Avon Road riders or Michelin pilots or Bridgestone bt45

[Codoloco]

 hi guys I'm just wondering if anybody has tried these tires and or which ones wider and which one seems to be preferably better.  I'm sure there's going to be differences of opinions for all of them but preferably I'm looking for a little bit of a wider tire to fit the stock rims

[NYNJ8]

Of the tires you mentioned I have only experience with the BT-45 in stock sizes on my K6.  Mind you, my tires were manufactured in 2005, but had only 2700 miles on them.  Also all of my riding on those tires has been in cold temps.  I thought they were simply adequate.  Gripped fine if not pushed extremely hard.  The ride felt very rigid and tires never really seemed to warm up and become grippy.  But then I suppose that is not their purpose.

I just replaced the tires last week and read tons of reviews on tires in particular the Avon AM26 and I was torn between those and the ContiMotions.  I ended up getting the conti because they were cheaper and came in a radial vs the bias ply Avons.  However, all of the reviews I read on the Avons were glowing.  Lots of people who believe the Avons are the best bias tires they've ever run.  Hope that helps.

[J_Walker]

its a PITA to find tires that will fit the stock rims, that have on-road-off-road capabilitys. And it isn't like I'm rock climbing with the damn things either, so huge knobs aren't really needed. Just enough to keep me going through slick/slippery mud without feeling like I'm riding on ice.

Pro-tip.

don't try it on street tires, it isn't a fun experience. also a CBR600 isn't a good off-road motorcycle.

[Janx101]

Dualsport tyres on a gs500? , metzler tourance maybe?

[J_Walker]

Dualsport tyres on a gs500? , metzler tourance maybe?

problem is the size for the fronts. I've found a few that would fit the rear- and the front's "tallness" isn't a biggy I can fit a new front fender

but they don't seem to make a 110-80-17 DS front tire, that has reasonable ON ROAD capabilitys. I've found plenty of huge knobby tires... 

[Janx101]

Avon distanza 120 70 17?? ... and 140 80 17? ... tread is similar to the Metz?

[J_Walker]

Avon distanza 120 70 17?? ... and 140 80 17? ... tread is similar to the Metz?

where did you see those, in those sizes?

I was also looking at the Continental TKC80s. but their speed rating worries me. I know the GS BARELY gets past 100mph. but I have to do most of highway to get around.

[gsJack]

http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=200_201

[Janx101]

I did a search on revzilla for dual sport tyres and punched the numbers into the zilla search by size thingy!?

[MeeLee]

I happen to have the cheapest pieces of chinese crap on mine that I could find, and they've been good to me for a good 4k miles (and looks like they got a few more k miles on them).
American roads are safe roads. As long as you got relatively mirror flat asphalt roads, and you're not riding the heck out of your bike, any tire is pretty much good enough.
Even my ricer tires take me to 100+mph without problems.

The moment you go offroad, or track racing, you should think of better tires.
But on a GS?
where weelies are near to impossible, and power is so low it gets overtaken by nearly any sportsbike out there?

If you're looking for a good tire, in what kind of environment are you planning on riding?

Tracks? Offroad? Pothole city? Going through construction areas, or obstacle courses?
Because if it's on an asphalt paved highway or city, you might as well get yourself some chinese, super cheapos on there... The GS isn't a racing bike anyway...

Concerning the width, and longetivity, you can find that info in the serial numbers, sales websites, and on the tire sidewall (eg: 130/90 r 17 will display wheel radius, tire width, and height)

Or search for tire calculator On Google, to get an idea of tire sizes.

[Janx101]

Hey Jack!  ... you have an apprentice!?

[gsJack]

Hey Jack!  ... you have an apprentice!?

He's not my apprentice Janx, will not be my apprentice, but he can have the whole job any time he wants it as far as I'm concerned.  This place has hit a new low recently and I've about had it.  I must be past retirement age by now?   

Let's hope somebody new to bikes and this forum doesn't read this and think it's OK to put the cheapest pieces of chinese crap tires they can get and go ride 100 mph on their new GS.

[Janx101]

Cheap can be ok/good (I guess?) ... but it's still cheap! ...

Brands cost more because of more than just the name! ...

[applecrew]

I've got over 70,000 miles on the AM26's and have been very happy with them. Great bang for the buck; I mostly commute 70 miles a day on highways in all kinds of weather. They have my vote for sure.

[twocool]

On one set?


Cookie

I've got over 70,000 miles on the AM26's and have been very happy with them. Great bang for the buck; I mostly commute 70 miles a day on highways in all kinds of weather. They have my vote for sure.

[Janx101]

I thought the same! Lol. ..

If its a yes then expect a gs500 stampede! Lol

[Codoloco]

Wow a ton of insight, you guys rock I'm definitely looking at the Avons but now im stuck intween getting 140/80 rears or 130/70 has anyone experienced both?