Replacement tires

[rev_mook]

Hey all, I need to replace the tires on my R65 soon while I have the dough.  I've been looking at the Metzeler Lasertec's (100/90 18 front, and 120/90 18 rear).  From what I've read, these are desirable tires for the R65 and don't track the rain grooves on the California freeways like a record player.  I'm wondering if anyone here as other suggestions for tires that I might be overlooking?

Also, this might sound stupid but I've thought about fitting dual sport tires on the bike. From time to time, I find myself out in the middle of the desert on dirt roads which can range from hard packed, to really soft.  I've almost dropped the bike (more than once) when suddenly hitting a soft spot.  Maybe I should just slow down or stay on the pavement.  

[montmil]

[smiley=argue.gif] Dear Lord. Another DTT...

All I'll say is that the 120/90 rear tire makes rear wheel removal a Royal PITA.

Deflate tire, remove left rear shock, scratch chassis paint... [smiley=furious3.gif]

[rev_mook]

Digital Terrestrial Television?

100/90 18 front, and 120/90 18 rear is what's closest to original size in a modern tire from what I've read.  This is the first time I've heard about removing the left shock and shoehorning the wheel back in with a 120/90.

[nhmaf]

Mook -

Not all metric series tires are actually the same physical dimensions, so some 120/90 might squeak in on the rear, and some will rub, and some will fit OK.   Actually, a closer match to the original 4.00x18 rear tire is a 110/90 x 18, if you don't want to go with the actual english standard tires - which are still available but only from very limited sources.

If you have a snowflake front wheel, probably a better tire choice size if you go with the metric sizes is the 90/90 x18.   With an R65LS front wheel (NOT a snowflake) the rim width is wider and more suited to the 100/90 tire - you may still get the 100/90 on your bike but the rim width is only 1.85 inches - best to check with tire supplier on recommended minimum rim width for the tire size - I suspect it may be a bit pinched in, which changes the tread profile (adversely).   But, I do see people running 100/90s on the snowflakes.

Here are some links to other tire threads from the past year:
http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1335558825/4#4

http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1329773517/11#11

P.S.  In case you haven't found out, TIRE threads and OIL threads are most often the bane of motorcycle forums - you'd be better off discussing gun control and abortion and marijuana legalization in most cases!

It's OK, we aim to help everyone's edjumakation...
Mike

[Barry]

Here's an updated version of my tire width table. I don't believe anything wider than a measured 120mm when mounted would fit my bike (later bikes may have more clearance). Provided it fits without rubbing I'm then more concerned with maintaining the original tire diameter and therefore overall gear ratios. That tends to means sticking with proper 4.00 tires.

When interpreting manufactures tire width data take note of the rim size because the manufacturers data is only valid for that rim size and the actual mounted width will not be the same when mounted on a different rim. This is one reason why actual measured widths vary so much for what are nominally the same size tires.

[rev_mook]

Gah!  Too much information!  I was hoping to save a few bucks by buying the tires on the 'net, but I think I'm just going to head to a dealer and take whatever tires they sell me.

It was not my intention to start a Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge type thread.  I just need new tires and I don't know what to get.

~M

[Bob_Roller]

There's no easy answer for tires or oil !!!!!

It's whatever makes you feel good .

[EGRG]

I just bought a set of Heidenau tires for my LS  K36 4.00-18 rear
K34 3.25-18 front.
German made, Grips very well.
So far I have excellent results.

[raymr]

I have the Michelin Pilot Activs, no rain groove effect at all.

[rev_mook]

Ray, What size are your front and rear Michelin Pilot Activs?

[raymr]

90/90-18 and 120/90-18. It had an over-sized 100/90 front tire before and the fender mounting bolts were 1/8 inch away from the rubber. I don't like anything threatening my front tire in any way, so I went with the standard size and it handles just fine. Mine is an '86 with the cast wheels.

[tvrla]

I've been running Bridgestones - last a long time, wear well, feel good, and are probably the best tire bargain out there. I've run the S11 Spitfires and Battlax BT020. The BT020 is a bit stickier but they both allow me to go as fast as I want, though I do take it easier in the wet.

As for size, I'd recommend staying away from the 120 rear. Besides being harder to fit and mount, the handling tends to suffer and be a bit heavier.

In the front I've always run the 100x90 on all my airheads. They all have the same width rim except for the LS, even though the bigger siblings have a 19" front. The 100x90 has worked fine for me.

I've been running them for fifteen years now and they're excellent tires!

[Matt Chapter]

Keep in mind that all other things the same, the smaller cross section provides "sharper" handling.

I have an '86 with the tri-y rims, and I prefer the 90/90 in front.  I've had metzler lazers (going back even before the lazertec update) several times and like their grip, but they wear a bit faster some others.  Most recently before my current metzeler front I had a bridgestone.. it was a 100 so a little bit more piggy handling, plus I rode until until it literally lost grip.  I've also had a michelin, but it was a while ago and nothing in particular stands out about it.  Or was it a dunlop?

Can't remember what size the rear is right now.. pretty sure it's a metzeler though.

I really want to try some other tires, but the problem is that the dealer only keeps a few in the R65 sizes in stock, so ordering ahead is key.  Avons look interesting as do the michelin pilot actives.  I'd never get a BT45 again though.

[rwait]

Check out http://www.tiresunlimited.com/default.htm.

Front - 90/90HB18      BW      9      T290303      $82.18
Rear - 4.00HB18              BW  11      T290325      $97.35

I've bought two sets of Continental GO tires from them.  Great service, pricing, and given my proximity in Chicago, they are delivered next day.  BikeBandit also carries these tires and sometimes their sales pricing, AMA discount, and occasional shipping promotions can save you a few bucks.

IMHO, having a 90/90/18 front tire fits and handles better than anything larger.  The bike had 110/90's on it when I bought is several years ago and I noticed a distinct difference using the smaller, more OE, size tire.

RW

[rev_mook]

Ended up getting Michelin Pilot Activs, 90/90 18 in the front and 4.00 in the back.  Should be here next week sometime.  Thanks for the input!

~M