Changing Rear Tire Size -04 Nomad

[dfgpilot]

Hi.

Recently went to the 06 International Bike Show in NYC
to check out the new bikes,gear, and tires.
It was a great 180 mile round trip run with Sun and 30 degree temps.
Got to park the bikes on the Grounds of the NYC Javitz Center about 50 feet
from the entrance for "Free"!!(definate added plus)


I've been looking to change from the Bridgestone Exedra Tires and try something new. The Bridgestones have given me great service. I now have 20,000 on the original front tire. I got 11,700 on my original rear tire and 8,300 on my 2nd rear Exedra tire.

Got to talk with the tire reps from Avon, Pirelli, Dunlop, and Metzler.
Decided to go with Metzler Tires - Marathon 880
Will be getting them from American Motorcycle Tire
http://www.americanmototire.com/

Not sure about doing this.
The rep talked about a doing what they called a "Stage 1" for the Rear Tire
Putting on a 165/80/16 75H Marathon 880

What the Stage 1 does:
1) Offers a tire that fits properly on the factory rim.
2) Still provides plenty of clearance under the fender and frame area.
3) Provides a 91lb increase in carrying weight compared to the stock tire.
4) Has only a 2mm increase in overall tire diameter with a slight increase
in width. Nice appearance.
5) H Speed Rated
6) Considered no noticeable change to bike ride.

Sounds good!!
Any thoughts or coments on this shall be appreciated

Dfgpilot

[1400pilot]

if it lists it in the metzler catolog, they have done the research on it and its ok to change, no worries about handiling or fittmet, I'd go for it!!!

[Frankt07]

sounds like they did thier homework. do it

[Plato]

Originally Posted by dfgpilot

...I've been looking to change from the Bridgestone Exedra Tires and try something new. The Bridgestones have given me great service. I now have 20,000 on the original front tire. I got 11,700 on my original rear tire and 8,300 on my 2nd rear Exedra tire...

Can't comment much on the tire advise, as I'm gonna be asking about it in a few months myself (have 05 Nomad and don't plan to stick with the OEM Stones).

However, I was struck by your milage comments on the Bridgestones How much tread did you have left on those rear tires ? I just replaced the stock back tire with the OEM Bridgestone soas to keep the same brand on to match the front tire until it finally needs replacing -then I'll make the total switch to something with longer milage (hopefully).

But my milage on my rear 05 Nomad tire was 5500 miles and down to .025", which is pretty darn low for a motorcycle tire IMO. Sure I run the tires on my old Ford Explorer down to bald, but never on a motorcycle (its kinda like ignoring an engine noise in an airplane -if it dies is use you are screeeewed ).

My front tire is worn about 1/2 way down to the safe limit, so it looks like the standard 2:1 ratio on back tires wear vs front tire wear. But how did you manage to to 11700 miles on a Nomad OEM back tire -amazing !

OH wait, your not one of those Canadians are ya ? Didn't consider these numbers might be some funky kilolitermillynanograd type thingies

[dfgpilot]

Hey guys Thanks for the input. Knew I could count on the forum.

Plato, No not from Canada. But I stayed at a Holiday Inn once which made me smarter? LOL Anyway....

In regards to how I got that kind of mileage out of the rear tire.
I pushed it
Most is from Bridgestone & Goodyear Tire Sales Training
and thru personal experience
( I serviced and sold tires for 25+ years)

This may be more imput than you wanted to know -


1) Maintain proper air pressure for your type of riding.
The manufacturer recommends a tire pressure as a guide line. (Its not the bible.)
Example - If you do alot of 2 up riding you need to keep the pressure up. Riding solo you might wish to drop the air pressure a couple of pounds

2) Trips riding more than a couple of hrs you should increase the air pressure
about 2 lbs(never more than the max cold tire pressure rating). This makes up for the tire expansion. It keeps the tire cooler by reducing the flex action of the side wall and maintaining the round shape of the tire.( Too much side wall flex from too low of an air pressure creates alot of heat which in extreme conditions can produce a tire failure)

3) Tire Balancing - About 10% of tire wear comes from out of balance tires.
You may not notice any major shimmy or vibration while riding since alot is absorbed through the much improved bike suspensions, however, the small amount of vibration reduces treadlife by causes a scuffing action on the tread surface.
Fact is that as a tire wears the balance of the tire changes. The rim stays the same weight but the tire doesn't as the tread is worn down.

