These tires of mine... :(

[Junior]

Oh, man, that sounds just like those Dunlops but they were suck even in a straight line! What bike did you have before this one? These things are torque monsters and it comes on early. They also don’t like any throttle on/off in turns even when riding on dry roads. I don’t mean to insult you, but you aren’t putting any sort of tire dressing/shine on your wheels, are you? I think that you will find the Max, Cruisetec, or Cobras will give you a world of difference.

The last bike I had (and closest in weight and torque) was a 2017 Road King. First of the Milwaukee 8's. Pretty good for low end torgue (for a Harley) but nothing like the Rocket.
No I never put any dressing on the tires. I barely put any effort into keeping the rims clean. You can't even really see them and it's just not worth the effort. Everything else though... I shine it up pretty good every month or so.

I think I just need to try one of your suggestions (probably the Cobras) and see how I like them.

 

[Dr.D]

Kevin is the one to listen to on this bike/ tire matter. I will ad that comparing-to a RK is a no go. In the wet on my Rocket I bet I can spin any tire. Yes you need better ones but the right hand needs to control the torque delivery. These ain’t no HD.

 

[rumpletom]

When I got the bike a year ago, I got new tires right off the bat. Tread looked fine but the bike was basically in storage for a long time (it had to be... 12 years old and 6,000 miles) and I did not trust the rubber. So new to Triumph ownership, I took the Rocket to the local dealer's shop and said I want new tires. Not knowing anything, I went with the parts guy's default, which was Metzeler 880s. But I have to say... they are sketchy as as all get out on wet pavement.

I would like to hear anybody's feedback on this...am I going to be happier with the Avon Cobras? In a couple thousand miles I'll be due for some new tires.

I'll throw my hat in the ring and the Metzler's have been solid performers, little squirrelly out of the hole but feel solid in the twisties and under braking, just my opinion

 

[rumpletom]

you will like the cobras, they help the touring in the handling and speed stability and ok in rain, i normally get 3 to 4k and theyre cupped and done.

Not buying tires every month or two, Mr. Frazier, I value your opinion and would like to put a better traction on

 

[rumpletom]

Not buying tires every month or two, Mr. Frazier, I value your opinion and would like to put a better grabbing rear on 09 touring,larger footprint than the 180/65b/17 metz 888 that's on there now, new tune and some other tips from y'all have got it pushing the edge on traction, any ideas would be great!

 

[Junior]

Kevin is the one to listen to on this bike/ tire matter. I will ad that comparing-to a RK is a no go. In the wet on my Rocket I bet I can spin any tire. Yes you need better ones but the right hand needs to control the torque delivery. These ain’t no HD.

Agreed. The calibration between my brain and my right wrist are every bit as important as the tire selection.

 

[Bernard Vinet]

Since you are asking, I would suggest Bridgestone Exedra Max Radial . They are a good all round touring tire . On my 4th set of Bridgestones . New there was Metzler's and they did last long . About 8000km . Bridgestone I get about 14000km. I did try Darkside , was an interesting experiment , but that a long story for another time .
Choose wisely grasshopper !

 

[Anthony5900]

Good morning (just),
I have had nothing but cruisers most of my life now, and i have used Metzlers and Bridgestone tyre across the board on different bikes, and i use nothing but Avon tyres now, even on the honda st1100 i had i used the spirit St model tyres, i have never had a slip with them and got to say i ride this thing as hard as i can, both my pegs have about a 45 degree angle wear mark now from cornering that low.

if you go avon you will not be dissapointed in the amount grip they have !.

2nd in line i would use bridgestone, these are again a solid tyre, i just have more faith in avons personally.

 

[Kevin frazier]

The exdra max has been a solid tire for all rockets i believe. Probably for mileage and all around the exdra max is a good choice. Mileage and rain, we can get commander 111 and dunlop d251, i have on a rim now, d250 solid in rain and highway but turns in like a slug. The cruisetecs, the chromes and exdra g852/g853 some performance options theyre are more, dunlop makes a rear that’s performance that fits on the touring,. For extreme mountain riding ive got a set of bridgestone bt-01 on rear and a battlax on front. No matter what tire is put on it will not be spared punishment as i roll out at #1000 over 200hp and 175ft lbs of torque and am going to put pressure on the tires. Being responsible normally last till i leave the driveway. We are very lucky to have so many shoes that fit the big girl.

 

[Starmanut]

Well. I am NOT like you guys. I have the Bridgestone Exedra's on my front and rear. I bought them because I heard they last awhile. I don't ride a lot, never in the rain or at night, and not many twistys, either. I just replaced my front tire because it was 10 years old!
I do like to go fast, though.