MOTOBRICK.COM
TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: frankenduck on August 06, 2012, 11:08:46 PM
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K1100RS/K100RS4V/K1: Many motobrickers, including me, are big fans of Michein Pilot Road 2 tires. (Or the siped Pilot Road 3 for lots of wet riding. I've heard that the PR3s aren't quite as good as the PR2s but if you plan on lots of wet commuting it's a wise choice.)
A tire that has come out fairly recently and is rated higher than the PRs in many reviews is the Bridgestone BT-023. They are also also less expensive than PR2s.
As of this posting I have put about 1,000 miles on a BT-023 front on my K75 (K1100LT front wheel) and it still looks like new. The handling is easily as good as the handling on my K1100RS and K1100LT with PR2s. If the BT-023 continues to hold up well then I may put BT-023s on my RS at my next tire change.
K1100LT: Though K1100LTs came from the factory with bias ply tires, I strongly recommend switching over to radials at your next tire change. The improvement in handling is quite noticeably much better.
Front: Either a Michelin Pilot Road 2 (or PR3 for wet riding) or Bridgestone BT-023. See my comments above about the BT-023.
Rear with stock rim: The only radial tire I know of in a 140/70-17 with a good reputation is the Avon Azaro 46. Many LT motobrickers use this tire and are very happy with it's performance. (I have one of these on the rear of my K75 and it does quite well.)
UPDATE March 6, 2013: The 3x17 3 spoke rear used on the K1100LT and the 2V Ks you can also run a 150/70-17 (as noted by Sonu later in this thread) which means the you could run matched PR2s, PR3s or BT023s on the 3 spoke rims.
Rear with K1100RS rear rim: If you want to run matched PR2s or matched BT-023s then you can use a K1100RS rear wheel and it will bolt right up to an LT. (The difference in diameter/circumference between an LT tire and an RS tire is that the RS tire is about 1% smaller. You probably won't even notice.)
K75s and 2V K100s: After reading a bunch of reviews, I put a pair if Bridgestone S11 Spitfire tires on a K75 that I brought back to life. I put about 1,000 miles (including lots of fast twisties) on them before I sold it and found them to perform quite well. They are also relatively inexpensive.
If you like to ride hard then I recommend trying some "off-size" radials. I run a 110/80-18 BT-023 on the 2.5x18 front wheel of my K75. I run a 140/80-17 Avon Azaro on a 3.0x17 rear wheel. The handling is excellent, MUCH better than a K75 on bias ply tires.
If anyone else wants to share their opinions on tires then feel free to add to this thread.
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I am running Bridgestones but would like feedback about Continental tires. Ran those on my boxer and was very happy with them. Anyone ever use them?
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I'm just over 2500 miles on a set of Conti Go's. I can't speak to durability yet, but they seem very sticky, and have been excellent the few times I ridden in the rain. My riding consists of a 45 mile door to door commute from the north suburbs into Chicago; I love it, but it is comparatively sedate when measured against what other riders are doing. They seem great for what I'm doing, though.
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I had a BT45 on the rear of my k75. The rear lasted like 2000-3000 miles (although a lot were at high speeds (85), high loads (lots of stuff on the back), and coarse pavement roads. Handled great for those miles. Replaced it with a Bridgestone S-11. Nice ride, not as sticky as the BT-45s, though.
BT-45 is great on the front. something like 8k, and it is holding strong.
ME-88 / 880's sucked. Cracked, not very sticky.
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I have 4900 miles on my BT-045's, the back is about done and the front cupped, so I have a set of Lazertecs in the shop ready and waiting, but I think the steering bearings were bad, so pre-loaded the front tire. Also bumped up air to 40 pounds helped a bunch. If I could get them cheap, I would buy them again, probably will. They lasted quite a while. I ride twisty roads a lot and usually at moderate to fast speeds, not much or should I say no freeway miles. Just nice twisty roads!
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I just installed a set of Michelin Pilot Actives on my K75 and a looking forward to see how they work. A really good looking tire.
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sorry to be such a nube - but if the shoe fits .....
I'm looking for my first replacements on my new to me K1100LT. I noticed the recommendations mention 140/70 and 140/80 in places which is correct or does it matter ? The original spec (bias ply ?) is 80.
Is the same true for the front 110 ?
Choices are few for the 80.
Thanks
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Switch your LT to radials. It will handle MUCH better. 110/80-18 front BT-023 or PR2 front. 140/80-17 Avon Azaro 46 rear.
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Thanks Frankenduck (love your site)
I ordered the BT-023 and Azaro today.
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Thanks Frankenduck (love your site)
I ordered the BT-023 and Azaro today.
You'll be happy you did. :mbird
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K1100LT:
Rear with stock rim: The only radial tire I know of in a 140/70-17 with a good reputation is the Avon Azaro 46.
frankenduck,
I have been running PR3's on the K1100LT stock rims for the past year with great results
110/80ZR-18 for the front
150/70ZR-17 for the rear
Sanjiv
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frankenduck,
I have been running PR3's on the K1100LT stock rims for the past year with great results
110/80ZR-18 for the front
150/70ZR-17 for the rear
Sanjiv
Thanks, that's good info. I figured an "off-size" tire would probably work. (I went for the RS rear because I wanted a fatter rear tire for cosmetic reasons.) It's good to know that you can run PRs front and rear on LT stock rims. :2thumbup:
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I've been running the Pirelli Angels on my '91 K100RS and love them. They handle great, wear well and
can really handle having a load on them.
Not only can they handle a load, the sidewall integrity recently impressed the heck outta me.
This may not be the proper forum for this story but I'm new so please correct me if I'm in error.
The place, a Texas farm to market road near Houston
The time, 21:30 (9:30p.m.)
The incident, A load of Hardwood furniture not properly secured has been dumped in the middle
of the road.
Other factors, The driver had turned around, pulled back past his mess and parked in someones drive with his headlights pointing directly into incoming traffic(Looked like someone getting home late and checking the mail box)
Needless to say, I was effectively blinded.
The speed limit on this 2-lane road, 70mph( I'd eased off the throttle but was still doing near the speed limit).
What happened:
As soon as I passed his headlights I was into the debris. Was truly fortunate to not have augered in. Hit a chunk of wood from either the large chair in the middle of the road or the solid log bench that was pn the side of the road.
The result of the impact, a 1 inch puncture and instantly flat front tire.
The sidewalls provided enough rigidity that I was able to avoid the reast of the debris and l was able limp the 3&1/2 miles home after pulling over and checking(it was late and truck was in shop).
Got the girl home and the bead never broke...no damage to the rim.
Btw, my wife was riding on the pillon and I wiegh over 280 lbs.
Because of this incident, how they handle, their tread life and cost I am completely sold on the Pirellis.
Later,
Freelancer
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+1 for the Pirelli angels, I have never experienced such a dramatic change in bike behaviour as when I put these on.
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K1100LT:
Rear with stock rim: The only radial tire I know of in a 140/70-17 with a good reputation is the Avon Azaro 46.
frankenduck,
I have been running PR3's on the K1100LT stock rims for the past year with great results
110/80ZR-18 for the front
150/70ZR-17 for the rear
Sanjiv
I tried that same combo a couple of years ago in the PR2's.
The ride was good, but I personally had trouble getting the bike up on the center stand. It progressively got worse as the rear tire wore.
The only other issue for me was getting the 150/70 mounted and seated on the 17" stock LT rim.
Last year I went back to the 140/80 Avon for the rear.
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I used to run the Dunlop Elite and I loved them. Consistent 10,000 miles with lots of 2 up riding. then they quit making the rear in our size.
Went to the Metzler, and then Michelin radials. I didn't really like the handling, then discovered they weren't the proper size.
This time I went back to the Dunlop Roadsmart II on the rear, has 3/4 worn...starting to cup Michelin front. It is strange going straight will occasionally have a for lack of a better word...squirm. It also will happen in a corner...but not as regularly....want it to go away....hit the throttle. Under pull....it seems to grip fantastic.
This roadsmart II has a different rubber compound in the middle. I will see how it holds up I guess.
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Frankenduck wrote:
K1100LT: Though K1100LTs came from the factory with bias ply tires, I strongly recommend switching over to radials at your next tire change. The improvement in handling is quite noticeably much better.
Front: Either a Michelin Pilot Road 2 (or PR3 for wet riding) or Bridgestone BT-023. See my comments above about the BT-023.
Rear with stock rim: The only radial tire I know of in a 140/70-17 with a good reputation is the Avon Azaro 46. Many LT motobrickers use this tire and are very happy with it's performance. (I have one of these on the rear of my K75 and it does quite well.)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I took Duck's advice and bought the bt-023 front and Avon Azaro rear tires for my K1100LT. The Avon has a rotation arrow on the sidewall so I have a 50-50 chance of installing it correctly. However, the BT-023 does not have any arrows or indication of a directional tread. Does this mean that I can install it either way, or am I missing something here?
I am painting the wheels to freshen them up so I only want to have one go at scratching them up while mounting the new rubber. I do not want to reverse a bad mount if I can avoid it.
How say ye?
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... am I missing something here?
Yes, you're missing the arrow on the tire. My pic is a little blurry but look on the tire where it says "FRONT USE ONLY."
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FD,
Thanks for the prompt reply and the pic. Yes, I did see the stylized arrows and the Front Use Only label. I guess the Japs are a bit more subtle in their sidewall nomenclature than say Metzeler or Avon. :laugh
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NooB requesting help. I have a '92 K75RT and will need to replace the tires soon (factory specs for tires is 100/90 18 and 130/90 17). This is my first bike and my riding habits are mostly commuting about 30 miles RT 5 days a week and light touring (day trips of about 300-500 miles 4 times per month). I don't ride the twisties hard, but I do frequently (I live in northern Arizona). So I would like any feedback on what might be the best tires for my bike and situation. Any feedback at all is appreciated!
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NooB requesting help. I have a '92 K75RT and will need to replace the tires soon (factory specs for tires is 100/90 18 and 130/90 17). This is my first bike and my riding habits are mostly commuting about 30 miles RT 5 days a week and light touring (day trips of about 300-500 miles 4 times per month). I don't ride the twisties hard, but I do frequently (I live in northern Arizona). So I would like any feedback on what might be the best tires for my bike and situation. Any feedback at all is appreciated!
Brdigestone Spitfires.
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Thanks, Frankenduck. Incredible site you have here!
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I took a shot last spring on Shinko tires for my 100RS. Motorcycle superstore shipped em to my door in 2 days for $136. Thats for a pair (fr & rear) tires! I've put about 4k on them and they are phenomenal. I'm not draggin knees thru the canyons but do ride them fairly aggressivly plus the fact that I weigh 350#. Were solid in the rain thru the mountains of WV, seem plenty sticky with no surprises for the spirited riding that I do and they seem to be wearing well. I'm very happy with my purchase.
Did I mention they were only $136 shipped for the pair?
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Currently running a Pirelli sport demon on the front and about to change the rear to pirelli sport demon as well. so far excellent handling on the pirellis in wet and dry conditions!
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I've just been checking out this thread. After finishing a 300 mile weekend trip, as of today I was officially pushing my dumb luck with the old Metzeler Lasterc on my K100. Here's a pic for proof:
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/887252_10100680563003327_521623111_o.jpg)
Anyways, this thing is my commuter and sees a ton of miles. I've been thinking about modifying it for more of an adventure type bike. I'd like to try a cheap set of dual-sport tires and see how it works.
I've been recommended the Shinko's. Motorcycle Superstore has them very cheap. Any comments on the Shinko 700 or 705 for the rear? I'd like a matching front, but they don't stock them in a compatible size. All I see that will fit the front is the Shinko 244. 3.50x18 is the closest to the stock size they have.
Any thoughts or comments on going this route? I figure it'd be worth a shot, I'm doing quite a bit of riding in Mexico and adventure into some strange places, and would like a tire with a little bit of grip on dirt roads. The bike still see's 90% freeway, but even these should do ok on the slab I'm sure. Thoughts?
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Thanks to many recommendations in this thread, I went with a new BS S11 Spitfire last week. For the front.
After a few rides, I can really say this is a huge improvement over my old, hard, Metzeler Lazertec that was on there.
I will replace the rear at some point with a match as well.
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A perfect example of "YMMV".
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the oh-so-econmical Shinko tires have been favorably mentioned. I guess the model is the Tour Master...? Are the sizes as OEM recommended or something a bit different?
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i have been hearing the shinko tiors have good grip and are getting good mileage... i have not tried them and do not know anything about them other than they are very inexpensive... i may have to take a set to cords and see how they go...
j o
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I put a pair of Shinko tour masters on last year. Yes to oem sizing. I found them to be a little squirrelly on damp roads, but were ok in a down pour. they liked to follow the cracks in the pavement. I got about 10,000 miles on them. They were a good, long lived, inexpensive tire.
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I have a friend who ran through a Shinko in a few thousand miles. I've got just a couple thou on mine and it still looks factory new.
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I ended up going with the Shinko 712's in stock sizing on my K100. I have around 500 miles on them right now. So far, I'm happy with them. The main thing is the cost, the matched set was about $115 shipped from Motorcycle Superstore. They get good mileage, hook up well on dry roads. They are confident turning too. For the price I'm very happy with the handling. We'll see how they last as far as mileage goes. I'll try and remember to report back after a couple thousand more.
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I am running the Spitfires on my new (to me) '87 k75s...The came with the bike and seem to handle fairly well after 1500 miles on them..I live in the mountains of BC, so they need to turn a lot!
Got caught in a tremendous downpour and they did well.
I'm really undecided on them as am not that familiar with the BMW handling, and have a old Fox air shock on the rear which I am unfamiliar with.
