Front Tire Again
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Chris ,
I just installed a Michelin Commander 140/90-16 on my Boss . Was talking to Carb Mike and he said that's what he uses on his Boss because it is rated for more weight . It is a rear tire and should be mounted in reverse rotation . I've always used Avon Venoms and when they were balanced they had a whole bunch of weights on the rim . With this Michelin it balanced out with only one 1/4 oz. weight . Of course I haven't tested it yet but I think it's going to be a good handling tire .
Jack
I just installed a Michelin Commander 140/90-16 on my Boss . Was talking to Carb Mike and he said that's what he uses on his Boss because it is rated for more weight . It is a rear tire and should be mounted in reverse rotation . I've always used Avon Venoms and when they were balanced they had a whole bunch of weights on the rim . With this Michelin it balanced out with only one 1/4 oz. weight . Of course I haven't tested it yet but I think it's going to be a good handling tire .
Jack
Jack...You know..I think it's the individual tire you happen to get. The last front Avon Venom I put on dynamically balanced out at zero and needed no weights and runs perfectly. The balancer was calibrated the day before my tire and I watched the tire being balanced so I couldn't be bull****ted. I've had some bad ones in the past but I like the tread pattern and handling of the Avon so I stay with them. This is really a personal preference issue. I think I got turned off to Michelins when I tried a rear on my Harley stroker which was awful so I've never considered using one again. I'm sure they are great tires but once bitten I am loathe to use another....Joe
Avon's are crap...period. I could tell you a dealer that says the same. If you happen to get a good one, you're just plain lucky. Have seen the dealer go through 4 tires to find a good requiring the min. amount of lead. Some are so out of round you can easily see it on a low speed balancer.
Get the Michelin. The only problem you'll have with that tire is that it's from *'ing France. It is however, a much better tire from a company that understands quality control.
Elliot
Get the Michelin. The only problem you'll have with that tire is that it's from *'ing France. It is however, a much better tire from a company that understands quality control.
Elliot
Elliot is much more saavy than I about all things mechanical and Boss related. I, however, have been riding for 43 years and have had two bad experiences with out of round Avon front tires. That is why I insist upon watching the dynamic balancing and have found that when they are good on the balancer and round they are damn good on the road. As I said before my experience with Michelins has been less than stellar and am happy with the Avons I have...Joe
Hi Joe,
You are right that when the Avons are truly round and true they are good tires for the most part. I've had cupping problems from time to time with Metzler, Avon and Michelin on the Bosses. I suggest that almost any tire can be problematic as a result of the weight and braking dynamic of the Boss. My real sour note is a result of the very high percentage of out of round tires suggesting that Avon's attention to quality control is lacking and that unto itself is worrysome. I've often cranked the Boss, V8Chopper and FJR up past the 140 mark (160 on the bigblock) and all you think about is tire failure. I just can't bring myself to trust Avon.
The Jap bike guys who are running the Busa's, Ninja's and FJR's for the most part have also nixed the Avons. I know Yamaha was using them for original eqpt on the FJR's but very few went with them again at replacement time.
Tires, like carbs, fuel brand, oils, etc is highly subjective and for some reason many folks develop brand loyality. I have no brand loyality when it comes to tires. Currently using Metzlers on 3 bikes but that could change next go round. The only thing I'm sure of, Avon won't be one of my choices as a result of the quality control issue. Best regards,
Elliot
You are right that when the Avons are truly round and true they are good tires for the most part. I've had cupping problems from time to time with Metzler, Avon and Michelin on the Bosses. I suggest that almost any tire can be problematic as a result of the weight and braking dynamic of the Boss. My real sour note is a result of the very high percentage of out of round tires suggesting that Avon's attention to quality control is lacking and that unto itself is worrysome. I've often cranked the Boss, V8Chopper and FJR up past the 140 mark (160 on the bigblock) and all you think about is tire failure. I just can't bring myself to trust Avon.
The Jap bike guys who are running the Busa's, Ninja's and FJR's for the most part have also nixed the Avons. I know Yamaha was using them for original eqpt on the FJR's but very few went with them again at replacement time.
