OK , so I need new tyres for my 2014 cast wheel Bonneville , I had Avon roadriders , but the front isnt available any more !!! So I am trying Bridgestone BT46s will see how they go I have had Metzlers 2 sets (OE fit ) Continentals road attack 3 sets ( stopped making the size ! ) Avon Roadriders 1 set (stopped making the size or any ! ) Crumbs !!! what next I wonder
I recently put the BT46s on my 2020 T100, feeling confident about the choice based on Markus' recommendation (you didn't know that @Markus) and other comments from a separate thread here. Zero complaints about handling and are confidence-inspiring. Waiting to see how they do in the rain (expecting excellent based on other's comments). I do notice they feel "bouncier" than the original tires even at the same inflation. There are a couple roads we ride frequently that have ripples and it just seems like I feel it more...or I could be imagining it! Either way, very happy with the BT46s.
I've found the BT46's are sensitive to pressure, on my 2011 T100 33 front and 41 rear suit them fine but a few psi either way does affect the ride quite a lot. The other day I thought I had a puncture in the rear because I was feeling every bump in the road, and we have lots of them in Scotland! I checked the pressure, it was up to 49 psi because the bike had been sitting in the sun (yes, we do have sun in Scotland sometimes) so I let out some air and the ride was back to normal.
Thanks for letting me know...so I'm not crazy for noticing this. I'll try different pressure and see what that does to the "bouncy" effect. I'm 125lbs so I'm guessing that makes a difference also.
My local tyre guru told me that the BT46 is a very good replacement for the Roadrider 2 both from experience and customer feedback. He then told me that when Dunlop bought Avon, production of motorcycle tyres was moved to France and not all the moulds went there. So, some Avon tyres will be available in the future others not, his lead time (here in the UK) to get Avons is now 6 months; assuming a particular model is still being produced. He couldn't assure me which will still be available in the future.
Just put a new set of Pirelli Sport Demons on my cast wheel Bonnie. Had them before and always been happy with them, though I feel they do whiteline a bit.
It's the tendency for tyres to follow any grooves or lines in the road surface giving a feeling of the bike squirming around rather than holding a steady course. I've also heard it called "tramlining". Can be quite unnerving when it happens. The worst bike/tyre combination I ever had for white lining and virtually non existent grip was a used Suzuki trail bike I bought in the late 80's which came with road tyres on. They were some budget ditchfinders I'd never heard of but I bought the bike for green laning so I was changing the tyres anyway.
Thanks for the detailed explanation, @Pegscraper. Unfortunately, I'm familiar with that unnerving experience and now I have a name (or two) for it. Now I just have to figure out what green laning is. Might be something I also do but don't know it! You know us Americans speak kind of funny
"Green Laning" is a term we use over here for riding on unsurfaced, gravel or dirt roads, forest tracks and lanes which are not really suitable for road bikes and tyres. Unlike the vast areas of wilderness available in many other countries, opportunities for green laning are few and far between in most areas of the overcrowded UK, made worse by moaning NIMBYs. They even moan about too many walkers in some parts!!
Yup, another thing I do but I don't call it green laning...maybe I'll start using that since it sounds so gentile. And we are fortunate to have lots of off-road riding areas. On a lengthy trip out west a couple of years ago with our 14yo daughter and 16yo son, we rode off-road in seven states in a variety of terrains. Pics are just a quick sample. Fun stuff.
Thanks, @TonyG. Momentary catch on a deep groove whilst on a 150-mile breakfast ride today made me think of that term!
