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Cruiser
Posts: 249
Montreal, QC Canada | We have to make a decision tomorrow on which tires to order. Do we stick with the Dunlop Ellite 3 or try the Metzeler ME880's. I've heard some very good things about the Metzeler, longer life and great grip.
All comments welcome.
Thanks
Ken |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | I have always used the Metzeler's ME880's when i needed to put new tires on my bikes and they have worked great. My vision is the first time i have tried the Dun-Ellite 3's and so far they seem pretty good. I dont think you could go wrong either way but I plan on giving my Vision a set of Metz's to try and see which one works better on it. Let us know what you decide on Ken and if you go to the metz's let us know what YOU think of the difference. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Ken, if you went 17K miles on the first set of Dunlops I'm not sure how you'll beat that with the metz. If you do, I'm going to metz myself. I've only heard that the metz are better gripping but no longer miles, don't know. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | Thats true Varyder. Metz's are softer and will not give you the longevity of the dunlops. So i think it's a compermise. Either better grip or longer miles. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 204
guelph ontario | Go for the grip everytime! Its all you really got. |
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Tourer
Posts: 394
Tucson, AZ | I know I may get flamed here, but here goes. Has anyone gone Dark Side yet on a Vision? I posted a few months ago and got flamed but also some positive feed back from X Valk riders. I'm really curious on any feed back. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 639
Tri Cities, WA | Gray rider - 2009-04-27 4:57 PM
I know I may get flamed here, but here goes. Has anyone gone Dark Side yet on a Vision? I posted a few months ago and got flamed but also some positive feed back from X Valk riders. I'm really curious on any feed back.
Gone Dark side. I dont get it? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
West Bend, WI | VisionNWRider - 2009-04-27 7:16 PM
Gray rider - 2009-04-27 4:57 PM
I know I may get flamed here, but here goes. Has anyone gone Dark Side yet on a Vision? I posted a few months ago and got flamed but also some positive feed back from X Valk riders. I'm really curious on any feed back.
Gone Dark side. I dont get it?
He means, gone with a car tire. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
West Bend, WI | kenandpen - 2009-04-26 8:23 PM
We have to make a decision tomorrow on which tires to order. Do we stick with the Dunlop Ellite 3 or try the Metzeler ME880's. I've heard some very good things about the Metzeler, longer life and great grip.
All comments welcome.
Thanks
Ken
Ken,
You may want to take a look at the Avon Cobras also. Went from Metz 880's to the Cobras on my VN2000. What a difference in handling and control, at least on that bike. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Probie - 2009-04-27 5:40 PM Go for the grip everytime! Its all you really got. Can't disagree with you probie, grip is what we need, and the Dunlop E3 does the perfect job for me everytime. I don't ever feel any slippage on the E3 and have even wowed myself in the corners. But with the mileage I put on, and average of 2,500 a month and changing out every 15,000 miles or so for the rear, I'll go with longevity and grip. I'm sure the metz's are great for someone if all they do is ride the twisties on the weekend. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 296
Central Florida | Installing metzelers tomorrow. I never got more than 10K out of rear tire (E3s)
worst thing that can happen is I do worse.
Just came back from Dragon and mountains and was having problems with rear tire.
brakes locking up and rear sliding... after 650 mile sprint home, I realized my rear tire was see through. Cords are showing in one place and center of rubber is close to gone....
Edited by devilboy 2009-04-28 8:50 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | ouch! DB. only 10k and on the cords with an E3. A few questions if you don't mind. 1) What pressure do you run in your tires, front and rear? 2) What type of road to do you ride mostly; interstate, highway, city, backroad? 3) is the roads you travel the most, are they; dirt, gravel, asphalt, concrete? (yeah, dirt, gravel, well, in fla, it is possible.) I'm just curious as I ride a lot of highway/interstate due to go to work, but otherwise I'm on the backroads to travel across the state. I have mostly asphalt, but I think that concret will wear a tire more so I avoid them when I can. I get around 14-15,000 on an E3 rear and that is both bias and radial. I run a 40+ psi in both front and rear tire and only ride two-up 1/10th of my riding time, if that. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 296
Central Florida | varyder - 2009-04-28 8:59 AM
ouch! DB. only 10k and on the cords with an E3. A few questions if you don't mind. 1) What pressure do you run in your tires, front and rear? 2) What type of road to do you ride mostly; interstate, highway, city, backroad? 3) is the roads you travel the most, are they; dirt, gravel, asphalt, concrete? (yeah, dirt, gravel, well, in fla, it is possible.) I'm just curious as I ride a lot of highway/interstate due to go to work, but otherwise I'm on the backroads to travel across the state. I have mostly asphalt, but I think that concret will wear a tire more so I avoid them when I can. I get around 14-15,000 on an E3 rear and that is both bias and radial. I run a 40+ psi in both front and rear tire and only ride two-up 1/10th of my riding time, if that.
