I apologize if this has been covered before. Actually I know it has because I read it a few times. I would also like to thank the Captains that posted about this changes as I would not have tried this without the information I read here. I replaced the front OEM Metzler 150 with an Avon Cobra 140 this weekend. After reading a few post on here about the difference the tire size made I gave it a shot. Afterall I am willing to try new things. Especially with the vast knowledge and experience from so many of the captains I follow here.
The first thing I noticed is how well it maneuvers at low speeds. The bike feels lighter at low speeds.Very easy to move around, backing up seems somewhat easier. The bigger tire made me use more effort, I did not notice this until I used the smaller tire.
I was having a low speed head shake at around 42 MPH when decelerating, or when I downshifted into 3rd and let off the throttle and had a light grip or no hands. It drove me nuts. That is completely gone.
Low to medium speed corners are effortless now. Taking off ramps between 45-60 was sometimes a chore. I had to use more body weight to get into those turns. Alos I had very little confidence in the bike as I felt I had to push it to turn fast and I would often feel I had to lift to soon. With the 140 Cobra I feel there is less effort and I can keep my body positioned more to center and at higher speeds into the same corners or offramps. I hit a ramp at 68 MPH that I would normally hit around 55 MPH. I had more confidence and less effort into the same corner.
The original Metz lasted 13,250 miles but it was cupped pretty bad. This is a great upgrade in my opinion.
Thanks again,
Rick