Anyone have any advice for an 1100 with the 16" front wheel? From what I've read, people on this forum usually just suggest changing out the 16" for a 17" to get more tire options, but my bike is registered as a collector's vehicle and so I'm obligated to keep it stock. The Metzeler Lasertecs that the bike came with feel good to me, but I'm wondering if anyone with experience can weigh in on the other options. Besides Metzeler Lasertecs, I'm also considering Pirelli Sport Demons, Avon Azara-STs, Dunlop GT501s, Bridgestone BT-45s, and Michelin Pilot Activs.
Thanks,
-Bryce
I'm running the Bridgestones. Wear seems to be good and I like the feel of them, but since they are the only tyres I have had on the bike I have nothing to compare them to. I have no problem with the 16 inch wheel I find the handling fine. Not as sharp in the tight stuff as my last bike an 85 GSXR 750 but a lot better on long fast corners where the gixer felt a bit skittish, and a lot more stable at sustained high speed. recently completed 1100 km ride in 2 days got off the bike comfortable and fresh. Definitely the bike for eating miles.
Quote from: Bryce on January 23, 2014, 01:53:55 AM
......but my bike is registered as a collector's vehicle and so I'm obligated to keep it stock.
Thanks,
-Bryce
Is that registered as in a special plate and cheaper rego? If so, and a requirement is that you keep it stock, I don't think anyone is going to notice a different wheel size (or even know that it's not standard).
Stock, for the purpose of special registration of collectable / vintage / veteran vehicles usually excludes safety improvements. While your FJ is probably at the "new" end of eligibility, common sense suggests parts availability and safety will see many non standard or model correct parts fitted to older vehicles.
It is also impractical, if not impossible, to police "stock" on vehicles that are 40, 50, 100+ years old.
For practical reasons most jurisdictions apply this term with a modicum of common sense. The intention being to keep it
essentially standard.
They can give those 16" tyres all the cool sounding names they like but they are still basically Harley tyres.
These may well suit you riding style but if want something that will corner and brake and stick in the wet, 17" is the way to go.
We've all done time on the tyres you mention and many still are, and they do the job, but modern tyres transform the bike, particularly in the wet.
I have had a number of the tyres you mention and in my opinion there is no stand out performer, go with a tread pattern you like the look of.
One of the common myths of motorcycling is that you only need modern tyres if you ride hard. Certainly if you ride hard you do, but I view it more as a safety item, insurance. You don't have to be riding hard to need to brake in an emergency or to overcook a corner etc.
If you go with any of the tyres you mentioned, it would be wise to check the date on them. As demand for these diminishes some shops may have old stock.
Noel
Bryce:
Welcome to the ever-shrinking minority club of those that still carry 16 inch hoops on their FJs.
I have tried the BT-45s. Their price point was appealing, but I did not care for their lack of feel in the wet. But others opinions of them may vary.
Sport Demons are a good tire.
I currently have Avon Sportriders on my '85 and have found them a good tire in all conditions. They don't cost a lot either. Others here may chime in on the Azzaros, and their merits, but I have not had a set on to try out yet.
Marty
Quote from: ribbert on January 23, 2014, 04:44:39 AM
they are still basically Harley tyres.
Noel
Really? So what is the basis of this observation? Testing, conversations with Engineers at the tire manufacturers?
PS, not asking for a video like Randy did. :wacko3:
I've got sport demons on my bike at the moment, 17inch front 16 inch rear, and although I've never had a problem with them slipping in the dry or wet, they do seem to tramline a bit with irregularities in the road.
Had Dunlops before and never noticed it with them, so weather it's because the Dunlops were radials and the Pirelli's are cross ply's, I don't know. Pirelli's seem to wear quicker too.
My next set of tyres will be Avons, as I've read good reports about them, plus we really don't have much variety with a 16 inch rear wheel compared to 17 inch.
Tony.
Before I switch over to 17" I ran on the AVON AV 45/46 combo. 16" front & rear and they are radials. They are a good tire, I also ride with another 86' and he runs on the Pirelli Sport Demons and they seem like a good choice as well.
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on January 23, 2014, 05:09:02 AM
Quote from: ribbert on January 23, 2014, 04:44:39 AM
they are still basically Harley tyres.
Noel
Really? So what is the basis of this observation? Testing, conversations with Engineers at the tire manufacturers?
PS, not asking for a video like Randy did. :wacko3:
I use the term "Harley tyres" in the context of them not being performance tyres by modern, middle of the road standards and I don't believe even the manufacturers would claim they were.
I don't think talking to the engineers is required to form an opinion of a tyre. I don't need to know how it was made to know how it performs on the road.
And yes, I have tested (as in fitted new and worn out) Lastertecs, Macadams, Bridgestones, Dunlops and
currently have a set of Sport Demons fitted to an FJ. I have not tried the Activ but Michelin themselves on their website say they are targeting the 500cc market and rattle off 4 specific models from all the major manufacturers.
I have many examples of my experiences with both sorts of tyres. How and where I ride I think is a pretty good test for any tyres all round performance and I can only pass on my findings.
Glad to see nothing's changed in my absence. First technical post in many months and it draws flak! :biggrin:
I appreciate a supporting video was not required.