Mostly Interstate some city and many back roads... all paved I believe most of the roads are concrete sometimes with a asphalt topper(Not sure about road makeup)
I run 40 psi rear and 38 psi front as recommended. I check it before I get on the bike or at least 2x week! I usually keep 40-50 psi in rear shock. I do NOT do burn outs nor stoppies(LOL)
BUT I do travel in excess of speed limit sometimes in excess of triple digits
It could be the heat and road composition in Florida but alot of my trips take me to GA NC TN
etc... thursday off to Chatanooga, Nashville and then Louisville KY for trade show... |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | I had the Metz on another bike and really liked them. Especially here in the Seattle area where we drive a lot of wet roadways, the Metz seemed to shred the water much better than the stock IRCs, which I wouldn't use again.
I'll be interested to see what you think Kenandpen. |
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Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | devilboy keep me posted on the metz u said u would let us know when we in N.C. thanks dennis |
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Tourer
Posts: 562
SC, Bluffton | kenandpen - 2009-04-26 9:23 PM
We have to make a decision tomorrow on which tires to order.
It is my understanding the Vision's tires are also the Goldwing's tires. You have many choices. They is even a Shinko LOL.
Here is a link.
http://www.directlineparts.com/byProduct.asp?prd=Tires&str=4
I have a spare Goldwing E-III rear in the garage waiting to go on either bike.
Herb
Edited by g1nomad 2009-04-28 4:16 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 377
O'Neill, Nebraska | So it looks like everyone is getting about 14k miles out of the rear Dunlop? How about the front? I ask this because I've got around 10k on these tire and will be heading on a 3,000 mile trip (Route 66). |
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Cruiser
Posts: 103
| Spursmvp, I would have new tires for that trip as the route is not paved that well. That is not a good place for tire problems!!!!!!! BL |
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Tourer
Posts: 576
, IA | boy i 2nd that most of 66 i rode sucked the big one |
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Cruiser
Posts: 249
Montreal, QC Canada | OK, looks like I started a debate like "what kind of oil" or "Do you wash your Vision with hot or cold water"!
We went with the Dunlop E 3. My dealer wanted $250ca for the rear and about $225 for the front from Victory. After market supplier wanted over 300 for the rear. Found a supplier in Montreal, shipping and tax 390 for both. Having them installed on Friday. Still interested on how the Metz will take to the Vision.
Thanks |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | spursmvp - 2009-04-28 4:19 PM So it looks like everyone is getting about 14k miles out of the rear Dunlop? How about the front? I ask this because I've got around 10k on these tire and will be heading on a 3,000 mile trip (Route 66). I ran mine to 23,000 and they were into the wearbar. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 296
Central Florida | sonicbluerider - 2009-04-28 4:13 PM
devilboy keep me posted on the metz u said u would let us know when we in N.C. thanks dennis
Dennis, they go on tomorrow... then 2000+ mile road trip...
I will keep you posted! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
| Well I should chime in with 10200 on my first set of e3's. The rear is shot with left side heavely worn. New England roads are grinders with alot of camber and sand. Front tire is fine with lots to go. No burn-outs BUT I will admit to enjoying the torque coming out of the turns. I will be replacing it with the same cause of the stability I have come to enjoy and trust. I maybe have had 4-6 hundred miles on the interstate. |
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Tourer
Posts: 415
| I have 4K on my bike and was looking for the 17K and 14K I have been reading about.
My dealer told me the other that I should hope for 10K.
Something about my riding style??????????????????
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Cruiser
Posts: 293
Arkansas | OK, where are all the Avon fans? Guess they weren't an option listed by the poster. I love my Cobra's. Have used E3's on GL1800 and Metz on HD's ; prefer both Avon and Metz over the E3's, mainly due to wet performance.
Edited by jama 2009-04-28 10:35 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 377
O'Neill, Nebraska | Codfather - 2009-04-28 5:48 PM
Spursmvp, I would have new tires for that trip as the route is not paved that well. That is not a good place for tire problems!!!!!!! BL
Thanks for the tips guys! I'm taking the Vision in for some Warranty work tomorrow (shift indicator switch) and I'll have them look at the tires for me. |
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Tourer
Posts: 495
Carrollton, TX | I put over 45,000 miles the Metzeler ME880’s on my on my last bike and while they were good tires when I tried the Dunlop Elite III’s on my last bike I was sold. The Dunlop Elites wear better than the Metzelers and they grip just as good and I thought the Dunlop’s handled better in the rain. I have friends that have Gold Wings and they have used the Dunlop Elite III’s, Metzeler ME880’s and the Avon Cobra’s and almost all of them like the Dunlop’s the best. My friend Fergy tried a set of the Avon Cobras on his Vision and while they were not bad they did not wear as well as the Dunlop’s and did not handle any better but cost more. Another good thing about the Dunlop’s are most every Gold Wing dealer keeps these in stock and the Metzelers and Avon’s will be a hit and miss. On the mileage side I have found the Dyna Beads make a big difference and I will use these from now on. http://www.innovativebalancing.com/motorcycle.htm I ride my bike fast and hard and usually only get about 8,000 to 9,000 miles on my rear Dunlop Elite III tires but with the Dyna Beads I am getting 12,000 to 13,000 miles on the rear and the balance is noticeable better. So for me the best tire solution are the Dunlop Elite III’s with the Dyna Beads. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Again I am reminded of the Dyna Beads and still haven't used them yet. I should be swapping out tires here soon and will have to give them a go. As for tires, I respect everyones personal opinion on what they use and their personal experience. It's good we can share input on the difference of how the Vision rides, but I think the tires are the personal choice. If the person finds a Metz, Avon, or Dunlop works better for them in ride experience, let them make that choice. If I was to try the Avon and find they did better than the Dunlop, but only got 10K out of them verses 15K as I do with the Dunlop, I would go and stay with Avon regardless how anyone else felt about it, it is my ride experience I am after. For me the Dunlop's have not given me a reason to find a "better" ride experience as they have performed very well on "the edge of the road" experiences in the twisty and gave me full confidence I was in control and they were doing there job. I've also ridden in hard down pours, nose stuck in the windshield to see downpours and be doing 70 mph's and didn't even know I was going that fast, they pushed the water away very well. It is only when I get down to the last 1,000 or so miles left that there is an issue, as I'm probably pushing the envelop there to squeeze every drop out of them. But as long as the forcast is dry, I will continue to ride them out, or ride with extra caution, as even then they still out perform the continentals that I've ridden on with my Wing. I notice those tires never end up in these discussions. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | Dunlap E3 for me.
