Author Topic: Tire recommendations (Read 169181 times)

beemrdon · « **Reply #225 on:** February 24, 2018, 04:28:03 PM »

I've had a 150/70/17 radial on the rear since I owned the bike. The stock size is 140/80/17...bias play. The bike came out before the advent of radials.

beemrdon · « **Reply #226 on:** February 24, 2018, 04:32:37 PM »

On the other hand, I have used a one size larger front on my R90/6 and it made the steering feel sluggish.

Laitch · « **Reply #227 on:** February 24, 2018, 04:38:52 PM »

Quote from: beemrdon on February 24, 2018, 04:32:37 PM

On the other hand, I have used a one size larger front on my R90/6 and it made the steering feel sluggish.

That's a classic complaint generated by the use of wider front tires, except among the designers of quasi-proto scramblers.

beemrdon · « **Reply #228 on:** February 24, 2018, 10:15:03 PM »

Laitch, are you referring to "designer" motorcycles created to provide a certain visual "appeal" that renders them useless for the purpose of which they were designed...riding? Don't get me started. :nono

bizzaro · « **Reply #229 on:** February 24, 2018, 10:24:45 PM »

Quote from: beemerphile on February 24, 2018, 07:42:20 AM

Remember that the pioneer is the guy with an arrow in his chest. Whether it will fit is not the question so much as how well it will work. Motorcycles are designed from the tires up. As soon as you change the tire size, you are now the motorcycle's designer. You change rake, trail, unsprung wright, etc, in so doing. Good luck doing it as well as the building full of brainy smurfs who did it the first time.

I don't have much K bike seat time, but in the airhead community "how big a tire will fit" is often asked and tried. In every case where larger tires were fitted, the handling suffered. 3.50's where 3.25's were called out and 100/90's where 90/90's were called out. 120/90's on the rear where 4.00's were called out. Disasters one and all.

The issue here for me is that I want radials. The tire sizes for my bike are so limited in a radial, I have no choice but to compromise the tire size. I am not changing tire sizes to get a "fatter" tire on the bike. I would love to find radials in my manuals recommended tire size. They don't seem to be available.

The Mighty Gryphon · « **Reply #230 on:** February 24, 2018, 10:46:54 PM »

I hear you about the radials. I've been trying to find radials I can use on my K75's because my commute to work is on rain grooved roads and bridges and the bias ply tires I have wander on the grooves .

All I can find in sizes that fit are dual purpose "Adventure" tires, and even with these I would have to go larger than specified. So far, I haven't fitted any because any handling advantage to the radial is partially offset by the distorted profile and the dual purpose tread pattern.

beemrdon · « **Reply #231 on:** February 25, 2018, 12:53:52 AM »

With every iteration of the PR series, Michelin makes fewer and fewer sizes. I understand that the PR 5 or Road 5 as Michelin now calls them, will only be made in 17".

beemerphile · « **Reply #232 on:** February 25, 2018, 07:21:14 AM »

Quote from: bizzaro on February 24, 2018, 10:24:45 PM

The issue here for me is that I want radials. The tire sizes for my bike are so limited in a radial, I have no choice but to compromise the tire size. I am not changing tire sizes to get a "fatter" tire on the bike. I would love to find radials in my manuals recommended tire size. They don't seem to be available.

Radials are generally designed to be run on wider wheels. The only exception I know of being the Continental ClassicAttack. A radial pressed into a narrower than recommended rim is not going to make you happy. I would suggest that you make sure that you meet the rim width range specified by the tire manufacturer and consider that as important as whether the tire will fit the space.

bizzaro · « **Reply #233 on:** February 25, 2018, 10:46:46 AM »

Quote from: beemerphile on February 25, 2018, 07:21:14 AM

Radials are generally designed to be run on wider wheels. The only exception I know of being the Continental ClassicAttack. A radial pressed into a narrower than recommended rim is not going to make you happy. I would suggest that you make sure that you meet the rim width range specified by the tire manufacturer and consider that as important as whether the tire will fit the space.

I have run an oversized radial, 150/70/17, on the rear rim, and was/am very happy with it compared to the stock size of 140/80/17 non radial. The radial handles much better. Much more stable ride. Yes I understand that it may change the profile a bit, but for my inept assessment of motorcycle geometry, and rim/tire fitment, it worked just fine for me. Even though the tire was not designed for that rim. I wish I could get the correct size tire in a sport/touring radial. Sometimes you have to compromise. From my experience, there is some leeway in tire choice for tire/rim fitment. Even though the science may dictate otherwise? The difference in these tires would be about a 3/8 of an inch(10mm)in width overall, and just a bit squatter. It works for me. On the other hand, I have never run anything but stock size tires on the front. The search goes on for the best tires to mount on my LT. For now I will stick with radials.

beemerphile · « **Reply #234 on:** February 25, 2018, 11:57:50 AM »

Quote from: bizzaro on February 25, 2018, 10:46:46 AM

[size=78%]The search goes on for the best tires to mount on my LT. For now I will stick with radials.[/size]

Rear tire size seems to be more forgiving than front tire size for handling. Some folks with LT's install RS wheels so they can use 120/70-17 front and 160/60-18 rears. These old bikes are just old bikes when it is all said and done. They are what they are. I gave up trying to run radials on my airheads and just accept that they are old bikes with old technology bias tires. I tried the Continental ClassicAttack radials and did not like the tire profile. So I am back with the bias Pilot Activs on the airheads. I'm glad my K11RS can use standard radials on correct width rims.

