace of your bike demands this regardless of how you ride. the good news is it will give you more choices of the right tire as opposed to the bias tire (wrong). many bias tires are not round when cold and may thump you right off the bike if you don't warm them first, at least moreso than the radial :P
I did down-load the info on the Marathon tires - they are rounded - are you saying they "square-up" in the cold? Or do they just stay cold in the "chicken strip area"?
But I appreciate the info - thanx! ps. I like the avatar...LOL!
ok....things are getting dangerous. bias not round? the differenced between bias and radial is how the cords are wound. its affects how the carcass moves on the rim. i have had bias tires and never had an out of round issue? as far as zr liability....its the dealers liability, not yours. if a certain tire is going to suit you better and has a lesser speed rating but it is one you will never exceed, would it not be prudent to use that tire?
767fixer, Feb 20 2006, 09:48 PMok....things are getting dangerous. bias not round? the differenced between bias and radial is how the cords are wound. its affects how the carcass moves on the rim. i have had bias tires and never had an out of round issue? as far as zr liability....its the dealers liability, not yours. if a certain tire is going to suit you better and has a lesser speed rating but it is one you will never exceed, would it not be prudent to use that tire?
I AM SURE ALL TIRES ARE ROUND WHEN LEAVING MANUFACTURE, i was refering to some bias tires that get a flat spot when parked in the cold, which will thump until the tire warms a little. also the same manufacture does NOT use the same cording material from bias to radial tires. and lastly MOST everyone responds to and answer questions as they apply to themselves. I SWEAR off riding over the speed limit after EVERY ride. THERE ARE SEVERAL ACCEPTABLE TIRES for her bike that are in spec for the bike. she can do as she wishes as i hope everyone does when they understand all the issues.
Anyone have experience with Metzeler Roadtec Z6 tires? This was the suggestion today from Honda when I mentioned the Marathon - that bias is a no no - and radial is the only way to go.