It really does not handle as well as my '79 Moto guzzi 1000sp with the Pirelli Sport Demons..(those are some good friggin tires!), but this may just be the German bike.
The radials are interesting to me, can these be installed on the regular rims??...been riding these other tires for 40 years, so am unfamiliar with radials for a bike..
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So what can anyone tell me about the Metzeler Roadtecs that came on my, new to me, 96 K11RS? They are brand new, so I'll use them, but never had any before.
On my 95 K11RS, I got about 8K out of the rear Road Pilot 2....I like those tires a bunch...
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c163/Baatfam/Bike%20Stuff/K1100RS/Part%20Out/part_out-19.jpg) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/Baatfam/media/Bike%20Stuff/K1100RS/Part%20Out/part_out-19.jpg.html)
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The radials are interesting to me, can these be installed on the regular rims??...been riding these other tires for 40 years, so am unfamiliar with radials for a bike..
The rims don't know or care about what tire you mount on them.
The only time that it matters is with a wire spoked rim you may have to run a tube type tire....
The LT's were designed for bias ply tires, but there are a lot of riders switching to radials. I'm running radials on both of my bikes and I love the handling of them.
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The radials are interesting to me, can these be installed on the regular rims??...been riding these other tires for 40 years, so am unfamiliar with radials for a bike..
The rims don't know or care about what tire you mount on them.
Awesome...thanks for that Scott! I'm going to have to look at the radials, perhaps improve the old bricks handling.
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I've been running the Pirelli Angels on my '91 K100RS and love them. They handle great, wear well and
can really handle having a load on them.
What size Angel do you have on your rear wheel? Do you have Y-spoke wheels?
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This may be a silly question, but I've just upgraded from a (not really running) K100RT (on which I used Shinkos and was quite pleased with them, especially for the price) to a K1100LT. Can I put the K100 tires (100/90 18, 130/90 17) on my K1100LT stock rims?
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greetings ricketyclik...
welcome to motobrick.com...
the way this motobricker sees it is...
k100rt
f wheel - 2.50 x 18
r wheel - 2.75 x 17
f tior - 100/90 x 18
r tior - 130/90 x 17
k1100lt
f wheel - 2.50 x 18
r wheel - 3.00 x 17
f tior - 110/80 x 18
r tior - 140/80 x 17
gonna be...
f lose 5mm height at the contact patch and front fender... gain 5mm width at each fork tube...
r lose 5mm height at the contact patch and the swing arm... gain 5mm width at the swing arm...
5mm aints much... butts it may be enough to touch on the front end... im thinking you are good to go since motobrickers ran macadams in that size on their lts for years with no rubbing reported...
do your doo diligence...
j o
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Thanks Johnny. I'll ask my regular motorcycle tire supplier/fitter - I'm pretty sure he'd advise against if there were any risks.
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I've been running the Pirelli Angels on my '91 K100RS and love them. They handle great, wear well and
can really handle having a load on them.
What size Angel do you have on your rear wheel? Do you have Y-spoke wheels?
My bike is a 4-valve with the factory Y rims. Note*- The K100RS Y spokes were taller & wider than the LT and K75 Y spokes.
The K100RS 4-Valve has a 3.5x17 front and a 4.5x18 rear. Factory tire sizes are as follow:
Front-120/70 ZR17
Rear- 160/60 ZR18
Also note that when buying tires for the 4-valve RS bricks, you need to make sure to get the radial tires designed to handle these bikes 1100-ish pound load capacity. The Angels and PR 2's&3's are designed to meet these loads.
Oh yeah just an FYI, Pirelli has recently released their Angel GT's that come in the correct sizes and are (according to their reviews) living up to Pirellis claim of a 30% increase in tread life over the Angel ST's. The GT's do cost more( closer to michelin PR3's).
Been buying mine through motorcycle superstore.
Sorry it took so long to reply, been away for a while. Hope that you and others find this useful.
Later,
Freelancer
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This may be a silly question, but I've just upgraded from a (not really running) K100RT (on which I used Shinkos and was quite pleased with them, especially for the price) to a K1100LT. Can I put the K100 tires (100/90 18, 130/90 17) on my K1100LT stock rims?
A partial update on this one. I couldn't get any mechanics to do the switch, because the tires aren't the "correct" size. I recently changed the rear one on to the LT myself, and it seems fine. It may not wear as well as a 140/80, but it was going begging in any case, so I figure money well saved! No difference in handling that I can detect.
I think when I get around to the front one it may be a different story - more likely to affect handling is my guess.
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I plan to ride my '91 K75RT up the haul road to Prudhoe Bay this July. I know there's a good chance of mud, so I thought I would swap my tires for something a bit more in the dual-sport direction. Avoid a little of :falldown: !
Any recommendations? I noticed an early question about Shinkos but I have no experience with them and don't know what "model" tire would be best for this trip.
Thanks in advance for your knowledge!
--JohnD
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IF you check the manufacturers sites they often list the minimum - maximum rim width for a specific tire size. One would think that if the proper size, or nearly proper size dual sport tire will fit the rim width, it should fit yours. Most of the dual sport rears I've looked at in 130/90R17 are listed at about a 90/10 road/off road mix. If the tire dimensions match closely to a street tire it ought to fit. Ride may change a little and they may be nosier. The tire compound is likely different and they may not wear like your old tires.
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This may be a silly question, but I've just upgraded from a (not really running) K100RT (on which I used Shinkos and was quite pleased with them, especially for the price) to a K1100LT. Can I put the K100 tires (100/90 18, 130/90 17) on my K1100LT stock rims?
A partial update on this one. I couldn't get any mechanics to do the switch, because the tires aren't the "correct" size. I recently changed the rear one on to the LT myself, and it seems fine. It may not wear as well as a 140/80, but it was going begging in any case, so I figure money well saved! No difference in handling that I can detect.
I think when I get around to the front one it may be a different story - more likely to affect handling is my guess.
So that rear Shinko Tourmaster only lasted 3500 km (about 2000 miles)! I've just had the Azaro/Pilot Road 2 combo installed and wow! What a difference! Radials rule!
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Hey, could we update this a bit?
Some of the tires mentioned are no longer available. This is particularly in regards to the older snowflake rims.
The following is a copy of my post in another thread:
Just did a search for a friend with the old snowflake rims. He has Dunlop D205 radials mounted on it and has enjoyed how they handled.
I know, most say don't spoon radials onto the older rims, but he has been happy and wants radials again. Also, not able to convince him to move to newer rims.
Now, the problem is that the D205's are no longer available in the correct size. (Looks like they may be discontinued, but don't quote me. Just could only find them in one size.)
As already noted, the Azaro's are discontinued.
What I found is that the Metzeler Z6 front 110/80-18 front looks like it would work well with the Bridgestone Battle Wing rears.
Both are radials and can carry the weight, "What do you guys think?
This seems to be a big changeover year in tires that the older bricks use. Would be interesting to hear what people are shifting to.
Thanks,
Freelancer
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PR2's for my k1100lt. V happy.
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Thought my K75 RT was very unhappy with me....kept trying to throw me off and go on happily following whatever white line or road groove it could find...upon (trembling) inspection, found the front Metzeler Lasertech was down to 10 psi :yow
Back up to 30 psi, and doin' fine - but next day, 12 psi again...ho-hum here comes another road groove, where will it take me this time...
Question: Can I sensibly put a Bridgestone BT45 on the front as a replacement, while leaving the (still quite good good) Metzeler on the rear? Or will such a mismatch be, er, "entertaining"?? :eek:
Thorfie
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Personally, I have never worried about matching brands front to rear and never noticed a problem. Perhaps faster riders would say differently...?
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I am running the Shinko 230 front and rear on my K75RT and couldn't be happier. I just ordered a replacement front ($55 shipped from M-S) after about 12k on the existing one, it is getting a little worn but still life left in it.
I've run a lot of tires over the years on K75s, and these Shinkos are just great tires. They remind me a lot of the old Macadams - super sticky on both wet and dry, and really like to predictably roll into corners. Minus the cupping that plagued the Macadams of course. Combined with great life and low price, they just can't be beat.
I took a shot last spring on Shinko tires for my 100RS. Motorcycle superstore shipped em to my door in 2 days for $136. Thats for a pair (fr & rear) tires! I've put about 4k on them and they are phenomenal. I'm not draggin knees thru the canyons but do ride them fairly aggressivly plus the fact that I weigh 350#. Were solid in the rain thru the mountains of WV, seem plenty sticky with no surprises for the spirited riding that I do and they seem to be wearing well. I'm very happy with my purchase.
Did I mention they were only $136 shipped for the pair?
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different brands and different models within brands have differemt profiles...
something to think about when chasing that last tenth of a second...
if i caints hear my tiors on the edge of sliding out i know theres more speed to behold...
j o
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Crossposting, since this is the actual tire thread (the other is for radials only).
It seems a fruitless hope, but has anyone compiled a list of all the tires which can currently be put on the 75's snowflake rims?
I was hoping to try the new version of Metzeler's Marathons (the newest version is the 888), but it seems that the Metzeler site states that the only tires they have that'll fit are their Lasertecs, which are quite sticky, but I've heard people complain that they wear very quickly (as low as 3000kms according to the worst-case reviews).
So far, here's what the list appears to be:
Metzeler
Lasertec
Bridgestone
BT45 (Rear is - BT45V)
Dunlop
D404
Shinko
230 Tour Master (these, uh... well, they look kind of cheap. And they are cheap.)
Pirelli's site lists no current tires as a match.
Trying to see how these tires stack up - they're all pretty close in price. Still wondering if anyone here has tried both the T30s and BTs... ?
One thing I don't know is what "wrong" size tires can be fit without issues. In the radials thread, Keith suggested some Avons. I looked at other Metzelers, but neither the 888's nor the Tourances are offered for 18" rims at any size.
I guess 18" rims became unpopular at some point? Oddly there's still plenty of options for 16", 17", and 19" rims.
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Flying Squirrel still lists the Sport Demons (Pirelli).
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The Avon AM26s also come in the exact right sizes.
I know the different manufacturers are going to be MOSTLY window dressing, but not entirely, so I really don't know which ones to go with.
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New tires almost ALWAYS feel better than the old tires that they replaced...IMO
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I am using Michelin PR2 radials on my K1100LT. I use 110/80/18 front and 150/70/17 rear-(oversized width/undersized height on rear because they don't make my exact size).. The rear tire has about 9K on it and looks like it has another 2K to go. I will replace these radials with the PR4's when necessary.
They handle pretty well....as well as can be expected on an LT anyway and I trust Michelin on my road bike (bicycle) car and motobrick to make some of the best tyres. Downside is they are more expensive than many of the other options.
Shinko's...The shinko 712 model are on my R90/6 and they handle horribly and are not the exact size the bike takes (exact size = f-3.25/ r-4.00). Can't wait to get them off...I may not wait till they are worn down. I used the metzler me33 on the front and the marathon 88's on the rear for many, many years but they don't make the 88's anymore. I also tried the pirrelli RT66's one time and they were slippery. The metzlers were really good on my R90 but it's time to move on so I may try the Michelin Activ's next.
I wouldn't worry about trying radials on an old brick if you can find them to fit.. Miy PR2's work great.
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Still not 100% sure on the tires, but I'm almost certain it's going to be BT45s. Saw a couple of direct comparisons between them and the Lasertecs from rather hard-riding folks and the consensus was they were both equally sticky, with good handling in wet and cold, but the BT45's just last longer.
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+1 on the MIchelin PR series, currently running PR 3's on my LT will replace with 4's when it's time.
these tires are firmly planted and track like an arrow (for me anyway, semi-aggressive rider).
running the 150 70 17 on rear has not created any issues with regard to form, fit and function.
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Hey all,
I just wanted to tell everybody about my experience installing new radial tires on the K1100LT. I was coming off of the bias-ply 's that were on the bike when I purchased it and the rear was getting quite squared off. After reading through all the info on this thread I went ahead and bought tires online from Dennis Kirk. I ordered the Avon AV46-ST- Azaro for the rear in the stock size and ordered the Avon Storm St-AV55 stock size for the front. These things handle GREAT! Maybe it's just because my old ones were in bad shape, but these radials turn in much easier and feel much more planted. Thanks everybody for the advice.
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I haven't seen many comments in this thread for the old 2V bikes. Bias ply tires are getting somewhat scarce, and I don't see any radials in the correct or even close to correct sizes.
On my 1987 2V K100RS, I am running Michelin Pilot Activs in the factory sizes. Normally I don't get hung up on brand names, but I have to say that I sure like Michelins, they always seem to have a wonderful "soft" and compliant feel about them. The Pilot Activ looks like it was made for the bike and though they are still bias ply tires, handling is much improved over the Dunlop Spitfires that were on the bike when I bought it. I like the Michelins well enough that I put a set on my /5, too.
Looks like I will be getting about 6000 miles out of this set of Pilot Activs. I ride at a medium fast pace, not "racetrack" fast, but I don't slow down much for corners, and I use all of the tire. Both tires have worn quite evenly and for once, it looks like I will be wearing out the front before of the rear. The tires have stayed pretty consistent and solid, with little or no cupping of the front tire. In the last few hundred miles, the front has started to feel hard and just a bit greasy in the turns, though it isn't down to the wear bars yet. Time to swap it out. I'll get a few hundred more out of the rear.
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Hi jetpoweredmonkey,
I just posted the info below in the "workshops" radials thread and was going to post it here also. So a nice coincidence. Also, the bike these went on was an 86 k100rt and the tires fit according to their fitment charts.
Hey guys and gals,
My friend, Dave, just got back to me on the tires we fitted on his k100rt. I say we because the radials he had are no longer in production and asked me to help find something that might suit him.
