XJ and quite frankly, cycle noob.....

I PM'd you!!! Thanks Paul!

 

Just thought I would just add my two cents- Not really understanding the difference of the Bias and the Radial other then the Bias is more load rated then the radial.
However my point being is that I bought a set of the Shinko tour masters four years ago and I got 14,000 miles out of them.
I only remembered this cause I ran across an old video of mine where I just got my bike back from the shop with new tyres and bearing and just happened to look at the odometer.
I just replaced them with the Battle Axe 45 series just six months ago.
I only ride two pinions up rarely.
My weight is 190-196 depending on the season LOL
Usual riding is from home to work to school and every twisty road I can find along the way. Daily average (50)
Rain only stops me if the sky is Black being as my bike and my gear are also black probably in my best interests.

 

I like the look of the Shinko tread pattern better than the Avon. But Dave K. Has some miles on those. The Avon tread looks like it could "cup" and become noisy. All in all, the best point made here was that I am probably never going to get near the maximum edge of what any of these tires can do. So my preference is that they aren't hard candy in a year, and that they track well, and I'd like to get a few "k" out of them.

 

Whenever I get this baby up and running, provided my back doesn't prevent it, I intend to ride it all the time. I spent a year riding my moped around. It was my primary vehicle. Rain or shine. And it served me well. I even rode it in the snow once (terrifying). That wont happen again unless some early fall freak storm happens to come through. So really, if I can keep my disc from sliding back out, It will absolutely be my commuter. I live 45 minutes from work and I have an all back road route I take. It's breathtaking year round , and there is little traffic when I go in (midday).

 

you sir are a fortunate man to have such a nice ride to enjoy everyday.

 

I feel incredibly grateful that's how it is at the moment. I spent years doing the rush hour. It's inhumane for anyone.

 

As for tires, I have run a plethora of different brands and types. For the XJ, I just love Avon's. Sticky as glue. Definitely more so than what the average rider will push them to. They just didn't last long. For longevity, you can't go wrong with Donlap's. I like the 404's. However, the Shinko 230's are slowly proving Thier worth, for price vs performance and longevity. My current set ( Shinko 230) have about 4k on them and are wearing almost as well as the Donlap's. They tend to get a bit slippery at this point. Very similar to the Bridgestones I ran on a Honda VF1100c. I would recommend the Shinko to any XJ owner.

 

Here is the E.B.C rotor. I painted the center hub.

 

That looks awesome! Lets see the rest of it. I like the red wheels as well!

 

OK

 

I like what you've done and think the bike looks really well put together. I'd caution against that spring clip on the front axle. Standard cotter pin or split ring would be better. I replace my split rings with those spring clips on the sailboat when I'm about to take the mast down. The spring clips come out much quicker and more easily when rushing around unhooking things, but they're not to be trusted for regular use. Just a word of caution.

 

It's hard to see but I have safety wire around the end of the spring clip.

 

That bike looks great!

 

I see it. Safety wire the safety wire! Those aren't the stock handlebars are they?

 

The bars look stock, but not the grips or mirrors. What kind of 4-1 exhaust are you running?

 

Thay are not stock bars they came on the bike when I got it. I can get you measurements if you want.

 

It is Mac 4 into 1

 

Anyone know how to upload a video here?

 

They look like the trackers I just ordered, I had purchased a set of clubmans. Can't do it. It would destroy the bike. I wouldn't have lasted an hour with those things.

 

Upload it to a hosting site. Copy the video URL. Click the film-strip icon. Paste the video URL into the text box. Click the insert button.