Tires, like carbs, fuel brand, oils, etc is highly subjective and for some reason many folks develop brand loyality. I have no brand loyality when it comes to tires. Currently using Metzlers on 3 bikes but that could change next go round. The only thing I'm sure of, Avon won't be one of my choices as a result of the quality control issue. Best regards,
Elliot
I hear you Elliot, but I'm out of your league seldom doing over 120. The Avons have been OK for me but I did have two out of round tires. You may be correct but I've taken several long distance high speed trips on them and have been perfect...Maybe next change I'll do a Metzler...Joe
Joe,
C'mon down to Daytona for a bit! I can't bring myself to go north of N.Carolina these days with the exception of occasional eating extravaganzas at Katz's Deli, Brooklyn Diner or Sammy's in NY.
I'm sure a northeasterner like you finds your way to the sunshine state. Every other damn snowbird yankee does! (JUST KIDDING, I SWEAR)! Seriously, any opportunity that brings you into this area, please let me know so I can take you up on the hard lemonaide. I'm a real lightweight in my old age. Thinking about all the **** I've thrown your way over the years Joe, actually, I'm buying. Best,
Elliot
C'mon down to Daytona for a bit! I can't bring myself to go north of N.Carolina these days with the exception of occasional eating extravaganzas at Katz's Deli, Brooklyn Diner or Sammy's in NY.
I'm sure a northeasterner like you finds your way to the sunshine state. Every other damn snowbird yankee does! (JUST KIDDING, I SWEAR)! Seriously, any opportunity that brings you into this area, please let me know so I can take you up on the hard lemonaide. I'm a real lightweight in my old age. Thinking about all the **** I've thrown your way over the years Joe, actually, I'm buying. Best,
Elliot
Hey Elliot...I'm still a working boy at 60 yrs. old and put in an 80+ hour week teaching Med. students and residents surgical techniques and didactics so Daytona is just not a possibilty...just the wrong time of year for me. We'll meet up at one rally or another and the respect I have for you has never been diminished by the "****" you have thrown my way. You are a real "character" and I mean that in the best way. Compared to the stiffs and self-important assholes I deal with daily you are a breath of fresh air and we'll meet up one day for sure at one rally or another. The best to you as well......Joe
PS. My youngest son lives in Orlando and is a biker himself. I was down there three weeks ago and next time I go down I'll call before and maybe I can meet the "legend."
PS. My youngest son lives in Orlando and is a biker himself. I was down there three weeks ago and next time I go down I'll call before and maybe I can meet the "legend."
Well, speaking of the tires...I have had a few bad Avons on the front, ran Michelin, had good luck with it, Traded for a new Boss, and it had an Avon, that was very good. But when I replaced it, the Avons I have had experience with in the past haunted me in the back of my mind...so I ordered a Metzeler. So far, it has been a good tire, it balanced fairly easily, and I have had no problems with it. I now have about 2500 miles on it, and I will let you know more when I return from the Florida Keys. I will be heading that way on March 14 (I know I am a week late for bike week 
but my cousin who is riding down with me on his BMW couldn't get off work that week). I did replace the rear Avon with another Avon (of course), but I ordered the groover and grooved the tire according to the instructions here...and it has performed perfectly, and I get compliments on the tread pattern! :lol: I don't think there are "good" and "bad" tires, maybe we just get lucky :lol: or unlucky sometimes... :x
but my cousin who is riding down with me on his BMW couldn't get off work that week). I did replace the rear Avon with another Avon (of course), but I ordered the groover and grooved the tire according to the instructions here...and it has performed perfectly, and I get compliments on the tread pattern! :lol: I don't think there are "good" and "bad" tires, maybe we just get lucky :lol: or unlucky sometimes... :xJust my point Mike.... When I was riding Dunlops on my Harley stroker I took all kinds of **** about what crap tires they were but every time I changed to another brand including Contis, Metzlers, Michelins and Goodyears I was disappointed and used Dunlops exclusively for the next 15 years on the puppy and always found them to handle better and give me good mileage.