We put a Metzeler z6 110/80 18 on the front and a Bridgestone Battle Wing 140/80 r17 on the rear. The Battle Wing is an adventure tire that is 90% road. We went this route because the tread and profiles seemed to compliment each other.
At first the Metzeler felt floaty until I informed him that the Metz Z6's are like the Pirelli Angels in that they like to be near max pressure (41psi).
Once Fave got them at the right pressure, he says they started handling great. Also says that the bike behaves much better on the dirt and gravel roads he travels when visiting friends.
So, as of now, this combo is getting two big thumbs up. :2thumbup:
Will keep you guys posted on the long term results. Dave likes to ride fast through the curves and likes to ride far. This means he will likely use them up by winter.
Check the combination out. They look good and handle great according to Dave.
Any questions about these, feel free to ask.
Later,
Freelancer
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using 150 x 70 17 on rear of my 94 LT, the pic is worn out Michelin PR2 with 11,000 miles on it. half of that is 2-up touring the remainder is solo riding with mix of slab and yeehaw!
new tire is PR3, hope it performs as well and lasts as long.
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I hope this isn't grave digging and you don't mind me bringing this thread again.
Could you please refer to today's MCN review? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzcgeHLZMvw
I'm swapping my wheels on k100 to k1100 and soon I'll have to buy a set..
Thanks!
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greetings victor...
welcome to motobrick.com...
whaaaaaaaaaaaaat...
j o
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Thanks Johnny, I've been following the forum for a while, just a bit shy to post anything.
I was curious if the tire recommendations have changed over the last year. At all.
Personally I know very little on the subject and I thought more experienced members could refer to that mcn review.
Is Metzeler Roadtec 01 worth considering over PR3 for example? The prices are not that different.
(just to clarify, this is my second-ever motorcycle, and this isn't my native language)
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so... you wants tior recommendations for a 85 k100... 1st thing is tell us whats on there now so we know if you gotts oem wheels...
and this k1100 you speak of... the one you want new tiors for... gotta know is it a rs or lt... and needs to know whats on those wheels now...
then... you looking for the long go or the maximum yeeehaaaaa...
j o
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Aye aye, captain!
What I was trying to say, I have '84 K100RS for which I've bought complete front end as well as rear wheel. Those parts are from K1100LT. I wanted to have better feel the road and better braking system. I didn't feel very comfortable with what OEM K100 was offering.
I'm planning to do the front end / 3 spoke wheels swap over the weekend, but the wheels have no tires on them.
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still gotta measure the wheels or look them up by their part number... just because somebody tells you they are k1100lt wheels does not mean they are k1100lt wheels...
folks have bought tiors for their k1100lt to find out from the tior tech that somebody before them installed wheels off something else...
j o
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Mr J o !
As advised, I'm back with more information.
At the moment we got K100 with K1100LT front(2.50 x 18 - 110/80/18 Metzeler Lastertec in a decent condition) and K1100LT rear(3.00x17, no tyre)
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Bridgestone BT45's grip well, nice ride the only gremlin is the wear rate. I only got 10,000 K's of normal riding. I am now trying a Michelin Pilot Road Active, so far a little bit grippier but too early to tell about wear. if I'd known about Shinko's earlier I probably would have tried them, on the good reports I've read.
Regards Martin.
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Just dropping this as a note for myself here while fishing for tire quotes (this is for an '86 75c, w/snowflake rims).
Metzeler Lasertec
(F) 100/90 - 18 M/C 56H TL
(R) 120/90 - 18 M/C 65H TL
Metzeler Sportec Klassik
(F) 100/90 V 18 M/C (56V) TL
(R) 120/90 - 18 M/C 65V TL
Bridgestone Battlax BT-45
(F) 100/90-18 M/C 56H TL
(R) 120/90-18 M/C 65V TL
(Bridgestone does not seem to make the 100/90 front in V rating, nor the 120/90 in H rating, hence the mix in speed ratings).
Has anyone tried the new Sportec Klassiks? Apparently they are new as of last year from Metzeler and their own site rates them as being vastly better in all regards than the Lasertecs, which sounds super-interesting, but I can't find any independent reviews at all, much less any that specifically compare them to Lasertecs or BT-45s (most reviews of the two older tires I've seen say that BT-45s and Lasertecs are very comparable, with sometimes the Metzeler being rated a little better on average).
EDIT: Also it seems some of the distributors the shops in Toronto deal with don't seem to like the BT-45 100/90-18. Called some of the big name shops locally just to get a starting baseline and while they list the rear, they can't get the front.
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Lookin' at another BT-45 rear myself... mostly cause I got no experience to try anything else!
I did 6,000 miles (approx 9,700 KM) with one last year, about 3,000 miles 1 Up with camping gear, 1,000 miles 2 up with camping gear, and 2,000 1 up unloaded.
I think it was the couple thousand miles straight up and down the slab in illinoize that ate the center out of it... this year more driftless!
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Just replaced a Michelin PR2 with a new PR3 in the front. The rear got a PR4 a few months ago. :2thumbup:
I got 10,000 miles but could have ridden it another 1,000.
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How are you guys getting so many miles out of tires? Dual compound radials? Slower speeds? With 80 mph cruising speeds I can't really get more than 6k miles out of what I've had so far
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How are you guys getting so many miles out of tires?
Maybe you just need to ride them a little bit longer? :dunno
Here's my last Shinko 712 rear with 11k (mostly highway) miles. (It's since been replaced)
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greetings...
tiors may not have any yeeeeehaaaaa as they nears cords... and they aints worn out till you see cords...
those claiming 10+ thou miles... i suggest you take a photo of the set of tiors and your odo the day you install them...
then do the same on the next set... do the odo math... 10+ thou... really... you whack...
its 37 degrees and sunny in the chee on this last day of april... no rain till the afternoon... im going motobricking on brand new shinko podiums...
j o
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Well that's true Tim. I'm not running the tread quite that shallow. I figure since I ride in rain I should leave something there
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http://
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negative miles... caint trust a canadicans math as reliable... just saying...
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all my records are in a Filemaker database ... american software ... dont have to mathamicate anything :hehehe
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Maybe they ride backwards in Canadia?
negative miles... caint trust a canadicans math as reliable... just saying...
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Hmmmm... Avon Azaro 140/80zr-17 radial no longer seeing available on my usual tire vendors. Might be no longer available. That's it, moving to Canada.
I might try a 150/70-17 PR3 or 4 but can anyone address if it's more difficult to install on a stock K1100LT 3-spoke? If so I'll consider paying someone to do it because just doing the stock rear in the correct size challenged my atrophied limbs.
Thanks y'all
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Howdy Johnny.
I got 10,000 miles on both my front and rear and I do not use them down to the cord. The tires I had on were F-Michelin PR2, R-PR2, 110/80/18 and 150/70/17.
I now have the PR3 on front and the PR4 on the rear. I have photographed them just after installing and will photograph them as they are used up. I also measured tread depth just after installation with a gauge and documented everything in my K1100 log book... I will update this post as these tires wear out with facts and fotos.
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After writing the above comment I went outside with my tire tread gauge to measure the remaining tire tread on the (rear) Michelin PR4. It has been on there approx. 5K miles now. First off, the tire started life with 5 mm of tread. It now has almost 4 mm left. See the pics below.
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just installed a new PR4 on the LT. The old one has nearly 8,000 miles on it and there's easily another thousand left in it. The front tire has same mileage and still has many miles left, going to see if I can complete the trip with it. I am about to depart on cross-country tour and thought it best to leave with new rubber on the rear rather than arrange a tire purchase/install somewhere "out there". I am very happy with performance of the Michelins and will continue to use them for as long as they're available.
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I guess I need to switch to radials...the best bias tires don't last nearly that long
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Hey all,
I'm buried in all this tire info. Thought I'd just arsk you informed folk for a rec. Maybe that'll settle it. I ride up in Vermont—mostly commuting and the occasional 400-600 miler south, but sometimes on dirt road/twisties. Any magic bullet for such a mix?
I was leaning toward Metzlers but hear a lot of chatter about the BT-45s or Spitfires. Thoughts?
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@Laitch, What do you ride with? You're probably riding the same roads... what would stick on VT dirt but handle well on longer schleps around the country...?
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@Laitch, What do you ride with? You're probably riding the same roads... what would stick on VT dirt but handle well on longer schleps around the country...?
I've used Metzeler Lasertecs because they handle wet and dry pavement so well, but they're blasted costly and my ~30% riding on gravel wears them down in ~6K–7K miles. Metzeler has developed a Klassic line with a different tread design that fits our bikes.
Tim Tyler rides a lot of miles on forest roads and slab with Shinko 712s and F14Crazy gave a good review of Shinko 720s so I'm leaning their ways. I've got to get a couple of something this month. It's difficult for me to change what works for me even though Shinko's price is 30%–50% less than Metzeler's.
My opinion is that riding gravel roads enjoyably with road bikes and any road tire is down to the skill of the rider and the set up of the bike, but the differences among us shrink when those roads are rain-soaked or muddy. Then the ability to dead-lift iron can come in handy.
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That's some good info, Laitch. Appurciate it.
I've had B-stone S11's on her for the last year or so that I've had the bike (6000-ish miles and now bald), but think I'll splurge for the Metzlers and see how we do.
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BT 45's grip well but you don't get much mileage out of them, I only got 9000 K's out of the rear, front still going. I'm now running Michelin Pilot Actives grips a bit better than the BT45's. On the good reports will probably try Shinko next.
Regards Martin.
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Thanks, Martin. I think I've convinced myself to give Metzlers a try then if the money don't match the miles, I'll head down the scale...
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greetings all, results from an unscientific tire test.
In July I mounted a new PR4 rear tire on my LT at 78,400 miles.
I left on cross-country odyssey on 20 July and returned home on 21 Aug.
Mileage on odometer when I got home was 86,349.
total trip mileage was 7,949.
About 5,000 of those miles were 2-up, fully loaded luggage and traveling on Interstates. The remaining miles were cross-country solo ride w/loaded luggage via interstate.
The only twisty roads encountered were a couple of rides up and over the rockies in colorado, montana and alberta. these were sedately done as spouse was on board and she doesn't enjoy excessive lean-angles and scraping of scoot parts on asphalt.
Encountered about 5 days of rain over course of trip with one absolute downpour, tires performed flawlessly.
I'd say I still have a few thousand left on the tire and have been quite happy with performance.
I was a bit OCD regarding tire pressures, maintained 40 PSI rear and 34 PSI in front, checked and adjusted each morning to compensate for changes in temperatures.
i'd recommend the PR4 to anyone considering a tire change.
attached before and after pictures with odometer readings for the nay-sayers.
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That's some good science, koapono.
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Ok folks, I see a number of you rating PR4's quite highly, but what sizes are you running?
I have a K75 with stock 2.5" Y spoke front, and a 3" three spoke rear... I note that the sizes for radials that Duck recommends for 2v simply don't seem to be available in the PR4. In fact, it would seem that only ONE size of 18" front tire is available - 120/70. Will this work with my whip?
And... as my bias rear tyre is fairly new, I'll not be replacing it just now. I have heard that it's ok to run a radial in front and a bias rear, but not the other way round. Trying to get it all safely sorted. :dunno2:
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Ok folks, I see a number of you rating PR4's quite highly, but what sizes are you running?
You might check the size availability in Pilot Road 3's. I think there is a 110/80-18 in the PR3. On my K11RS I use a PR4 front in 120/70-17 but have to scale back to a PR3 to get the 160/60-18 I need for the rear.
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Tire Update: I have been running my rear michelin PR-4 at 42 PSI since new and I now think that it was too much pressure because the very middle of the tire is about 1/2 mm + lower in tread than just about 1/4 inch to the sides. I just measured it with a tire tread guage (see above pics) at about 6,200 miles wear. I ride solo and weigh about 170, so not a lot of weight.
Also, the tire is cupping...I don't know if that is the right word for it but the height of tread is now a different height on either side of the long diagonal rain channels.
I am changing the tire next week because I am going on a 3,000 mile trip to Las Vegas from the Boston area and I don't want to chance running a low-tread tire on the trip. I always seem to pick up sheet rock screws when my tread gets low. I could conceivably get another 2,000 to 3,000 miles out of it but I don't want to have it in the back of my mind while cruzing x country.
Also, I'm not really happy with the "cupping" and had the same thing on my previous Michelin PR2 rear which was so bad that the rear tire thumped when rounding corners...but that was at 10,000 miles and was the reason I changed it...it still had tread. This tire is not thumping but looks like it will at some point. I don't know if it has anything to do with cupping but my suspension is pretty stiff.
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Has anyone tried latest generation Continentals?
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Has anyone tried latest generation Continentals?
I just received a set for my 92 R100RS but haven't mounted them yet. I have heard great things. Hopefully they will be easier to mount than the Pilot Activs I have been using.
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Thought I'd share a tire story I heard last night. Some guys from my area did a trip to the southern States in July. With the exception of one guy on a Triumph Dayton 1200 the other guys were all on Harleys. All experienced riders. All have done this, and similar, trips over many years. So the victim in this story (a Harley guy) thought his rear tire was OK for the trip. Tread mostly gone but he thought it should get him through. Tire to be changed upon return. WRONG DECISION! His rear tire blew on a curve at 60 mph. Bike fish-tailed, rider thrown. Bike was last seen cart-wheeling down the highway. Rider survived. The Harley was donated to the tow truck guy along with the ownership (pink slip). Our bike tires wear pretty quickly and are, it goes without saying, the only thing between us and God only knows what. Bike tires aren't cheap but they're a lot cheaper than a hospital stay or funeral. When in doubt swap 'em out, guys. And don't ride old, apparently decent, looking tires either. We are all worth the extra dough.
