VTX Front Tire Recomendations

Hi, its terrible to be an old bean-counter (accountant). It took me several reveiews of the all Dark SideTech threads to understand MT = "Motorcycle Tire" and CT = "Car Tire" Ok, so I am thick-headed too.

I am in the process of rebuilding a 2005 VTX 1800 F2. I've ridden the motorcycle to work 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year, come rain or shine during its five year life. Additionally, I've treked to Daytona Bike Week several times and am on my second set of ME880's. Unfortunately, Key West weather has not been kind causing Key West cancer to manefest on the front and rear fenders (from the inside - out). Anyway, I've ordered new fenders.

Front and rear rims will be chromed and I'd like to fit them with new rubber. I really like your suggestion regarding the CT for the rear so I'll be buying the Toyo T1R 215/45R18. Now, do you have a suggestion for a front tire to compliment the Toyo?

Thanks in advance.

The ME880 you are already running is about as good as it gets in my opinion at leaste it works good for me and for some reason seems to last longer when matched with the car tire

Would you recommend placing the ME880 Rear Tire on the front rim?

I dont see why it wouldn't work good,they say the rear tires have more meat on them.

while i haven't tried the ME I have liked both my bridgstone and the current avon...

pesquinaldo wrote:Would you recommend placing the ME880 Rear Tire on the front rim?

I always advise reverse rotation. Unless you get a tire that roration doesn't matter.

Jerry

I run a Dunlop D206F 130/80R18, better handling and ride than stock D251, and lifts front end about 3/4" from stock

cool, that's the first I've heard of that one. Fits under the stock fender? I don't think there is 3/4" clearance under there....

Height fits close, just makes it, fills out stock C fender to the max with no rubbing. Width has some room to spare.

O.D. on stock D251F 130/70R18 is 25.2", D206F 130/80R18 is 26.6", you gain half the difference in axle height, or .7"
It's also wider at 5.2" vs. stock 4.8", and they're both 130's Another prime example of the need to check mfr.'s specs for correct dimensions, and not simply rely on size, even within the same brand, and especially when running this tight.

Another front tire I was considering was the Pirelli Night Dragon 140/70B18 at 26.5" x 5.5", which will fit fine, and looks great, but it's a bias and the D206F is a radial and a hair taller. FWIW, Pirelli and Metzeler became one a few years ago.