Undoubtedly, this is a rehashed topic, over and over again - and for resurrecting the question and debate, I apologize. However, the breadth and wealth of knowledge in this forum is amazing and tires change and perhaps I'm not the only one here with these questions.
Here's the issue:
- I have a 2016 Rocket III Roadster currently running Metzeler ME888s on front and back.
- I live in Las Vegas where the roads are smooth, but slick because it never frigging rains (in 2020, we went 240 days without a drop of rain.) The roads are oil covered and dusty at the same time and the lack of grip is palatable.
- I do like twisties and will ride 200+ miles into Arizona or Utah just to get to a road that I can lean into.
- I'm not "feeling" the ME888s and would like to change tires.
From what I gather, my options are basically between another set of Metzler ME888 Marathon Ultras and the Avon Cobra Chrome - but there MIGHT be a 3rd option I'd like to consider: The Pirelli Night Dragon.
I'm kind of talking this through, so please bear with me...
The ME888s have decent stability and even wear, but they seem to lack feedback and immediate grip in turns.
The Cobra Chromes apparently have great heavy load ability, stability, and excellent grip, but they tend to wear out fast.
The Pirelli Night Dragons are apparently EXCELLENT in grip/traction, and have a larger contact patch, and are better at feedback and handling lean angles.
I even fed my riding style, bike type, location, and such into an AI and it recommended the Pirelli Night Dragons, and I wanted to give them a try. HOWEVER, unless I'm missing something, they don't have a rear tire in the 240/50/R16 size. So, I'm screwed there as this isn't even a real option. So, strike the Night Dragons (which is a shame because I'd love to give them a shot. But the 240/50/R16 Rear just isn't something they appear to make.
So, between the Cobra Chrome and the ME888s I'm leaning towards the Cobras...
Front 150/80/R17
Rear 240/50/R16
Ultimately, my question comes to: Aside from the ME888 and the Cobra Chrome, does there exist another reputable tire that would be recommended for the RIII Roadster?