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I got 12k miles out of a rear Shinko Tour Master...it remains me recommended tire
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I ended up replacing my rear PR4 @6,000 miles for the trip from Boston to Las Vegas. So here I am in Vegas now with a rear tire that has 3,000 miles on it and that's good. I am glad I changed it because I ended up spending zero time worrying about it on the trip and that is priceless.
RANT coming...
BTW, do not travel the interstate highways on a cross country motorcycle trip like I just did. The interstates have been taken over by tractor-trailers and I've never seen so many which has made the trip just about unenjoyable. They can be dangerous as you always have to "run the gap" between them as when they are hogging both lanes - one trying to pass another when they are going about 1/2 mph difference in speed. And smelling the burning trash exhaust for 4 days just plain sucks. :musicboohoo:
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Some feedback on the Continental Classic Attacks (but not on a Kbike).
1) They were easier to install than Pilot Activs, but not by much.
2) They corner very well and give high confidence at extreme lean angles. I am sure that I can ride faster on these than the Michelins.
3) But here is the kicker... The profile of the tires fall off very quickly from center. As a result, the bike falls into turns and you have to apply opposite steering pressure to keep it from falling deeper. Then to exit the turn, you have to apply a strong righting force. This is vs. some tires (like the Pilot Activs) that seem "on-center" and when pushed into a turn you have to hold them there with steering pressure. If you let up, the bike returns upright. The net is that it takes a lot more concentration and effort to hold a line - even in straight line riding. I find myself using more of the lane than before. On gravel, they hunt around rather mightily. Since I have a mile of gravel driveway to get to my house, this is an important aspect for me.
The jury is out and we will see how they last, but right now this minute, I wish I had a new set of Pilot Activs instead.
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Has anyone tested the Metzeler Sportec Klassik? Im thinking of buying a set soon.
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Has anyone tested the Metzeler Sportec Klassik? Im thinking of buying a set soon.
I bought a set 1000 miles ago—for the thrill. We've had a mild season so there's not much to say about them. They corner well; they don't willingly follow tar snakes; they seem to give slightly better traction on gravel than the Lasertecs did. It didn't rain much where I rode but when I was in it they performed as well as the Lasertecs—which I like.
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Hello everyone from Las Vegas, Nevada
I was reading on another forum where some folks advocated that somewhat lower tire pressures will yield better tire life.
I had been using 42 psi in the rear and it seems that the last Michelin PR4 was wearing most in the narrow middle inch ( to about 1/2 inch on either side of center) more than further out.
Is that normal?
I would like a more even wear across the middle flater part of the tread.
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Tyre wear depends a lot on tyre compound, road surface, how aggressively you ride, and whether you ride a lot of twisty roads. Riding a lot of highways will result in a lot of wear in the centre of the tyre. Some tyres try to counteract this by having a harder compound in the centre and softer compounds as you move out towards the shoulder of the tyre. It's a bit of a juggling act, as most riders want tyres that grip but also wear. The tyre pressures also come into the equation and are dependant on the bike weight, rider weight, and whether you are carrying luggage or a pillion. All in all it's a big juggling act I've tried various tyres on my K75 Michelin Macadams ( No grip tried 2 sets), Avon Venoms ( 2 sets better grip but started cracking in the sipes), Bridgestone BT 45's ( 2 sets better grip but high wear), and now on Michelin Road Pilots ( even better grip and seem to be wearing better than the BT 45's). With each change of tyre grip or wear have improved I will probably try Shinko's next.
Regards Martin.
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I'm no Mario Andretti but I like my Shinkos!! :clap:
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I'm no Mario Andretti but I like my Shinkos!! :clap:
Don't bother with other, more expensive tires. Shinko 712's and Tour Masters (my favorite) are better than all others it seems. On the plus side, they're cheap
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Hi guys,
What's you opinion on the Michelin Anakee 3 as a back tire?
https://www.google.pt/search?q=michelin+anakee+3&client=firefox-b-ab&biw=2317&bih=1266&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiPqurM4o3SAhWF0RQKHWaSB74Q_AUIBigB#imgrc=ELfEhEi8cw3ugM:
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I have not used the Anakee 3 but a few years ago I used an older version of the Anakee on a big dual-sport ('00 Triumph Tiger). No complaints. In fact they were better than a lot of other tyres I've run.
I'm currently running a dual-sport radial (in 130 /80r - 17) on the rear of my K75RT. A little shorter than stock. If you do a lot of free-way riding that will make a difference. But otherwise, I'm going to keep using radials on my K-bike.
Tom
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Has anyone successfully used a 150/70R 17 tire on the rear on a K75? It is getting very difficult to find good tires in stock, or even +1 sizes.
Cheers,
Bryan
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I'm thinking of fitting Shinko 705's to my 1995 K1100LT, stock rims.
The sizes available are:
Rear 150/70-R17 (recommended 140/80 - 17)
Front 120/80-R18 (recommended 110/80 - 18)
Does anyone know if they'll fit OK?
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there are actually a number of different tires available in the correct, stock, sizes. i just put michelin activ's on my K75. local bmw dealer had them in stock.
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Rear 150/70-R17 (recommended 140/80 - 17)
Front 120/80-R18 (recommended 110/80 - 18)
Does anyone know if they'll fit OK?
there are actually a number of different tires available in the correct, stock, sizes. i just put michelin activ's on my K75. local bmw dealer had them in stock.
He's going for the knobbified look, mlytle. Hard to find in stock size.
Your question about the fit of the rear tire size you've selected, rickety, was answered in post #82 of this thread.
The 120/80 should fit the front, too, but you could compare clearance measurement of the two to be sure. Measure the the distance from widest point on the side of your front tire to the fork, deduct 5mm and that's how close you'll be to the fork with your new tire. Measure from the center of your stock tire's tread surface to the fender, deduct 8mm and that's how close your new tire will be.
Don't believe strangers. :giggles Learn how to figure this stuff for yourself using this tire sizing guide (https://www.denniskirk.com/learn/tire-sizes-explained).
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Thanks Laitch.
It's not the look I'm going for, but hoping for more stable dirt riding without sacrificing too much road composure. If it doesn't work out I'll be looking to buy an adventure bike.
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I'm thinking of fitting Shinko 705's to my 1995 K1100LT, stock rims.
It's not the look I'm going for, but hoping for more stable dirt riding without sacrificing too much road composure.
Rear 150/70-R17 (recommended 140/80 - 17)
Front 120/80-R18 (recommended 110/80 - 18)
Please give us a review of those tires after you've put a thousand or so miles of mixed riding on them.
I ride reasonably-maintained gravel half the time up here. I've considered using Heidenau Scout 60 tires to get better stability in mud. I could get a tubeless 130/80 rear tire but the front would be a tube type 110/80. I'd install a tube in it for use with my stock rim. I like the convenience and durability of tubeless tires so I haven't made the switch.
What I probably should be riding is a KLR but the K75 is such a smooth and reliable ride, I haven't made that switch either. :giggles
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What I probably should be riding is a KLR but the K75 is such a smooth and reliable ride, I haven't made that switch either.
Yeah, I often wish they'd made a K75GS. Some folks modified K75s for better off-road performance. I've thought about it myself, but I've got too many projects as it is.
Tom
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Yeah, I often wish they'd made a K75GS. Some folks modified K75s for better off-road performance. I've thought about it myself, but I've got too many projects as it is.
Tom
Tim Tyler comes to mind. His K75 is really sweet.
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I just put stock Shinko 712's on... What a dream! :mm :curvy-road
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Tire time again for the LT getting to be a bit of a work out to get it up on the center stand.
Have Bridgestone T23 110/80zr 18 front Avon Azero 140/80r 17 rear
Got about 9-9500 on them
Neither seems to be made anymore.
T30 replaced the T23 same size so no brainer.
Raidial rear is really limited now. Do not want to go to a 70series.
How about a Adventure tire for the rear? Bridgestone BattleWing 140/80R-17 is popular with the Big GS crowd and seems to be making 9kish on wear. Many saying they like it better then the Anakee.
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Well I mounted them up and took a ride. The old tires you had to push it into a turn. These fall in. Surprised me first. Maybe the wear over 9000+ miles and the squared up tread has a lot to do with it. Ballacsd up nice. Nothing on the front. 1/2oz on the rear.
The Battle wing has some meat to it but it really doesn't look like a off road tire.
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Please keep us posted on how these tires work for you. The Battle Wing is the only commonly available radial that fits the narrow rims on my K75's.
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This is my Michelin Pilot Active with exactly 8.646 miles on it. It was a combination on 80 mph interstate and 60 mph back roads. I'm pretty happy with this tire.
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The Activ was my next choice they were the same price as the radials
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I've wanted to try a Pilot Activ but when a Shinko Tour Master is $105.95 (list) and lasts 12k miles and is awesome...How much are Pilot Activs?
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I've wanted to try a Pilot Activ but when a Shinko Tour Master is $105.95 (list) and lasts 12k miles and is awesome...How much are Pilot Activs?
Online, the rear is $132 and the front is $108. For some reason I have strong aversion to buying a tire brand named Shinko.
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$77.34 for a rear Tour Master at Motorcycle Superstore currently. I'm on my third rear. They're excellent tires. Johnny likes Shinko's too.
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greetings...
the rs eleven hundert shinkos are not a direct replacement...
last summer i scored a set of stones t30 evos... was surprised... nearly shinko money... and really fine tiors...
just turned all 1up 6k on them... wow... im calling them better than than the metzger avon mitchlyn conti shinko and others ive tried on the rs eleven hundert...
http://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/detail/pr009/index.html
j o
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I'm going to try out Roadtec Z6. 172$ shipped from Revzilla plus an additional 40$ rebate.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170422/2757d66560dec3bc61c165ee49e3b6b2.jpg)
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greetings...
my experience is the z6 will be very good until the rubber goes to cords... so keep an eye on the rear after a few thou... it happens very fast when it happens...
j o
Thanks Jo, I had seen some pics of them at the cords. I was wonder what that was about.
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The official Michelin Pilot Active mileage report: the below image is after 11 months and 12,361 miles. I intended to put an additional 1,000 miles on the tires, but leaving for work this morning I had a flat rear tire and discovered a very large nail - so I just installed the new tires I had waiting in the garage. The arrow is pointing to the wear bar - when flush it indicates 1/32" of tread left. There is probably 2/32" of tread left. The front tire had about 3/ or 4/32" left, but I replaced the front also as I am heading cross country in ten days. I also discovered my "angular bearing" was pretty rough, so new bearings ordered today and installed tomorrow.
Edit: I forgot to mention that I have no complaints on these these tires. I ran them between 32 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit, in both wet and dry conditions, and between 60 mph back roads to 90 mph interstate - I am very happy with them (especially since they are not labeled "shinko" :eek: ).
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I'm liking my shinko 230 rear that replaced my flat pilot active.
I think it handles the wet a little better, and I ride rain or shine.
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170719/f401ffa7cddc63d3bbedcff50ed43e9e.jpg)
Heidenau Scout 140/80-17... its a thight fit. Not tried on Road yet. But seems like a perfect fit.
Chr
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Just joined- Hey everyone!
Bought my first K bike a few days ago; 1986 K75C, 57k on the clock and seems in decent shape. It needs tires bad, though. Going for the Shinko 230 Tour Masters for price and good reviews. Seems lots of people go for non-stock sizing. I'm not qualified to have strong opinions either way, so I'm inclined to go with stock sizing (100/90 18 in front, 120/90 18 in rear). I'm more of a distance and windy road rider, not too aggressive in twisties.
Also thinking I should just replace wheel bearings as a matter of course- what do you think?
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Just joined-
Also thinking I should just replace wheel bearings as a matter of course- what do you think?
Welcome, rover. Post a few pictures of your bike over in the Welcome to Motobrick.com section. Tell us more about your bike, yourself and your genealogy over there.
It's obvious this is your first K-bike or you wouldn't have suggested replacing wheel bearings as "a matter of course." :giggles Download a Workshop manual from the repair guidance center and have a read. If the front wheel isn't jiggling on its axle or rumbling and howling as you go down the road, I suggest leaving them alone. If the wheel on the rear drive is wobbling, you'll be far beyond "a matter of course" and into the realm of magical thinking and incantation.
Visit the Repair Guidance Master List.
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Thanks, Laitch- I have a lot of reading to do. Might be a few weeks :)
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Moto brickers here's my thoughts on tires...
You only have two why not buy the best, most universally recognized tires that hold up well and give good grip?
When was the last time you saw a Shinko on any racing bike (dirt or road racing) other than the drag strip?
I like Bridgestones and have run 023's for a while. When they go I'll mount the 30's.
I have 300K on my bikes and used to road race and still like to corner carve. For my money I'll stick with brands I trust. The K Bikes are heavy does Shinko have a weight rating?
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having just put 100 miles on a set of michelin sport activ's on a track, worn edge to edge, i have nothing but praise for them. sticky and predictable on track. the 700 miles i have on them on the street have been just as good. they are worth it!
well, maybe not if you tires just wear in the center from slab or commuting miles.
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[quote author=wardie link=topic=2927.msg88800#msg88800 date=1505252873
When was the last time you saw a Shinko on any racing bike (dirt or road racing) other than the drag strip?
Saw Kyle Sliger rockin' Shinkos during a stunt show a couple of weeks ago...
As for me they fit my budget, my bike and my riding style.
Jim
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Moto brickers here's my thoughts on tires...You only have two why not buy the best, most universally recognized tires that hold up well and give good grip?When was the last time you saw a Shinko on any racing bike (dirt or road racing) other than the drag strip?I like Bridgestones and have run 023's for a while. When they go I'll mount the 30's.I have 300K on my bikes and used to road race and still like to corner carve. For my money I'll stick with brands I trust. The K Bikes are heavy does Shinko have a weight rating?
