Time for a new front tire

[Mountain rider]

Took the wife for a ride tonight and noticed the Aspy tends to track any irregularities in the road. Since she hasn't been on a bike in a while, every little wiggle had her a unnerved. She got better as we rode, but for me, it was a little uncomfortable knowing she was worried. When I got home, I inspected the tire, an Elite II, and noticed it does appear to have some cupping, and mainly along the center line of the tire. I've been considering a Michelin Commander II as I've heard good things, but anything that reduces tracking would be considered. I should add that I ride this daily, not just in fair weather, so wet road performance is a must. What do you think, Michelin, Avon, Continental, other? Thanks

[geraldm]

I run commander 11 front and rear very good tires handle the road well no problem with cracks or irregularities , very good on wet road surfaces during rain, handle well in the corners , they seem to handle higher speeds well the only complaint I have with them is while going around curves or maybe riding in a side wind or just riding in the grove ( tracks in pavement ) that you will hear the tires humm .. I think it is the result of the the deep side tread . my chum uses the same tires on his harley and has no complaints but his louder exhaust drowns out the humm. keep your tires aired up to spec. on tire . The reason a bike lurches sideways when hitting irregularities or cracks is mainly because the tire wears flat in the center . JMO Gerald

[coolrogue1]

I also run Commander II's front and rear, and really love them....good stability no matter what condition the "road" is in. Handles well in the rain, which is good because monsoon season is upon us here in AZ. I really don't have any complaints about these tires...

Sam

[Rednaxs60]

Ditto on the Commander II tires - front and rear. Keep front and back at 40 PSI.

[Geofd]

I just got new tires this is really the first full season with the goldwing but I have dun lops and they are a bit oversized the stick to the road nicely
corner very well I think there's more road surface

[plumbermullins]

I've been running Dunlop E3's on my SEI and I love them sticky enuf for the blueridge and tail of the dragon 2 weeks ago good in the rain and wear really well. I would look into the new E4's new compound in center for longer wear and still sticky on the edge. My 2 cents

[Mountain rider]

I went out tire shopping today and found it a little frustrating. One shop has the tires in stock for a decent price, but can't mount them for about a week and a half. Another shop could mount today, but doesn't have the tires, would have to order them, and at about one hundred and fifty dollars more than the other shop. Another shop didn't even have time to talk to me as they were to busy selling bullet bikes. The Harley dealer didn't have anything the right size. And the last shop.....well we'll just say they're kinda special. I'm about to buy the tires from the first shop and mount them myself.

[DCTruncale]

Mountain Rider, I order my tires from Amazon and take them to my local Honda dealer to be mounted (happening as we speak, btw). Sometimes when I'm feeling lazy, I take the bike in with the wheels on, and it costs me about $107 to change and mount both tires. When I'm feeling energetic, I take the wheels off and bring them to the shop where they will mount them while I wait for $50 - both tires. Just another option to consider.

[Mountain rider]

Well, I've become frustrated enough with the local shops, that I just ordered on line and will probably mount them myself. Prices for the tires, plus mounting and balancing have jumped all over the place. Tires jumped from $307+tax to $380+ tax, and mounting went from $40 a wheel to $90 for the rear and $60 for the front.

I grabbed a set of Avon Cobra's for $286 and will probably pick up a set of tire bars from Harbor Freight. With balancing beads or Ride on liquid, the balancing is covered. I may even service the front forks and brakes while I'm at it.

[Mountain rider]

The new tires arrived yesterday, and the new 90 degree valve stems and Ride-on should be here Tuesday. They won't get installed next weekend as I have to take the wife to a music festival in Mountain Home and since we have been offered a motor home with AC, the bike is not an option.