Fixing up an XJ600 96'..need help/advice on tires and tools

Hey Everyone!
I just bought a running XJ600 96' seca II that needs some work.

I sold my 99' GSXR 600 a few years ago and Im just now getting back into the riding scene and I have a few questions about tires for my bike.

According to the OEM Product finder my tires are as follows:
Front Tire: 110/80-17 57H DUN K2
Rear Tire: 130/70V18 63V BS G55

My rear tire came with a huge hole in it so I am replacing the rear tire and I plan on also changing the Chain and sprockets out at the same time.

I was trying to figure out some good tires to buy..can anyone give me some advice whether these would be good or the right fit?

Possible replacement(REAR)
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Item ... 0000209242

Possible Replacement(FRONT)
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Item ... 0000209237

Would those tires above be a good fit?

Also I have a Clymer Repair manual that I plan on following to change the tires, but I was curious of what tools I will need to remove the front and tear tire. I plan on making my own bead breaker..

Well anyways thanks in advance for all of the advice, I will post pics of before and after while I restore this bike!

Thanks!

 

as far as tools I recommend some rim protectors they are just plastic peices that slip over the edge of the rim and tire irons, flat bars the protectors and flat tire iron should run you under $20 at any cycle shop. get two tire flat bars It just works better with two.

 

Re: Fixing up an XJ600 96'..need help/advice on tires and to

Well, since those tires won't actually fit your wheels they would be a poor choice.

I have Chen-Shin Barracudas on my Maxim and I've been very happy with them. Not sure if the Barracuda is available in your size, but if you're looking for a budget tire I think looking at the Chen-Shin lineup makes a lot of sense.

 

Once you do manage to change your own tires, you still need to get them balanced. Modern bikes with cast wheels are much better off with professionally computer spin-balanced wheels than the old "put it on a stick and spin it" method. Personally, I would find a local tire shop that sells and services motorcycle tires, and see what kind of a deal you can strike. Often the whole "package" is cheaper than buying tires off the innanet+shipping and then paying to have them mounted/and or balanced. I used to do it the "hard way" (for YEARS) but it is actually cheaper in the long run (and easier too!) to have the pros do it...as far as tires go, you can't go wrong with Dunlop D404's...

 

Hey thanks all for the great feedback.

I think I will just get the tires locally. I was planning on buying them and teaching myself how to balance and install/break the bead following tutorials I read and watched.

However, it would be nice just to take it in to have the tires installed on the rim and balanced.

Would most service shops be able to do this with just the wheel? I say this because I need to remove the back wheel to do some other work, including changing out the sprocket and chain. It would be awesome If I could just take them the wheel and then install it back on my bike(this may be normal or Im just an idiot lol).

Do I need any special tools to remove the tire? I remember my Gixxer had a special wrench to get the back tire off.

Anyways I just got most of my new parts in today, new turning signals, new headlamp which I may need a new mount for, and a new battery. Im so excited!

Thanks again!

 

Most places will ONLY want the wheel(s) not the whole bike. Shop around a bit, talk to people. I wish i had done that PRIOR to buying the new rear for my Nort, then paying another shop to mount and balance. Coulda had the whole shootin' match $20 cheaper...

 

Re: Fixing up an XJ600 96'..need help/advice on tires and to

Most of the labor is in getting the wheels off and back on, everything torqued right and chain adjusted. Carrying the wheels in will save you a bundle.

 

In life ... there's things you do; and things you don't do.
There's really no official list.

But, if there was a list that pertained to what you don't do with regard to buying tires for a performance motorcycle ...

You don't save money buying cheaply manufactured tires for your bike.
You have to adjust your thinking opposite the way you're thinking right now.

Buy a pair of Brand Name, Certified, High Performance - High Speed Rated tires.
To do otherwise is to put yourself and the bike at risk for having budget tires on the bike when you might do something the budget tires can't handle.

 

Even the cheapest tyres today are leagues better than the best rubber you could buy back in the early 80's - so you won't be making a disasterous choice by going for the cheaper brands.

However, if you have the option to get really GOOD tyres - I'd be going there if the budget allows.

EDIT: Oops - my apologies. I just realised we're talking about a 96 XJ. Go with what Rick said