So long Mac.

[ME 109]

Michelin have apparently stopped making my favourite rear tyre, the Mac50. 110/90/18 and the 4:00 18. Damn, bugger, Poo!!
One of my local bike shops has the choice of a Pirelli sport demon or a Bridgestone bt45.
I've tried the bt45 which was a good tyre other than it flattened off in the centre way too quickly.
Any opinions on the sport demon?
I can get an Avon am26 for quite a few more dollars, with the opinion that it is a very good tyre.

The main thing for me besides good grip is a tyre that won't flatten off fast.

Watchew guys reckon?

[SteveD]

I have a Marathon that's about to disintegrate, so I guess I'll need to look for something else as I was planning to get a Mac.
The marathon was about half worn when I got it on the black wheels I bought last year. It's done about 6K since, mostly QLD and back so looong straight roads. It's square, but better than I thought it might be, and so far handling hasn't been affected. Maybe another of those?
I might drop in to BM Motorcycles tomorrow and talk to Chris and see what he recommends now.

[Zombie Master]

I'd say give the Pirellis a go. I've never had anything but good times with them.

[Roy Gavin]

Avon Distanzas are listed/available in the correct sizes, and they work better than the Macs on blacktop.
The unsealed pavement ability is just a bonus.
Metzler Lazertechs ME 33/77s are still around at a sensible price . They are as good as the Macs and as a bonus work well at the tire pressures the suspension was designed to work with 26/28 , I found Macs needed 33.36 to work well, and this was just a bit too harsh suspension wise.

My local guy has both for $100- a pair less than the ask on the Macs, Wayne Just priced them off the market.

[Max Headroom]

I tried a Bridgestone BT45 rear and only got 6000km out of it. Surprised me 'cos I got 10,000km out of an ME77. I've now got a Bridgestone S11 Spitfire 110/90-18 on the back with a BT45 on front and I find it to be a very good combination, with stable handling and secure on wet roads. The S11 has done 5000km so far, with plenty of tread remaining.

(Interesting dichotomy: a Spitfire and an ME109 . . . )

Anyhoooo, YMMV etc

[ME 109]

Gidday Roy, I was keen to throw on a rear Distanza for the upcoming off centre rally but was concerned about its ability on hard mountain twistys. Good to hear a positive comment in that regard.
I run a lasertec (same as old me33) on the front and have full confidence in them.
I found the me77 flattened off where the mac50 maintained roundness far better. (all tyre performance subject to type of riding done of course)
There is a matching rear tyre to the lasertec which I think is a me55 but the bike shop couldn't get one in soon enough.
I'll prolly give the Pirelli a go this time given ZM's opinion, and the fact that I'm going to the OCR in one week.

[ME 109]

Gidday Nick, I haven't seen an S11 over here, but quite a few lads on the forum seem to like them.
My bt 45 rear was toast with not much over 5000. Macs were good for about 7000
I think Airbear's running a bt45 on the front at the moment. He got near 10,000 from a me77 as well.
I just hate being loaded for touring and having the bike wiggle and carry on when crossing white lines and joins in the bitumen. It looks so..........rubber cow!

[George Ryals]

One of the best things about the S11 is the price. The next best thing is the dual compound construction; tougher in the center for touring. It would be worth your time to hunt them up down under. I'm about to mount S11's on my 72 Harley rear and sidecar.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/ ... -Tire.aspx

[Chuey]

Oh great, I just ordered BT45s front and rear for my RS. My most fervent hope is that the rear tire is not too wide. The old tire is a wrestling match to get through the brake shoes and swing arm. I want that to be easier.

Chuey

[Max Headroom]

Jeff, i had to order the S11 but it didn't take long to arrive.

I know what you're saying about weaving when loaded - I had the same thing happening early this year before replacing the rear tyre. I then took the bike away for a weekend trip a few months ago, again with full panniers, tankbag, sleeping bags etc. The bike was rock-solid, with no other changes other than the rear tyre.

Again, YMMV etc