Tire thoughts?

[seiseman]

I am looking seriously at the Pilot Roads as my replacement tire. I am willing to sacrifice a little mileage for the extra stick, particularly in wet conditions. I don't ride often enough in "wet" to feel real confident and this would give me a little more peace of mind. So, the rear is available in the Pilot Roads but the front does not come in the exact size, rather one that would "fit".

Michelin Pilot Road Front:110/80ZR18 Rear:170/60ZR17

So, the question. What are the thoughts about running the off-size front tire? Does anyone have a different recommendation for a front tire that would work well with the Pilot Road rear?

Alternately, is there someone in the UK who wants to buy the correct tire (120/70ZR18) and ship it to me? :D :03biker:

Steve E

[basco]

Here is some reading you might want to do if not done already

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ST1300.html#Tires

[NormanPCN]

I would not put on a off size. You might look at the Avons. AV45, 46. I know there has been some controversy about Avon no longer recomending the tire for the ST1300. I emailed and my tire dealer called Avon and all was fine.

[Fireball18]

Weren't there some questions regarding the Avon's traction or lack of it on wet roads?

[Horst]

My experience with Michelin Pilots on my former Beemer (R1150R) was that they were probably the best tires I ever owned ... sticky beyond my own comfort level (ie I could push them as hard as I wanted) ... so on that one go for it ... :D :03biker: :04biker: :biker:

[Purm1300]

Thanks for the input and links.
I'm embarking on a month long trip from Guelph (near Toronto, On) across the U.S. to the Rocky Mtn. states and the west coast. Time of the year will be middle of May (19) to the end of June.
I'm very pleased with the stock Bridgestone B20F's as I rode 18,000 Km (10,800 mi) last summer and I still have approx 3,000 km. left on the rear.
I'll be putting new rubber on before I leave.
I kept air pressure at 42 psi front and rear and it was a cool here last summer.
Since I'll be riding more twisty's on this trip( and hitting more extremes in temp), it looks like the Metz Z6(front) and Metz 880 (rear) look to be a better option.
Any comments or experiences would be welcome

Andy