Tire Recommendation?

[Bob_Roller]

Every time I order a 4.00 x 18 for the rear, at least Metzeler tires, I have gotten 120 width, seems like the 4.00 is not a popular size stocked by many shops and suppliers.

[thrang]

Erm... yeah they should be black made of rubber with pretty cut out zizzgy zaggy  patterens on the outside.... and most importantly of all should remain in contact with the road during forward motion... well mostly anyway.

Okay Pub time  ....  

[smiley=beerchug.gif]

hehehehehehe... couldn't resist having a joke with this one

[Ed Miller]

I think thrang nailed it.  I use the same tires as Rob.  Well, the same model and sizes.  I don't like using his left overs.  Why don't they make dual sport tires for our bikes???  I couldn't find any.

[larstorders]

Good point by nhmaf, different manufacturers produce different width tyres to fit the same wheels.
I found Avon Am21 110/90 measured 116mm and was dissapointed to find the BT45 110/90 I replaced it with was only 111mm. And surprised to find the 90/90 BT45s width was merely 86mm, a lot skinnier than the AM21 90/90 I removed at 94mm. So there's a discrepancy of about a whole tyre size there. Being narrow, the BTs feel a bit too quick on the steering but not too bad. A consellation is the BT 45s seem stickier than either metzs or the AM21s and they've been fine so far over 1000 miles. This week is the first time I've ridden them on dry roads!!!!!!!  Anyhow, I can confirm at least a 100/90 is required up front if BT45s are used.

[Semper Gumby]

I have an Avon Roadrider 4.00V18 on the back of the 1980 R65 at the moment with a Macadam 110/90H18 on the front.  The Macadam is wearing like steel and will probably dry rot before it wears out.  I have been really pleased with the Avon but it remains to be seen if I get the 15000 mile distance I was getting out of the 120/90H18 Macadams I have been running on the rear.  I will probably try a Macadam 4.00H18 on the rear to see if I get the same mileage plus the great handling I'm getting with the 4.00 Avon.

The only Metzlers I have ever been really happy with are the Compound "k" tires which are really sticky and not made anymore.  Regular Metzy tires are too hard for my liking.

As I have said before - buy the best tires money can buy for the reasons you think are relevant and be happy.  

TTFN,

[nhmaf]

larstorders - yes indeed, I also have a 100/90 BT45 on the front of my R65LS.  I wouldn't want to go any smaller.  The previous owner had a 110/90 on the front,
which worked OK and was about a wide a tire as could fit in there.  The 100/90 turns in a bit quicker yet the steering stays pretty close to neutral as far as I am concerned.   The rubber on these BT45 tires is very sticky compared to the ol metz's and I am very happy with them - I think that I can comfortably get the bike leaned over even farther with these before they break loose.