A question about stock OEM Bridgestones

[Aussieflyer]

and another .02 ...

I had the Dunlops, front wore out way too quickly yet the rear still had plenty of tread. Problem isn't the tyre it's the front suspension, or lack of it, for anyone over 70Kg. Even worse if you are heavy on the front brakes (like the OP) and/or you brake into corners. The soft fork springs means that suspension bottoms out overloading the front tyre which eventually just gets torn up. I suggest that the OP put a zip tie on the fork to measure how much travel is being used and if it's around 100-105mm then consider stiffer fork springs. Below is a pic of my Dunlop at 9,000km ... it should have been replaced at 7,000km. Bike now has new suspension and a set of Metzeler Z8s which after 4,000k still look new.

[jimgl3_imp]

great respect to Aussieflyer, a true blue biker for sure! but my oem dunslop wore the same. exactly. and with no mod to suspension, my metzler z8 that i now keep 38 to 40 lbs in, has 5,000 miles not k, miles on it and still looks good. not new, but good. keeping enough air in the front tire will do you wonders. so long as you are not on a racetrack, or riding like you are on one.

[Aussieflyer]

Way too kind Jimgl3, most blokes over here would just tell me I talk crap and then set me straight! I'm grateful for your politeness, thanks.

I've not run that much pressure in the front but if the tyre is getting up to temperature and working for you that's great ... much cheaper and easier than changing fork springs.

[emullick_imp]

She's a big girl. Chewed up my front in the first couple runs in the mountains. Throw some Avon's on and your good to go.

Very true; the biggest factor in tire wear is how you ride. But how are the Avons for grip and feedback?

[Bheezy27403_imp]

I run nothing but Avon's on both bikes. When my 3rd gets finished it will get Roadriders as well. It's weird about giving feedback on a tire. What's good for me may not be good for you. In my opinion the grip is great wet or dry and I get pretty good wear out of them. It really comes down to the fact that I know the limits of these tires and they are predictable for the way I ride. I would recommend them to anyone. Of course YMMV.

[jimgl3_imp]

I have been tempted to try the Avons because I raced Avons and loved them. but I can't seem to get passed the groves down the middle of them... it's a mental thing...

[Bheezy27403_imp]

Never had an issue with them. Some of the guys with the air-cooled Triumph Thruxtons have reported some wobble at high speed. Of course not all but a few. It's the only complaint I've heard about them. They work wonderfully on my T-100.

[satchit]

Same experience here. Front tire replaced at ~6000 miles with Michelin Pilot Road 4 GTs.
Rear tire (Original Bridgestones) still adequate at ~8000 miles.

What PR4 model/size did you buy?

What PR4 model/size did you buy?

satchit, what size PR4 did you put on the front?

https://motorcycle.michelinman.com/US/en...4-gt.html#
120/70 ZR18 . Local dealer had them in stock.
Will have to go with PR3s when I replace the rear later - No 18" PR4s for the rears.

[Bigskyorbust_imp]

Same exact experience here. Center portion of front started looking borderline done coming right up on 5000 miles. Rear looks to have alot of life left . I debated just replacing the front but decided to go ahead and upgrade. Metzler Road Tec Z8 set ordered and should get them on next Saturday. I was leaning between those and the pilot road 3's everyone here loves so much ... great reviews out there on both tires. Decided to try the Metzler tires first as I could get stock size front and back

looking forward to seeing what a difference they will make .