I've away on vacation for over two weeks
Let's catch up on this thread:
maybe there too hard...whats your psi?
When I experienced the problems in the rain I was running at recommended pressure (33f;36r). After playing some reading and playing with pressures on my Trailwings, I was used to having them at about 4psi above that. Perhaps I should try *more* pressure. In my less-than-expert understanding, that may help if the "sharper tread" theory holds true. (feel free to blow that naïve idea out of the water if you have better information).
In any event, the Metzeler website has this to offer - I'm going to try it out:
Always inflate tires to the correct tire pressure as indicated in the owner’s manual. However Metzeler US has found that running higher air pressures as indicated in it’s fitment guide will increase customer satisfaction with it’s products.
Do you have the original Tourance, or the new Tourance EXP?
These are the original Tourance *not* the EXP. I read some of those mixed opinions but many seemed to suggest that the Tourance (EXP or not) would behave better that what came stock on the bike. There are trade-offs as you pointed out: wet vs. gravel.
it might be the tires you have on, im wondering if they sold you tires that have been sitting on the shelf for a while so even though they are brand new they might have been on the shelf for a few years?
and maybe your old set of tires have a higher wet grip rating than your new ones?
Manufacture date was the first thing I checked after that slippery ride in the rain: according to the sidewall they were made in the 8th week of 2012.
New tires are always better in the rain than older ones. The sharp edges on the tread channel water better than rounded edges.
I would agree if we added the stipulation that the old and new were "of the same brand and model."
At this point there was the short debate over compound vs. tread design. From this single experience, I might have rested on the compound side of the argument as the tread on my old tire was all but demolished. However, I will reserve my opinion until I have the opportunity to try the new tires with different pressures to see if that has a bearing.
I have a '05 wee. Dual sport tires are always about trade off's. Pavement vs. gravel, wet grip vs dry.
I despised the Trailwings with a passion. Really hated them and how they handled. Tourances I found ok all around, little slippy in the wet. Battlewings had amazing wet and dry grip on paved surfaces but kinda sucked in the gravel. Trying some Shinko E705's (radials) out now. Gravel and dry pavement is good but wet pavement is kinda sketchy but I think thats becuase I'm coming off the Battlewings..
Thanks for your quick reviews, skip: I look forward to riding through that many set of tires myself! We agree that there are tradeoffs, and I guess I picked a tire that is "OK all around." The Tourance certainly feels more confident on dry pavement and gravel. I was not expecting that the gravel performance improvement would feel like a reduced performance in rain... on my next set of tires I will have to choose carefully.
Thanks to all for your input.
