Poll on tire selection priorities.

[runsilent]

Errrr cheap?

I've been known to buy secondhand tires...

but I ride very sedately. If i ever find a job that will actually pay me something decent for tinkering with their computers, i'd like to try a set of the metzlers, or diablos.

Before I bought the 97 GS500, I used touring type tires on the back of four 400-750cc Hondas to get the most milage for the buck that I think you can get from name brand tires. I got 25-30k miles from the Dunlop K491 tires and 15-20k miles from the Metzeler ME88. The ME88 handled better than the longer milage K491. I put one on the 97 GS500 right after a BT45 and thought it handled as well as the BT45 with twice the life.

Probably the best buy in name brand higher milage than OE type tires would be the Spitfires or the Dunlop D404 tires if they come in your sizes. You can get a pair of the D404 tires mail order for $100 or so plus shipping.

I bought a Kenda tire for the rear of a CM400 to use for another winter and my used 02 GS500 came with a Kenda rear. I put about 5k miles on that Kenda and it was only half worn when I replaced it. Handled as good as OE Excedras I thought.

Tires I have used on the GS's and milage used:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/ ... irelog.jpg

[sapaul]

I'll second the spitfires as being good quality all-around tires. I've used them on two of my bikes for quite some time now...

Used them on my SP 1000 Guzzi, considering the torque that V Twin put down and the skinny little tyres, they did very well. Would also recomend. If you want to spend money, get the metzler Z6.

[V4underme]

If you want to spend money, get the metzler Z6.

oops, I forgot that one. Good call.

[BigChickenStrips]

"buy the best tires you can afford- tires arent THAT expensive and theres only two of them"

thats what i was told in MSF.

[flynrider]

"I want a balance between grip/performance and long-lasting."

Bridgestone's Dual Compound tires do this well for me. I've got BT-45s. They have a harder rubber compound in the center for longer wear and a stickier compound on the sides for better stick in the corners.

[yoda731]

Thanks for all the useful feedback on this one. I just ordered a pair of the recommended Bridgestone Spitfires. Picked them up on AMT for $140 including shipping, which I'm pretty happy about. I'm going to pull the wheels off in my garage and take them to a shop to be mounted and balanced. While the wheels are off, I'm going to inspect the bearings and the brakes more closely, and do any maintenance that looks due soon.

More soon. Keep the rubber side down...
JC

PS-- Next, I'll be writing for more advice on scrubbing off the mold release compound from the new tires...but that's another thread...

[dr_bar]

Just had a brand new set of Avon's "Venom X" (AM 41F & 42R) tires put on my bike this morning... Ouch!!! Not cheap, but I put 35K on my last set and figured that they treated me well and I got my money out of them...