A good choice of tires?

Was wondering what fellow xj owners prefer on brand of tires? i need to get a new set and want to know whats the best, for durability and comfort with a reasonable price?

 

Welcome to XJBikes.com ! Post what kind of bike you have will help. I have an '82 XJ650J Maxim and here's the thread from my post.

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=40686.html

 

very nice, that jumps start my question lol, thank you. i like the continentals from mtnbikecrazy. so what brand did you end up getting if you got them?if so how do they ride?

 

This is a really tough question to answer in any meaningful way (I asked the same thing when I joined) because the answer is so subjective...because what's important to me may be irrelevant to you or the next guy who answers... are you interested in a low price? How about a tire that lasts a long time? Gives a comfortable ride? Sticks to the corners like glue? You get my drift....

I bought the Bridgestone Spitfire (rear) and a Kenda (can't remember which model) from jakewilson.com last year...I've been happy, but I don't put a lot of miles on my bike nor do I ride aggressively...so low price and new/fresh tires were important to me...someone else might jump on and say it's important to have matching front and rear...or others'll say stay away from tires with a centerline groove (they'll catch in rain grooves in the road).

I think you'll get what you pay for...but it'll be important to know what kind of riding you're going to be doing...read what the manufacturer says about their tires and try to match what they say to what you're expecting...then look for a low price....lastly MAKE SURE THE "DATE CODE" ON THE TIRE IS RECENT...don't buy "New Old Stock" tires...get the newest tires you can get.

That's just my $0.02

 

I prefer the Dunlop 404s. The last set I bought at a local shop for just over $200. Good ride and no center grove. You can get them online much cheaper...

 

I'll go with the 404's also. I have them on both my XJ's and am pleased with their performance. Good price point too.

 

I too can recommend Dunlop D404's. I have them on one of my Secas and they're quite good, especially for the price. Good treadlife as well.

 

Yep, they'll probably last a good 12 to 15 years. :wink:

 

i was leading towards the continental go tires, but it seems dunlop is a great choice to alot. since i like the dunlop gt501 im gonna have to flip a coin on this one.

 

i use kenda challenger, cheap and they do all i ask of them.
if conti made a size for a seca i would try those

 

I meant 10K ~ 12K miles out of a rear vs. the 7K I get with the Avons. 8O

 

They do. I have Conti-Go tires on my 750.

 

how you like the conti-go's?

 

I only have around 1500 miles on them so I can't say anything about wear. I find that the bike handles well and isn't upset much by tar snakes. The grip is decent, though nothing at all as grippy as a sport tire. I tend to only ride hard occasionally, and have found the tires to give enough feedback to let me know when I'm pushing the limits of the front tire. I can lean the bike right to it's limit in slower bends without any trouble, but It's definitely not a tire that I'd use for a track day (never-mind that I don't do that anymore). They are sold as an all-around touring/commuting tire, and I think they fit the bill perfectly.

 

thanks for the input. gives me more of an idea.

 

when i bought my bike it had some off brand "challenger" or something, not to impressed with that tire....my next buy will defiantly be a dunlop, like they say a little pricey but totally worth it.

 

ya price isnt too much of an issue when it comes to tires in my opinion. but thats funny you mentioned that, cuz when i bought my bike it also had challengers, haha. that must be what to put on when selling.

 

I'm using Bridgestone BT45s H rated. They're working well so far, can't say much about wear life except that they haven't squared off in over 500 miles.

 

Bridgestone Battlax 45 contains Dual Tread Compound (DTC). The center compound secures long mileage and durability, while the tread edge compound secures grip and traction in corners.
Very satisfied with these tires. Last 10.000 km. Good in tight corners, you feel very safe. You can get tires with better durability - at the expense of grip.

 

it seems most of bridgestone tires have centerlines, which ive heard it can be bad in wet conditions. have you been in wet conditions with those?

 

Centre lined front tires are great on wet pavement, except if the pavement is grooved.

 

the way i look at it, the center line would trap the water in the middle? but im no scientist.

 

I absolutely LOVE my continental conti go's - I have over 5k on them now, and have never been displeased with their handling. Ride real smooth, no center line groove, etc.

You probably won't get as much life(mileage) out of Thelma's you will in some other tires, but to me, I'd rather have a better, stickier tire than one that will last longer.

I figure an extra 80$ a season is worth riding on good rubber

no continuos center groove, great traction in the wet, and they are SO freaking stable and consistent around the corners. GREAT smooth rounded profile.

Paid 180 shipped from motosport for the pair.