front tire options 2.5 x 18 front wheel (K100 LT)

[sbeadg]

Sorry to re-hash an old post, but I'm coming up on tire replacement and wanted to try a radial.  My stock size (100/90) 880 Marathon has been fine.  Just looking for better handling.  Closest I can find is a PR2 - 110/80. 
Is fit going to be a problem?  One prior post on the topic advised against a wider than stock tire actually being detrimental to handling so I wonder if I should bother.  I was planning to put an Avon Azaro on the back, or would it not be a good idea to have a radial rear and a bias front tire?
BTW, I upgraded my shock to a 412 Progressive.  Didn't seem much different on the softest setting but when I cranked it to the 2nd position, a noticeable improvement!!    :2thumbup:

Original questions: Will PR2 front fit my wheel?  Will it improve Handling?  Thanks!

[HCorn]

I can't really tell you anything about the PR.  Some people do it with no problems, others insist you'll end up in a ball of fire. :dunno2:

I will say that I recently went from Metzeler Lasertecs to Michelin Pilot Activs (100/90-18 in front) and have been very impressed.  I have no idea how long they'll last, but the ride is greatly improved.  Transitioning in and out of corners is really nice and smooth.  With the Lasertecs, it seemed like I was fighting them a bit in the turns.  I didn't dislike the Lasertecs, but have been pleasantly surprised at how noticeable the improvement has been.

I believe the Pilot Activ is the successor to the Macadam. 

[frankenduck]

K1100LTs run a 110/80-18 on a 2.5x18 wheel from the factory.  I run PR2s front and rear(RS wheel) on my LT. Performance is great.

Shouldn't be a problem running a PR2 front and Azaro rear. I know of several K1100LT riders with that combo who are still alive to tell about it and happy they switched to radials..  (Both Azaros and PR2s are radial tires so doing that isn't mixing bias and radial.)

I've never tried mixing bias with radial but the theory is that the sidewalls have different flex characteristics which can mess with handling supposedly.

[mystic red]

K1100LTs run a 110/80-18 from the factory.  I run a PR2s front and rear(RS wheel) on my LT. Performance is great.

Shouldn't be a problem running a PR2 front and Azaro rear. I know of several K1100LT riders with that combo who are still alive.  (Both Azaros and PR2s are radial tires so doing that wouldn't be mixing bias and radial.)

I ran that combo until I found a cheap RS/RT wheel. No ball of flames to report. :2thumbup:

[Scott_]

I have run the PR2 front/Avon azaro rear. No problems at all. I will go back to that combo on the next tire change on the '95. As well as put them on my '97 when it's due for tires later this year.
I tried a wider/shorter PR2 for the rear on my LT stock rim, but I'm going back to the taller/narrower Azaro for the rear next time.

[sbeadg]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.   

[frankenduck]

Another front option is the fairly new BT023 that's been getting good reviews.