Tire poll

[Mike V]

At the risk of you guys banning me from the forum for even mentioning the word "tire", I wanted to step out on the proverbial limb and ask for preferences in tires. I have short term cabin fever with the rains this weekend and am trying to decide on new tires and tubes for the 650. I have my strong opinions and preferences for the /7 but no experience for the 650. I'm looking for something with handling, performance in both wet and dry with adequate mileage factors.  Also, something that handles the CA rain grooves. I plan on using this bike as a commuter, weekend canyon runner, everything except a long range tourer. I don't think. Yet.

Just mention your list of priorities (favorite first) or single favorite for me if you would, please. I'll keep a list here at home and post it when it's all said and done.  

[Bob_Roller]

I've been using Metzeler Me33/Me99, now the Lasertec series tires, and I am quite satisfied with the performance of them, I've been using them since 1987 .

Don't get a lot of wet weather here in Phoenix, but the few 'gully washers' I've been in, the tires performed quite well .

I haven't noticed rain grooves 'upsetting ' the handling any more than I experience with any of my 4 wheelers .

I get about 8-10,000 miles on a rear, and 11-13,000 on a front tire .

Cost is a bit higher than other tires, last set cost around $350 for tires, tubes, sales tax, mounting and balancing .

I only put at best, 2,500-3,000 miles a year on the R65, so if you put a lot of miles on your bike, this may not be the best choice cost wise .

I have seen reports of 'cupping' of the tread, I haven't experienced it so far .

I've been getting my tires from Southwest Mototires, in Tucson, purchase 2 tires, and shipping is free .

Since they moved to the Tucson location, I take the wheels to them, and have them do the mounting and balancing, $20 per wheel/tire assembly .

http://www.swmototires.com/

[Mike V]

Thanks Bob, always solid information from you. I'm leaning toward the Macadams (Michelin) or Avons, but want to see if I can get some good information from the guys and their experience.  I like the tread design on the Macadams. This is going to be a totally different direction for me since all my tire purchases in the past was for the long distance touring and mileage factors for the /7. I've tried almost all of them.  My favorite for the /7 are the Dunlop K491's - excellent mileage and a good stiff sidewall. Handling is good and I've been in some tremendous rain storms and they grip quite well as long as you keep them on the road surface and not on top the water layer and the road. Speed control in the wet is important to combat hydroplaning no matter what tire you use.
I had cupping problems years ago with my Metzelers when I traveled to Chicago - I increased my tire pressures to 38 front and 40 back and have never had a cupping problem since.

Mike V.  

[Semper Gumby]

I'm a Macadam guy.  I got about 20,000 out of a set but a lot of that was commuting at 60 mph.  Work well in the wet and the dry.

I tried a set of Avon Roadriders on the BSA Firebird and they seems squishy to me.  Subjective I know.  When I switched to Bridgestone Dual sports on the Firebird, the 4.00-18 Avon went on the back of the R65 where it has just about run out of tread.  The 19" front tire went into the bin due to chinese milling on a bolt when the front axel got loose on the Firebird.  The Avon worked fine on the R65 but I'm going back to the Macadams here shortly.

4.00H18 rear tire really works well on the back of the R65.  Easier to put on and take off as well.  At a minimum I would recommend the 100/90-18 sized front tire.  The 90/90-18 has always seemed too small to me.

Many people also have the Bridgestone BT45's on their R65's.  My first experience with them will be when the K-bike front end goes on my R65.  There is a good 100/90V18 tire on the 2.5 inch rim and I guess I'll try it for a while.  

Hey I just crunched some numbers.  That Avon 4.00V18 rear tire has lasted almost 16,000 miles.  Not too shabby.  I expect a bit more form the Macadam.  I guess I'm just easy on tires....
 
This advise worth 2 cents - not what it used to be.  

[Motu]

My 120/90x18 BT45 rear has just worn out - only got about 5,000km from it.No problems,but I'll be looking for something cheap and nasty to go with my Kenda K671 Cruiser front.I don't like the 90/90x18 front tyre,but the Kenda seems up to the task - last weekend a following rider said I was nearly touching the crashbars down in the corners.Every bit as good as a Metzeler for half the price for me.

I much prefer to ride with my streettracker tyres - Dunlop K70 4.00x18 front and rear.I can push the bike much harder on seal,and they are excellent in gravel too.The rear tyre only lasts 3,000km,so I change wheels if doing a lot of open road riding.

[Mike V]

Excellent, I'ld like to get everyone's opinion as time goes on, thanks Bill. 16k is exceptional mileage, I have 15k with more to go on my Dunlop K491's for the big bike.

[Mike V]

Should have done this in the beginning.  Did I miss anything?  Cast your vote.

[Mike V]

Ok guys, cast your vote.

[MrRiden]

Although not a serious consideration for some riders I am using the poverty riders choice with no complaints. A low cost alternative for someone who seeks fresh rubber at a nominal charge.
Cheng-Shin Hi Max C907/C906

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/tire-tyre-guide/Cheng-Shin-HiMaxSportTouring.htm

Grip is good on dry and loose surfaces and balance was easy to achieve with a minimum of weights. Stable at highway speeds with a tendency to follow rain and other grooves with the front. Not tested in the wet.

[Mike V]

I put up a Poll Chart at the top of the thread. You guys go ahead and put your vote in if you can. And any anecdotal information about performance, feel, grip, or characteristics you would like to share is always helpful.  We'll see what kind of results develop.

[Mike V]

Nobody on Avon Roadriders out there? Seems to be a popular tire for the larger displacement Airheads, just wondering if anyone has experience on them.

[Ed Miller]

Nobody on Avon Roadriders out there? Seems to be a popular tire for the larger displacement Airheads, just wondering if anyone has experience on them.

I have and like them on my Triumph.  I just thought he was talking about our R65 tires.  He needs to add Bridgestone Spitfires to the mix, I ran those for several sets.  No problems with them but I decided to test some Continental Conti-Gos this time.  They seem fine too.  I'm not sure I can tell the difference, unless they last longer than the Spitfires.

[Mike V]

Ed,
Only 8 options on the poll format unless I'm missing the function to add more.  I'll make a note of the Spitfires. Thanks for the input.

[Barry]

I currently have a 4.00 - 18 Pirelli City Demon fitted on the rear. I wasn't attracted by the name - doesn't exactly conjure up a performance tire image does it.

It works well enough though, was the right size and is a big improvement on the old Metzeler previously fitted. It was also half the price of a new Metzeler so I'm more than happy.

I had been disappointed when a new Metzeler ME11 front had not cured quite a bad case of "white lining" and very surprised that a new rear tire completely eliminated the trait. Other plus points are much easier to mount and seat on the rim than a Metzeler and also easier to slide in past the brake shoes.

[chewy4x4]

Just put on the roadriders. I like them They seem to grip better than my old metzlers. But I still havent boken them in an I am going from old tires to new tires so we will see. Oh and 90/90 up front 120/90 in the rear