Tires for 1980 XS1100 Special

[gene]

Any recommendations on tires? I'm more interested in performance over miles of wear.

[jetmechmarty]

Any recommendations on tires? I'm more interested in performance over miles of wear.

Buy round ones! I like them in black. For performance, you might prefer something sticky. For the front, get 100/90-19, 130/90-16 for the back. You should get a bunch of replies. I'll agree with some of them and disagree with others.

[steve scott]

tires

Maybe I am old school or behind the times but Metzler Laser tech for me.

[gene]

Haha...yah..round would be good.

Dunlop was pretty good back in the days for these bikes. I see the GT501's. Anyone have these?

[jetmechmarty]

Haha...yah..round would be good.

Dunlop was pretty good back in the days for these bikes. I see the GT501's. Anyone have these?

I've been through several sets of GT501's. They work real good for me in the twisties.

[gene]

Thanks Steve. I forgot all about Metzler. I used to bounce back and forth between them and the 591 Dunlop.

[BA80]

I've tried and worn out quite a few. The best I've found for performance is the Dunlop Elite III which is also the best I've found for wear.

Usually get 8 - 10 K on one. And I ain't nice to them.

[trbig]

As Greg said, The Dunlop Elite 3 is a good tire, but they used to go even further than what he states. Some say they had traction problems with them since they're dual compound and have harder rubber in the center and soft sticky stuff on the sides. So, Dunlop makes one of my favorite tires, and they also make my 2nd least favorite, the D-404. Worst tires I ever used were the Bridgstone Battleaxe.

Many people now use the Shinko 712. You can get a set for a little over a hundred bucks. A rear tire will usually only last you 5-7k miles, some get a bit more, some a bit less, but they stick well to the road wet or dry. The Elite 3 costs 3x as much but won't go 3x as long as these and I keep fresh rubber on the ground with them. BUT.. I change my own and many have to factor in mount/balance.

I'll agree with some of them and disagree with others.

I'll agree to disagree with Marty..

[donebysunday]

Just recently I had a talk with a guy 2 blocks from me at the Duc dealer, he mentioned the China/Shinko tires are not subject to the manufacturing restrictions during rubber processing that other countries force on their tire companies ? Meaning the Shinkos can have different rubber still maintaining grip and longevity.

[MaximPhil]

Just recently I had a talk with a guy 2 blocks from me at the Duc dealer, he mentioned the China/Shinko tires are not subject to the manufacturing restrictions during rubber processing that other countries force on their tire companies ? Meaning the Shinkos can have different rubber still maintaining grip and longevity.

hi Done,
His comments are a little suspect as Shinko is a Japanese company and the tires I have seen have been made in Korea.

Phil

[Prisoner6]

... I forgot all about Metzler. I used to bounce back and forth between them and the 591 Dunlop.

Hi, Gene -

I like the Metzeler ME880 Marathon ... a great all-around tire, IMO.

[cajun31]

Gene

I use the Bridgestone spitfire. I like them because I wanted the raised white lettering which was most like the Bridgestone Mag Mopus tires that originally came on the Midnight LGs.

I would suggest that you decide what kind of riding you do most and how often. Meaning if you plan on going on long touring rides you want a tire that is going to give the best mileage. Around town ... you choice. Driving on the twisties you want something that is going to provide good grip.. i.e. stickier on the sidewalls. Look at some of the tire threads .... you will want to stay away from steel belted as these bikes don't play well with those. Most recommend ply for that reason. Good luck on your search and selection.

[MaximPhil]

Hi, Gene -

I like the Metzeler ME880 Marathon ... a great all-around tire, IMO.

Hi gene I have been happy with the ME880 on the front but it is not available in 17" for my rear. i too have had good luck with Shinko 712
I liked the Spitfire 11 but the price jumped here in Canada and the last set did not last as long as earlier ones I had.
Happy hunting in the bewildering world of round rubber things
Phil

[madmax-im]

Shinko bought Yokohama tires or vice versa forgot which...BUT the Shinko 712 front and rear gets my vote...cheap and good for maybe 5000 and 7000 miles maybe more but most likely less...

[BA80]

100/90-19,

I found the 110/90/19 to have a better feel on the front. It just BARELY fits in there and I had to modify the inside of the front fender on my SF to keep it from rubbing but tit feels more stable to me.

Many people now use the Shinko 712. You can get a set for a little over a hundred bucks. A rear tire will usually only last you 5-7k miles, some get a bit more, some a bit less, but they stick well to the road wet or dry. The Elite 3 costs 3x as much but won't go 3x as long as these and I keep fresh rubber on the ground with them. BUT.. I change my own and many have to factor in mount/balance.

The 712 IS cheap in every way possible. I run them on the front because they ARE cheap and they do stick pretty good on the front but they have thin floppy sidewalls and feel soft on the rear. To me anyway. I've had 2 or 3 fronts that were impossible to get balanced properly and had a bounce at highway speed. The one on there right now.

I'll pay the extra for the Elite III from now on because it feels solid on the rear in turns and I'm lazy. I don't like changing the rear tire as often as I do the oil.