Another thing is that I don't like V and above rated tires. They are stiff, wear out quickly and are crap in the rain. I also never do sustained speeds above 130 mph and H rated tires are perfect for me....Joe
Another thing is that I don't like V and above rated tires. They are stiff, wear out quickly and are crap in the rain. I also never do sustained speeds above 130 mph and H rated tires are perfect for me....Joe
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2,265 Posts
Hey guys, I just got off the phone with Daytona Boss Hoss and they are going to mount 2 new tires for me while I'm there during Bike Week (I don't have a B.H. dealer anywhere near my home). From reading the posts here I think I'd like to try that Michelin tire on the front...
Three questions:
1. I need to have it drop shipped to Daytona. Where is a good place to order one?
2. Jack, is there a problem with putting a rear tire on the front? How does it act in a hard rain?
3. Will a 140 tire fit the stock front rim that has a 130 tire mounted now?
Three questions:
1. I need to have it drop shipped to Daytona. Where is a good place to order one?
2. Jack, is there a problem with putting a rear tire on the front? How does it act in a hard rain?
3. Will a 140 tire fit the stock front rim that has a 130 tire mounted now?
Ricky ,
The best deal I've found on tires is DISCOUNT MOTORCYCLE TIRE & ACCESSORIES www.DMTAonline.com The 140/90H16 Michelin Commander was $95.00 plus shipping . This is a rear tire and must be mounted in reverse rotation . It will fit your front fender . If you have concerns go with the 130/90H16 which is rated for less weight but is a front tire.
Jack
The best deal I've found on tires is DISCOUNT MOTORCYCLE TIRE & ACCESSORIES www.DMTAonline.com The 140/90H16 Michelin Commander was $95.00 plus shipping . This is a rear tire and must be mounted in reverse rotation . It will fit your front fender . If you have concerns go with the 130/90H16 which is rated for less weight but is a front tire.
Jack
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2,265 Posts
Jack,
I like the idea or having a tire that is rated for more weight and I would like a wider tire on the front. Is that what your using? Does it work well in the rain? Will it fit my stock rim?
Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.
I like the idea or having a tire that is rated for more weight and I would like a wider tire on the front. Is that what your using? Does it work well in the rain? Will it fit my stock rim?
Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.
Tire vs Rain
Rick;
Living in central Fl., I found out (very stupidly) that a front tire with almost NO TREAD handles well in heavy rain on the Boss. @ least @ legal interstate speeds + 5 or 10.
I assume that's because we have so much weight bias forward (mines a small block). I was amazed how quickly the Avon went from about 1mm of significant tread to virtually nothing in less than a week of my riding.
I've noticed that on crotch rocket tires before but didn't expect it on these "hard" tires.
You can expect Casey to do well on your Boss @ Daytona. He's a good wrench, and as I'm a helo maintenance test pilot, I'm damned pickey.
Looking forward to meeting you and the group.
TGBreedlove said there is a group of Boss' gathering @ Stamford Boss' trailer the first Sat night for a ride down main @ 8P.
Ride Safe
HAWK88
Jack Phillips
C:321-426-5343
Rick;
Living in central Fl., I found out (very stupidly) that a front tire with almost NO TREAD handles well in heavy rain on the Boss. @ least @ legal interstate speeds + 5 or 10.
I assume that's because we have so much weight bias forward (mines a small block). I was amazed how quickly the Avon went from about 1mm of significant tread to virtually nothing in less than a week of my riding.
I've noticed that on crotch rocket tires before but didn't expect it on these "hard" tires.
You can expect Casey to do well on your Boss @ Daytona. He's a good wrench, and as I'm a helo maintenance test pilot, I'm damned pickey.
Looking forward to meeting you and the group.
TGBreedlove said there is a group of Boss' gathering @ Stamford Boss' trailer the first Sat night for a ride down main @ 8P.
Ride Safe
HAWK88
Jack Phillips
C:321-426-5343
Joined
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2,265 Posts
Thanks Hawk. I won't be in Daytona until the 10th thru 13th (second weekend). I saw your post that you'll be in Daytona both weekends. I'll be looking for you and others.
