Tire Confusion

Took "Big Red" up through the twisties today. First time since the Avons went on. The bike is outrageous. The cobras really dig in through the turns. I actually had the pegs on the ground today, something I never did before on the Rocket. I have a whole new appreciation for this bike now.

On the fourth - try Avon?

Great finish in this thread to my Avon decision - this being the 4th round of the tire saga for the "Colorado RIII-PigPen". 'Should have been more creative in my username selection. Just coming off an interrupted 1100 (where I stopped) 4 day ride. Buddy behind me on his 'Wing/Couch told me first day in the ride that the twisties we were on must still have winter dust on them as he saw a little cloud poof up out of every turn off my back wheel. On the last day of the ride and 200+ miles from home - he noticed the 1 to 2 inch steel belt showing down the middle of my Metzeler back tire. Was going too fast or too anxious for next stop or ... (or so he later regretably admits) to get my attention to pull over.

Second time I've run the rubber off the middle. The buddy now calls me "PigPen" as that is what the little gray cloud reminded him of. Turns out it wasn't dust, but a small rubber cloud accelerating out of the turns. Seemingly pretty consistent about it as I like to crack the throttle on the last third of a turn. Tire "looked" okay for the anticipated 1300 miles. 4500 total on it - had to load it up in the trailer and tow it home (222 miles) where it sits awaiting trip to local shop for new Avon rear tire. After three Metzeler rear tires - will give the Avon a shot. Reviewed the "dim/dark side" - I like twisties a lot!

Anybody have a reference to the rubber thickness guage - someone mentioned in another thread?

Can't measure the flat on the Metz. I ran out of rubber on the sides of the front Metz here in flat Fl . I'm not a fan of this particular OEM. Avon has been the only alternative for the RIII in motorcycle tires hence the dark fallowing. For those on a budget the only reasonable choice. Stock rear rubber wasn't designed properly for this bike many feel, especially utilizing all the aspects the bike offers. The Avon is the compelling argument but the verdict is still out.

I have noticed an increase in fuel economy since the Avons went on the bike.
Might just be the bike is loosening up, but I don't recall ever getting 42 mpg with the Big Rocket.

Anyone else notice anything like this?

-Pete