beemrdon · « **Reply #235 on:** February 25, 2018, 03:35:38 PM »

With all that has been said, I may just go with the Pirelli Angel GT on the front. It is my bike's stock size and the "GT" means that it is built for heavier bikes, like my LT. Also, it is built as a sport touring radial tire and priced less than the slightly wider PR 4 GT - 110 vs 120.

bizzaro · « **Reply #236 on:** March 05, 2018, 10:41:45 PM »

So I just ordered "METZELER Z8 ROADTEC" tires for my bike. They are a radial made for sport touring bikes. I will let ya know how I like um. My other choices were Bridgestone Battlax T30 EVO. A bit cheaper, but I have ridden them and didn't care for the profile. I did find a pair of Michelin Road Pilot 3's, which are a great tire and my favorite. Maybe the last pair on earth for my bike!!!(that will fit on my bike). But they are in Poland!! By the time I get them shipped here they will cost almost $370!
They are on ebay if anyone is interested. I almost grabbed them. It is by far the best tire I have ever ridden, but between the cost, and unforeseen issues with shipping etc, I decided to pass.

And all of the sets mentioned above are with the wider, squatter 150/70/17 rear. I did not find a 140/80/17 radial anywhere.

beemerphile · « **Reply #237 on:** March 06, 2018, 07:06:16 AM »

Quote from: bizzaro on March 05, 2018, 10:41:45 PM

I did not find a 140/80/17 radial anywhere.

In the end, you have to pick from what is there. These are not current technology motorcycles, and as they continue to age, acceptance of what they are becomes ever more important to continuing to enjoy them. Eventually you either embrace it, become a dissatisfied owner, or move on. Since I seem to be unable to choose, I have some old bikes and a new one. They scratch different itches. I maintain the old bikes at a high level, but I am through trying to make my old bikes try to be new ones. They are what they are.

Filmcamera · « **Reply #238 on:** March 20, 2018, 05:38:33 PM »

Installed Metzeler Z6's today. At the same time had my wheels repaired and painted. They look great. I can't wait to get out and do a test ride tomorrow, it will be nice to be riding on something other than 12 year old rubber!

bizzaro · « **Reply #239 on:** March 20, 2018, 07:25:27 PM »

Wheels look great! :2thumbup: New rubber makes me hard. :mbird And don't ya just love that rear wheel? Makes it soooooo easy to get er on n off. Lug nuts. :riding:

Laitch · « **Reply #240 on:** March 20, 2018, 07:28:16 PM »

Quote from: Filmcamera on March 20, 2018, 05:38:33 PM

I can't wait to get out and do a test ride tomorrow . . .

You've got to drive conservatively for the first 100-200 kms or you'll find yourself at the end of a low-side slide herding cloud animals.

From the Metzeler site:
Run-in
For optimum performance, new tyres should be ridden on cautiously for the first 100-200 km. During this run-in period sudden acceleration, heavy braking, and hard cornering must be avoided.

Filmcamera · « **Reply #241 on:** March 20, 2018, 07:56:39 PM »

Thanks for the reminder. I will take it easy to start with.. :riding:

Laitch · « **Reply #242 on:** March 20, 2018, 07:59:33 PM »

Quote from: bizzaro on March 20, 2018, 07:25:27 PM

New rubber makes me hard.

Time for a saltpeter smoothie there, Bizz.

bizzaro · « **Reply #243 on:** March 20, 2018, 09:33:59 PM »

Yea, that's the "hardest" :giggles part with new sneakers, taking it easy for the fist 100+ miles! I can't wait to slap on my new Roadtec Z8's which are chillin till I burn up the last few hungry miles on my PR3's.

Hey FC, were you able to get those local? Or did you have to have um shipped in? Just curious.

Filmcamera · « **Reply #244 on:** March 20, 2018, 09:37:08 PM »

I had them shipped - but that is not always possible.

There is a huge tax on tires here and a special permission needed to import them. I had a friend bring them back for me when he flew to the Sates to get around that.

Long story short - they cost me $210 on Amazon for the pair. Here - $630!!!

i think I am going to be tip toeing on those tires to try and make them last. :yow

bizzaro · « **Reply #245 on:** March 21, 2018, 07:02:50 AM »

:yow Holy shit! Talk about taxes n surcharges!!!! Guess I can cross Costa Rica off my places to retire list.

And that's some savings! And less than I paid for mine! I kind of try n avoid Amazon. But I do shop internet. Are those radials?

Filmcamera · « **Reply #246 on:** March 21, 2018, 07:34:53 AM »

Yes they are radials. CR is a great place to retire but like anywhere has its drawbacks. One thing though, it s tough to rack up huge miles here so I am hoping my tires last a couple of years at least.

charliebrownclown · « **Reply #247 on:** April 05, 2018, 02:29:06 PM »

Hi everyone new k-bike owner here. Just bought a 1987 k75s with 89km great running bike all i need is a back tire for safety.
I have bridgestone battlax bt-45 front and rear. Debating to buy matching rear or cheap out and buy a shinko or something for the rear.
Any thoughts?

charliebrownclown · « **Reply #248 on:** April 05, 2018, 03:03:27 PM »

Opps just checked the age of the front tire manufactured in 2008. Looks like i need front and back.

caveman · « **Reply #249 on:** April 05, 2018, 07:32:05 PM »

I like avon roadrider (AM26) for the grip you get on wet roads. I also get good wear 6 to 8k riding fairly aggressive. I have chewed shinco's off in less than 4k.

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Author Topic: Tire recommendations (Read 169181 times)