I'm having Daytona B.H. to a full service (change tires, brake fuids, transmition fluids and filter cleaning, some carb adjustment and air filter) on my bike and I have a lot of maintenance questions that I would like someone to "point to and explain". It's tough jumping into a bike like this and not having anyone with experience nearby. I wish we had a dealer with a good shop here.
I'm having Daytona B.H. to a full service (change tires, brake fuids, transmition fluids and filter cleaning, some carb adjustment and air filter) on my bike and I have a lot of maintenance questions that I would like someone to "point to and explain". It's tough jumping into a bike like this and not having anyone with experience nearby. I wish we had a dealer with a good shop here.
Ricky ,
Yes the 140 tire is slightly wider than the 130 . I just installed the Michelin Commander on my Boss and haven't had a chance to test ride it yet . Daytona will be me first ride since I installed it but I have heard good reports from other Boss owners who run the Michelin Commander .
Don ,
I had this same question when I was running rear Avon Venom tires on the front of my Boss so I called the Avon tech line and they said if any rear tire is used for a front application it needs to be mounted in reverse rotation because of the way the tire is made . The tech guy went on to explain that threads in a rear tire are "layed up" to push the bike forward where if you use that same tire on the front wheel according to the rotation arrows which is meant mostly to brake the bike and not push the bike you would be forceing the threads in the opposite direction from the way they were " layed up " and would cause stress on the sidewall and also the tire would be more prone to cup . I know my explanation is probably not the best but his made perfect sense to me . I know not many like the Avon Venom tire but the last one I had on my Boss mounted in reverse rotation lasted 15,000 miles with very little sign of wear or cupping . I changed to the Michelin Commander only because I could and also because of all the good reports I've heard .
While we are on the subject I know you can wear a front tire out very quickly by over using the front brake . Myself being from the old school when we didn't run front brakes on our choppers I don't use the front brake that much . Oh yes , I know how to use it in an emergency situation and have had many experiences where I've had to make panic stops and I am well aware that most of our braking is done with the front wheel . I guess what I'm trying to say is people who have always had front brakes on their bikes tend to over use them and will cup and wear their front tires and brakes out sooner than us that don't over use the front brakes . Just my 2 cents .To each his own I always say .
Jack
Yes the 140 tire is slightly wider than the 130 . I just installed the Michelin Commander on my Boss and haven't had a chance to test ride it yet . Daytona will be me first ride since I installed it but I have heard good reports from other Boss owners who run the Michelin Commander .
Don ,
I had this same question when I was running rear Avon Venom tires on the front of my Boss so I called the Avon tech line and they said if any rear tire is used for a front application it needs to be mounted in reverse rotation because of the way the tire is made . The tech guy went on to explain that threads in a rear tire are "layed up" to push the bike forward where if you use that same tire on the front wheel according to the rotation arrows which is meant mostly to brake the bike and not push the bike you would be forceing the threads in the opposite direction from the way they were " layed up " and would cause stress on the sidewall and also the tire would be more prone to cup . I know my explanation is probably not the best but his made perfect sense to me . I know not many like the Avon Venom tire but the last one I had on my Boss mounted in reverse rotation lasted 15,000 miles with very little sign of wear or cupping . I changed to the Michelin Commander only because I could and also because of all the good reports I've heard .
While we are on the subject I know you can wear a front tire out very quickly by over using the front brake . Myself being from the old school when we didn't run front brakes on our choppers I don't use the front brake that much . Oh yes , I know how to use it in an emergency situation and have had many experiences where I've had to make panic stops and I am well aware that most of our braking is done with the front wheel . I guess what I'm trying to say is people who have always had front brakes on their bikes tend to over use them and will cup and wear their front tires and brakes out sooner than us that don't over use the front brakes . Just my 2 cents .To each his own I always say .
Jack
Jack!
That makes sense to me too. Never thought about the purpose a tire is used for would dictate how the tire is constructed, as far as rotational forces go. But of course it would. I just love it when someone "turns on the light" for me. Thanks!! :capwin:
That makes sense to me too. Never thought about the purpose a tire is used for would dictate how the tire is constructed, as far as rotational forces go. But of course it would. I just love it when someone "turns on the light" for me. Thanks!! :capwin:
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