I have had this set of tires for about 1,000 miles and they have handled very good in dry and wet conditions. Come May 28th I will be putting them through much longer test. When I return there will have been at least 5,700 miles on these tires (Pasadena,Tx to Maine, Canada, Michigan and back home). Then I will make another review which I sure will be a more actual knowledge than just assuming.

Thanks to DJFIRE for recommending a Metzler rear and Bridgestone G709 front.
The bike feels ultra stable and grips the road with tenacity even from COLD.
This will be my setup from now on!
PM me for my tire pressures (thanks again DJ!!!)
5 stars +++

I suspect reviewer Robert's Metzler that seperated after 7000 miles had been mounted backward. I have Metzlers on my VTX1300 and my Goldwing and they're great. Shortly after having them put on my VTX I noticed the rotation arrow pointing in the wrong direction so I called Metzler. They said to turn it around immediately or the tread would eventually seperate. At my insistance the dealer provided a new tire mounted in the correct direction.

Bought the M880 and placed on the front of my 1800. With only 7 months and less than 7000 miles, the tire was beginning to separate on both sides at the sidawall. On one side it was cracked almost completely around the tire. Will be going back to the Dunlap tire.

JUST SWITCHED FRONT TIRE ON GL1800 FROM E3 TO METZLER. DUNLOP WAS SLIPPERY ON GROVED PAVEMENT, LIKED TO FOLLOW THE GROOVES. IMMEDIATELY NOTICED BIKE WANTS TO STAND UP ON TURNS. HAD NITROGEN BUMPED FROM 40-45 AND HELPED BUT CANT BELIEVE THIS BIKE TAKES MORE EFFORT TO TURN NOW?

HAVE NEW DUNLOP ON THE BIKE (400 MILES ON IT). CHANGED TO METZLER ON FRONT HOPING FOR BETTER CORNERING INSTEAD OF LOOSE.

ANY CLUES?

Have used the Metz 800 and the Kumho RF for nearly a month and at least 1000 miles. Consistent with what others have said the Kumho's are: great in the water, tends to want to stand up on corners a little, great traction overall on all surfaces, much smoother over bumps, rides much quieter than m/c tires and seems as safe as any mc tire I've ever used. I also have to say that even the price is cheaper than a mc tire. Overall, i think its a superior tire to any mc tire, especially when considering that the reviews indicate the rider should get at least 20K miles out of the tire, as opposed to they typical mc tire, which may get 10K. I've decided never to go back to the mc tire, as I cannot see any objective reason why I would.

Thanks, Darrell

Thanks to all for their input. I am having the Metz mounted in the front and the Kumho r/f mounted in the rear on Sat. From what I'm reading it seems that around 30-35 psi is the prefered air pressure. I'm willing to try anything once, as long as its safe. From the many people I've read that have gone darkside, I hear mostly/nearly all positives. After reading as many reviews as I could stand (at least 40-50)I determined that this is worth the investment and appears safe. After a little while I'll return and let folks know what I've determined.

Best, Darrell

The only critical reviews I've heard are from those that have never tried using a CT.

I can't help myself but to make a comment here. No offense to anyone and please don't take me wrong. It simple bothers me to see and hear someone talking like an expert when they don’t have a clue. I am not trying to tell anyone to run an automotive tire if you don't want to. But I will say that if you ever even try an automotive tire on your wing, most likely, like me, you would never go back. Handling is far superior but the smoothness of the ride is what got my wife and myself hooked. Wow! What a difference. Handling?? We bust through Deals gap "Tail of the Dragon" like a bullet. I am an extremely aggressive rider but not in a dangerous way. I just don't let grass grow under my feet! I feel just as confident if not better with the Kuhmo. Yes Darrell, you are correct on the size. I run the KUMHO 195/55/16 ECSTA SPT. I too am a GWRRA member, an insurance agency owner and agent, family man, etc etc. I wouldn’t put myself or my wife in harm’s way. My wife and I have put over 175,000 miles on our Goldwings. This puts me in a group that knows a little more about it than just simple theory saying it’s a bad idea. The bead fits perfectly and you will never ever ever be on the sidewall. I have total confidence that I made the right decision for myself. Here's the man that finally gave me the courage to try it. Glad I listened! http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2004/10/27/theDarkSide.html
Ride safe and ride often!

I just bought a 2003 GW and know that I must buy new tires. I'm excited about the prospect of using a car tire on the rear. I'm wanting to use a Kumho, as someone suggested and think I found the right one (Ecsta SPT KU 31, size 195/55/R16). Can anyone confirm that this is the right size for a GW? Thank you!

Darrell

One other thing I might add from my earlier comments. As crazy as this sounds, try putting a tube in the rear. You would be amazed how that fact tends to quiet them down. As least it did for me.