Got my Avons replaced on my 2011 Vic XC. Put about 200 miles so far on the bike. Initial impression is always great because ….. well …we are removing worn out sloppy tires. I got caught in a little sprinkle last week on a short ride. The tires were well scrubbed in at this point after about 100 miles. The bike felt very sure footed. Just like my Avons left me feeling. These tires stick well. They ride great. 100 mph and they provide a solid feel at the bars and on the road. Now we wait to see if I can get more than 10k out of them. There is more tread action on the Cruise-Tecs vs the Avons. The tread depth actually looks a bit deeper and meatier.
I was watching a You tube Video regarding a shop that performs engine mods on newer M8 motors. 135’s or bigger ….. can’t remember. Need to go back to it but it was well done with a lot of excellent tech info for the best build. Ithe end they discuss everything after the build regarding belt to chain drive….. suspension mods, braking, and most of all tires. All important factors that many do not consider after building a motor that can put down over 170RW H/P and over 160 FT lbs again at the RW.
Metzler Cruise-Tec was the top choice for such power with all the mods as mentioned after the motor build. Mostly because of traction especially in wet conditions. Noted they will not last as long as Michelin or even Dunlop American Elite. When you’re making this power a tire needs to perform more so than last 20k.
I can see why Indian chose this tire as well. I think I will be happy with it as we have 1 brother riding his X1 on a set for almost a year now and he thinks they’re great tires. Spoken to some on Indians and they want mileage more than traction so many have switched to other brands. Fair weather riders usually do this. The performance Challenger guys usually stick with the OEM Cruise-Tecs.
So for those in the need of a set of tires the Cruise-Tec should be considered if Avon is your go to and not available. You ride in rain ? You make power at the wheel ? You like to launch your bike hard ? Ricky racer style ? These will do it. Avons did it well.
Incidentally…… I have a new front Avon up for grabs if anyone is interested. At the time of purchase there were no rears Avons available. So I went the Metzler route. I will never discredit Avon Cobra Chrome. To me the best for traction and wet weather riding. The Cruise-Tecs have some big shoes to fill !!!!
I was watching a You tube Video regarding a shop that performs engine mods on newer M8 motors. 135’s or bigger ….. can’t remember. Need to go back to it but it was well done with a lot of excellent tech info for the best build. Ithe end they discuss everything after the build regarding belt to chain drive….. suspension mods, braking, and most of all tires. All important factors that many do not consider after building a motor that can put down over 170RW H/P and over 160 FT lbs again at the RW.
Metzler Cruise-Tec was the top choice for such power with all the mods as mentioned after the motor build. Mostly because of traction especially in wet conditions. Noted they will not last as long as Michelin or even Dunlop American Elite. When you’re making this power a tire needs to perform more so than last 20k.
I can see why Indian chose this tire as well. I think I will be happy with it as we have 1 brother riding his X1 on a set for almost a year now and he thinks they’re great tires. Spoken to some on Indians and they want mileage more than traction so many have switched to other brands. Fair weather riders usually do this. The performance Challenger guys usually stick with the OEM Cruise-Tecs.
So for those in the need of a set of tires the Cruise-Tec should be considered if Avon is your go to and not available. You ride in rain ? You make power at the wheel ? You like to launch your bike hard ? Ricky racer style ? These will do it. Avons did it well.
Incidentally…… I have a new front Avon up for grabs if anyone is interested. At the time of purchase there were no rears Avons available. So I went the Metzler route. I will never discredit Avon Cobra Chrome. To me the best for traction and wet weather riding. The Cruise-Tecs have some big shoes to fill !!!!
