Can I trust tyre fitters?

[T Bear Jackson]

Sorry if this has been done to death but my HD paranoia has started creeping in again

Got an 07 FXSTC that has trashed its original rear tyre in about 5k, not worn illegal but squared off and sort of scooped out hence feels pretty awful at the mo. Saying that the tyres seemed a little weedy to begin with, gently lost the back end countless number of times.....

Was thinking off a couple of Avon Cobra's (don't like mixing makes), but feeling a little nervous about them scary looking fitting machines that seem to abound, no big deal on me 86 GPZ900 but the front wheel on the custom is delicate looking chrome, what if they scratch it, them machines look a bit "agressive" to me. Panic, panic

Has anyone got any recommendations for suppliers/fitters in the Midlands area? I've got the tools, a lift and the nouse to drop the wheels myself but don't mind paying if its only a couple of quid. Also don't mind travelling a few miles if needed.

Thanks ya all.....

[Mr B]

I can't help you with a fitter because I'm not from your way, but most proper places use rim protectors which doesn't allow the machine to chew the rims up.
Why not slip the new tyres on yourself and then go and get them balanced.

Is the Cobra the new name for the Venom.

Brian.

[BaZa ®]

Just a question original tyre 5k was it a Dunflop?

Have never known one of them to last so little...hence to say I am NOT a fan of Dunflops.

Personally I would take the wheels out myself and get the tyre fitted while I am watching just to make sure they are being careful with the chrome work.

Tyres can be, mixed depends on what you are mixing.

The front Dunflop in 2003 0n my RK stayed on for about 12k as I went through the Dunflop rear and it's first Avon Venom.

[T Bear Jackson]

Originally Posted by BaZa ®

Just a question original tyre 5k was it a Dunflop?

Have never known one of them to last so little...hence to say I am NOT a fan of Dunflops.

Personally I would take the wheels out myself and get the tyre fitted while I am watching just to make sure they are being careful with the chrome work.

Tyres can be, mixed depends on what you are mixing.

The front Dunflop in 2003 0n my RK stayed on for about 12k as I went through the Dunflop rear and it's first Avon Venom.

Yup, a dunflop. Its still legal but it's dished/scooped, mind you the balance weight fell off which probably don't help.

Although legal its got to the point where it's trashing the handling so has to go, plus it really slides when cranked over (bottom silencer scraping), with virtually no warning. Did this from new. Missues punches me in the ribs when this happens.

Not sure why its worn out so quickly, must be the torque, or my despatch rider habits creeping back in

Odd thing is the front feels ok, even in the wet.....

[BaZa ®]

Ah' ha..........dispatch days.....

ME.....Messenger 75 Pony Express London/Wembley on my days off from the fire brigade mid/late 1970's.

That's why I ride like a pizza delivery boy.

YES the cobras are the new venoms I believe there is a thread about it somewhere.

[T Bear Jackson]

Originally Posted by BaZa ®

Ah' ha..........dispatch days.....

ME.....Messenger 75 Pony Express London/Wembley on my days off from the fire brigade mid/late 1970's.

That's why I ride like a pizza delivery boy.

YES the cobras are the new venoms I believe there is a thread about it somewhere.

Great days, 5 yrs on a variety of fully faired and kitted out Plastic Maggots, Polaris fairing and Kwak 750 clutch springs forced into the front forks to stop em bottoming. I can remember out cornering a new (at the time) CBR600 around north London, he was not amused.

Oddly enough we had a lot of off-duty firemen working up in Brum...

[HOG maniac]

My rear dunflop done 13 K and it still wouldn't wear out. Changed for venom X. Recommended.

The local HD dealer changed the tyres with no damage.

Make it clear when you turn up that the wheels are mint and are they happy doing the swap.

[Fish]

Try Motorcycle Tyre Sales on Chandos Pole Street, Derby 01332 340421
They are proper 'old skool'. There's even an area (with tools) to remove & refit your own wheels.

[db133]

As I understand and please inform if incorrect :-)

Dunlop D402F MH 90-21
D205 200/55/R17

Avons Venom AM41 90/90-21
Cobra AV72 200/55 R17

Metzeler 80/90-21 or 90/90-21
210/50 R17

[harleyshrew]

Most of the Harley riders I know in Shropshire/Welsh Borders use these guys

Welcome to Buckley Tyre Service

Just in Flintshire. My Dunflop 10K on 06 Streetbob has also "squared off" but handling was always crap especially in the wet. But with cash being short what with having to shell out for a new roof, new boiler and and effing fracking pooing new car coz I cannot do me job without one and I broke the last one

I have got to save for my Avon Storm rear and Venom front which i am told is the best combination for my bike. Then I too will "eat corners for breakfast"