What tires do you use?

[Spider]

As for the question about the seriously knobby tires... I gotta ask.. WHY?? They make dual sport tires that are decent on blacktop, and decent off, but not spectacular at both. These bikes are too heavy to be a good dual sport bike though.

Tod

I'm likely going to be doing some winter riding and I'd like something more substantial than my regular road tires on there.

[Larrym]

Lauren Speaks.

I checked with the manufacturer of my tires today and received a response to:

Are my tires bias ply or radial???

Reason I asked was cause the tire is a K-657. The Tire size is 130/90H-16 and it's ply description is 6PR 67H TL. What had me wondering was the "R" in the ply description/numbers: "6PR".

The tire is a bias ply according to "Lauren" from Kenda tires. I guess the "R" stands for something other than Radial.

Who Knew??

[fredintoon]

- - - What had me wondering was the "R" in the ply description/numbers: "6PR".
The tire is a bias ply according to "Lauren" from Kenda tires. I guess the "R" stands for something other than Radial.
Who Knew??

Hi Larry,
6PR is "six ply rated" Means the tire carcass ain't actually got six plies but is still as stiff as if it had.

[Larrym]

Rated R

Thanks Fred!

That seems to make more sense.

(Wikipedia just doesn't seem to make the grade on questions like this.)

[Crazcnuk]

Automotive radial tires can be rotated and reversed, too, just like bias tires, unless your radials are directional.

If you're not sure, check with the mfg about your specific model of tire.

Most normal all-season tires are not directional, and the mfg's say that you should so the std 4 or 5 wheel (if you have a matching spare) rotation. It can add up to 30% longer tire life.

[crazy steve]

Automotive radial tires can be rotated and reversed, too, just like bias tires, unless your radials are directional.

If you're not sure, check with the mfg about your specific model of tire.

I'd be careful about that.

You really need to check with the manufacturer, as some 'non-directional' radials will 'set' after use in one direction and you'll have problems with a conventional 'x' rotation. Worse yet, if you run them 'backwards' for any time, if you attempt to put them back that still won't fix the problem. I lost a good set of radials that way...

'78E original owner

[MindWebs]

I run Michelin commanders front and rear..
so far i like them, good stick, ok in the rain, seem to run out allright at speed.
reasonable cost, good tread pattern.

[snowdog51]

tires

i run conti blitz in the back dunlop sportmax in the front i have fj front fork

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Steve

I'd be careful about that.

You really need to check with the manufacturer, as some 'non-directional' radials will 'set' after use in one direction and you'll have problems with a conventional 'x' rotation. Worse yet, if you run them 'backwards' for any time, if you attempt to put them back that still won't fix the problem. I lost a good set of radials that way...

'78E original owner

Steve, you know your tire's, If a radial is run in one direction for miles then changed to rotate backwards, you can shift the belts making the tire out of round (especialy with steel belted tires) Not a big prob. on these bikes though as they were made for bias ply and we don.t rotate them. If you are using/buying a used tire (bias or not) keep the direction of rotation tha same as when last used IMHO

[jwhughes3]

20 ply rated

Hi Larry,
6PR is "six ply rated" Means the tire carcass ain't actually got six plies but is still as stiff as if it had.

Then I'm 20 ply rated... I'm not 20, but I'm as stiff as if I was 20...



On that note I'm off to see the wife...

John

[jwhughes3]

Duro

I was goofing off and forgot to answer the question.

Duro brand.

John

[roccet]

metzler 880 tires..

[g15usmc]

I seem to use more air in my tires than most. Between me and riding two up a lot, or at least carrying enough crap that the bike thinks I am.. I usually keep my rear at 40psi and the front at @ 35. I have @ 12psi in my front forks also with my dampener adjuster knob on 4 for the front and back. Probably a lot stiffer setup than most would prefer.

This being said... I did the same setup with the Avon tire and it cupped. I haven't run an Elite 3 on front, but I have no cupping issues "YET" with the Dunlop on the rear. As stated though, I am usually a lot more aggressive on my accel than I am on the brakes... but I still go through a set of pads about as often as tires???


Tod

Do you slow down mostly using your brakes or do you use ur transmission for braking? I use my brakes primarily for stopping and trail breaking in a corner ive gone into too fast...ive gotten about 13000 mis on this set of pads and still have about half my pads left...if the stock ones are wearing that quick you might want to switch to a different pad thats made of a different compound...or u might actually be changing ur pads before they need to be...which isnt necessarily bad, just more expensive...

[g15usmc]

Do you slow down mostly using your brakes or do you use ur transmission for braking? I use my brakes primarily for stopping and trail breaking in a corner ive gone into too fast...ive gotten about 13000 mis on this set of pads and still have about half my pads left...if the stock ones are wearing that quick you might want to switch to a different pad thats made of a different compound...or u might actually be changing ur pads before they need to be...which isnt necessarily bad, just more expensive...

I really should look at dates posted...i just replied to a post. From 2008 I think...guess thats what happens when u sleep out back of a chevron station...

[mjpxs11sh]

+

i purchased the Brigestone Spitfires for the rear mostly because
of the last thread on tires and its the only RWL tire avail for bikes. they are 4 ply w/zig zag tread design to throw off water to the sides. i havent had any spin on accel and are smooth on the road. im very satisfied so far with 2k mi. weather they last or not is to be seen. i had the rear delivered for $78. u cant beat that with a reputable tire imo they also look great on my SH. what more could u ask for. these arent racing bikes. the tires are spec'd Sport/Touring