The TIRE thread...

So many posts that lead into tire questions, some actualy on tires. However there is no definitive thread that pops up int he search or pinned, so lets do this!

Im looking to replace the tires on my Maxim 650.

Front: 110/90-19 62

Rear: 130/90-16 67

I currently have Dunlop Qualifyers. The tread on the rear is rather worn and does need to be replaced this year but I can ride on it as is. Front tire is hard according to my Uncle. He thinks the compound isnt good...

So what do you have, what have you used or what is your plans?

Pricing?

Im currently looking into Avon tires from a local place. They will run about $225 for the tires...

 

I have King's brand. I am new to motorcycles - so I asked the shop what they recommended, and that is what they said. They told me it was halfway between tire life and stickiness. I said okay. I won't be doing any hard core riding anytime soon.

The tires were $150 installed. I pulled the wheels off myself.

 

i have bridgestone spitfire's!

they seem to be doin ok so far.

 

Love my Dunlop 491 Elite II's. Great highway compound with reasonable handling for corners. Run about $220 USD a set.

 

Michelin Commanders (front and rear) on my 1985 XJ700 Maxim.

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_c ... uId=540597

 

I just bought a set of Dunlop GT501's from Chaparral-racing.com for $167 shipped. MUCH better than the old hard and worn tires I had on before. Supposed to have decent wear, too.

 

i'm gonna resurrect this thread cause i've got questions....


The guy who owned the bike before me put some cheesy bargin basement cheng shin tires on my ride. They've got some odd sizes, and I need to know what CAN be put on.

Currently:

4.10/4.25/85h18 rear
100/90-19 front

also, if someone can point me to a tire pdf or something, i'm in need of education on tire specs...and since i put my life on these tires...i want the right ones.

edit: found a site with some useful info:

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp

 

I recently replaced the original tires on my 1982 Maxim 750 with 2400 total miles on the odometer. They weren't worn out they were just old and they seemed to be "hard" too. I recently replaced these with new bridgestone spitfires and in my case it improved the handling.

 

Snick, I am kind of new to this too. It seems to me that unless you really know what you are doing, it is playing with fire to change from the recommended tire specs.

Why not just go with what your manual tells you? It seems the best way to help your handling is to get a good quality tire in the size that the manufacturer recommends.

 

no manual, and i haven't put tires on it yet...i'm reporting on what's on it, and asking what should be and what can be. as per my edit, here's an interesting site:

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp

 

Yeah - metric sizing can throw you off eh?
Ryan - don't know which tires you went with, but I'm a HUGE fan of Avon tires. Hard to get them sometimes here in Canada, but damn good rubber. I've got an AM21 Roadrunner on my rear right now and that's an amazing tire. Can't say enough good stuff about it.
When I had to replace my front, I couldn't get the Roadrunner for it, so it's got a Spitfire on it right now - also a good tire - no complaints yet.

 

sizes anyone?

 

Havent put tires on it yet.

Since the GF got burned Ive only rode her twice...

 

Ryan also check out Woots posts on tires. Very informative.

xjbikes.com/archive_forum/t430.htm

xjbikes.com/archive_forum/t578.htm

 

I just noticed when I got home from work that my rear tire is down to the
wear bars.
Actually I think someone mentioned it last Sunday at the carb clinic.

I'm starting my search for a new metzler 880.

They show a couple options.
#1/ Bias ply
#2/ Bias belted ply

Which tire goes with the maxim best, or does it really matter?
Also is a radial an option. Advantages/disadvantages.

My riding is mostly local commuting, some highway and very little rain if I can help it.

Thanks for any help.

 

i was told that for "this bike" (82 xj seca) radial would be overkill....

I'm still looking at tire options...trying to learn about it. Still need to know what stock size it too.

 

Stock sizes for your bike are.

Front/ 3.25H19 4PR

Rear/ 120/90-18 65H

 

thanks, i didn't realise the tires i have are so far off...


100/90-19 front
4.10/4.25/85h18 rear

dunlop is recommending:

Make: Yamaha | Model: XJ 650 (80-83) - Maxim
Front Rim Size: 1.85x19 | Rear Rim Size: 3.00x16

Recommended Front Tire:
Tire : GT501 | Size : 100/90-19 | PSI/Loaded : 30
Click for Info

Recommended Rear Tire:
Tire : GT501 | Size : 130/90B16 | PSI Rear/Loaded : 32

 

I think those are the metric equivilents.

 

thanks. I shoulda guessed.

