Needing front tire recommendations

[RobH]

Greetings, all. I've got a '86 Interstate, and need to replace the front tire. The size, if I remember correctly, is 130/90x16. I'm looking for a decent tire, but I need to go as cheaply as possible (the economy's kicking my butt!). I'd appreciate any recommendations, as well as any warnings of what to stay away from! A visit to the closest dealership was far less than reassuring; the "parts" person looked like a kid from high school, and clearly didn't have a clue about tires. I don't want to pay the price of their ignorance.

Another thing that confused me - I looked at two difference tires - same size - but one looked like a fat rear tire, while the other one was obviously much thinner. The salesclerk insisted they were both the same, and said the tires should have "front" or "rear" on them, even though they were the same size. They didn't....

In short, I don't really have a clue what I should be getting, and I'll appreciate all help!

[SIR tricky]

I cannot recommend cheap.

I have been riding since I was 16, sure when I was young and broke I went cheap.... never again, if I cant afford good tires, the bike gets laid up till I can.

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[RobH]

I cannot recommend cheap.

I have been riding since I was 16, sure when I was young and broke I went cheap.... never again, if I cant afford good tires, the bike gets laid up till I can.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/fitment-guide/search?type=fitment&make=12&model=444&year=513&submit=">http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/fitment ... 13&submit=</a><!-- m -->

I appreciate the feedback and suggestion of the Dunlop. Are there any other brands or specific tires you've used and liked? The two times I went down in my youth (16) (not counting racing days) was when I let my front tire get too worn, and hit rain on country roads. Took me 2 times to learn the lesson (I was a bit slow in those days), but learn it I did. That's why I'm not willing to just go with whatever the HS kid in parts wants to sell me....

Any ideas on why the descrepancy in tires noted above, as well as the practice of having "front" and "rear" actually on the tire itself? Granted, it's been awhile since I had to buy tires; perhaps things have changed that much? thanks!

[neoracer]

is this a tire that you can mount and change yourself? if so you might want to try a shinko
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if not you'd be better buying a good E3 or a new Michelin Commander II
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buying from the dealer is the last place i'd buy a tire,easy enough to take off and take to some shop t have changed

in the Dunlop your looking for an MT90, in the michelin its a 130/90-16 $123 vs $109
not muych is known about the michelin commander II's since they are a new model tire but this year HD's are using them as standard equipment from the factory on alot of models

shinko's i'd say about 10K whereas the E3's probably 20K
like i say if you have to pay someone to mount and change the tire,buy a better one ,your overall costs will be less in the long run,but that's mho

[SIR tricky]

I cannot recommend cheap.

I have been riding since I was 16, sure when I was young and broke I went cheap.... never again, if I cant afford good tires, the bike gets laid up till I can.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/fitment-guide/search?type=fitment&make=12&model=444&year=513&submit=">http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/fitment ... 13&submit=</a><!-- m -->

I appreciate the feedback and suggestion of the Dunlop. Are there any other brands or specific tires you've used and liked? The two times I went down in my youth (16) (not counting racing days) was when I let my front tire get too worn, and hit rain on country roads. Took me 2 times to learn the lesson (I was a bit slow in those days), but learn it I did. That's why I'm not willing to just go with whatever the HS kid in parts wants to sell me....

Any ideas on why the descrepancy in tires noted above, as well as the practice of having "front" and "rear" actually on the tire itself? Granted, it's been awhile since I had to buy tires; perhaps things have changed that much? thanks!

I used the stock tires when the bike was new, I then used Dunlop E2, I did try Michelin Hi Tour then went back to E2, when I moved up to Dunlop E3 bias I liked them, a bit noisy but then I am deaf and I like my radio loud
I have never tried any other brand so I can't make any recommendations.

[ghostrider52005]

Shinko makes a good tire. Im running a Shinko rear and love the thing. Havent run a front but have some buddies that are and they love em. Im at 5 grand on the rear figure its going to go 7 or 8 grand. A front of the same brand in any brand will always wear out two sets of rear tires on my bike at least if that helps.
As for the shinkos just put a new one on my wifes bike on the rear, when i get tires for the wing again it will be shinko 230 tourmasters front and rear. :d

[PanMan75]

I have a shinko 777 Rear mounted on the front (ran backwards), it handles great, I have about 4000 miles on it so far and almost no sign of wear. My wife has a set of cheap shinkos on hers and she likes them as well....

[wingandaprayer]

Good quality tires seem to work out to be the cheapest per mile for me. I have 14500 miles on Metzler M880 rear and 2000 of wear left or so, the front would make 30000 miles at the rate it's going. I am changing out the pair for Michelin Commander II's in search of a quieter ride when leaned over on curves at over 60mph on certain surfaces.

[RobH]

Greetings, all. I've got a '86 Interstate, and need to replace the front tire. The size, if I remember correctly, is 130/90x16. I'm looking for a decent tire, but I need to go as cheaply as possible (the economy's kicking my butt!). I'd appreciate any recommendations, as well as any warnings of what to stay away from! A visit to the closest dealership was far less than reassuring; the "parts" person looked like a kid from high school, and clearly didn't have a clue about tires. I don't want to pay the price of their ignorance.

Another thing that confused me - I looked at two difference tires - same size - but one looked like a fat rear tire, while the other one was obviously much thinner. The salesclerk insisted they were both the same, and said the tires should have "front" or "rear" on them, even though they were the same size. They didn't....

In short, I don't really have a clue what I should be getting, and I'll appreciate all help!

Thanks to all who responded! You've given me a lot to think about and research, and I really appreciate it! Ride safe - Rob

[firstwing85]

I am using a Continental and like it well so far, just got it new last fall so haven't run it a lot yet but the miles I have on it so far it's doing very well..

[RobH]

I am using a Continental and like it well so far, just got it new last fall so haven't run it a lot yet but the miles I have on it so far it's doing very well..

thank you! I hope you're getting some good riding in up in your neck of the woods!

[firstwing85]

actually we have been getting a lot of rain the last 2 months but there has been a couple of really nice rinding days,
I'm actually going to go for a ride tomorrow or Saturday.
weather is soppose to be nice this weekend.. :d :d