My 2000 st 1100 came with Avon tires. My only experience with these tire was on 1999 road king. The front tire had a bubble in the middle with only 25 miles. So needles to say my trust in Avon tires is pretty low. Anyone have options on what tires perform best on the st. ? Send me a line and let me know your thoughts
What ST1100 tires are best?
- Thread starter Jim Dale
- Start date
Re: What tires are best
Jim,
Now you've gone and put the cat amongst the pigeons.
You may get lots of different views, but like you say you need trust in your tyres.
Personally I would go for Bridgestone's BT023 which I use myself or the newer T30 Evo which I intend to try next. The T30 apparently gives slighter better longevity.
I don't mind getting a thousand miles less mileage if the payback is a confidence inspiring tyre, I've ridden these things in all weather conditions and the grip levels are excellent. They also handle loads well with no or little difference in feel but obviously the wear will go up with load etc.
Also note the GT versions of these are not as far as I am aware recommended for the ST1100.
My own ST came with Avon's and I share your trepidation, they were awful, I think it would have been better on the rims. Also on the Bridgestones the bike is rock steady at speed, no weave etc, can't say this is down to the tyres though, although i know early Dunlop's used to put these things into tank slappers at relatively low speeds. I know from my own experience before anybody chimes in!
Don't forget the Dark side....... Aaarrrggggghhhhhh.
Hope it helps.
Upt'North.
Jim,
Now you've gone and put the cat amongst the pigeons.
You may get lots of different views, but like you say you need trust in your tyres.
Personally I would go for Bridgestone's BT023 which I use myself or the newer T30 Evo which I intend to try next. The T30 apparently gives slighter better longevity.
I don't mind getting a thousand miles less mileage if the payback is a confidence inspiring tyre, I've ridden these things in all weather conditions and the grip levels are excellent. They also handle loads well with no or little difference in feel but obviously the wear will go up with load etc.
Also note the GT versions of these are not as far as I am aware recommended for the ST1100.
My own ST came with Avon's and I share your trepidation, they were awful, I think it would have been better on the rims. Also on the Bridgestones the bike is rock steady at speed, no weave etc, can't say this is down to the tyres though, although i know early Dunlop's used to put these things into tank slappers at relatively low speeds. I know from my own experience before anybody chimes in!
Don't forget the Dark side....... Aaarrrggggghhhhhh.
Hope it helps.
Upt'North.
Re: What tires are best
Tire threads.... almost as fun as oil threads!
I have an '01 ST100 ABSII. I run a 160/70-17 Michelin Commander II on the rear and a 110/80-18 BT45 rear tire on the front. I get a bit over 20k out of the Commander and a bit under 20k out of the BT45 in a combination of commuting and sport touring.
Tire threads.... almost as fun as oil threads!
I have an '01 ST100 ABSII. I run a 160/70-17 Michelin Commander II on the rear and a 110/80-18 BT45 rear tire on the front. I get a bit over 20k out of the Commander and a bit under 20k out of the BT45 in a combination of commuting and sport touring.
John OoSTerhuis
Life Is Good!
Re: What tires are best
John
+1 They're OEM spec'd and have Honda part numbers. ~162K of experience/happy miles. Great balance of longevity and handling. JMHO
John
Re: What tires are best
Metzeler Z6
Metzeler Z6
thatbeeguy
Jeff
Re: What tires are best
Loved the Metzler Z6
Little warning on wearing out
Currently running T30 ego not quite as sticky but still better than my skills
Loved the Metzler Z6
Little warning on wearing out
Currently running T30 ego not quite as sticky but still better than my skills
Re: What tires are best
Oh, I don't know. I had one Z6 front years ago that gave me lots of warning when the cords started to show at 32,000 kms. Not something I recommend to do as usual practice though!
Re: What tires are best
Metzler Z6.
They do get a little noisy in the turns toward the end of their service life.
Watch the "twi" spots and replace them as indicated.
Metzler Z6.
They do get a little noisy in the turns toward the end of their service life.
Watch the "twi" spots and replace them as indicated.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Re: What tires are best
I've run most of the brands in over 300,000+ miles on ST1100s.
Ran Excedras, but like the radials for handling.
Used to love Avons (Storms, etc.) until they started 'improving' them.
Metzler Z4s were the best, the Z6s not quite as good, but still one of my favorites.
Gave up on Dunflops after several sets of the D205s.
Run several sets of BT023s - great tire but not much mileage.
Tried Shinko front - dreadful.
Like the BT030GTs - been through a couple of sets.
Right now -
SweetTreat -BT020 BMW Bias rear, BT030GT radial front,
Redbird - BT020 BMW Bias rear, Dunlop Sportmax (a gift) radial front
Frost - Pirelli Angel GT radials front and rear - jury still out on mileage.
What I've found is every time a manufacturer 'improves' a tire, they tend to get less mileage.
So I guess their idea of improvement is more money in their pocket!
I've run most of the brands in over 300,000+ miles on ST1100s.
Ran Excedras, but like the radials for handling.
Used to love Avons (Storms, etc.) until they started 'improving' them.
Metzler Z4s were the best, the Z6s not quite as good, but still one of my favorites.
Gave up on Dunflops after several sets of the D205s.