4) Road Surface - The type of road surface makes a difference in tread life longevity. Asphalt is best,next concreate, and dirt roads the worst.

Bottom line you'll go through 2 rear tires for every front tire
So guys keep the Shiney Side UP

[BigJohn]

DF - Thanks for the post. I'm running 880s, but in stock sizes. I'll make note of the Stage 1 size for later. 91 pound increase? Excellent! I can use that...The margen of safety is slim right now.

[dfgpilot]

Your Welcome Big John

[2WheelFun]

I have Michelin Commanders on my 1500 and they have done very well. I have over 11,000 miles on them now. I'm looking to replace the back tire soon as it's ready to change out. I've always kept the tire pressure at 38 front and 40 rear.

[dfgpilot]

Thought I would post the links on the Metzler Tire Upgrades
Nice to know stuff.
Hope you riders can use the info:

http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/metze...c_upgrades.htm

http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/media/metric_upgrade.pdf

[Jc3877]

whats the biggest tire can you go with in the rear. WIDTH???

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by whistle clean

I have Michelin Commanders on my 1500 and they have done very well. I have over 11,000 miles on them now. I'm looking to replace the back tire soon as it's ready to change out. I've always kept the tire pressure at 38 front and 40 rear.

That's a movie right? Michelin & Commander, with the Aussie guy and the ships?

[NY_Guy]

The rear rim on my 2000 Nomad was/is 3.5" and can therefore accomdate up to a 160 size tire (acccording to Avon specs at www.avonmotorcycle.com); the front rim is 3.0" and can only go up to 150 (otherwise you get "cupping"). Don't know what the rear rim width is for the 2004 Nomad. My two favorite touring tires are Metzler Marathon and Avon Venom X.

[1400pilot]

I have been very happy with the factory bridgestones on my 1600, I got over 10,000 on the factory rear before I replaced it with the same tire, and 17.000 now on the factory front, and I will be replacing it this spring

[dfgpilot]

NY Guy is right the largest rear tire that works for that bike is the 165/80/16

The 1600 Nomad has a wider rim on the rear to accomodate a 175/70/16 tire

I've just got both tires in a few days ago. Plan on seeing my dealer in the next couple of weeks for install. I'll post the expenses for the maintenance
and give a first impression on the tires overall performance.

[2WheelFun]

Originally Posted by trikebubble

That's a movie right? Michelin & Commander, with the Aussie guy and the ships?

I must have missed that episode.

[Redbeard]

Missed it I thought you were in it. lol

[Jc3877]

what was the biggest tire you could go with i have an 06 nomad. I would like a wider tire any suggestions??

[dfgpilot]

Originally Posted by Jc3877

what was the biggest tire you could go with i have an 06 nomad. I would like a wider tire any suggestions??

Hi JC

I do not know if there is a recommended upgrade for the stock rim on the
06 Nad. However, here is the tel #s for Metzeler Tire tech support

Customer Support --
Tollfree: 1-800-747-3554, option 4 (followed by #)
Direct: 1.706.368.5826
Fax: 1.706.368.5879

[dfgpilot]

Results after 5,000 miles on the Metzeler Stage 1 Rear Tire Upgrade for the 04Nomad.

Installed Metzeler Marathon 880's
Front tire-150/80H16
Rear tire Stage 1 Upgrade - 160/80H16

Quite pleased with the tire.
No unusual tire wear. No cupping
Great traction, wet & dry.
Quiet tires.

Conclusion: Worth the change. An increase of 92lbs on rear tire load carrying capacity(nice plus). Looks great!

[gunnie314]

These are some interesting bits and pieces of info. I'm getting ready to change my tires out on my 08 Nomad before the Hollister Run and I think I'll try the Michellin Commanders...yeah, like the movie hehehe.