To each their own when deciding what kind of rubber to run on their bikes. For me, when replacing my 27 year old tires I went with Shinko Tour Masters. Mainly due to the many informed positive reccomendations from people who have experience with these tires on this site, by researching the manufacturer and quality of their tire, and the reasonable price. Not to mention the fact that I don't even come close to pushing my bike to the limits of these new modern tires which have to be many times over above and beyond the quality of the oem tires due to tire improvements over the last 30 years.
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To each their own when deciding what kind of rubber to run on their bikes.
Perfect quote.
to the cableguy; stunt riding isn't racing. But if you think that Stunt Riding merits your consideration for a set of tires then hey ok :)
Honestly the last time I looked at Shinko's was a couple years ago. Maybe they've improved but I like the Bridgestones, Michelins and Metzlers. Never had a tire separate, always predictable, good tread life and a warranty to help should their be something that causes me to return the tire.
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Shinko apparently acquired the molds and technology off Yokohama and they are they are still backed by Yokohama .
The Shinko Osaka Story
Established in 1946, the Shinko Group began as a manufacturer of bicycle tires and tubes in Osaka, Japan that today has become a burgeoning manufacture of rubber products.
In 1998 the Shinko Group purchased the motorcycle tire technology and molds from Yokohama Rubber Co., and began production of these products under the Shinko Tire brand. With manufacturing based in South Korea and design based in Japan, the company has seamlessly combined Japanese engineering and design principles with South Korean production and quality control standards. Today Shinko Tires produces approximately 200,000 motorcycle tires per month.
In the United States Shinko Tires are imported by Western Power Sports, Inc. (WPS), with corporate headquarters in Boise, Idaho. With a strong foothold on the power sports market, and with warehouses located in Boise, Idaho; Fresno, California; Ashley, Indiana; Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania; Midlothian, Texas; and Memphis, Tennessee, Shinko Tires USA-in conjunction with WPS-is proud to bring you the Shinko line of Sportbike, Cruiser, Scooter, Off road, and Dual sport tires.
On going testing in the USA and R & D at Shinko Tire's factory means a continuous path of exciting tires to meet the need of today's riders. Shinko Tires and WPS are here to serve your needs.
Regards Martin.
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I always have to laugh when I hear about buying a tire based on the company's racing support. Unlike factory teams I don't have an unlimited tire budget to buy the special tires the tire companies supply at high profile races. Rolex watches are common at sporting events too, but I have found that my Timex Indiglo keeps time just as well and can be easily read in total darkness when I am on night watch on a boat.
At nearly 70 years old I ride quick, but nowhere near as fast as the younger guys I sometimes ride with, and I'm too old to do track days. The Shinko Tourmasters and 712's I have used have all the cornering traction I will ever need, right up to dragging pegs. Mileage is excellent, I can get up to 15,000 miles on front tires and over 10,000 on rear tires. I mount my own tires and find that the Shinkos are easy to mount and balance, usually requiring only 2 or 3 weights.
As far as I can tell, the Shinkos are just as good as any of the other tires available, and possibly better for long distance riding, and they do it at a price that is close to half the competition. This is important to me because I ride over a total of 13,000 miles a year on my three bikes and I like to keep my maintenance costs as reasonable as possible.
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I always have to laugh when I hear about buying a tire based on the company's racing support. Unlike factory teams I don't have an unlimited tire budget to buy the special tires the tire companies supply at high profile races. Rolex watches are common at sporting events too, but I have found that my Timex Indiglo keeps time just as well and can be easily read in total darkness when I am on night watch on a boat.
At nearly 70 years old I ride quick, but nowhere near as fast as the younger guys I sometimes ride with, and I'm too old to do track days. The Shinko Tourmasters and 712's I have used have all the cornering traction I will ever need, right up to dragging pegs. Mileage is excellent, I can get up to 15,000 miles on front tires and over 10,000 on rear tires. I mount my own tires and find that the Shinkos are easy to mount and balance, usually requiring only 2 or 3 weights.
As far as I can tell, the Shinkos are just as good as any of the other tires available, and possibly better for long distance riding, and they do it at a price that is close to half the competition. This is important to me because I ride over a total of 13,000 miles a year on my three bikes and I like to keep my maintenance costs as reasonable as possible.
Racing technology inevitably trickles down to their street tires. My observations are based on what I run and why. Others do the same and decide which tire is best for them. Our BMW Club owns a tire changer and balancer. I've found the Bridgestones frequently have less than 1/8 ounce to balance and the date codes are newer tires not something that's been sitting in a warehouse for a while. Now balancing that's an art and another subject for another time. Hey good conversation. This is what makes this site so valuable in learning and having discussions.
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I will admit that I have Bridgestones on the rear of my K100 and K75S. On the K100RS with Paralever and wide rims I can run radials and since my competition days I have had a soft spot for Bridgestone.
The Bridgestone on the K75S came with the bike and is almost ready for replacement. I think I will try a Shinko 712 when I do that change to match the one on the front that I put there when I bought the bike.
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I want to acknowledge that I was wrong about Shinko's .. when I said I hadn't seen anyone racing with them and today I stand corrected.
I covered the First Annual Steel Shoe Nationals paying a $25K purse attracting National Number plates as well as local pros. I wandered through the pits asking my usual questions and found that several racers were running Shinko. This is Flat Track Racing on a hard clay surface but regardless they were running Shinkos in a race.
Looks like Shinkos have come a long way since I last looked at them and decided they weren't for me.
Wardie
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Well I mounted them up and took a ride. The old tires you had to push it into a turn. These fall in. Surprised me first. Maybe the wear over 9000+ miles and the squared up tread has a lot to do with it. Ballacsd up nice. Nothing on the front. 1/2oz on the rear.
The Battle wing has some meat to it but it really doesn't look like a off road tire.
Grim, could you give us a report on the longevity and wear of the Battle Wing tires please?
Steve
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I'm starting to see the dreaded front tire cupping or "scalloping" along the left edge. I remember some comments about cupping and possible related causes. I did some searching here to see if I could find a definitive cause. Then I ran across this web page that describe various types of tire wear and what it means.
Motorcycle Tire Wear (http://www.rattlebars.com/tirewear/index.html)
According to what is described there, the cupping pattern is a normal pattern of tire wear.
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I am over 8K on a set of Michelin PR3's. Love um. Very predictable, great handling, amazing stopping power, and they last longer by far than any other tire I have ever run by a long shot. :2thumbup: :2thumbup: Rear is undersized on a K11LT. 150/70 17(wider but squatter,). I have never gotten more than 4K out of any other tires I have run, except for almost 6k on Bridgestone Battlax T30's. I have run shinkos that I loved,( on another bike), but not great for mileage on them.....(maybe 3600 miles) So that being said, I am thinking of trying the Bridgestone Battlax T30's Evo. They gripped like a Bear. They (older T30's, not the newer Evo edition, were my first replacement tire on my new to me K11), and I am not sure I appreciated them as much then as I may now? :dunno .........................So Johnny, how they runnin??
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Bizzaro...You are probably on your last set of PR3's anyway. I could not get a front as all of the distributors ran out (out of production for awhile). You can go with the PR4's if you want to. You will have to get a 120/70/18 for the front as they are not made in the stock size and you will need to get the 150/70/17 for the rear, which you are probably using now anyway with the PR3.
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Yea, I have been trying to find another set, and nobody seems to have both. I have found the proper front or back at different locations. I guess if I want to get another pair, I had better grab them from different retailers! I would imagine that the PR 4 is a great a tire as well, but I can't find anything that will fit on my bike in the PR4. There is such a limited offering for K11LT's in radials, and even in bias ply.
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PR4 front...120/70/18 (PR4-GT)...PR4 REAR...150/70/17.
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having just put 100 miles on a set of michelin sport activ's on a track, worn edge to edge, i have nothing but praise for them. sticky and predictable on track. the 700 miles i have on them on the street have been just as good. they are worth it!
well, maybe not if you tires just wear in the center from slab or commuting miles.
update..after another day at the track i am even more impressed with the Michelin Pilot Activs. they turn in nicely, and just stick. excellent tire for an old K bike. outer third of the tire must be stickier compound. noticeably different look and feel hot off the track. found tire pressures of 36/38 HOT worked very well. (that is 32/34 cold).
two track days and 700 street miles and they still look new...well except for the solid scuffing from edge to edge......
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Mlytle...I just bought the Activ set but haven't installed yet. Hope they are not a letdown after having the PR series on the bike for the last 4 years. Just don't do much twisties in Nevada and no rain so maybe the PR's are overkill. One advantage of the Activ tires is that they come in the stock K 1100LT size. Glad you are enjoying them.
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mlytle, ah, which bike are you talking about here? I mean K75's are well over 200# lighter than the LT? I would imagine the 1300 would be close in weight to the LT. Are the Actives radials? And do you run all your tires in that pressure range? It seems low for todays standards? Inquiring minds want to know! :popcorm
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tires are for the K75.....this is a brick forum and the K13 ain't a brick. :hehehe
Interestingly enough, the k1300s and k75s are close to the same weight.
they are not radials. don't think there are any radials in stock sizes for a K75.
lower tire pressures worked better on the track...for street running stock cold pressures.
(K13 getting mich pilot power RS or dunlop sportmax Q3+)
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Just put on a set of Metzler Roadtec Z8's on the '91 K100RS 4V. I wanted a matched set and paid $250 for the pair from https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com. I've only ridden to work and back twice and they felt fine, even up to 100 mph. I have a HF mounting machine and a Metzler balancer. That is a FAT rear and had to take off the Staintune exhaust to get it out.
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My new to me '94 K75s has tires with plenty of tread, but the Metzler ME88 Marathon on the rear is 3902, which I think is 39th week of 2002! The front Lasertec is 5006, so 11 years old.
I'm tempted to wear a little of the almost new tread off, but tire failure probably is not pleasant.
I have read through the tire threads and am thinking Shinko 230's.as I can get a matched set. I looked at bike bandit and they want $129.27 shipped for the set. I'm thinking that is crazy cheap for decent tires. advice?
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I have read through the tire threads and am thinking Shinko 230's.as I can get a matched set. I looked at bike bandit and they want $129.27 shipped for the set. I'm thinking that is crazy cheap for decent tires. advice?
AMT sells the 100/90-18, 130/90-17 set for $125.89 shipped. Tourmasters have been praised by well-respected members here. Use them.
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I have over 26,000 miles on three sets of Tourmasters with my K75RT which is at least a few pounds heavier than the K75S. I can't think of one negative thing to say about them. For the price, they are hands down the best deal in tires you can find.
Having said that, on my K75S I use a Shinko 712 on the front and a Battle Axe on the rear. The Tourmsasters would work just fine on the S model, but I went with the 712 and the Battle Axe because they have "sportier" looking tread patterns. ...Ah, the price of vanity.
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My new to me '94 K75s has tires with plenty of tread, but the Metzler ME88 Marathon on the rear is 3902, which I think is 39th week of 2002! The front Lasertec is 5006, so 11 years old.
I'm tempted to wear a little of the almost new tread off, but tire failure probably is not pleasant.
I have read through the tire threads and am thinking Shinko 230's.as I can get a matched set. I looked at bike bandit and they want $129.27 shipped for the set. I'm thinking that is crazy cheap for decent tires. advice?
Chuck those tires! It is not just about tire failure, the rubber gets hard with time and traction goes down dramatically.
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Just replaced my Michelin PR tires (radial) with the Michelin Activs (bias ply) and now have about 1,500 miles on them.
Verdict: The Activs cannot match the Pilot Road tires for handling. The difference is quite noticeable. I have now become a 10-15 mph slower rider. I will be going back to the PR (4) tires when these wear out...or before.
If you have not ridden your brick with radials, you have NO idea what you are missing.
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Chuck those tires! It is not just about tire failure, the rubber gets hard with time and traction goes down dramatically.
I said I was tempted, but I'm looking for new rubber.
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Just replaced my Michelin PR tires (radial) with the Michelin Activs (bias ply) and now have about 1,500 miles on them.
Verdict: The Activs cannot match the Pilot Road tires for handling. The difference is quite noticeable. I have now become a 10-15 mph slower rider. I will be going back to the PR (4) tires when these wear out...or before.
If you have not ridden your brick with radials, you have NO idea what you are missing.
Showing my ignorance here, but I didn't think I could get radials for my bike. Are the 230 radial ? If not , what is ? I might have read you couldn't get a radial set, but maybe 2 different brands.
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Look at my submission at the top of this page for tire size!
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I am pretty sure that if you spend a couple days searching on the interweb like I did you will come to the conclusion that as nice radial tires are you will not find any radial street tires that fit your bike.
You will find that the only radial tires in the sizes you need are "dual purpose" tires designed for "Adventure" bikes. If you go that route be aware that you will be sacraficing some tread endurance and dry road traction for the ability to go off road.
I cannot document how much performance on dry roads you will lose, but those dual purpose tires will not perform as well as radial street tires. In the end, you may end up with a higher priced radial that is no better than a bias ply.
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Look at my submission at the top of this page for tire size!
sorry, I saw you rode an 1100 and didn't know you were talking about tires that would fit the K75. so to be clear, those will fit my K75 with the 3 spoke rims?
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Just replaced my Michelin PR tires (radial) with the Michelin Activs (bias ply) and now have about 1,500 miles on them.
Verdict: The Activs cannot match the Pilot Road tires for handling. The difference is quite noticeable. I have now become a 10-15 mph slower rider. I will be going back to the PR (4) tires when these wear out...or before.
