Hey guys. So I changed out my tires this past weekend. I had the OEM Dunlop 220's on both front an back up until about a month ago when I got a rear flat. Had to go with a Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart but 1) it was not the correct size/load bearing tire for the bike and 2) I found a split in the tire a couple of weeks later. Both events are document in these two posts:
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72400
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73569
I have not resolved what happened with the cut/split in the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart rear, but given that I didn't really like the handling of the tire, or at least the handling of the mixed match pair, I decided to get a new matching set. I decided on the Avon Storms based on the good reviews on the forum. That said, I guess I didn't do my homework, as I have sense found several posts related to the front in shake that Avon acknowledges, which is why they do not recommend the Storms for the ST1300 (see posts 65 here: https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?p=777643 and post 82 here: https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?p=788353 .
Well the tires are on now and as you have already guessed, I do have that shake, which was not present before. I ordered the tires from motorcycle-superstore.com (kicking myself for not ordering through Two Brothers) and they have agreed to take the front back to "inspect" it. I don't think they will have any problem refunding me once I present them with the additional information I found on this forum, and if they do have a problem doing so, I will then contact Jesse at Avon.
That said, a few people have had reported on this site that they have had success with replacing the standard ball bearings with taper roller bearings. Avon has apparently noted the same.
So my question is this... Should I get rid of this front tire all together or should I try replacing the bearings first. Before answering, keep in mind two things. 1) besides the wobble in the front end, that is quite controllable, I really like the way these tires stick to the road, and having had to ride them home in the rain after they were installed, I like their wet weather properties, also. 2) It's going to cost me two hours in shop labor costs to have have the tire removed, replacing it with the old one, then having a new one installed once I get/find a replacement.
Would changing the bearings out be a cheaper alternative, assuming that virtually eliminates the wobble? There's a tech event coming up next month in Jersey and I could probably get the bearing done in exchange for some pie. If not, a local shop can certainly do it.
Your thoughts?
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72400
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73569
I have not resolved what happened with the cut/split in the Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart rear, but given that I didn't really like the handling of the tire, or at least the handling of the mixed match pair, I decided to get a new matching set. I decided on the Avon Storms based on the good reviews on the forum. That said, I guess I didn't do my homework, as I have sense found several posts related to the front in shake that Avon acknowledges, which is why they do not recommend the Storms for the ST1300 (see posts 65 here: https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?p=777643 and post 82 here: https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?p=788353 .
Well the tires are on now and as you have already guessed, I do have that shake, which was not present before. I ordered the tires from motorcycle-superstore.com (kicking myself for not ordering through Two Brothers) and they have agreed to take the front back to "inspect" it. I don't think they will have any problem refunding me once I present them with the additional information I found on this forum, and if they do have a problem doing so, I will then contact Jesse at Avon.
That said, a few people have had reported on this site that they have had success with replacing the standard ball bearings with taper roller bearings. Avon has apparently noted the same.
So my question is this... Should I get rid of this front tire all together or should I try replacing the bearings first. Before answering, keep in mind two things. 1) besides the wobble in the front end, that is quite controllable, I really like the way these tires stick to the road, and having had to ride them home in the rain after they were installed, I like their wet weather properties, also. 2) It's going to cost me two hours in shop labor costs to have have the tire removed, replacing it with the old one, then having a new one installed once I get/find a replacement.
Would changing the bearings out be a cheaper alternative, assuming that virtually eliminates the wobble? There's a tech event coming up next month in Jersey and I could probably get the bearing done in exchange for some pie. If not, a local shop can certainly do it.
Your thoughts?