Tyre comments

[Tony Smith]

I'm just about due for tyres, the front is well worn and the rear barely legal - they have done about 3,500 miles and if I could find Pirelli City Demons I would fit them again in a heartbeat, the trade-off for the short life is that they stick to the road like $hit to a blanket.

Sadly, nobody has got a 3.50 front or rear (I'm running a 3.50 rear reversed on the front of the wife's R65/80. I can get another 3.00-18 front which is what I have at present, but I do recognize that the 3.00 is just a little narrow.


So, I'm investigating other brands.

Does anyone have experience with Mitas? the seller I've found who has both 3.50 fronts and 4.00 rears tells me they are the best thing since sliced bread. I'd appreciate other's comments.

[AJB]

You know, despite my 30 plus rears of experience in the automotive industry I had never heard of Mitas tyres until I read your post,  Just goes to prove that every day is a school day  (doesn't help you at all, but just thought I'd share).

I'm interested to hear some feedback on the tyres though, as I will be replacing mine after winter so may consider these.

[Tony Smith]

You know, despite my 30 plus rears of experience in the automotive industry I had never heard of Mitas tyres until I read your post.

Don't feel bad, i've been riding a little longer than you and have never heard of them until today.


From their website:-

"Mitas is a Czech-based manufacturer of off-road tyres (agricultural, industrial, motorcycle). The history of Mitas dates to the 1930s, when tyre production started in Prague, then the capital of Czechoslovakia, and in the Moravian city of Zlin. Mitas currently operates three plants in the Czech Republic, one in Serbia and one in Charles City, Iowa. Besides these production facilities, Mitas has an extensive international sales and distribution network operating in 14 countries, including the United States. Mitas manufactures and sells tyres under three brand names: the company’s own Mitas and Cultor, and Continental under licence. ".

I think i am going to pass as I can't find any reviews of the tyres they sell in the R65's size range -- I'll harass the Pirelli importer and see how long it will take to scare up some city Demons or Highway demons.

[Matt Chapter]

I've really been liking the Avon Roadriders, I'm running a 90/90 in the front and a 120/90 in the rear.  Think I've got over 5k on the rear but am close to replacement, the front is fairly new with only a couple k on it.

[Barry]

I'm going to be have a similar problem when my Michelin M45's wear out as they have stopped making them in 3.25 and 4.00 sizes. No metric equivalents either. 

[nhmaf]

I've been a fan of the Bridgestone BT45 tires on my R65 for years, and have been through 2-3 sets.   I may never change unless forced, but another tire that I might consider trying is the ContiGo All Around tires - they have decent metric sizes for the front and back, but also do advertize a 4.00" rear.  Back in the early 80s, a number of guys and I ran the old Continentals - they had soft rubber and stuck to the road OK but wore out very fast for us.     The BT45 tires I use generally get me about 6K miles - I wish it was more, but they stick to tarmac very well in all conditions.   Not perfect on gravel roads, but not terrible either.

I've heard of MITAS tires before and seen them on several bikes when I was in Europe, but I have no personal experience with them.

[mrclubike]

My front Avon Roadrider has over 16K  miles on it with another 2k left in it
I have been getting 6k to 7k on the rears

[Motu]

Loving my Shinko's, way better than the Spitfires I had previously.

[marcmax]

I am running a set of Shinko's also. I don't ride hard so max performance is not a concern for me but these tires are 1. the right size, 2. Durable- I have around 2.5-3k miles on this set and they look almost new., 3. they meet all my requirements for a tire., 4. They are a great buy, I spent less than $100 (US) for the set I am running. Another $40 to have them mounted and I couldn't be happier.

[wilcom]

I am running a set of Shinko's also. I don't ride hard so max performance is not a concern

Hard to beat a "hundo" per set.

[Motu]

I've run the 3 Shinko types in my size range - the 712, 110 and 230. Currently have a 110 on the front and a 230 on the rear.  The 110 is more sporty, and the rear has a kevlar belt same as the 230.

[DonC]

I've owned my '86 R-65 since new and always used Metzlers. They are getting pretty expensive and the wear seems to be going down so I'm trying Michelin Pilot Active tires. So far I like them better than the Metzlers as far as ride compliance and grip and they seem to be wearing very well also. A little cheaper than Metzlers but not $100 a set! Just another option.

[Tony Smith]

What sizes did you get Don? I am gun-shy over the lack of space in the rear for anything much wider than 4.00 inches.

[DonC]

90/90-18 front, 120/90-18 rear. This is an '86 R-65 with the single sided swingarm and I have about 3/8" clearance between the tire and arm.

[Billmc]

I too replaced my 22 year old Metzlers on my '87 R65 Mono with the Michelin Pilot Active in the 90/90-18 and 120/90-18 sizes.
I have 2K on them and find them very forgiving and compliant in different conditions and they STICK!
 Don't know about the wear but they haven't lost any tread depth.