ST 1100 ABS -2 , front tire 120/70 r18 !

[JJames]

Yea , another tire thread . can't do this without you
I need a new front tire ! Done the first bike wash, and I noticed som things I didn't like with my Dunlop roadsmart 3 front tire . cupping /and pitting /wear bars , maybe just worn out. It is also the wrong size for the ABS model -110/80 r18. The rear , also R S 3 is fine. I read some reviews here and it dosent seem like the Dunlop RS3 is the right Front tire for this bike ,others have had the same problems- I guess even Dunlop has said the bike is to heavy ,or something in that order. I don't know how many miles are on these though.
OK, I need a new front tire, and keeping the RS3 on the rear . You guys know this stuff , I don't. My riding : Don't drive fast, It's kind of cold (5-20 C) and wet here ( try to avoid riding then) , no commuting , no endless strait highways . A lots of turns all the time - both left and right ! And I'm staying on the paved road.
I'd like something that gives me great confidence in every turn . Uncle says radial in the front ! I think they have pretty much all the top brand names here , and not out to save a dime , but don't mind either. Any Suggestions ? I'd like to hear it ! I already ordered a F tire , in a panic state , but I can change that.
PS I've ditched the thought of all around gravel/paved tire from an earlier thread
Thanks

 

[Slydynbye]

Oh Goodie a Tire Thread!!!
Bridgestone T31 and done.

 

[Larry Fine]

Bridgestone T31 and done.

31, 32, whatever it takes.

 

[kiltman]

What Slydynbye said above me. I’ve been running them here in the “Great White North”. I have an ABSII as well

 

[JJames]

Great ! The tire I did order is a T31 , I had forgot about the new T32 , I have to monday if I want to change that.

 

[Slydynbye]

I think they claim 10 percent better miles or something, then charge appropriately
T31 is fine.

 

[Larry Fine]

And better wet traction.

 

[Uncle Phil]

I usually run the 'flavor' of the day BStone radial on the front so you'll be fine with a 31 or 32.

 

[ArTravlR]

Just finished a short shake down ride on my ST11A2. Needs a new front tire as well. Anyone installed a 130/70x18r instead of the 120/70x18r? I’m not concerned about the brand but I like the stickiest front tire possible. Opinions on this slight mod?

 

[STFlips]

I'm no tire expert but if you change the ratio like that then both the tire width and overall diameter will change, it may not fit and would affect speedo and possibly handling. Others will chime in with more precise data I'm sure.

 

[Larry Fine]

Opinions on this slight mod?

Stock sizes produce the best steering and handling.

 

[Al st1100]

Shinko verge 11 120/70 or 110/80 can't beat the price or mileage. Most all of the tires on the market are fine. Imo you are better off with a newer style tire mostly because they are improved over older models. I don't ever recall seeing "not as good as last years "

 

[ArTravlR]

3rd video Dave said you would need a corresponding adjustment to the size of the rear after altering the front. Bike has 120/70x18r and 160/70x17r so a proper setup could be 130/70x18r and 170/70x17r but they don’t make that size rear. I once had to purchase a 160/60x17b rear while riding out west. Made it slightly easier to flat foot at stops. Terrible handling tire but it got me home. Thanks Larry

 

[Ron]

Just finished a short shake down ride on my ST11A2. Needs a new front tire as well. Anyone installed a 130/70x18r instead of the 120/70x18r? I’m not concerned about the brand but I like the stickiest front tire possible. Opinions on this slight mod?

I think that was done by a couple riders.

Any and every combination has probably been tried including car tires and back tires on the front. Mixed results.

What are you looking to accomplish?

I've been running Avon 3D XM Storms on my ABSII bikes. They are available in ST1100 ABS stock sizes.

 

[ArTravlR]

Stock size it is, just conversing the front size on the ABSII. I’ve put 166k miles on her, install my own and I have a bad infection of MBS. For me, tires are cheap compared to when I first bought the bike.

 

[George]

I like a 130/70-18 rear tire on the front. STerling has a new Dunlop something on the front. I'll change it out as soon as I notice it cupping.

 

[JJames]

The the T31 (or T32) should be here in a day or two. Does the ABS and Non ABS use the same rims/wheels ?

 

[bstig60]

I have plus 11000 miles on my front RS3, there is a little cupping but most likely that is due to not using balance beads. I have an RS2 on the rear with more than 12000 miles on it, so both will be replaced with RS3's when the time comes.