Boxerworks.com

I'm looking for tire recommendations for my R75/5. I tried to use the search function before asking but was unsuccessful.

I've always run Metzeler ME77's front and rear, but am thinking about making a switch. I used to ride in California, but now live in Hawaii and the rural roads here are very tough on tires. The centers of the ME77's seem to wear too quickly, and the one I have on my rear right now is making my bike feel very sluggish.

So what are you all running that is currently available for our bikes?

What would you recommend based on looks, durability and handling?

Would be great to hear from someone who has prior experience with the ME77's.

I've stayed with the ME77's primarily because they look "period era" and because I usually only had to replace one at a time, but I need two new tires this time around and new stainless spokes -so now would be the appropriate time to try something else.

I ride my bike solo to work daily, but do push it pretty hard at times. I'm primarily interested in durability this time around, followed by looks then by performance.

Thanks in advance!

I gave up on Metzlers several years ago; never got more than 2.5-3kmi out of a rear, if that. Switched to Avons for a bit but I think something changed w/ them as Roadrider replaced Roadrunner & didn't last quite as long.


Now riding Spitfires which were reasonably priced, readily available, easy to mount, ride nicely, & seem to wear well!

YMMV(pun intended!)

I am running Avon Roadriders, these are the first set on the /5 but I always run Avon's if I can as I have had really good luck with them in the past.

Vince

+1 on the Avon Roadriders, nice tire, handle predictably even in the rough road conditions.

+ 1 Bridestones S-11 maybe one of the Best overall tire

+1 on the Bridgestone S-11 "Spitfires"

Bridgestone BT45's.

Michelin Pilot Activ. I ran the BT45s for a while and they're pretty good, but the Michelins are better. They seem to wear more evenly (especially the front), the are at least as grippy (and will hang on way past where my nerve gives out) and I'm getting great mileage from them. I changed the front one last week after 18,000km. I get around 12,000km from the rear.

I reckon that just as important as the brand is putting the right size tyre on. My bike had a 100/90 on the front when I bought it so I just replaced it with the same a couple of times. Then I went to the specified 90/90 and it transformed the handling. Much lighter and 'quicker' around corners.

And blow your tyres up. I find a bit higher is better.

Getting a "sticky" tire is one thing, but getting a long lasting tire is another. They require opposite types of rubber. There must be some compromise somewhere in that equation.

Please inform us when you find that you can "have your cake and eat it too" in tires.

Thanks to all for your recommendations.

As I said in my original post, I am most interested in durability followed by looks then by performance. I know that you can't have your cake and eat it too when it comes to tires.

I did a general Google search on the topic and found a lot of praise for Michelin's Macadams50 tires, but sadly it appears they are no longer offered. I realize most of the newer tire designs will offer better performance at the sacrifice of durability -I just don't care for the super modern tread patterns on some of them.

I guess if the ME77's are going to wear out as fast as the more modern styles (which they seem to do), I might as well go with modern tires and enjoy the better grip and handling that they tend offer.