Tires

[Ricko]

I need to order a new rear tire for my Goose ( Cal/Vin). I am replacing a Michelin Pilot Activ that I have been pretty happy with, is there another choice I should consider?

[redrider]

I have been very pleased with Avon Storm XM. It is a Sport/Touring tire that lasts over 8000 miles on the Benelli Beast. The Café Sport loves them. The Michelin induced a wobble above 70 mph.

[LowRyter]

Metzler 880 work well my EV.  I am not familiar to the changes on the Calvin.

[jackson]

My experiences with tires is what works well on one brand/model won't necessarily provide the same ride & longevity on another brand/model.
It sounds like the Pilot Activ has worked well on your bike, so if I were you, I'd stay with the known and not dabble with trying something new.............and replace it with the same brand, size, etc.
Just my two cents.

[Dilliw]

I've used the BT45s, ME880s, and now the Pilot Activs on my EV.

BT45- works great at first but for some reason I had two rear tires get "snake bit" around 5k even though there was plenty of tread.  Also the worst of the three in the rain.

ME880- Love the rear tire but didn't like the front.  Problem is if you put one on up front it's going to be there for a while!  I had 16k on the last one and changed it not because of tread but because I didn't like the road noise it made.  I think Muley got over 20k on one.  Rear goes 8k-10k depending on loads.

Pilot Activ- I've got 6k on them and they look like the will go about 8k.  Pretty neutral in terms of a tire; they do everything they are supposed to and don't do anything they are not supposed to do. 

My feeling is that when it is time I'll go back to the Pilot Activ again.  Last time I looked they were a good bit cheaper than the ME.  Also, you can get the 110/80 size in the Michelin.  I've run the 110/80 BT45 and liked how it made the bike at least feel lighter.

[rocker59]

I'd stay with the Michelin

[Sheepdog]

Michelin Activs and Metzler 880s worked best on my Vintage. Good mileage, braking, and handling...good neutral steering, too. The Michelins are the more affordable of the two...

[janusz]

What about the new bikes? Should one keep replacing the original tires with the same brand or experimenting is recommended? My bike (Audace) has Metzeler Lasertec tires front/back, how they are rated, anything better to conciser?

[rocker59]

What about the new bikes? Should one keep replacing the original tires with the same brand or experimenting is recommended? My bike (Audace) has Metzeler Lasertec tires front/back, how they are rated, anything better to conciser?

I think you'll find not many of us have much experience with the rear size that comes on the Audace, and other wide-tire Cal 14s.

I've looked around out of curiosity, and options seem a little limited.

[Ricko]

Thanks to all, sounds like good advice.

[Lcarlson]

 My Cali 1400 Custom burned through the OEM Dunlops in 6000 miles -- they're done  I'm going with the Metzeler 880s next. These are widely known as high mileage rubber for heavy motorcycles. I hope so.

[Muzz]

Son has just put a Metzeler Marathon 888 on the rear of his Harley Sporty. Just running it in now but already is very happy with the way it feels. Far better than the Pirelli Routes that were on it.

[ITSec]

I'd stay with the Activ until you replace front and rear together - then decide whether a switch is warranted. The Activ has not seen a lot of changes in recent years, so (if you want sportier), I might think about the Pilot Road 4 in one form or another.

[ITSec]

What about the new bikes? Should one keep replacing the original tires with the same brand or experimenting is recommended? My bike (Audace) has Metzeler Lasertec tires front/back, how they are rated, anything better to conciser?

Personally I have never been impressed with the Lasertec series. I'd say wear 'em out and look for a better tire.

[RayB]

I recently put Shink 230s on my EV. Scrapped the ME880s. The Shinkos are good enough for who they're for.

[wavedog]

Michelin Pilot Activ are the tire of choice for me on my 01 jackal. They have everything that I want - good price, excellent grip, long life (for the roads in my area and my riding style) good feedback yada yada. I don't feel the need to try any other tire. I do keep the front pressure up to 38 so it doesn't cup. Had a lazertec on the front when I first got the bike and it was less than confidence insipiring.