Tyre Choice?

I've recently bought a 2012 Bonneville and I was wondering what tyres people are using? Mine came fitted with Metzelers which look pretty new but the back end seems to break loose fairly easily while downshifting and it doesn't feel nearly as sure footed as my old Guzzi California fitted with Bridgestones does. I'm not fussed about tyre life as I only get to ride around 1,000 miles per year but I do like to have tyres that sick to the road well

 

Same bike and year as mine and I am just about ready to change the original Metzelers having done 9k miles.
I have bought Avon Roadriders AM26 after reading many good write ups on the forum.
£125.50 incl. delivery from TyreTec

You may want to look at upgrading the OEM suspension as well.
That improved the handling and comfort on mine massively.

 

Hello Essex Boy and welcome. Tyres for a Bonny eh? Avon Roadrider AM26. Great grip in all conditions and good mileage.

Had two sets on my 2010 T100 and was very happy with them and at the price above must be unbeatable value.

http://www.tyretectrading.co.uk/checkout/cart/

 

Cheers for the replies I was thinking about changing the suspension too, I'm pleased with the Hagon shocks I fitted on my Guzzi so I was thinking Hagon shocks and springs-anyone else got experience of those or any other recommendations?

 

On my thruxton Very impressed with avon Roadrider's in dry and wet.
Hagon 2810 on the back and rikor intiminators on the front

 

I fitted the basic Hagon shocks on the rear which have 3 settings, rider only, rider & pillion, rider, pillion and luggage.
You tell Hagon your weight, riding style and type of roads and they make the shocks to suit which is why 3 settings is perfect for me. £145 pr.
I fitted Hagon progressive springs to the front with new 7.5 oil as recommended. £80 + £10 oil
They have made a huge difference to comfort and handling.

 

I fitted Michelin PilotActive. Not entirely happy with them with rain, but then again I ride 12 months a year and live in Ireland.

As for shocks, I am beyond pleased with TEC progressive springs on the front. Whether pushing hard in country roads or suffering through city pot holes, they take it all magnificently.

Not quite so happy with their rear gas shocks, despite George being ultra helpful, and even sending me a new set to replace the original one I received (I have the fancy ones with adjustable dampening).

 

Stock Metzelers on my 2014 T100 lasted 4200 miles ( 1 year) changed to avon roadriders so far 7000 miles with loads of tread left. No issues in all weathers with bike fully loaded with camping gear, delighted with these tyres and wouldn't use anything else.

 

If you go the Roadrider route I'll bring your attention to this post

 

Good point there Crispey. So the issue seems to be at the tyre installation stage, rather than at the manufacturing stage?

So if any stickers (and glue residue) in place on the INSIDE of the tyre is removed, this problem of wearing the inner tube is removed.

 

Well both really! They no longer have stickers placed in the inside but no one was told to remove them at installation apart from a video on their website I believe, so the thing is if there is a label on the inside, remove it or check that the fitter removes it

 

Do installers still put French chalk or talcum powder on inner tubes to stop them chafiing ?

 

Think you have the wrong forum here biggie

 

Tyre choice can be pretty subjective but I really rate my Pilot Activs in all weathers as a great compromise between grip and wear. The front tracks well and true over irregularities.
I suspect in absolute performance terms there is not much to chose between the major brands but the profile differences produce differing handling characteristics.

 

What bike have you got Callumity ?

 

An educated guess would be bonnie! An uneducated guess would be the same as it's in the bonnie section!!

 

Ha! Mr Clispey! (Has to be spoken in Chinese style)
Travelling the path of life I have learned never to assume anything.
Assume can make an ASS of U and ME

I will patiently await Mr Callumity's answer.
But I must agree, it probably is a Bonnie! lol.

 

All good things come to those who wait....!

I have a mildly modded 2005 T100.

 

I tried telling Crispey it was a Bonnie!

 

Mine is fitted with mag wheels so would that still have innertubes? I must say though I'm a bit surprised that in this day and age any of them still have tubes fitted, my other bike is a 99 Guzzi California which does have spoked wheels but the rims are designed so that it runs on tubeless radials.