Happy Trails Bud! Take some pictures.
Kindest regards,
Poppa Jack
On Jul 6, 2009, at 10:42 AM, Bud Izen wrote:

>
>
> Last week, I got done with my 24K major tune. Only three valves out of
> adjustment. Not bad. Since I was getting ready for my first long
> distance ride of the summer, I also pulled the tyres and replaced my
> trusty but worn out Azaros with a set of Metzler ME 880s. They don't
> make these in the wider 180 size, which I had run while using
> Avons, so
> I went back to the stock 170. No change in size required on the front.
>
> Once the bike was all back together, I wanted to take it for a good
> test
> run prior to the long ride, so I left my house in Turner and headed
> for
> the coast (Lincoln City). I had no "first 100 miles" issues with the
> tyres, but did not go faster than 70 mph with no tight corners.
>
> I lowered the inflation to 36 front and 42 rear. With the Metzlers,
> you
> can run a lot higher for greater mileage and longevity, up to 48 in
> the
> rear, a bit less in front. As I was wearing them in, I opted for the
> lower inflation levels, the same as I used to run the Avons.
>
> It was a very warm day inland, around 90, dropping to the high 70s at
> the coast. I traveled down Hwy 101 to Waldport and turned in on Hwy 34
> towards Corvallis. I had now well over 100 miles and felt I could push
> the tyres harder. Hwy 34 is the road to do it on. It has every variety
> of curve from easy moderate speed sweepers to very tight back to back
> curves (20 mph posted)near the Mary's Peak turnoff.
>
> I've never ridden the bike so hard as to scrape anything, but I can
> typically go through most curves from 30 to 40 mph above the posted
> limit. The 15 to 20 mph curves I try to take at 30 to 40 mph.
>
> Everyone has a different idea of what is safe, as well as what
> their own
> limits (and that of their bikes) might be. My feeling is that I will
> push more on right hand turns because I can see further on the other
> side of the road. On left hand turns, I try to back off about 20% just
> to allow for the ability to adjust should the moron cage driver coming
> the other way decide to drift over onto my side. On totally blind
> curves
> I back off even more. Where I do a majority of my riding, you have to
> account for the presence of deer, cows, and so forth.
>
> Having said all that, once I hit the curves, I gradually started to
> push
> the tyres more and more. By the time I hit the tight 20 mph curves, I
> was almost totally at home with the new tyres and had no problem at
> all
> going through them around 40 mph, whipping the bike from side to side.
> The bike felt totally competent, and even when hitting some gravel
> with
> the bike well leaned over, I felt no slippage whatsoever. I was
> totally
> impressed.
>
> Now, if you are the kind of rider who rides your Trophy more like a
> sport bike than a sport-tourer, perhaps these tyres will not provide
> enough grab for you. I can't testify to that, one way or the other.
>
> On the other hand, I can tell you that I bought these tyres to last
> through my upcoming long distance trips, most of which consists of
> back
> roads with not too many anticipated challenges. I wanted a high
> mileage
> tyre and was prepared to sacrifice optimum grip.
>
> Although with 260 miles on them it is a bit too prelimary to say for
> sure, but I can tell you that I am more than pleased with these tyres,
> and don't feel like I am missing anything (so far) from not running on
> Avons.
>
> The bike, by the way, is running superbly well. With mixed driving,
> and
> staying pretty much on it all the way home, I managed to get 45.5 mpg.
> The best the bike has ever given me, in less strenuous driving, was
> 47.
> I have to keep reminding myself this bike is 10 years old! I think age
> doesn't matter much to these bikes.
>
> By the way, I started putting Avons on my bikes, starting back in 1976
> with my first 750, a Yamaha XS-750 triple. I made this choice due to
> their superior rain handling characteristics as well as long life. I
> never understood how the British could make such sticky tyres that
> lasted so long (prior to the Avons I ran Dunlops).
>
> So, the jury is likely to stay out on this until I experience my first
> heavy rain.
>
> This coming Saturday I leave for Deadwood South Dakota. I'm allowing
> three days to get there - camping out along the way, near Boise the
> first night, and in Yellowstone the second night. Then it's four days
> riding the Black Hills, including trips to Devils Tower, the Badlands,
> and Mt. Rushmore. Then it's three days back, staying in pretty much
> the
> same areas, but possibly different campgrounds. About 2600 miles round
> trip, plus however many miles I ride around the Black Hills. Should be
> fun. I've been wanting to make this ride for several years. I'll
> report
> in upon my return.
>
> Bud Izen
> '99 Platinum 900
> Turner Oregon
>
>



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