Excellent mileage, 12 to 15K on rear, front 20K
Low cost, I can get the rear for $237.50 installed.
Excellent grip, wet and dry, enough to grind off the bottom of the boards.
Higher Index rating on rear, 80H, the 180 60R-16 is load rated at 992 lbs. WOW!
Available, you can get them many different places.
And they are made in the USA! Keep the boys at home working.
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I've never had good luck with Metz on any bagger Honda or Harley so you wouldn't catch me putting them on my Vision. I've had sidewalls crack, flats, and a number of other issues with this brand. They also don't offer great traction on cold roads. The Avons are usually a great tire BUT if you go to the GW sites you'll see a lot of folks moved away from them due to a high speed separation issue. Since they cost and are designed almost exactly the same as the E-3 no point in swapping.
As to the Dark Side tire? Well I was giving that some thought myself until I had my rear tire develop some issues. I rode them out after a repair was made to my rear shock but the tire developed a premature flat spot in the center. Riding the Vision with the center of the E-3 flattened convinced me a darkside tire was out of the question. GW riders mention the same which is why most don't go Darkside. Lots of riders reporting 14-15k on the rear E-3 just sealed that deal for me.
I guess folks will decide what is best for their situation as they should. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 296
Central Florida | Got the Metzelers on today and off on 2.5K trip tomorrow am.
The E3s had 2 screws in them and center of tire was gone. cords were showing in two places.
front was fine(7500 left) but I changed the front and back together.
first impression is better grip and smoother ride but it is too early to say.
Paid $310 delivered for them from Motor-cycle superstore.
I also had the drive belt replaced today as it had some moderate chipping.
Every 14th tooth was chipped and belt probably could have gone another 30K at minimum.
there was a small rock in rear pulley corresponding to the chipped teeth.
I kept the belt for backup!
off to Tennessee tomorrow and Monday to Louisville KY for trade show..
Gainesville next Friday to get the 30K service including front forks done by the Jedi Master of wrenchdom KevinX..... and then home.....
Edited by devilboy 2009-04-29 6:57 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Sounds like fun, enjoy the trip |
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Sounds like fun, enjoy the trip |
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Tourer
Posts: 377
O'Neill, Nebraska | Just got back from dropping the Vision off at the dealer for warranty work. When he looked at the rear tire, his comments were "You obviously have been paying attention to the air pressure." Even with 9k on the rear, the service manager told me that I had at least 3k left on the rear E3...guess I'm fine with it until I get back from California. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | I've tried all kinds of tires trying to get the best milage. Dunlop seems to be the best compromize. With a heavy touring bike 12k is about the best I can do and Dunlop has always been my choice. I have come to realize that better wearing tires are possible but grip suffers. Most of the time you dont know your tires dont have enough grip till its too late. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 249
Montreal, QC Canada | Had the Dunlops put on yesterday. Had a good look at the rear tire and it would seem that 17,000 (s)miles on a tire is TOO MUCH. There weren't even any wear bars left. The front still had a few thousand miles left but I changed it out anyway. As long as its on the bench, do the work. Both front and rear brakes have only worn down about halfway. The wrench says I certainly got my moneys worth out of these tires.
Devilboy, can't wait to hear how you like the Metz's. Lets see how they are in 10,0000 (s)miles. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 228
| I have always had 900 lb. touring bikes and ride two up 75% of the time. I have used Dunlops (OK), Bridgestones (really suck) Metzler ME88 and 880's (better) and Avon Venom (the best in my opinion). The Avons do not cup, have excellent grip and wear better than the others. I don't do burnouts but I use the torque of the Vision a lot (it's addicting) and ride aggressively in the twisties.
Just my 2 cents!
Edited by savage 2009-05-02 8:20 AM
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