Tire question

[cactusjack]

I just took a good, hard look at my front tire (ME880) and I don't think it has the 3,000-4,000 left in it I am going to put on it going to Custer and back. Even though it might be okay, I don't think it's a chance I want to take.

I have an Avon Cobra 180/70/HR16 rear with a couple of thousand miles on it. When it needs replacing, I will be going to a car tire.

I can buy an Avon Cobra 150/80/16, or I can buy a Dunlop E3. I have been riding on mismatched tires for some time and don't really care if they are different brands, and once I go with a car tire, I'll be forced to run different brands anyway.

The E3 is $30 cheaper than the Cobra. Both are bias-ply. Can anyone give me an argument against going with the E3 in this application?

[rewindgy]

I thought the Cobra's were Radial's?

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by rewindgy

I thought the Cobra's were Radial's?

Oops. My bad. Yes the Avon Cobra 150/80/VR16 would be a radial. The Dunlop E3 is a bias-ply. Sorry for the factual error.

[phenrichs]

Cobras are radial.
I thought the E3 was radial. The older E2 was bias but I was sure the new E3 was radial.

[ringadingh]

I wouldn't hesitate using an E3, they are a decent touring tire. My neighbour has them on his Wing and loves them.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by OP

Cobras are radial.
I thought the E3 was radial. The older E2 was bias but I was sure the new E3 was radial.

Well, that may be - but the one I am looking at online doesn't indicate it's a radial.

[phenrichs]

Really, Where you lookin? I got mine from http://www.americanmototire.com

I just looked and it seems that the e3 comes in both bias and radial.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by OP

Really, Where you lookin? I got mine from http://www.americanmototire.com

I just looked and it seems that the e3 comes in both bias and radial.

This is where I like to buy my tires, it doesn't specify bias or radial.
http://www.sporttour.com/tires/dunlop-Elite3.htm

I just checked your American Moto Tire website and I do not see an E3 in a 150/80-16 front radial.

[VulcanE]

If you check the Dunlop wed site, the only E III 150/80-16 they list is a bias ply. That would be the reason I would want a Cobra, the radial ply tires seem to ride smoother, and handle better, IMHO. ;)

[macmac]

Jack I am about where you are. I can get a few local rides on what's left of the brick up front, but need a ft tire sooner than later..

Just throwing this out incase you want to check it out..

Dennis K has this Dunlop D 251 in radial for the VN2000D Vulcan , at $146.99. 10 more bucko's over Cobra.

You may know I am running a Dunlop SP 5000 as a rear which is a car tire and I like it lots..

I didn't know the E III came in bias only, and 'think' I'ld like a radial ahead.

Now I just got done working on Flavor's bike 07 Nomad.. He has Cobra fore and aft, and he likes them. His bike rolls easy as I got to ride it a little bit, but was testing on a straight section of road with a single curve.

I have no idea what miles he has on these Cobras...

I am very interested in what you find, but just might beat you to it...

I think the E III is off my list only because it isn't radial.

[dogdoc]

I want a radial now only on my front after having both bias/radial. I have Cobras front/rear and they are wayyyyyy better than bias stoners. IMO.

[dandolfn]

I just ordered Avon Cobras, sooner than I thought I would have to. I only have 5300 miles on my bike. Front isn't nearly as bad, but I'm replacing both anyway.

Is there some other recommended maintenance to do at the same time the tires are being changed out?

[Top Cat]

CJ, I have the Cobras on my Nomad. Radial front and rear. I really like the way they handle. If it were me I would go the extra $30 and get a radial. Just because I think the radial handles better.
My opinion may not be worth much as I wouldn't run a car tire either ;)

[cactusjack]

I ordered the Dunlop E3 the other day, I decided to give it a try. It should be here in the next day or so. Thanks everyone for your input!

[macmac]

Originally Posted by dandolfn

I just ordered Avon Cobras, sooner than I thought I would have to. I only have 5300 miles on my bike. Front isn't nearly as bad, but I'm replacing both anyway.

Is there some other recommended maintenance to do at the same time the tires are being changed out?

Yes there is.... The swing arm bearings, spacers and drive shaft are called in the book to be serviced at 7,500.

You are a little early according to the book, but the rear wheel must come off and yu are 1/2 way then.

The bigger deal is many bikes escaped the factory with nearly no grease in the swing arm and some bikes didn't get proper U Joint lube and so some drive shafts are stiff and can be in very premature failure condition.

More or less the same thing applies to the head bearing, goose neck bearing, steering yoke bearings, all these words mean the same bearings... Each time you do ft tire work.