Run several sets of BT023s - great tire but not much mileage.
Tried Shinko front - dreadful.
Like the BT030GTs - been through a couple of sets.
Right now -
SweetTreat -BT020 BMW Bias rear, BT030GT radial front,
Redbird - BT020 BMW Bias rear, Dunlop Sportmax (a gift) radial front
Frost - Pirelli Angel GT radials front and rear - jury still out on mileage.
What I've found is every time a manufacturer 'improves' a tire, they tend to get less mileage.
So I guess their idea of improvement is more money in their pocket!
Re: What tires are best
Have gotten most miles from the Exedras. Usually 14-15,000 out of a front and 10-11,000 miles out of a rear. Like UP said the radials handle a bit better but if your looking for value out of distance then look no further unless your going to the dark side.
Have gotten most miles from the Exedras. Usually 14-15,000 out of a front and 10-11,000 miles out of a rear. Like UP said the radials handle a bit better but if your looking for value out of distance then look no further unless your going to the dark side.
Re: What tires are best
I've got Avon Storm 3D XMs on mine and I like 'em. Handle about as well in the wet as dry, or at least the way I ride it.
I've got Avon Storm 3D XMs on mine and I like 'em. Handle about as well in the wet as dry, or at least the way I ride it.
Re: What tires are best
Have tried many different types, but have stayed with BS T30 Evo GT's for the last half dozen sets. Great feel and price, but tough to install (hard sidewalls).
The front is the best tire I've ever tried- Lasts for 2 backs, and NO cupping or uneven wear from start to finish! The back doesn't last long though.
Anyone have experience with the Exedra Max Radials? There is a rebate right now for them. Particularly interested in comparison between T30's with ride and mileage.
Edit- A little search answered my own Q; Exedra is a cruiser/touring tire. Profile and compound not conducive to "sport" touring I guess...
Have tried many different types, but have stayed with BS T30 Evo GT's for the last half dozen sets. Great feel and price, but tough to install (hard sidewalls).
The front is the best tire I've ever tried- Lasts for 2 backs, and NO cupping or uneven wear from start to finish! The back doesn't last long though.
Anyone have experience with the Exedra Max Radials? There is a rebate right now for them. Particularly interested in comparison between T30's with ride and mileage.
Edit- A little search answered my own Q; Exedra is a cruiser/touring tire. Profile and compound not conducive to "sport" touring I guess...
Last edited:
Re: What tires are best
Hello just wondering if you might be able to help me with a question concerning the Bridgestone T30 EVO 160/70ZR17 for rear of ST1100, found one on Amazon but unable to know if it is GT spec? How to tell the difference or by Mfg Part Number maybe? Showing part number is 005201. Thanks for any help.
James
I've run most of the brands in over 300,000+ miles on ST1100s.
Ran Excedras, but like the radials for handling.
Used to love Avons (Storms, etc.) until they started 'improving' them.
Metzler Z4s were the best, the Z6s not quite as good, but still one of my favorites.
Gave up on Dunflops after several sets of the D205s.
Run several sets of BT023s - great tire but not much mileage.
Tried Shinko front - dreadful.
Like the BT030GTs - been through a couple of sets.
Right now -
SweetTreat -BT020 BMW Bias rear, BT030GT radial front,
Redbird - BT020 BMW Bias rear, Dunlop Sportmax (a gift) radial front
Frost - Pirelli Angel GT radials front and rear - jury still out on mileage.
What I've found is every time a manufacturer 'improves' a tire, they tend to get less mileage.
So I guess their idea of improvement is more money in their pocket!
Hello just wondering if you might be able to help me with a question concerning the Bridgestone T30 EVO 160/70ZR17 for rear of ST1100, found one on Amazon but unable to know if it is GT spec? How to tell the difference or by Mfg Part Number maybe? Showing part number is 005201. Thanks for any help.
James
Re: What tires are best
I've just received Avon Storm 3D XM tires for my '95 and am waiting for the current Avons to wear a little more. I've passed 16,000 miles on them, and they've done well in the dry and rain. The rear has even gone several thousand miles with a plug in it.
No complaints from the Avons.
I've just received Avon Storm 3D XM tires for my '95 and am waiting for the current Avons to wear a little more. I've passed 16,000 miles on them, and they've done well in the dry and rain. The rear has even gone several thousand miles with a plug in it.
No complaints from the Avons.
Re: What tires are best
I think that's a T30 Evo, non GT. Check on Google search to confirm.
Upt'North.
I think that's a T30 Evo, non GT. Check on Google search to confirm.
Upt'North.
Ashley
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Re: What tires are best
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The 160/70 is not available in GT spec. The 170/60 is. Not the right size but folks run them on the 1100.
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Ashley
Site Supporter
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2009
- Messages
- 872
- Age
- 61
- Location
- Jacksonville, Florida USA
- Bike
- 2020 Africa Twin
- STOC #
- 4906
Re: What tires are best
I always used the 160/70 T30 and was very pleased but never got over 6,500 Miles.
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I always used the 160/70 T30 and was very pleased but never got over 6,500 Miles.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: What tires are best
the size is the giveaway, the GT version isn't available in 160/70, only 170/60. I think the GT version usually has "GT" in the name as well, like "T30 EVO GT"