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

Nice! Thanks Polock!

 

Also, I'm shopping tires..... I'm seeing bias ply!!!!! I thought this was a thing of the past! Whats the advantage here? I'm feeling I should avoid these.

 

Well, I'm learning from your questions as well: https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/why-things-are-bias-ply-and-radial-tires
There are several tire threads, but since you asked, Avon AM26 is what I run, lots of folks also like Dunlop 404s and some others.

 

Bias-ply ires have some advantages on motorcycles.

 

I received my turn signals today. I ordered them as a stop gap so I don't overload myself with fabrication tasks. I'm quite impressed actually. They are made in China, so I expected less than I received, especially for the price. I'm sharing this because someone on here was looking for custom turns and think these would work for him. The bezels and housings are solid cast aluminum. The bezels are threaded to the housings and compress a nitrile o-ring. The led's are tame and the thick lenses blend them in giving them a classic look. I paid $40.95 total for 4 of them. Also the bullet connectors are a fit for our stock harnesses. They arent identical, but they snap in tight without spreading the barrels.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/152375346643?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

That was a good read Dave, thanks. I understand completely now. Now I must decide. I've opted for a 130 70 18 sized for the rear. Stock size for the front.

 

And I imagine you run bias rear at least K-Moe? To support that cargo......

 

Bias front and rear. If I was doing a different sort of riding I might run radials, but with the popularity of classic sportsbikes there aren't many tire compounds that aren't available in both bias and radial.

 

And what are you running?

 

I should have been more clear. What brand, rating?

 

Currently? On empty, blind, into the sun, and behind.

As for tires I'll have to check tomorrow. I'm full of meds and can't remember what I have on her.

The flu sucks when you have asthma.

 

Damn K-moe. Just get well man. I'll be months till I'm ready for tires! This is all just homework time for me. So here's whats been keeping me healthy this winter:
Echinacea tea.... with lots of local honey, and cinnamon. Like take the shaker off and tap a pile into the tea. Stir real good, and when I get to the bottom, where all the cinnamon is, I slam it.

I'm just running behind lol.

 

What are you saying about Mr Moe?

 

Well unless my memory has failed me, his machine is setup for touring. With hard bags and even an ingenious pvc tube for tools. That all adds weight.
My question about tires..... Lets say I get some experience under my belt on asphalt and decide to "drag a knee".... Will the bias ply tires be equally good for cornering? Or was the answer to that satisfied by the topic of readily available compounds. I've had a hard time with tires in my travels with cars. I've had zr rated tires with heavier load ratings and lower wear ratings, that had more flex in the sidewall than cheaper, longer lasting v-rated tires. It seems like there is no real governing of these tire companies. I wonder if anyone will ever "hold them to their word". Thats why I'm leaning on you guys here.

 

Also putting the word out.... I'm looking for a mid eighties Shadow 500 for my lady. Sh'e 5' and its a great fit for her. If anyone near me knows of one for sale.... We'll fix it up if its rusty/ dented. Looking for a budget starter. Bonus points if it runs and the tank isn't a colander.

 

I know, I know. I was simply trying to manipulate you into a joke about "saddlebags". Or a "spare tire". Or sumpin'. I dunno. It's my burpday, and I woke up with a headache.

 

Happy burpday Matti! Aspirin and water lol.

 

You forgot about the trailer.

I've had no problems with using Bias-ply tires when having fun on twisty roads (my youth was misspent in Oregon). Radials do have the advantage there, but most tires have more performance to give than most riders will ever be comfortable using on public roads.

I'm currently running a Conti-Go on the front (3.25-19) which is half of the set I put on when I got the bike four years ago. The rear wore out at just under 2,800 miles; the front has close to 7,000 miles on it (I need to ride more) and should last me at least another 2k. They are plenty grippy and do well in the rain, but the rear can't handle touring duty.

My current rear is a Shinko 230 Tour Master (120/90-18) and I like it quite a bit so far. I've only done one trip (finances have been tight for a few years) on it so-far, but it looks like she'll run for about 9,000 miles or more. I occasionaly find a good corner or two to blast through, and haven't been dissapointed in the level of grip or the amount of feedback as to what the tire is doing.

 

I agree with what k-moe said about most tires having more performance than what is needed for the street.
First comes dragging the centre stand, then footpegs. You only hang off the bike to straighten the bike up to avoid dragging parts.
This means you've already taken the same corner time after time. This behavior is not safe on public roads with traffic coming in the opposite direction.
Now wheelies are always acceptable in my book LOL.