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Tires for the Cross Country / Cross Roads?

25K views 31 replies 24 participants last post by  djh3 
#1 ·
What kind of tires are you guys running now? What kind of mileage did you get out of the OEM Dunlop Elite 3's?

Reason I ask is, at 5,500 miles my rear tire is starting to show some wear. It's not toast yet but at this rate it will only be a couple of months before it will be time for new rubber.

On past bikes I have tried Avon (didn't like), Bridgestone (OK), and Metzler (good). From what I found on the internet the Metzlers are cheaper than the Dunlops. What's up with that?
 
#2 ·
When I'm due for a new set, I'm leaning towards what the goldwingers use.
 
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#4 ·
Don't do it



I am an ex Goldwinger and I followed the pack and put the Bridgestones on that everyone raved about. My thought: The stock Dunlop D250 had better traction than the upgraded Bridgestones. I had 12,500 miles on them when I traded and they probably had another 3K left in them. They always felt slick in the curves to me and I rode more cautiously because of it. Personally, stick with the E3's.
 
#3 ·
What type of Avon didn't you like?

I've a few revisions of their tires and the first two I had issues with.

The first was an Avon Azzaro. It was so unbalanced, the tech had to damn near weld an anvil on the rim to keep the tire from bouncing.

The second pair I tried were the 45/46 series. I was riding a Ducati ST at the time and a fellow rider, renowned for setting Iron Butt records aboard said bike was advertising for them at the time. I thought, how could they possibly be bad if this guy likes them?

And for a while, they were just fine, then with about 6k miles on them they turned into sticks of butter. I've never ridden anything as scary before or since.

My last experience was with a set of Avon Storms. These were on my a Yami Warrior. Those tires were fantastic. The rear lasted 7500 miles and the front lasted nearly 11k miles. I wouldn't hesitate to buy those again, but last I checked they don't make any that fit our X bikes anyway. No sweat for now as I like the E3s just as well. Of course they only have 5k miles on them so my impression is subject to change.
 
#5 ·
Does Avon make Venom radials (AM41 front, AM42 rear) in the right size for the X bikes? I used these on my last 900 pound bike and they were my favorite tire. I have 4,100 on my XCT so far, and like the EIII, but would probably like to try the old familiar Avon Venoms.
 
#6 ·
I have the 'Stones that the Wingers like and... I like them. Smooth, great ride. I prefer them to the stock Dunnies. Hard to say how long the Stones will last, just yet. My Dunnie's only lasted about 7k miles but my driving is probably more, er, enthusiastic than most...
 
#8 ·
...Reason I ask is, at 5,500 miles my rear tire is starting to show some wear. It's not toast yet but at this rate it will only be a couple of months before it will be time for new rubber.
The least I have seen is around 8K miles but most are getting 12K to 14K out of the OEM tires. I had about 4,200 miles on mine and they look basically new so not certain why yours are wearing so fast.
 
#9 ·
Different types of roads around the country tend to eat tires quicker than what you may be riding. In IA you can get pretty good mileage out of a tire whereas in Arkansas you might get 25% less miles do to the heat and road surface difference.

the other thing that might be causing shorter life is the right hand twisting a bit to hard. :)
 
#11 ·
I ride fairly aggressively and got 14k (mostly long hwy) on my OEM Dunlops. Not a lot of options in this size range. Went with the Metzlers and they have handled really well wet and dry. I've always heard the best way to make em last is to maintain the correct pressure.
 
#15 ·
I have a 2010 XC I bought on July 28th, 2010. Original E3's, I have 15,400 miles on it now. Rear still has tread, but getting down there. Front looks good. I'm due for an oil change at 17,665 and will have them changed then and will stick with the E3's. I've kept the pressure at 41 both front & rear since I got it home. I'm very well pleased with the life out of these tires.
 
#16 ·
I got 9,000 out of my stock Duncraps. I put Metzlers on - I have about 5,000 on them now and they look new. I got just under 15,000 out of the rear Metz on my last bike and 18,000 on the front.
The handling is great on the Metz also - feels very light and flickable.
Not cheap tho - it cost $490. for front and rear that includes a $100. charge to balence and install both.
 
#17 ·
I replaced my e-3's on my XC at 16250. They were getting down there, but still could have gone about 2K more safely. When we had the Vision, got over 22K from the e-3's, they were still legal. I run 40 in the front and 41 in the rear, checking often. I do not pussy foot around and had abvout 6K in towing miles on my first set.

When my wife had her KingPin the tire milage was also very good-16-18K a set. I always replace them as a set.

When I had my 04 wing I also ran the e-3's. I tried avon and metzler and was not happy with the result. At this point, IMHO the e-3 is the best tire out there for the heavy bikes but always open for a change- if it is proven.
That is my 2 cents worth....
 
#18 ·
I have been running the E3's for awhile now. Three sets on the the VTX and I am on my second set on the XC. I try and check air pressure and run them in the 38- 41 psi range. I normaly get around 11 to 12,000 miles and they have never let me down on handling wet or dry.
For the money a great tire. I have been looking at other brands but seem to end up back with the E3's.
 
#19 ·
Over-all I like the E3's, great mileage and traction in the dry. However they don't give me a warm fuzzy feeling in the wet and going thru corners with tar snakes have had the bike slide considerably more than I'm comfortable with. I have settled on 41 psi rear and 38 front.
 
#20 ·
If you can find a tire that doesn't slip on wet tar snakes, please let me know. And if it's also stable while heeled over on hot gooey tar snakes, I may be willing to trade you for a bar of gold.:D
 
#24 ·
Currently I have over 13K on OEM tires, Dunlop III elites, and still have at least 2K tread left. As for the roads here in OK, there should be a "Motorcycles Use Caution" signs at any entry point into the state. I believe that OK roads are rated 49th just behing Mississippi, which is rated 50th. Cracks are wide enough to eat and wedge the front tires on most scoots, especially sportsters. Pot holes and bumps are bad enough to make butter from a gallon of milk (if you are into that kind of thing). Just be careful, especially at night using I-40 or I-35 regardless of what tires you're riding.
 
#29 ·
My E3's started singing at 4k miles and I also check tire pressure at least once a week. I will probably go with Avon when the time comes.
 
#30 ·
#32 ·
I have had good luck from a set of Continentals I tried. But I have run probably 3 sets now of Shinkos. I would also concur on the Dunlaps and the noise. I dont know why they cup like that but when they start even a light corner and they roar.
 
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