 

The GT501s are good tires IMHO... I've gone threw a few sets

 

hehe, woot said they're good, i'm sold. can get them for $200 shipped from ronayers.com

 

Just remember tires are about as personal as underwear. I'm sure there are other GT501 people here, if they could voice their opinions it would be good. You'll also find as many people who are happy on their tire of choice...

Actually - in one of the earlier posts someone refered to a post I made a long time ago... where I aluded to the tire debate - it can get as heated as an oil debate, politics or religion...

 

Can someone tell me if the 3.25/H19 4PR tire is the same as the 100/90 19
or the 110/90 19 or is it altogether a separate tire size.

 

I think, and could be wrong, that the first set of numbers is describing the rim in inches. 3.25" wide rim with a 19" diameter. I don't recognize 4PR.

The later is the size of the tire.

Check this out:
http://mc.bridgestone.co.jp/en/products ... /honda.pdf

The CB750 (10 down or so) has the same front tire size and as notes says that a BT45 100/90V19 would fit properly. I don't know what that means as I don't know what 4PR means... sorry... trying to play detective.

Didn't find the XJ on the yamaha page:
http://mc.bridgestone.co.jp/en/products ... yamaha.pdf

 

Ya so that last post was dead wrong... it has nothing to do with rim size.

It's imperial for some reason... I'm still looking.

 

2nd page of Yamaha:

XJ750D 750 3.25H 19 4PR 120/90- 18 65H TL 1.85 2.15 — — #BT45V *BT45V L303 — #F:100/90V19

XJ750 has a front tire of 3.25H 19 4PR and in the notes that is listed as a 100/90v19 tire.

So from that I would say that I don't think a 110/90-19 is the same... it would be slightly taller and slightly wider... the rim it was designed for could be the same.

 

Thanks for all the info woot.
So I gather from that I should be looking for a 100/90V19 or the original
3.25/90H 19

I'm guessing the 4PR stands for 4 ply rating.

The H and V are the speed ratings I think.

 

oh - good call - that makes sense. That is almost certainly what that stands for.

Speed codes a la Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code

The V is up to about 150mph - more than enough for most of us H is only 130 mph... again fine for most people but surpassed by quite a few people... I used to have ZRs but never maxed them out

 

snick what kind of bike do you have? then we can telll you what size tire to go with. I have dunlop qualifiers on my X right now, but I just bought some new kenda cruizers that were recomended to me. The price was right at $110.00 for the pair and was told that they are an awesome modern tire for older "school" bikes

 

whoops, sorry bout that snick, guess I didnt read that you already mentioned what you had for a bike. I believe the size robert gave you is accurate

 

Tires...

Hey guys, I've alway received great advice from you so I'm going to throw this out there.

My 82 XJ1100 is almost due for some new tires. What do you guys recommend? Any particular tire that works best for this bike?

Thanks in advance!

Dave

 

Anyone try the new Dunlop elite III? I am seriously considering them to replace the spitfires on my XJ700N.

What are the Commanders like Samtidor?

 

I recently put a set of Metzler Lasertecs on my '82 750 SECA. The correct sizes and inflation amounts are listed on the sticker on the headstock. Sometimes it can be difficult to read due to cables/wires. I tend not to change tire sizes from the manufactures spec. Using a different size (usually bigger) will change the installed profile of the tire. Baasically the tire gets squeezed causing more of a "race" profile. This will lean/turn faster, but also be more unstable.

The lasertecs BTW are a fine tire from what I can tell so far. Good wet traction, and no problem dragging the pegs in the twisties. Confidence inspiring feel.

Nachoman

 

Firstly, the search function has helped me from starting a new topic and then being pointed to this one. Secondly, I'm in the market for some tires. I'm thinking of some whitewalls. Anyone have them on their maxim? I'd like to see a pic before I plunk down the $$$. Thanks.

 

A little side-line on this topic please,

How can one tell if the tire rubber is "hard" ?

Is there a method of testing or is it just a subjective call?

Thanks

 

I bought the new Metzler laserTec's; too. Love 'em in the corners and very nice highway performance. Quiet, no vibes; just right.

 

Sorry to bring this topic back from the dead, but anyone know where to get the best price on a set of Dunlop GT501 tires for front and rear? Oh, and a place that has them in stock and not on backorder would be nice.

1982 XJ550
Rear = 130/90 16
Front = 3.25 19

Thanks

 

Try Dennis Kirk that's where I get all my tires, and free shipping

 

IF the tires are over 6 yrs old ..they are past their use by date, something to seriously consider on a 2 wheeled vehicle.
Bridgestone BT45's are as 'good as you can get' in these sizes.. widely Recomended.. affordable too.