Spitire S11 or MT66 Route?

[Goat Regime]

Looked through some old tire threads, and even before doing so I know you lot swear by Metzeler but, the ME880 is a bit out of my price range - $200 for a 110/80/19, that's without mounting and balancing.

Stock Dunlop has 17,330 km on it now (last two owners only rode 7k km between the two of them in eight years), and on it's 9th year so, it's starting to crack on the inner side closest to the rim. Not to mention, I'd say the tube is also shot as, I'm losing around 10psi a day.

Went to the local shop today to see what they could set me up with and, the parts fellow who I've some what become friends with pulled out a Bridgestone Spitfire S11, said he could knock $20 off and do it for $100, another $45 if I bring in the wheel for mount and balance; should be around $170 after it's all said and done. Seemed a bit cheap to me, so I've been contemplating on whether or not to go with this tire.
I currently have a Pirelli MT66 "Route 66" 170/80/15 on the rear, pretty much new when I bought the bike and, it's been good for all conditions during last season. I figured since that rear seemed like a decent tire and, that said tire is rated for wet conditions that to get a matching one for the front may be a good idea. Cost is $136 so, not much more.

Thanks in advance fellas.

[gmck]

If your comfortable with the 66 go for it. They make good tires and I am sure it will be better than what you now have.

[MudholeMike]

I can't vouch for the Spitfires as I've never had them on my bike, but I have been running Bridgestone Exedras from day one. I've been quite happy with them, getting around 15,000 miles on the rear and 30,000 on the front before replacing.

[Helek_52]

I put the MT66 on mine, but it rubbed for a little while on the front fender bracket. Still, i'm happy with the tire overall.

Maybe you could find a way to move the fender up just a tad?

[Goat Regime]

Thanks for the input guys.

Helek: That's odd, too high of a profile or width perhaps?

[Coop]

MT66 has GREAT reviews everywhere I have seen, I would have bought them, but they dont make a tire to fit my front But the ME880's were not much more. I got 2 mounted and balanced for $320 ish.
Coop

[Goat Regime]

Coop, I think I made the right choice then. I read some reviews last night as well, so that and the experience with the rear MT66 I decided to go ahead and order the front version today, got it for $120 which I felt was good.
Would've really liked to give the Metzeler a go since everyone here swears by it but, it's more than I have. That a crappy thing about Canada, aside from gas costing roughly $1 more a gallon than in the US (paying about $5.55 a gal for 91 octane), amongst other things, tires are also more expensive here..well pretty much everything is.

Just before I moved from Gainesville, FLA to Olympia, WA I picked up a set of Falken Z rated tires for my cage, paid like $400 something for all four installed. About two years ago I needed new tires and, couldn't find the same ones I had, Z rating is pretty scarce here so I went with a V rating..cost was $800!
Thanks once again for the input to those who kicked in an opinion. Should have the Pirelli in a bit over a week.

Edit: Ah, went with a 100/90 since they didn't offer a 110/80, hopefully that'll work out.

[jordan.harris]

Hey Goat,

I live just an hour from the border and get most of my bike stuff shipped to a little store just across the line. They charge $2 per week to hold your package, and if you fill up your car at the same time the trip is paid for. Not sure how close you are to the WAS border, maybe there is something similar near you? All you have to do is pay the GST when you bring it back across, make sure to have your invoice printed off.

I was able to order a tire from motorcycle-superstore and save $85 over anything in Canada.