Which Tires for my LT?

[beemercat]

I just purchased a 05 LT a few months ago with 33,000 miles on it. It now has 36,000 on it and needs a front tire. It has MetZ on it now. My dealer tells me that they don't recomend MetZ on this bike. Is this true? Give me your opinion. The rear tire only has 6,000 on it. I don't want to waste a good tire on the back just so I will have matching front and rear.
Thanks
Mike

[hallzee]

I used to use Bridgestones, but now have Metzeler 880's. They're fine!

[icycler]

Hello,
I have an 05 LT also. It came with Bridgestones which I replaced with the same. You will receive several recommendations on tires and can check the technical section of this site.

The Metzlers are a great tire and I had them on my 2002 LT. I may replace the Stones when the time comes.

Regardless of what tire you select, check the tire pressure EVERY TIME before your ride. Correct pressure is the key to acceptable wear and mileage of tires on the LT :dance:

[ATOS]

I belive Metz ME 880.Its a good tire and I never been any problems with it.

[joegottberg]

I've also got an 05 and have used Metz for the past 30K.

Since the price of the Metz tires are "throught the roof" I've got a set of stones in the garage to try next. Saved about $100.00 over the Metz for the pair.

Keep the Metz if you've got the $$

[cmattingly]

I've got Metzler 880's on my 99 LT and just bought a new rear tire. Last May I paid 116 for it and have put 10K miles on it. This May, I paid 196.00 for the same rear tire. I replaced the front tire recently, so when this "set" runs out, I'll probably go with Avons. After 4K miles on the 880's I started getting that buzzing sound when I leaned either way from minor cupping. I understand the Avon's don't do that.

[Buckelew]

I went from the Metzeler 880's to the Dunlop D205B's and love them. Quieter, hold their line better, softer sidewall for better absorbtion of bumps. But,...they do "drop" into a turn (something to get used to) and I have no idea how the mileage is yet. I've got 3100 miles on them and like them very much.

[ibbones]

After 4K miles on the 880's I started getting that buzzing sound when I leaned either way from minor cupping. That's the metz growling. I like it on my bike whenever I lean into a curve.

[BennyBob]

I currently have Metz's and the lean howl is annoying but I haven't had any problems. It all depends on what you want IMHO. Metzler 880, Bridgestone BT20, Dunlop D205, Avon Storm, all seem to be good tires with individual strengths.

I use the D205s on my Connie but get 6k miles tops from a set. I'm leaning toward the Avons for the LT next time because I love the radials on the twisties and Avon seems to be the only reinforced radial left.

Good luck on your quest for the Holy Grail of road rubber.

[cmattingly]

My friend I work with has ridden LT's for years and he's on Avons now. So about this time next year I'll be putting a set on. I should go ahead and buy them now and put them up. I'm sure the price won't be going down anytime soon.

[zippy_gg]

I have been using BT020s bought from swmototires.com.
Below is what I got last March as a spare set as the tires on my bike are fairly new:
Code Name Quantity Price/Ea. Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLOSE-301074 Bridgestone BT020 120/70VB-17 1 $99.95 $99.95
CLOSE-301075 Bridgestone BT020 160/70VB-17 1 $120.90 $120.90
Shipping: SWMT Shipping: $0.00
Sales Tax: $0.00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total: $220.85