If you have not ridden your brick with radials, you have NO idea what you are missing.
Ditto on that. And to be clear, this is on the K11LT in both cases. It is a beast..................Something like 750 pounds, and even more loaded. I had Sport Demons on my bike last year. I think I got a bit over 3.5k on them and they were done. I never felt like I could push them. I couldn't wait to get back to radials.... And the Michelin PR's I am riding on now have over 9000 miles on them, and they still have some life left in them. I expect to get a bit over 10k out of them. I have never gotten more than 6k on any other tire on any bike. The Michelin PR 3's handle great in all weather, and stop on a dime. I assume the 4's will be similar, and well worth the couple extra dollars by a long shot on every measure. YMMV
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I have over 26,000 miles on three sets of Tourmasters with my K75RT which is at least a few pounds heavier than the K75S. I can't think of one negative thing to say about them. For the price, they are hands down the best deal in tires you can find.
Having said that, on my K75S I use a Shinko 712 on the front and a Battle Axe on the rear. The Tourmsasters would work just fine on the S model, but I went with the 712 and the Battle Axe because they have "sportier" looking tread patterns. ...Ah, the price of vanity.
curious why you didn't go for the Battlax on the front, seems they are available in 100/90 18
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All this time I thought Battlax was a guano-producing compound. It's lifelong learning here at MB.C!
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All this time I thought Battlax was a guano-producing compound. It's lifelong learning here at MB.C!
Laitch, that is a really sh!tty play on words.
Regarding the 712 on the front. It was solely a price driven decision. I had good experience with Shinko so I thought I would give it a try. As for the rear, I think it was because Shinko didn't have the size I wanted, and the bike originally came to me with the Battle Axe.
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Bizzaro, The K1100LT weighs 635 pounds wet and with all of the bags and radio in place. About 600 pounds otherwise. The K1600 weighs about 735 or so.
Beemucker, if you have the 3 spoke wheels, the tires may fit. I do not know. Do the research on the specs for your bike's wheels widths vs the specs for the K1100 series.
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Laitch, that is a really sh!tty play on words.
It stinks; I know. :dunno2:
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Yea, I tried using Battlax T30's. At the time, I was new to the Brick K11LT, and had hard time loosening up........................... :yes I would like to try them again as I didn't appreciate them at the time. You really have to drive them with authority I think, and I was a bit tentative being new to "the Beast". I will say they gripped like a bear, but to me, I felt I had to really pitch um into corners. I couldn't just roll into them gently. Now that I am more accustomed to the bike, I think I would like them a lot more. But not as much as the high milage road burner the PR 3's have been. Its fun to switch it up a bit though.
And Gryph, may I say, IT'S REALLY GOOD TO SEE YOU POSTING :2thumbup:
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I am looking to get some Metzeler Roadtec Z6 for my K100RS 16V. I admit to being a little confused by the right tire size.
I currently have a 120/60 ZR 17 on the front and a 160/60 ZR 18 on the back - they both have tread left but are very old 2108 front and 2406 rear so with the dry season fast approaching I am thinking it is time to change them.
Some sources I have seen say the standard tires are 100/90 17 front and 130/90 18 on the back others (like this site) say 120/70 17 and 160/60 18.
I think I would like the wider tires and since I am already running a 160/60 rear I know it will fit. The Shinkos all seem to be in the narrower size only.
Has anyone tried these Metzeler Roadtec Z6? I was looking at the pilot road 4s but cannot seem to find the right size for the rear, I see 160/60 17 but not 160/60 18. The Pilot Road 3s are also an option but I think I read they do not make them anymore so I am worried about how old the tires would be.
I want to be fairly sure they are the right tire before I buy since they have to come over from the States via boat...
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AMT sells the 100/90-18, 130/90-17 set for $125.89 shipped. Tourmasters have been praised by well-respected members here. Use them.
Tha wasn't so hard was it.
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AMT sells the 100/90-18, 130/90-17 set for $125.89 shipped. Tourmasters have been praised by well-respected members here. Use them.
Tha wasn't so hard was it.
Does that mean you understood it on the first try? :giggles
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While trying to un-addle (de-addle??) my brain I came across this site
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=130-90r18-160-60r18
It should help anyone trying to work out the relative differences between different tire sizes.
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Does that mean you understood it on the first
 :hehehe Always 1 in every group who has no life and thinks he "is" the forum :2thumbup: . Thanks to all that have helped me out. :2thumbup: . catch you later.
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Just replaced my Michelin PR tires (radial) with the Michelin Activs (bias ply) and now have about 1,500 miles on them.
Verdict: The Activs cannot match the Pilot Road tires for handling. The difference is quite noticeable. I have now become a 10-15 mph slower rider. I will be going back to the PR (4) tires when these wear out...or before.
If you have not ridden your brick with radials, you have NO idea what you are missing.
curious your definition of "cannot match..for handling". 10-15mph slower? really? were tire pressures the same? same size tire? lean angle? type of use?
i think that comparison has more to do with modern multi compound tire design than a bias vs radial ply design. the PR4 is a multi compound tire that may have a different radius profile.
as i mentioned before, the modern compound on the Activ and the tire design is pretty amazing. having spent several hundred miles on the Activ on a race track...the tire is not the limiting handling factor, the bike is (well, and the rider a bit). Activ had easy tip in and more grip at the edge of the tread than the bike has lean angle available. it only took a few laps to get total confidence in the tires....at the limit, not tooling around on the street.
I have PR3's on my K1300s. less impressed with those. have not put them on a track, but on street the tip in is slow and the stabilty of the front tire in a decent turn is not inspiring. but that is just my limited impression of some half used tires.
the tires capabilities are different, but it is not a bias vs radial ply issue, there are so many other factors involved. heck, modern RACE car tires are....bias ply..in many cases.
everyone has their own "feel" for a tire, but let's not dis bias tires just because of their ply direction. ALL tires have different capabilities....and there are some junk radial tires...
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curious your definition of "cannot match..for handling". 10-15mph slower? really? were tire pressures the same? same size tire? lean angle? type of use?
i think that comparison has more to do with modern multi compound tire design than a bias vs radial ply design. the PR4 is a multi compound tire that may have a different radius profile.
as i mentioned before, the modern compound on the Activ and the tire design is pretty amazing. having spent several hundred miles on the Activ on a race track...the tire is not the limiting handling factor, the bike is (well, and the rider a bit). Activ had easy tip in and more grip at the edge of the tread than the bike has lean angle available. it only took a few laps to get total confidence in the tires....at the limit, not tooling around on the street.
I have PR3's on my K1300s. less impressed with those. have not put them on a track, but on street the tip in is slow and the stabilty of the front tire in a decent turn is not inspiring.
the tires capabilities are different, but it is not a bias vs radial ply issue, there are so many other factors involved. heck, modern RACE car tires are....bias ply..in many cases.
everyone has there own "feel" for a tire, but lets not dis bias tires just because of their ply direction. ALL tires have different capabilities.
I have not been able to find the PR4's in the right size for the rear - have you?
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
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I have been through 3 PR4 and 1 PR2 rear in size 150/70/17.
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Myltle, My thoughts/feelings on the Activs...
The Activ is a stiff tire and feels somewhat harsh on rough roads. Michelin suggests 32 front and 36 rear for the K1100.
I, at first, ran them at max inflation pressure @42 psi, as I do with the PRs but then went lower to Michelin's suggestion because of the stiffness as I also have stiff suspension and a rather hard Corbin saddle.
My impression is these tires seem to want to go straight and the bike needs muscling to get it into turns.
The feel of the tire does not inspire confidence (for me at least) at speed. They now have a couple of thousand on them.
I don't do the track but I do ride aggressively and sometimes ride at triple digits on these somewhat empty Nevada highways but have not felt like it since these tires were installed. 100 mph feels a lot faster now!
If I start to feel differently about the Activs, I will report it here. If they work for you, great. They are fairly inexpensive.
Most likely, I will be going back to the PR series. YMMV...as they say. :riding:
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I have been through 3 PR4 and 1 PR2 rear in size 150/70/17.
Ah good to know so a 150/70/17 would fit in place of the 160/60/18 I am running now?
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Myltle, My thoughts/feelings on the Activs...
The Activ is a stiff tire and feels somewhat harsh on rough roads. Michelin suggests 32 front and 36 rear for the K1100.
I, at first, ran them at max inflation pressure @42 psi, as I do with the PRs but then went lower to Michelin's suggestion because of the stiffness as I also have stiff suspension and a rather hard Corbin saddle.
My impression is these tires seem to want to go straight and the bike needs muscling to get it into turns.
The feel of the tire does not inspire confidence (for me at least) at speed. They now have a couple of thousand on them.
I don't do the track but I do ride aggressively and sometimes ride at triple digits on these somewhat empty Nevada highways but have not felt like it since these tires were installed. 100 mph feels a lot faster now!
If I start to feel differently about the Activs, I will report it here. If they work for you, great. They are fairly inexpensive.
Most likely, I will be going back to the PR series. YMMV...as they say. :riding:
great expanded summary! the key to reviews is the context in which they are made.
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Ah good to know so a 150/70/17 would fit in place of the 160/60/18 I am running now?
Did I miss some obvious sarcasm? Film Camera, there is no way to fit a 17 inch tire to an 18??
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Film Camera, there is no way to fit a 17 inch tire to an 18??
Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp,
Or what's a heaven for?
Andrea del Sarto
by Robert Browning
Good catch, Bizz!
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I was looking at the pilot road 4s but cannot seem to find the right size for the rear, I see 160/60 17 but not 160/60 18
Sarcastic? Moi?
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I have been through 3 PR4 and 1 PR2 rear in size 150/70/17.
Ah good to know so a 150/70/17 would fit in place of the 160/60/18 I am running now?
This is his "rear' tire, not the front. The RS has an 18" rear rim, and a 17" rim up front. (usually, unless someone has switched them up with an LT) The LT has an 18" rim up front and a 17"rim on the rear. First number designates the width of the tire, 2nd number designates the aspect ratio, and the 3rd is the rim size. You can adjust the first two, width and aspect ratio around some, and still get it on the bike. But the rim size is not flexible for tire fitment! :oldguy:
Just trying to make sure you didn't order up a tire that would not fit your bike and get it all the way to Costa Rica! At probably double the cost with shipping, and find out it wouldn't fit! I am sure you would triple check it. But :beatdeadhorse:
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Yes, thanks. I have not ordered tires yet but am thinking of going with the Metzeler Roadtec Z6 because I can get exactly the right tire size 120/70 17 front and 160/60 18 rear and they are not as expensive as the Michelin Road Pilot 3, IF they made the PR 4 in an 18 I might have gone that route but it seems I have no choice. I know the Shinkos are well thought of but I prefer the lower profile and greater width of a 160/60 compared to a 130/90 which is what Shinko makes.
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I've decided on a set of Shinko 230 for my K75. I can get them online for less than $130 shipped. I haven't found a shop that will install them unless I buy the tires [$200 ] from them and then another $30/tire if I bring the wheels in, otherwise $75/tire. So $270 out the door. There tons of videos for DIY, so who changes their own tires? I do bicycle tires but moto tires look like a PITA.
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I've decided on a set of Shinko 230 for my K75. I can get them online for less than $130 shipped. I haven't found a shop that will install them unless I buy the tires [$200 ] from them and then another $30/tire if I bring the wheels in, otherwise $75/tire. So $270 out the door. There tons of videos for DIY, so who changes their own tires? I do bicycle tires but moto tires look like a PITA. It will cost me more than the $270 if I bugger up the rims and disks.
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Buying tires on sale online then mounting them yourself saves significant $$. But, yes, it's a PITA -- especially the first time. But it gets easier.
I use a pair of C-clamps (Home Depot), a pair of tire pry bars and some soapy water. The hardest part is inflating the new tire. Front tire was not a problem for my cheapo Walmart pump but the rear was, even with a tightly cinched ratchet strap around the tire. But the local gas station air did it easily without the strap.
Re balancing: I stripped the existing balance weights from the rims and inserted balance beads ($5 local tire store). this works fairly well but I detect a slight front wheel vibration at speed > 120 kph. I will take Johnny's advice: next time I'll have a tire shop balance the rims without the tires mounted and then use beads, if required (probably won't be).
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I do my own tires as well.
Balancing is probably the most time consuming part of the job. It also requires an expensive adaptor for the rear wheel. Since the stuff needed to balance your tires will cost a bit over $100 it may be worthwhile to find someone who will balance your tires for a reasonable price if you bring in the wheel with the mounted tire. If you ride 10,000 miles a year or less, it doesn't makes sense to balance your own tires if you can get them done for $10 a wheel.
The only thing I would add to the tool list for changing your tires would be a couple pairs of plastic rim protectors to prevent the tire irons from scratching the soft alloy of the wheel.
I would also check all the Shinko dealers in the area for their installed price if you bring in the wheel. I had a dealer in Salt Lake City install a 230 on the front of my RT For just under $80 after I pulled the wheel in his parking lot. He even loaned me a jack to use. For the $15 over the online price it was a great deal.
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 :hehehe Always 1 in every group who has no life and thinks he "is" the forum :2thumbup: . Thanks to all that have helped me out. :2thumbup: . catch you later.
