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.