What is the most quiet tire?

[Briantime]

I had a new front tire installed about 4,000 miles ago (Metz ME880) and I am really disappointed in how loud this tire is.

Even riding in a straight line, even the most delicate lean of the bike starts them to howling. They have been this way since new, though steadily getting worse.

I would really like to enjoy a quite ride for my next set of tires. I do not ride aggressively, nor often in poor weather.

Can someone recommend a tire from the apparently short list of tires for the K1200LT that would give the silence I seek?

[NomDePlume]

What Pressure are you running them?
42/48?

[Briantime]

I usually run 42/48

Occasionally a bit lower (40,46)

[kellenbenz]

I had a new front tire installed about 4,000 miles ago (Metz ME880) and I am really disappointed in how loud this tire is.

Even riding in a straight line, even the most delicate lean of the bike starts them to howling. They have been this way since new, though steadily getting worse.

I would really like to enjoy a quite ride for my next set of tires. I do not ride aggressively, nor often in poor weather.

Can someone recommend a tire from the apparently short list of tires for the K1200LT that would give the silence I seek?

I find the Avon Storms to be much quieter and handle nicer, but don't last as long. With the difference in price and the difference in mileage it comes out about equal since I change my own tires. They are radials.

There were some problems with the early front Avons, but I think they have that worked out now. My last front went 13000 and I changed it early due to a trip.


Ron

[Brian-NC]

You should be running 48/42 as he advised. This may help a little but if your 880s are cupped (the roaring when you lean) then you might want to wear ear plugs. The 880s will last an average of 12K miles so you've got a ways to go. I just replaced my 880s with Avon Storms. So far they are much more quiet and have improved the ride quite a bit. I'm also running 48/42 in them as well. Avon reps will tell you to disregard the suggested pressure that it's ok to run with more air.

Avons are becoming quite popular with the LT riders and they are less expensive. I'm not expecting to get big miles out of them like the 880s but if I can get 9-10K out of them, I'll be happy. If you're looking to buy tires on line and mount your own - www.swmototires.com

[Briantime]

You should be running 48/42 as he advised. This may help a little but if your 880s are cupped (the roaring when you lean) then you might want to wear ear plugs. The 880s will last an average of 12K miles so you've got a ways to go. I just replaced my 880s with Avon Storms. So far they are much more quiet and have improved the ride quite a bit. I'm also running 48/42 in them as well. Avon reps will tell you to disregard the suggested pressure that it's ok to run with more air.

Avons are becoming quite popular with the LT riders and they are less expensive. I'm not expecting to get big miles out of them like the 880s but if I can get 9-10K out of them, I'll be happy. If you're looking to buy tires on line and mount your own - www.swmototires.com

Thank you for the input. I can make you dizze reading tire (or oil) threads :D

The tread on my front Metz looks good. At this point, I would gladly give up whatever life they have remaining to get a quiet ride.

[dshealey]

The Bridgestones were much quieter than the Metzelers when partially worn. The front BT-020 did get a little noisy after about half worn, but not nearly as bad as the rear 880!