Tires

[motortouring]

Thanks everybody. This gives indeed the impression that tires have all improved. My next choice will be the PR4 or Dunlop Roadsmart. I keep you informed about my experience with them.

[LowRyter]

MT- if you wallet has anything to do with it, I would bet you'll run the Dunlops.  

[motortouring]

It is not the wallet, I used to ride Michelin on all my bikes. And choosing the wrong tyres (or changing too late) has more effect on the wallet,than the Mich's. But recently my tyre-specialist had such an passionate story about the new carcass of the Dunlops. So, I am interested in your opinions.

 

But your right, I think I am gonna try the Dunlops.

:-)

[LowRyter]

my opinion is that I like the Dunlops on my Sport.  But I used to ride Dunlops on my Bandit until one of the replacement series lasted half as much as the previous Dunlop.   After that I didn't use Dunlops until I had a flat on my newly acquired Sport.  The Dunlop was the only tire available and worked well.  I put a set of Michelins on the Sport (like I run on my Bandit) and was disappointed that the rear was shot at half the expected distance (deja vu all over again) so I did a reverse switch and went back to Dunlops.  

[LowRyter]

regarding air pressure.

 

I've complained about weave when carrying my large HB Jr bags.  Since I am traveling next week to Springfield Mile, I decided to experiment with air pressure.  My test today with the weighted bags was 45 lb of air in the rear and 30 lb in the front.  It did seem a lot less nervous up to about 80 (couldn't get much faster).  Got around some Semis and followed a Dually and it seems much better.  Of course until I am traveling 80 around Semis, I won't know for sure.

 

Anyway, 45/30.  

[coreytrevor]

Be careful, Dunlop max pressure spec on the Roadsmart is 42 psi!

[LowRyter]

42?  OK.  Thanks....

[LowRyter]

Just and update regarding tires and "weave" on the red frame.  I did 1500 mile trip with bags loaded.  New tire on the front and nearly new on the rear.  The tires consistently held pressure at 39 lb rear and 31.5 lb front (never had to add air during the trip).  Bike stayed stable most of the trip.  Got a little weave once when running up to traffic at 90+ mph.  A couple times wind buffeting and road surface gave me a slight oscillation.

 

On the twisty roads the fully loaded bike handled fine with a comfortable ride to boot.  I was pretty aggressive with it in the Ozark mountains in Ark and Missery.  When I take the bags off I'll probably up the front to 34 lb but the bike still handled responsively at 31.5.