Thanks for the review hizzo. xDown, shoot us your impressions as you get some miles on your A III's. They're my first choice right now but I won't need a rear until May, so until then my ear's to the ground on these tires. I've been a Metzler man for my K bike (880's) but the Wee is a new direction for me.

I just received shipping notice from Revzilla for my Anakee III's. I should have them mounted and balanced soon. I'll put some miles on them and give a ride review soon.

__________________
1981 Yamaha 650 Special(first ride)
1986 Yahama Fazer 700 FZX(sold in 99)
2005 DL 650( best ride so far)

Well, after 12,000 miles on the original tires and some cord showing I felt it was time for something new . Picked up the bike yesterday with the new rubber on, both front & back. Since I'm responsible for IT for a CPA firm and on-call through April 15th, I can't ride as much as I would like I only have about 50 miles on the new tires.

Initial impressions: (Remember I'm coming from a pair of *very* worn Trailwings). The Anakees feel more stable, both going straight and in the curves. Seem to turn smoother and hold the track better. They are noisier, though. This may be due to the original tires being "slicks" and the new ones actually having tread, but I noticed more tire noise while riding around 50 MPH on smooth pavement.

__________________
Have fun - Hans

I've just changed a pair of A2s after 26000 kms (about 16250 miles), replacing them with A3s. The A2s were the first Michelins I've used, after ever-reducing mileage from Trailwings. I thought the tyres were great, except for an audible thrum from the front, which started at about half life. It might have been caused by a slight bulge on the blocks, about 1-2mm in height. I read in an earlier post that this could be the result of incorrect tyre pressure - maybe so, although I preferred to keep the pressure towards the higher side of the specification. The other nice thing about the front Michelin is it eliminated a shimmy which the Trailwing couldn't, despite trying various pressures and suspension settings.

The tread pattern on the A3 looks like it could shed water more effectively than the A2, but as an off-road tyre, I'm not sure, this seems to be a highway tyre.

hizzo3, I think you're right about the A2 rear feeling like it floats on gravel. Precisely.

Thse sound like a great tire for dry and wet pavement and hard-packed dirt and gravel BUT I'm concerned about the mentioned tire noise at 50ph on pavement and a thrum in the front, as well. Am I being too concerned?

I'm still riding on the stock Trailwings and have never noticed any tire noise.

__________________

2013 Northeast V-Strom Rally!


2011 pearl white DL650A
58 y.o.
6'2", 270 pounds

My front A2 also cupped and started to hum at 13000 miles. After burning up a set of Shinkos I remounted the rear for a total of about 17000 miles.

Just came back from a short ride with new Anakee III's front and rear.
It's like riding a new bike. The bike corners so much better.
Haven't had it out for a long ride yet, but for now it's a great change.

__________________
1981 Yamaha 650 Special(first ride)
1986 Yahama Fazer 700 FZX(sold in 99)
2005 DL 650( best ride so far)

Noticeable tire noise?

__________________

2013 Northeast V-Strom Rally!


2011 pearl white DL650A
58 y.o.
6'2", 270 pounds

I haven't ridden it real fast yet. But at 45mph there is no different noise than from the battle wings

__________________
1981 Yamaha 650 Special(first ride)
1986 Yahama Fazer 700 FZX(sold in 99)
2005 DL 650( best ride so far)

My Anakee 3's are in the mail. Will post reports after a bit of use.