What tire brands are good?

I know it's a loaded question, but if it helps, here's the things i'm looking for in order of importance.

1. The tire is replacing the Avon 120/90 18 that blew out on the voyager. Load rating is h71. Want compatability.

2. handling performance

3. want a decent life out of the tire.

4. PRICE! of course!

I've been looking on Whitney's and found Avons Continentals Dunlops and Kendras. The kendras are about 50 cheaper than the nearest competitor, but I've never run them before. Also I couldn't find the load rating on it.

My next choice in the line up would probably be the Avon.

Any insights?

I've been using Michelins for the past 25 years and I like them. Ed

I have used Bridgestone BT45s and liked them, currently have Pirelli radials, and like them.
The Kendras are about 50% cheaper than the nearest competitor? you do get what you pay for when it comes to tires.

Sorry, no not 50%, they're $75 vs. $120 - 140 for the others

Never had a problem with the Dunlop GT 501's

I've used Metzler for years and found they last a long time and had good grip. The last tire I bought was an Avon AM18 which was a great tire but I think they stopped making it but Avon seems to be a good choice. I've heard they weren't that good in the traction department but I'm very happy with it. Don't like Continentals. They are a good long lasting tire, but my experience with them left a little to be desired in the traction department. Rubber compound seems on the hard side, but that's what gets the big mileage, so like everything, it's a trade-off I guess.

I've got Continentals on my KZ900. Been running Dunlops on most everything else.

kzcsi

I just got a set of Dunlops on my bike. Both mechanics at the shop ride KZs & recommended going with them for that bike. There take was that the Michelins are good tires but overpriced compared to the Dunlops. They said that the Dunlops get good mileage out of them as well. They also recommended buying a matching pair of tires instead of separate brands for the front and rear.

I haven't had a lot of experience with them yet but they are definitely better in the grip department than the old mismatched dry rotted ones! :lol:

I had Avon's on my 85 VF750F, very nice to ride, wore very quickly.

i have new 130 dunlops on my bike...i dont dare test the rigidity of the tire and bike in steep turning though. i dont trust her that much yet. I cant break traction on asphalt though so i guess they're ok although we'll have to see if that changes if i can pick up a kz900 crank for my beast.

I'm trying Perilles (bad spelling) now but had great tire life with Bridgstone Spitfires.

It is best to buy matching front and rear tires. Most brands are designed to be run with the matching tire. Have also been told not to run one bias ply and a radial either. There are a few front tires with tread design that can be run with other brands/designs but they are few. One front tire that comes to mind that can be used with other brands/designs is the Metzler Laser design tires.