Boy I hear ya. :yow :clap: It's like some guys that come on the forum, and in the first 3 days, post like 40 questions, and never use the search engine................. You'd think the forum was a replacement for their "MaMa"! They just cry "fix my bike"! And how come Dad? :eek: They been on the forum 3 weeks now and know it all! :ba: Then shun sage advice from someone who has taken the time to do the research, knows his stuff, and is a wealth of knowledge......................... Like a freaken K bike encyclopedia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!But also enjoys a bit o fun in the process of disseminated his knowledge............ :kill-sword-dueling:
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I've decided on a set of Shinko 230 for my K75. I can get them online for less than $130 shipped. I haven't found a shop that will install them unless I buy the tires [$200 ] from them and then another $30/tire if I bring the wheels in, otherwise $75/tire. So $270 out the door. There tons of videos for DIY, so who changes their own tires? I do bicycle tires but moto tires look like a PITA.
I bought the shinkos on Bike Bandit for $130 shipped and found a local shop that will mount them for $35/tire. so for less than $200 daddy's got new shoes. It would have cost me $270 at 2 other shops, but the Honda was the high price winner at $370. Maybe they were punishing me for having a BMW? Will report back but they gotta be better than the 2002 M88 and 2006 Lasertec that are on there.
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Update on Michelin Activ tires. I installed the Activ set on Nov 1st @102,850 so about 3 weeks ago. I now have 105,050 miles. Just came back from an Arizona 2 days cruising around and put about 700 miles on. So anyway, I was looking at the tires this morning and the rear tire looks like it still has plenty of tread but the front looks like 2/3 worn out. Something isn't right. As I think I mentioned before, my bike is vibrating above 80 and it gets worse the faster I go. Also, the front tire grabs every little crack or groove in the road. It only started to happen with the new tires. I could ride at 100 before (w/ PR 3 front and 4 rear) and it was a smooth and "planted" feeling.
Looks like it may be time for new tires...Again.
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I've decided on a set of Shinko 230 for my K75. I can get them online for less than $130 shipped. I haven't found a shop that will install them unless I buy the tires [$200 ] from them and then another $30/tire if I bring the wheels in, otherwise $75/tire. So $270 out the door. There tons of videos for DIY, so who changes their own tires? I do bicycle tires but moto tires look like a PITA.
Have you checked with your local BMW motorcycle club to see if anyone has a tire changer?
I have a No-Mar tire changer and a Marc Parnes [size=78%]http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Motorcycle_Wheel_Balancer.htm (http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Motorcycle_Wheel_Balancer.htm)[/size] balancer kit that I offer for any of our club members that wish to save a few $$ and do tire changes without the scheduling hassle.
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Update on Michelin Activ tires. I installed the Activ set on Nov 1st @102,850 so about 3 weeks ago. I now have 105,050 miles. Just came back from an Arizona 2 days cruising around and put about 700 miles on. So anyway, I was looking at the tires this morning and the rear tire looks like it still has plenty of tread but the front looks like 2/3 worn out. Something isn't right. As I think I mentioned before, my bike is vibrating above 80 and it gets worse the faster I go. Also, the front tire grabs every little crack or groove in the road. It only started to happen with the new tires. I could ride at 100 before (w/ PR 3 front and 4 rear) and it was a smooth and "planted" feeling.
Looks like it may be time for new tires...Again.
agree, something isn't right. sounds like a balance, head bearing, bent wheel or defective tire issue. both my K75's are planted at 100 with Activs.
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Have you checked with your local BMW motorcycle club to see if anyone has a tire changer?
I have a No-Mar tire changer and a Marc Parnes [size=78%]http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Motorcycle_Wheel_Balancer.htm (http://www.marcparnes.com/BMW_Motorcycle_Wheel_Balancer.htm)[/size] balancer kit that I offer for any of our club members that wish to save a few $$ and do tire changes without the scheduling hassle.
I'm in Hardly Ableson land here. As far as I know no local club. My friend with a Guzzi does his own without a machine. I'm just happy I found someone to do it at a reasonable price.
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I have a NoMar unit in my house & a balancing rig if anyone is near NYC, I would be happy to help )) :riding:
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So, steering this thread back to tires for a moment...Anyone here tried the Pirelli Angle GT tires?
https://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/pirelli-angel-gt-motorcycle-tire/p/41920?m=10939
(https://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/pirelli-angel-gt-motorcycle-tire/p/41920?m=10939)
Bike Bandit has them in K1100 LT usable sizes. The price is cheaper than the Metzler PR series.
My newly installed Michelin Activs are 1/2 worn out after 3,000 miles. Probably go another 2,000. Not a good deal by any means, especially when installation costs are factored in.
The Pirelli's are radial tires with a W rating (168 MPH+).
So, has anyone used these tires? I'm esp. interested in handling + mileage info.
The savings are about $80 for the set over the new PR4's.
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don't know about the "Angle GT's" but the Angel GT's seem to get great reviews on various Beemer forums...
:-)
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I just bought a set for my bike, will be here Friday.
I have used them on a couple Buell's.
They were pretty nice tires so I figured I'd try them out again. )
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PS. I ordered them from Dennis Kirk, even a little bit cheaper there ))
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Pirelli markets them as sport touring tires. They come in 110/80/18 front and 150/70/15 for the rear, which is what I use in the Michelin PRs. I think I read that they are dual compound too
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I'm no tire-ninja, but just to make something sure before go buying tires:
On a K75C '87, which comes with a rear rim sizing 2.75"-18", I could put a 17" TL tire on it?
(for the record, I'm specifically looking at Front 110/80-18"TL and Rear 140/80-17" TL of either the TKC80 or Heidenau K60)
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:eek: REALLY?!?! :nono No you cannot! A 17 inch tire will not mount on an 18 inch rim!
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I'm specifically looking at Front 110/80-18"TL and Rear 140/80-17" TL of either the TKC80 or Heidenau K60)
The 110/80-18 Scout will need a tube fitted for mounting. Heidenau does not list a tubeless (TL) in that size, only a tube-type (TT).
Both TKC80 sizes are TL, if available.
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:eek: REALLY?!?! :nono No you cannot! A 17 inch tire will not mount on an 18 inch rim!
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:eek: REALLY?!?! :nono No you cannot! A 17 inch tire will not mount on an 18 inch rim!
Maybe if he is really strong..
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Maybe if he is really strong..
He could always try a pre-mounting dip of the rim in liquid nitrogen then mounting the tire after heating it in a pizza oven.
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I also have an 87 K75C. My 120/90-18 rear tire barely clears a side stand bracket. I question whether a 140 would. I like my Shinko 712s.
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Got it, thanks guys.
I also have an 87 K75C. My 120/90-18 rear tire barely clears a side stand bracket. I question whether a 140 would. I like my Shinko 712s.
I've seen alot of scrambler-type K's which have these tires on. Maybe the clearing differs between K100 en K75?
He could always try a pre-mounting dip of the rim in liquid nitrogen then mounting the tire after heating it in a pizza oven.
Bingo! :clap:
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If he were a "tire Ninja" he might be able to karate-chop the tire onto the rim....Hiiiii-ya!!! :cowpoop:
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I see that Continental has Conti Road Attack 3 radials for front and rear for the Y spoke K75/K100 2v rims - 100/90 and 110/80 18 fronts and 130/80-17 and 130/80-18 rear sizes.
Might have to try them.
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Hey Yawl,
Will a 120/70/18 fit on my 94K1100 front wheel? There doesn't seem to be a lot of extra width up front.
I am getting ready to order tires for the upcoming season soon to start here in VT. I am sold on the Michelin P R series. Great handling, and long lasting. I have over 9k on the P R 3's now on my bike, and some to go. I will probably get 10k out of them. More than twice the wear of most tires I have used. Well worth the extra $$! Do you know for a fact that the 120/70/18 will not be to wide for my 94K1100?? There does not seem to be much extra width up front! Just wondering if anyone has actually mounted that size tire on your bike? Or if you are sure they will fit, and not rub? Funny why Michelin had the 110/80/18 in the PR3, but it is not offered in the PR4?
Thanks,
Bizz
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. . . the upcoming season soon to start here in VT.
Really? It won't be soon where I live, Biz, unless global warming gets a move on, pulls the frost from this road and dries it to an attractive patina. I'll just need to be content watching curling match replays until then.
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:2thumbup: For The Curling. My Brother and I had to walk and talk lightly at our curling club in Sutton Quebec last night after the U S beat Canada twice in curling, and just won the gold in hockey by beating the Canadian Women's Hockey Team!!! :yow :yow Really it is all good. Nice and friendly folks at curling club all around. But there was not the usual zealous hockey or curling banter last night! :giggles
I will be on the road by the end of March :2thumbup: .................Just around the corner, while your anxiously awaiting the frost heaves and mud to subside. One of the advantages of living close to the pavement in these clime's! :neener: The other day when it hit 70, that's all I could think about. If I hadn't have drained my coolant, I probably would have gone and got my bike out of storage and had it weather out these last few weeks of Winter, in my wood shed now that there is room in there! :hehehe Just in case I could get a ride in on the next thaw day! :2thumbup:
Back on Subject: WILL A 120/70/18 FIT ON A K1100LT and not rub the calipers or fender/forks?? (just thought maybe I should highlight the question! :eek: )
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There's precious little specific info out there. You might be the pioneer with this one, Biz, unless you wait until beemerdon tackles the issue in April or May. A 120/60 will fit on your front rim. It would be a width increase of 10mm compared with your current tire. That's roughly a 5mm increase on each side. If your bike has more clearance from the sliders than that, it might work. A straight-edge measuring rule would be all you need.
What I'd want to know is how much expansion of width occurs when the tire you have now is hot. I'd use that number to determine how much clearance you might need for the new tire.
You intend to transport a deer on the front fender this fall?
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Hey there Bizz... The difference between a 110 and a 120 width is 5 millimeters on each side.
Looks like more than enough room to me. I will be buying one in a couple of thousand more miles when present tires are shot.
Let us know how it works out if you go first.
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You might be the pioneer with this one, Biz,
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.
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What is the rim size called for to fit the wider tire?
When you fit a wider tire that is designed for a wider rim you end up distorting the profile which will effect how the bike falls into turns. It can also REDUCE the size of the contact patch which will reduce traction and stopping power.
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Remember that the pioneer is the guy with an arrow in his chest.
Yuri Gagarin probably would dispute that, if he were still alive.
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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.
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On the other hand, I have used a one size larger front on my R90/6 and it made the steering feel sluggish.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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".
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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.
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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.
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[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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
(http://www.motobrick.com/gallery/1/3823-200318173642-10232096.jpeg)
(http://www.motobrick.com/gallery/1/3823-200318173640-10161375.jpeg)
(http://www.motobrick.com/gallery/1/3823-200318173640-10162117.jpeg)
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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:
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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.
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Thanks for the reminder. I will take it easy to start with.. :riding:
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New rubber makes me hard.
Time for a saltpeter smoothie there, Bizz.
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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.
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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
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: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?
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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.
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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?
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Opps just checked the age of the front tire manufactured in 2008. Looks like i need front and back.
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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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greetings...
its best to post up what tior sizes your wheels will accept... many different combinations are found on old bricks... and are your wheels oe to that model and year...
id start with knowing whats on there... verify it against the fiche... then say snow flake or 3 spoke wheel and the oe size its supposed to take... then go from there...
anything else is speculation... tiors... your life depends on them... and thats not speculation...
j o
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I have the oe Y spoke wheels. The vin sticker on the bike says 100/90-18 front and 120/90-18 rear. I find this strange because everywhere i look on the web for tire size on the k75s it says 130 rear.
right now i have 10 year old bridgestone bt-45 100/90-18 front and 130/90-17 rear. vin#0105515
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The vin sticker on the bike says 100/90-18 front and 120/90-18 rear. I find this strange because everywhere i look on the web for tire size on the k75s it says 130 rear.
Y-spoke rims are 2.75" wide; a 120-90 was the BMW-specified size. Three-spoke rims for K75S and other later K75 models are 3" wide; a 130 width was specified for them. On either rim you could install a slightly wider tire. Have you ever run your VIN through a VIN-decoder to determine if it has been modified from the original?
In your looking everywhere, you missed this from the 1988 BMW Workshop Manual. The 1987 Haynes Manual has similar specs.
(http://www.motobrick.com/gallery/1/1601-050418204901.png)
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Thanks for the reply
I did run the vin and it is a EUR version 1987 k75S maybe that's why the tag states 120/90-18 rear. Anyway i found a replacement set of tires i am going to use. Shinko 712 110/90-18 front and 130/90-17 rear.
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Just changed out the Michelin Activ bias ply tires and installed the Michelin PR-4 GT (120/70/18) front and the all new and different (?) Michelin Road 5 150/70/17 rear. What a difference. The new radials bring my 1996 bike into the 21st century. I'm back to being 20mph faster again. And they are smooth. I think that part of my previous problem with the Activs was poor balancing from Ride Now Powersports. They are incompetent. I had these mounted at my local BMW dealer, where I also bought the tires. ...I got a good deal though by refusing to pay the quoted prices and negotiated a price that was on par with what Motorcycle Warehouse quoted me. ...Ya gotta try...
Anyway, I'm ready for traveling now. I was concerned that the 120/70 front would affect handling adversely but I just think about turning into a curve and the bike responds. :riding: These tires aren't cheap but I think that they are a good value.
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I put Shinkos on mine and sofar I'm pretty happy. big improvement over the ancient Metzlers.
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I have run Shinkos on another bike. Great price. I got front and rear tior, plus wheel weights, spoons, valves, and a static balancer for under $240! I think just the tiors together were under $165! Handled well for a mediocre rider. I liked um so much I got my brother to try um on his Hardly Abelson. Got a lot of practice changing and balancing Tiors! IE: I think my best mileage with um was around 3.5 k. My brother had the same experience I had. Nice handling, but low mileage. Most folks here seem to love um.
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Thanks for the feed back. I'm getting some this week
220$ installed balanced total.
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I think my best mileage with um was around 3.5 k. My brother had the same experience I had. Nice handling, but low mileage. Most folks here seem to love um.
