[url=https://www.classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=91113#p91113:1xk3k6ky said:
pidjones » Wed Jul 31, 2013 6:23 am[/url]":1xk3k6ky]
Funny about some of the differing opinions on tires (oil, filters, crush washers). On one thread, I was heckled for asking the date code on a tire. Here, I seem to be seen careless for running a RUN FLAT car tire (heavy enough sidewalls to support a car, even with no air in them).
Experience - I bought an SEi once with great tread on the tires. It noticed a light rubbing sound on some turns. Turned out, the eight-year-old Dunlop had expanded over time, and was hitting the swingarm. Closer inspection after riding also showed a crack down to the cords in one spot. I watch date codes, now.
Check the rear tires at most GL1800 gatherings (darkside rallys not included), and a good 50% are running a car tire. Mostly run flats. Can your MC rear tire get you safely home if it suffers from a severe (like rebar) puncture? Dunlop and Bridgestone stopped GL1800 development in 2002, after finally getting bikes to actually test on (the original 'stones and Dunlop D250s were developed to spec without seeing the bikes). Bridgestone re-designed when they got a bike to test on, Dunlop kept the D250 as it was and released the Elite 3. Over ten years with no tire development. Metzler 880s handle great, have few issues other than wear. Avon has had many rear separation issues reported, but I hear they handle great. They all wear out the rear in 8000-13000 miles. They just struggle to handle the fat girl's weight. Shinkos on a GL1800 lasted me about 5k, when huge blisters developed in the center of the FRONT tread. They couldn't handle the weight, either.
I'd never run a CT on an older 'Wing, because there are good MC tires available that are sufficient for the lighter bikes. My GL1800, Black Pearl, weighs in at close to 1200 pounds with me and gear. Without the wife and her gear. I've ridden both, and I'll stick with protecting my and my passenger's necks with a run flat tire. (The 1000 will run MC tires - new ones!, and only be ridden one-up).
A problem with the run flats, though - I need to get a TPMS for it, because I've heard that it runs so well without air, unless you are in twisties you won't notice!
Basically, there ARE NO acceptable run flat car tires for the older 'wings - they just don't fit, aren't needed, and they are radials, anyway. But for the 1800? The only way for me. 79k miles on my 2006, the last 19k on run flat.
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