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  • #1

    Performance-leaning

    My first attempt didn't work and all that typing on this tablet went to on waist. To sum up what I just lost is this. Has changing to newer more modern tires given your bike better cornering performance? Ever since I put some Kenda Cruiser tires ($121.00/ set Dennis Kirk) the turn in and lean angles are rock sold. I practically pooped my pants at how well it know handles in a turn when compared to the old tires that I believe are the ones, at least the rear that the bike came with from the factory (still have it for nostalgia sake)

    I now understand why some manufacturers are putting the tires they use on there new bikes on a diet. My 33 year old XJ has a better lean angle than the 2005 Honda VTX 1800 I was riding last season. With only around 500 miles on b these tires they seem to be wearing fairly average for a tire with a softer compound compared to stock.

    How does your experiences with thes newer tires compare?
    Tags: grip, performance, tires
  • #2
    LOVING my Bridgestone spitfires.
    Bikes in hand:
    05 Ducati Multistrada, 00 Kawasaki KLR650, 92 Yamaha YZ250, 79 Yamaha XS1100SF, 78 Yamaha SR500E #119, 77 XT500D, 77 Yamaha TT500D, 77 Yamaha XS650D, 78 Yamaha XS400E, 78 Honda CB550, 65 Ducati Monza 250, KTM RC390, BSA 441SS

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    • #3
      Are you running a fork brace? I've been thinking about springing for one for my XJ, but have a few other XS projects that are probably going to capitalize my available funds.

      I have Dunlops on my XJ right now, but have a brand new set of Bridgestones that came with a couple bikes I picked up that I plan to put on soon. The wear pattern on my Dunlops prove I'm using them well
      82J · 81SH · 79SF Fire Damage · 78E · 79F Parts Bike · 04 Buell Blast
      Website/Blog

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      • #4
        I put a set of Shinko 712's on my 80G two months ago (it had Dunlop 404's when I bought it). The difference is night and day, I can scrape the center stand now but in all fairness the stock suspension is finished. It does handle better especially when I raised the psi to 38 & 40 F/R. My plans are to get a good set of shocks (Hagon maybe), change out the front springs, perhaps thicker viscosity oil and a fork brace. Or better yet a set of gold emulators.

        I have ridden a few modern cruiser; the ground clearance was low. I believe it is by design so they look "cool". Combine that with soft suspension rates for comfort and its a recipe for a bike that sucks in the twisties. At the risk of stereotyping, most of the power cruiser riders are interested in going fast in a straight line; it's all about instant torque and going nowhere fast.

        The XS11 seems to be a good all around steed, the handling is ok, the power is ok and the insurance is cheap (bonus).
        1980 G
        Jardine Spaghetti

        http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/Ug...ish/slideshow/

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        • #5
          Tires and performance

          Other than a wind shield I jerry rigged and some blue leds behind the clocks the bike is bone stock and unmodded. With the new tires and a softer compound the bike grips the chassis is very stable from what I have experienced. I haven't flogged the bike or have had a chance to ride on a particularly twisty road. Eventhough the bike has a cruiser look it has a very sporty demeanor. The saddle reminds me of how brutal a sport bike seat can be, given enough time in my XJ I develop a low back ache. That is my biggest complaint about the bike, they even complained about the seat in a magazine article from 1982 of which I cannot find at the moment.

          You must remember that Yamaha is and has been a very performanced minded company. You only need to look at the sport bikes they have built over the years. Also you must remember that the XS is the original Z1 killer no matter how it's original form has changed.

          The engines in our XJ's and XS's are the ancestors of the current generation of YZF engines. Yamaha has been and still is on the cutting edge of motorcycle and materials technology, continually pushing the technology to it's limits. This is why in my personal opinion why the bike handles as well as it does. With the tire technology continuing to advance improving how the bike performs and handles

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          • #6
            I don't know if I'd agree to "very sporting demeanor" but for a 35 year old 600 lbs bike it does pretty good.
            1980 G
            Jardine Spaghetti

            http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/Ug...ish/slideshow/

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            • #7
              Originally posted by 1887 View Post
              I don't know if I'd agree to "very sporting demeanor" but for a 35 year old 600 lbs bike it does pretty good.
              The XS11 is quite graceful for its size:-


              YouTube: Fantasia 20 second clip


              .
              -- Scott
              _____
              ♬
              2004 ST1300A: No name... yet
              1982 XJ1100J: "Baby" SS Brakes, '850 FD, ACCT
              1980 XS1100G: "Columbo" SS Brakes, '850 FD, ACCT
              1979 XS1100SF: "Bush" W.I.P.
              1979 XS1100F: parts
              2018 Heritage Softail Classic 117 FLHCS SE: "Nanuk" It's DEAD, it's not just resting. It is an EX cycle.
              ♬

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              • #8
                Tires and performance

                I will admit the XJ is not exactly a canyon carver, but yet for what it is and as heavy as it is, the XJ is fairly agile.

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