The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Totally Off-Topic Discussions, Rants, Tire & Oil Threads, Etc. => Topic started by: fixer on March 22, 2007, 01:15:37 AM
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just curious what your favorite tires are for use on the R65?
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MY favorite is the ones I have on my bike -
Bridgestone Spitfires
Front - 100/90-18 56H
Rear - 110/90-18 61H
Ideally, for a stock R65, the front tire should be a little narrower, say 90/90. 3.25 was specified from the factory. Some of the folks here run even larger front tires.
Some of the reasons I like the Spitfire so much (I am on my 2nd set, now) is that they are one of the least expensive non-Chinese tires available, (though I have read good things about Cheng-Shin (sp?)) and they seem to wear like iron. This will be my 3rd season on this 2nd set. The first set I replaced only because they had dry rot around the sidewall.
And it is generally accepted that the tire pressures recommended when the bike was new - found either on a label under the seat, the riders' handbook or possibly a Haynes or Clymer manual are out of date. Those pressures will probably be too low for modern tires.
I run 34 pounds front and rear these days.
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I've been using Metzeler ME33, ME99, since 1988, tires stick real good except when it's real cold, then it takes about 10 miles to get them up to temp. I would caution you on getting long life tires, due to your residing in Las Vegas, the exposure to the high temps and unrelenting sun will accelerate the hardening process of the rubber. Here in Phoenix, I don't keep tires on the bike more than 4 years, no matter how good they look ( usually wear them out before then). But they are a bit on the pricey side, a set of Lazertec tires, 2 Metzeler tubes, mounting and balancing plus sales tax, at Southwest Mototires in Tucson costs around $320 that's the best prices that I could find. If I purchased the tires locally, the price would be at least $400. So do some shopping around before you buy any. Also check how old the tires are when you do get new ones, there's a code molded into the sidewall of all tires to show the week and year it was manufactured in, it would read something like : 4506, which would be the 45 th week of 2006. I don't use tires that are over a year old when I buy them. I have no affiliation with Southwest Mototires, but their prices are the best that I can find on the internet (if you buy 2 tires, the shipping is free), if you have any questions about tires, email them, and the owner Blaine will usually get back to you within a few hours.
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FWIW, i ran a Metzler Laser on the front of the Katana, and a Metronic on the rear for several years, 20kmi per year and never had any problems with that combo on that bike. did NOT like thee stock Dunlops that came on that bike.
didn't like the Metzler Saharas that came on my KLR, and it's running Duro Medians now... don't have enough miles on them to give an informed opinion on those.
planning on Metzler Z6s on the "new" project Katana.
i'm familar with SW Moto Tires, thoi i haven't ordered from them before, www.americanmototire.com also has good prices, but says they charge actual shipping to your zip... final prices seem close between these two vendors.
Cycle Gear mounts and balances for $10 per wheel.
i've seen some other mention of the ME33 and ME99 combo, and at this point, that's probably the direction i'd lean... it wouldn't surprise me if the Metzlers that are on the bike now are the original tires... gonna have to check the codes and post pix this weekend.. the rear is VERY square, and VERY scary.
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Chen Shin C907 & 906 Himax Bias Ply Tire. Grip is good and I can buy both front & rear with new tubes for just a bit more than one of those fancy French tires. Besides I'm still pissed at Michelin for the fiasco at the Indy F1 race a couple years back. They balance up pretty good and I get to wear them out before the rubber dries & cracks in the severe desert heat. Oh and did I mention that I'm cheap.
Rich
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Michelin Macadam 50/50e. Best compromise between longevity and stick that I've found.
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For the past two years, I had been running Chen Shins front and rear with no complaints (and the price was right, too). However, last year I found a place locally that sold Bridgestones for almost the same price. So I put a pair of "Battlaxs" on Britta, and have been pretty pleased so far.
Presently, the tires have about 10k on them and still look pretty new all around! ;)
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+1 on the Macadams. Good grip even when wet. They are forgiving when you come up against the limits. They start to let go - just not all at once. Its almost like they are talking to me "If you push me any harder I'm going to put you on your assssssssss........" I run 33 front and 36 rear on the psi. Check the psi weekly and got 20 k out of a set of H-rated tires. V-rated tires last about 10k on the rear.
I have the 120/90H18 on the rear and 110/90H18 rear tire (turned around) on the front for extra stability at speed. To get the 110/90H18 on the front I had to modify the front fender's aft attach hole (elongated vertically).
You're results may vary.