Tires Recommended for "average" road use.

[Randew2U]

Can you guys recommend replacement front and rear tires for me anticipating "Average" driving conditions and driver? I dont really take it off the road. Thanks

My OEM tires on my 04 BP wouldnt pass inspection at 2700k and the bike is in my living room awaiting skins. I have the 17" SM rims. I want to take the rims off and have tires put on at a local bike shop.

[DAVID THOMPSON]

i used kenda 671's on the rt125 and they seem to do ok but i do not go very fast ps big singles eat up 3 things
1 roads with sharp cornors
2 GAS
3 rear tires in short order

my saxon tour 500cc has about 3000 miles on rear and next summer
at about 5,500 it will look like a Oscar Mayer Bologna skin
EVERY TIME IT THUMPS IT RIPS A BIT MORE RUBBER OFF THE TIRE
http://www.kendausa.com/motorcycle/street.html

tell your shop parts unlimited has them

check and print the link
ar dave

note i use stock size tires unless they are not sold in my area like the saxon tour needs 110/80-16 not sold in usa so i did 120/80-16 from rear of buell blast jacks up the rear making a fast steering bike even faster

[keithcross]

The problem is that tyres are very much a trade off between wear and grip. Also the torque caracterisitics of the 660 lump make it real heavy on tyre wear.
I use:
Rear Avon Distanza. Lasts about 3000-3500 miles, grips well and isnt to bad for gentlle off road use either.
Front Avon Pro extreme rain. LaAsts about 5-7000 miles and again not to bad for gentle off road use. Oh yea and grip on tarmac is amazing even in the wet.
Hope this helps.
As a comaprison my GL1500 goldwing does 12-14000 miles on a set of tyres

Keith

[phlat65]

I would get 3-4k miles out of the MT60's, and really liked the grip level. the super corsas i have on now have done 1500, and the rear is getting kinda square. i am trying the distanza's next.

[Randew2U]

oops, I forgot, what are also good sizes to get? Thanx

[keithcross]

I always stick to standard size tyres, although I understand a 150 section rear will work OK

Keith

[Randew2U]

My stock tires are as follows:

Front: Pirelli MT60R 120/60 R17 M/C 58V

Rear: Pirelli MT60RS 160/60 R17 M/C 69V

Do the seem like the correct sizes? and what are other size options?

Thanks

[Randew2U]

Oops, my front size is 120/70

[beamisinbtw]

I replaced stock tires with Avon Distanzia stock size. Strictly road use with two trips to Daytona. They have lasted 6000km. I will probably buy another set. Parts Unlimited carries them if you know a dealer. Enjoy!
Merry Christmas All!

[Wonky]

Bridgestone BT014

[Randew2U]

I think I can rig a bead breaking device with a few 8-ft 2x4's, a bolt to make a hinge and several wood blocks for the clamping area. I can probably break the beads, and get the old tires off my 17 inch OEM rims on my 04 baggy. How do I get my new tires on the rims and do I really need to balance them? Im buying Avon Distanzias. Thanks

[keithcross]

Getting new tyres on your rims can be achieved the old fasioned way - Tyre irons.
As for balacing, I would balance the front, but wouldent bother with the rear.

Keith

[simon duval smith]

Breaking the bead - I use a large vice with some thin wood to protect the rim. Push one side of the tyre against the rim and then the other side.

I had a bit of luck fitting the tyres to my Baghira - I found the holes that are already drilled in the wooden tops of Workmates are exactly the right size for the wheel spindle. I drilled a similar size hole in a piece of two by four timber and put that on the Workmate, followed by the wheel, disc side down, put the spindle through the lot and it bolts up tight. With some hair conditioner or lighter fuel on the tyre edges, you should be able to fit the tyre just using your hands and/or maybe on the floor using your feet. Using tyre levers to fit tyres is OK but you can scratch the rim if you don't use some sort of rim protector - I use lengths of gadren hose slipped over the rim edge (when taking the tyre off) and you may 'nip' the tube if you are not careful and don't keep the tyre levers straight.

When I worked as a car and motorcycle mechanic, I used to win bets on fitting all sorts of tyres by hand, without levers. Just remember to push the opposite side of the tyre into the 'well' of the rim and use plenty of lube - works with many things in life really...

[DAVID THOMPSON]

Quote "and use plenty of lube"

the local ATV guy puts them on and balances them both for $ 16usd
if i buy tires at his shop ....

so i lube his hand with cash and the tires slip right on the rim and them i take them home and put them on the bike

the kendas i use are a bit stiff and a real monster to mount on tubeless rims
MZ RT125
it was 130usd for 2 kenda's including mount and balance ....i did the rims on and off the bike part
ar dave

[simon duval smith]

Yes, you are right David, I am just one of those weird guys that relives his youth of having broken fingernails and thumbs like a blind cobbler. Now that I work in an office, I don't get the chance to hurt myself enough...