Which model were you using? I have a 712 on the front of my K75S and it still has a lot of life in it after 8,000+ miles. The Tourmasters I run on my K75RT get over 9,000 miles on the rear and 12,000 on the front. I mount and balance them myself and run them at 38 front and 42 rear.
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I ran tour masters on a Virago 920. It was several years ago. Compounds have probably changed? :dunno
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I have Shinko 230 Tour Masters on my Yamaha 650 Maxim right now and they are awesome, huge improvement over the Dunlop D404 that were on there. As soon as I come up with the cash for new ones I am getting some for my brick. Cheap, high weight ratings for these heavy beasts, and plenty of grip throughout the mind f*** of constantly changing weather and construction that is Ohio :2thumbup:
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D404's r made for goin up n down Main Street.
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Recently mounted a Shinko 712 on the rear, so far so good. May consider the same tire for the front since it comes in that size.
This bike is not ridden year around and the Avon Roadrunner on the rear was about done for and both are showing some dry-rot. That's the main reason for going the cheap/inexpensive route so we'll see.
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Anyway, I'm ready for traveling now. I was concerned that the 120/70 front would affect handling adversely but I just think about turning into a curve and the bike responds. :riding: These tires aren't cheap but I think that they are a good value.
So how tight is the fit? I mean with the standard 110/80 on the front of my bike, there is not a hell of a lot of extra"room"? If I remember right, it is about 5 mm on each side. And thanks for taking the plunge.
And yea, the PR series is a great tire. Besides great handling and feel, I got an unheard of, (for me), 10K out of the PR 3's I ran! :riding:
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Hi Bizz... There's plenty of room, not much difference, if any.
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Recently mounted a Shinko 712 on the rear, so far so good. May consider the same tire for the front since it comes in that size.
This bike is not ridden year around and the Avon Roadrunner on the rear was about done for and both are showing some dry-rot. That's the main reason for going the cheap/inexpensive route so we'll see.
This is not intended to be a flame, but when someone posts a statement like this and there is no indication in the text or the signature line of the model of their ride it can lead to frustration on the part of the reader. I spent several minutes searching the websites of various tire providers only to conclude that this must not apply to the K1100LT. (?!)
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greetings...
many references to listing year model snowflake 3 spoke oe tior size and of course listing moto...
so... what do you want to do... brunhilda wants to ban all motobrickers in violation... so... what do you want to do... itsa a ch1t deal everyway you look at it...
j o
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so... what do you want to do... brunhilda wants to ban all motobrickers in violation... so... what do you want to do... itsa a ch1t deal everyway you look at it...
I just want
The world to sing
In perfect harmoneeee💗
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I am Acute Toxicity (formerly Brunhilda), the Special Agent In Charge at the DMJ (Department Of Motobrick.com Justice).
The BMI (Bureau Of Motobrick.com Investigations) has confirmed that you violated motobrick.com protocol by not adhering to the posting guidance here at motobrick.com.
This is your notification that another occurrence will trigger disturbing sanctions.
The protocol is located here for your review and compliance as defiance is futile. (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,3995.0.html)
A T
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Do you know why I pulled you over.
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1994 K1100LT METZLER ROADTEC INTERACT ZR8 110/80 ZR 18 FRONT 150/70 ZR 17 REAR Rear tire is a modified size. Recommended size from the k11 bike manual is not available in this tire.
Been meaning to write this up for a while now.
METZLER ROADTEC INTERACT ZR 8
So I have about 1k on these tires. They are hands down, absolutely best tire I have ever run on this bike, or any other bike for that matter. As much as I raved about the Michelin PR 3's, these are that much better. They track and are stable as all get out. Roll in and out of corners with ease, yet are forgiving in corrections, grip like a bear, and are sheer a pleasure to ride. They instill confidence in your abilities, have a great feel for the road, and have made me a better driver without a doubt! I am so glad I decided to go with the Metzlers. I almost had a pair of Michelin's shipped from Poland,(last set of PR3's anywhere in a month of searchin) but relented because of the $100 shipping charges, I couldn't be happier with the result. Obviously, I highly recommend giving these tires a go. I doubt if I will get the 10k out of the Z8's as I did with the PR3's, but the handling more than makes up for it. As always, YMMV.
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Forgot to mention that I did end up putting on a set of Metzeler Sportec Klassiks last year and have been really pleased with them so far. Smooth ride and lots of sticky (insofar as my crappy ability to feel sticky goes).
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.......................................................................................NEWS BRIEF!...................................................................................
I've now got over 4,000 miles on the front 120/70/18 michelin pr4 gt and rear 150/70/17 pr5 radials on my 1996 K1100 LT SE. They feel like i'm riding on rails. My tire pressures are 40 psi front and 42 rear...if anyone cares. (BTW, the front used NO weights when mounted.)
... anyway, you need really good stiff suspension to feel the tire's benefits ... worn, soft rear shock & front end?... fogedaboudit.
a chain is only as good as it's weakest link.
These tires are some awesome rubber and If the previous michelin PR tires that I have had are any indication, I will get a good 10,000 to 11,000 miles out of these and still have some tread left when they are changed.
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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.
Love these tires on my Brits, but they use tubes.
I've read this entire post and nobody mentions the Avon 3D X M Storm. This tire is still available in 160/60x18 for the rear of my K100rs and at a good price. Seems like most of the other tires I find are only available in 17" for the rear.
Currently running Metzler Z6. Probably get another season out of them, but they're 10 years old.
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I am Acute Toxicity (formerly Brunhilda), the Special Agent In Charge at the DMJ (Department Of Motobrick.com Justice).
The BMI (Bureau Of Motobrick.com Investigations) has confirmed that you violated motobrick.com protocol by not adhering to the posting guidance here at motobrick.com.
This is your notification that another occurrence will trigger disturbing sanctions.
The protocol is located here for your review and compliance as defiance is futile. (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,3995.0.html)
A T
This is small fish compared to the piling evidence that Chaos has colluded with the Russians through Ural!
Realistically, been running Shinko 712 F/R, standard size, without much issue. Great value, but not the best all-around...for that, you will pay quite a bit more.
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Bridgestone moto tires (http://bridgestonemotorcycletires.com) currently offering a rebate on select models to April 30. Rewards link (https://www.bridgestonerewards.com/DynamicPage/Index/626f3aa1-f87d-417f-94c6-98eaea2b0f16) You upload a copy of your receipt and got the approval confirmation in a week. A credit card arrived within 2 weeks, set up a pin number and used as a debit card.
Best price with free shipping I found from Chaparral Motorsports on eBay. Received tires banded/strapped together through UPS. Uploaded a .PDF copy of eBay receipt. No issues
93 k75s 3 spoke wheels Rear 3.00x17 Battlax T31 150/70ZR 17 Front 2.5x18 Battlax T31 110/80ZR-18
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Michelin PR Tire Update
I now have 10,2xx miles on Michelin PR 4 GT-version (120-70-18) front, and the Michelin Road 5 (150-70-17) rear. Even now with all those miles, the tires perform well and turning in is no problem, although the rear has squared off from riding mosrly in the middle of the tire.
I believe they will last another 1,000 miles.
These are not the stock sizes and the bike originally came with bias ply, not radials but they work great.
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...
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Been running Shinko 712's on my airhead and two of my K's for several years. I think they're great tires. Good in the dry, good in the rain, and not upset by tar snakes. The other tire I'd recommend is the Bridgestone Spitfire S11. I've tried many different brands on my BMW's and these are my two favorites, regardless of price.
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+1 for the Shinko 712s. They are much cheaper than the Michelins I formerly used. I cannot detect difference in performance or endurance.
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I now have 11,200 miles on the above tires and they do not look much different than in the pics from 10,200 mi. They also continue to handle well and the rear isn't particularly squared off. Good job Michelin. These are an improvement over previous generations, which I thought were pretty good. This is the most mileage that I have gotten on M/C tires. The good news is that I am going to get some more! FWIW, I am running 42 PSI rear and 40 PSI front. :1thumbup
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Just put some Shinko 230's on my K75S, and I've been loving them so far. Feel a lot more planted and far more eager to lean in than the 712's the PO had on there. It could've also been that the back tire was pretty squared off after a lot of highway miles. I'm looking forward to seeing how they hold up.
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Getting a warning about this thread being old but I have spent a lot of time in here, it's been helpful and I did not notice anyone mentioning my final choice.
My bike is an 94 K75S with 3-spoke rims so 100/90-18 front and 130/90-17 rear. I did want radials badly, went through the trouble/frustration of looking for a matching pair of same type radials in the original size nada. Looked ad going wider for a while but it to was a wild goose chase and maybe not a good idea. So I made a list of the bias ply (or cross ply as they are starting to call them to loose some of the stigma) and looked at reviews, availability, price etc.
I finally ordered a set of Metzeler Roadtec 01 (replaces the Z8), these are a newly designed (2016) bias ply tire that people seem to like and I don't expect to be disappointed.
Article buy a guy who got a free trip to Germany to write.
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/247377/metzeler-roadtec-01-tire-review-dr-moto-review/
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Replaced both of mine last year. Since my K100RS uses an 18" rear I don't have so many options. I was able to get 160/18 rear in Metzeler Roadtec Z8 from J&P Cycle. They also had the Z6 for the front at a discount. Never had anything else on this moto, but they seem to be quite capable.
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I finally ordered a set of Metzeler Roadtec 01 (replaces the Z8), these are a newly designed (2016) bias ply tire that people seem to like and I don't expect to be disappointed.
It may be an old thread but I have had my head in here a fair bit over the last few years too and it is a popular thread with good reason, a bit like an oil thread.
I had the same grief as TTR looking at a pair of radials for my 1986 K75S (fitted with 3 spoke wheels). I ended up buying and fitting a pair of the new Metzeler Roadtec 01 bias ply tyres in the OEM standard size front 100/90-18 56 & rear 130/90-17 68. They have now done 7,000 miles, half of it two up fully loaded. They have seen warm dry and cold wet roads. Having had Metzeler Lasertecs, Bridgestone BT45s and Michelin Pilot Activs in the same sizes I think that the Roadtec 01s give me a lot more confidence in grip on cold wet roads than the others. On warm dry roads they feel equally as planted as the BT45s and the Pilot Activs. Tar snakes don't seem to bother them much. Wear wise they are probably going to finish up similar to or better than the BT45s. Photos attached. Unless I find a pair of new radials to fit with a 140/80-17 rear that is a full road based tyre I will probably be going for another pair of Roadtecs next time around.
I'd be interested to know what are others experiences of the new Metzeler Roadtec 01 bias ply tyres?
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Definitely important thread, as tires make a world of difference!
I have a stock 18" snowflake wheels on my K75C with 100/90 front and 120/90. Both wrapped in old(cracked) Metzeler Lasertecs from previous owner. I too don't have that many options(wished that I am able to get a wider tire in the rear). After exhausting a search for matching radials in stock sizes, I almost ended up getting the Metzeler Roadtec 01. However, I recently found out that Bridgestone just updated their BT-45 with the new BT-46 this year! It's pretty much the BT45 with newer, upgraded compound to also handle wet weather. And they actually have the right sizes for my wheels and ordered a set. They also cost a little less than the Metzeler Roadtec 01 which is a plus.
Hope to get them installed soon. But still always on the look out for Radials that'll fit.
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gildo need to upgrade- 3 spoke wheels Rear 3.00x17 Battlax T31 150/70ZR 17 Front 2.5x18 Battlax T31 110/80ZR-18
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I have to get tires for the K1100, really the last thing I need, just bought a used front master cylinder to finish the brakes.
I don't know how long I will keep the bike, but I am thinking Metzeler Roadtec Interact Z8's. They are $120 for the front and $150 for the rear from a seller on ebay. My friend has a mounting and balancing machine.
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you should talk metzlers with/to bizarro when he not having his arse twiddled by his doctor
http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,7993.msg121731.html#msg121731 (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,7993.msg121731.html#msg121731)
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Put the 01s on and ran down to Victoria and back, very pleased with tires, put a new rear shock and fork emulators/springs on the front last year and these tires where the cherry on the cake, a bigger improvement then the suspension upgrades. The bike tracks well now, enter a curve, roll into it and it stays there, hit a dip while leaned over and it still wants to stand up a little but nothing like before. The ride is somehow softer now, hard to describe sort of velvet like. A much more relaxed ride.
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Last update on Michelin PR 4 GT front/ Road 5 rear tires from previous posts in this "Tire Recommendations" thread.
Total mileage = 13,746 miles
I still had tread on both of them but changed them out "early" because I had to take a trip to L.A. (from Las Vegas) and didn't want to take a chance on getting a flat on I-15.
I have had the exact same duo installed again and am around 6,000 miles into them.
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Hey Don,
So what sizes are you using? 150/70/17 rear and 120/?/18 front. With that kind of mileage and it is a great tire it is hard to say no. I love my Roadtec Z8's, but can't get more than 5k out of them. The only tire I have gotten over 10 k was the Michelin PR 3. And the last set of PR 3's I Had shipped from Poland(for real) and I only got about 7.5 K. But I loved that tior as well. Handled great and the mileage is unbeatable. I would rather be riding than changing tires!
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So what sizes are you using? 150/70/17 rear and 120/?/18 front.
The answer is here in Reply #276 (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,2927.msg110909.html#msg110909), Bizz.
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Silly me. I should have just asked you!😂👍. I knew it was in here somewhere but didn't want to spend 30 minutes trying to find it. Plus Beemer Don and I have history, and he doesn't know who I am. A fun little game for my tiny brain!😂 Thanks for the post #. 112350
Addendum: Ha, right on this page in plain site! Also the size I assumed. 🥴