I need a tire tomorrow

[STeve1300]

Not quite 5000 miles and I have a nail in the rear tire. Unlike most of you, I don't have Bridgestones... my '05 came with Dunlop D220's. I need a tire by tomorrow, 8/19/05 for the RTE to Galena on Saturday. Besides just venting frustration, I have a couple questions.

Do most of you typically change both tires at the same time, or as needed?(front looks fine)

Neither of the 2 closest shops had the exact tire, but one had a D205 ( The O.E. D220 is the successor, and touted on line as "much improved"...) would anyone consider that option?

Would it be ill advised to have 2 completely different tires i.e. Bridgestone rear, Dunlop front? Or buy 2 new tires if I cant find the OE ones?

I was limited in my search tonite because most shops closed at 6PM, and I noticed the nail (very slow leak) at 5:45. I'll be on the phone at 9 Am.

[Mellow]

If you aren't into plugging... then as long as the tires are radial, you're okay.. I've mixed many diff front/rear brands on my Wing and prev ST with no problems.. never liked the Avons, they are the only tire I ever really hated.. but it worked great on the Wing/Valkyrie.

[AgSTreak]

If you've never been to Mark's CalSci website you owe it to yourself to visit and study. Some good info about mixing different types of tires at the link below.

CalSci (http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/ST1300_a.html#Tires)

[Highrider]

I recently had to replace the rear on my 02' ST, and decided to mix a Dunlop D205 rear with a Bridgestone front. I can't tell the difference in handling or performance, and the Dunlop seems to be an improvement (which is probably the magic of new rubber). When my front tire is due to be retired, I plan on installing the matching Dunlop. If you think about it, an adjustment of a few pounds of air pressure would probably affect the tire performance more than different brands, and pressure can be used to compensate. As long as you use similar tire construction between brands, you should be OK.
If your in need of a tire, make the call on a a different brand that is available. I don't think I would step back to a D205 on an ST1300 because the size you will find will probably be a 160 instead of the 170's the 1300 is fitted with.
Hope to see you in Galena Saturday.

Rise Safe !! :biker:

[crazykz]

Steve,

I have the two off of my bike that I took off when I put on the PR's. They are a little flat spotted but they have 3-4000 miles left in them. They are yours if you want them. SE Sales usually will mount them same day. I can drive them up there for you if you want. You can have both of them and then worry about new treads later or just take the rear if you want. They are the BT020's though.

PM me if you want.

Curt

[STeve1300]

Thanks Curt, I could use your rear (tire) as a back up plan. I would prefer a new one closer to home. Trouble is I wont know till 9:30 AM. Hmmm ...call me if you get a chance 414-573-3483 . Thanks.

[beatlejuice]

hey steve in your picture it looks like ur on an 05 if u have asb from what i have read and been told the tires should be changed at the same time because the outside diameter is critical to the opperation of the abs.
im sure someone else on the board knows more about it than me and if im off track someone please let me know cause i intend to buy 2 tires when the rear gives it up. :04biker:

[beatlejuice]

Steve,

I have the two off of my bike that I took off when I put on the PR's. They are a little flat spotted but they have 3-4000 miles left in them. They are yours if you want them. SE Sales usually will mount them same day. I can drive them up there for you if you want. You can have both of them and then worry about new treads later or just take the rear if you want. They are the BT020's though.

PM me if you want.

Curt
its things like this that make the motorcycle community so great :bow1:

[crazykz]

Back up tire ready if needed.

Curt

[Mark]

I didn't see anyone answer the other 1/2 of your question: Change one or both tires.

Sides of the discussion:
1) if it isn't worn to the bars don't change it.
2) peace of mind I change them both at the same time.

#1 gives you the most cost effective ride.
#2 lets you be lazy 'cuz you've always got good rubber on the road.

I'm a #2 type; but, if I haven't had a tire pop (yet!).

Mark

[STeve1300]

its things like this that make the motorcycle community so great :bow1:
How true

Back up tire ready if needed
But Curt is downright unbelievable. Did I mention he is driving 50 miles each way to change my tire in the middle of the night right in my garage? (Well, maybe not that unbelievable...);-) But he is toting it to his job, just in case I need it!
Thank you again!

[STeve1300]

Thanks to all who responded.:bow1:

Cedar Creek Motorsports (http://cedarcreekmotorsports.com/)helped me out. They drove 60 miles to pick up the tire from their supplier and got me into their afternoon schedule, allowing me to ride to Galena Saturday, and make my scheduled golf outing today. Priceless.

That said, I had no idea tires were this expensive. I'm glad I brought an internet ad along from sporttour.com (http://www.sporttour.com/)listing sale price at $107.95, or the dealer was gonna charge 185.99!!! Yipes. They matched ad price and total bill incl balance, remove & replace wheel, disposal fee and tax etc was 152.98.

Does this seem about right?
Dunlop D220 rear 170/60ZR-17

[crazykz]

That said, I had no idea tires were this expensive. I'm glad I brought an internet ad along from sporttour.com (http://www.sporttour.com/)listing sale price at $107.95, or the dealer was gonna charge 185.99!!! Yipes. They matched ad price and total bill incl balance, remove & replace wheel, disposal fee and tax etc was 152.98.

Does this seem about right?
Dunlop D220 rear 170/60ZR-17

I'll almost bet the South East Sales would be cheaper but I can't be sure. I know they only about $20 more than ordering from SWMotoTires.com and they will mount and balance for $30 if they are off the bike.

I checked with Cedar Creek when I was up there about a month ago and was kind of shocked by their prices.

Curt