(no video camera was harmed in the making of this post)Noel
Good tyres the Avons. Radials so the rear support better the weight of the bike and don´t flex
Continental has revamped tkv11/12. I´ve not still test these, but judging for the new Conti work in classic machines those look a good bet
For me the Pîrellis and these are the worst tyres that you could fit in a FJ: the rear flex at nothing more than 50% of the capabilities of the bike, slip even in medium throttle (because flex), don´t support the front end... well, its curious the different point of view of different people. It could be because of different tarmac or style of riding, I don´t know, but I´ve tested dozens of tyres in my FJs and in my friend´s and the general conclusion is that Pirellis are horrible and a ticket to the hospital
The Pilot Activs are designed for medium weight bikes (here in Europe). I don´t recommend you
BT45s are a good tyre, but if you ride at the sporty side, the front tyre could disintegrated in less than 4.000 kms (this is the duration in my CBX 750 with less weight, less power and less brakes than my FJ). The rear last longer, around 12.000 in my CBX, but the wear in a byas-ply is not as uniform as a radial tyre
Glad to see nothing's changed in my absence. First technical post in many months and it draws flak! :biggrin:
I appreciate a supporting video was not required.
(no video camera was harmed in the making of this post)
Noel
Welcome back.
Keep the technical posts coming. I find the some of the other types (mine included) tiresome at times.
Hi Bryce. I believe Noel to be right about the collector plate requirements. I had a collector plate on my 86. I was given the collector plate after I had put 17" wheels on it. I also Had an insurance claim without even a question about size of wheels, brakes,forks or suspension. Modifications are allowed if it is for safety reasons. If you do decide to change to 17'' wheels let me know, I can help out.
Derek
I've been using Avon RoadRiders on my vintage bikes & really like them. My bikes are all in the 400 to 500cc range other than my FJ. I don't know how the Avon RoadRiders would hold up to an FJ, but they will be my first choice when it comes time to replace the Metzelers that are on the bike now. My rear Metzeler has slid on me a couple of times in some aggresive cornering.
Good luck
~JM~
Well, RoadRiders are the obligatory mount at the Practical Sportsbikes CNC series and 3 of the first 5 on the Championship are FJs...
Thanks for all the feedback guys. Didn't know that the Avons were radials, that's interesting as I assumed they were bias. And yeah, I probably could get away with changing to a 17" wheel, even if it were a problem I doubt the average person would be able to notice the difference.
-Bryce
I just had a look at ICBC applcation form and it says you wheels can be upgraded to 1' taller and 1'' wider. Tires can be upgraded from bias to radial
The 1100's & early 1200's look better with the original 16' wheels if you are a collector or show the bike, it's always good to keep them original :good2:
I've riden pretty hard on the Metzlers with out an issue :i_am_so_happy:
Quote from: megsy on January 24, 2014, 05:44:00 AM
The 1100's & early 1200's look better with the original 16' wheels
I tend to agree.
Some of the favorable attributes of 17 inch wheels are undeniable, such as less unsprung weight and much greater selection of tires and compounds. However, I just can't seem to get past some of the stink bug, cat-in-heat looks on some pics of the rears on the switched-over bikes that I've seen. All the air between the wheel and the fender looks a little odd sometimes. Perhaps it all goes away with the rider onboard though.
I think when those 16 inch red rims with polished accents on my '87 are clean, they are what I've heard coined by those across the Pond, the bees knees.
Sorry to offend anyone with 17 inch switch-overs, but the above is only an opinion of mine, and you know how the saying goes for opinions.
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on January 24, 2014, 07:52:40 AM
All the air between the wheel and the fender looks a little odd sometimes. Perhaps it all goes away with the rider onboard though.
All that air you speak of is not from the wheel swap. The OD of the 16" and 17" wheels with their respective tyres is much the same to the eye although the 17" does look a little more open because it has a lower combined profile.
The air is a result of two other popular mods, raising the rear end (excessively on some) and trimming the rear mudguard (fender) up to the number plate.
What you end up with doesn't matter, it's your bike. The main thing is that your choice is an informed one made once you are aware of all the facts and the exchange of posts over the last few days suggest that is the case.
It wouldn't suit me but then neither would a completely bright red bike. Each to their own.
Noel
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on January 24, 2014, 07:52:40 AM
Some of the favorable attributes of 17 inch wheels are undeniable, such as less unsprung weight and much greater selection of tires and compounds. However, I just can't seem to get past some of the stink bug, cat-in-heat looks on some pics of the rears on the switched-over bikes that I've seen. All the air between the wheel and the fender looks a little odd sometimes. Perhaps it all goes away with the rider onboard though.
What Noel said.
But if you ever rode one down a twisty road, you'd get it. :yes:
What Noel said.
But if you ever rode one down a twisty road, you'd get it. :yes:
Lib (not):
I do get it. I owned a VFR for many years, and rode it on all sorts of twisties in different areas of the States. You're correct though about me not have ridden an FJ that has been converted to 17 inch hoops. If I did, I would probably be amazed at its handling differences.
Converting my FJs over, is not in the cards for me due to a number of reasons. One of them being lusting after a late nineties Triumph 955i. They come stock with fully adjustable suspension (USD up front) front and rear, 320mm discs up front, and 17 inch hoops. BUT, they are not an FJ. I plan on holding onto mine and enjoying them for a while longer. :flag_of_truce:
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on January 24, 2014, 11:04:13 AM
I do get it. I owned a VFR for many years, and rode it on all sorts of twisties in different areas of the States. You're correct though about me not have ridden an FJ that has been converted to 17 inch hoops. If I did, I would probably be amazed at its handling differences.
Converting my FJs over, is not in the cards for me due to a number of reasons. One of them being lusting after a late nineties Triumph 955i. They come stock with fully adjustable suspension (USD up front) front and rear, 320mm discs up front, and 17 inch hoops. BUT, they are not an FJ. I plan on holding onto mine and enjoying them for a while longer. :flag_of_truce:
Not trying to start anything, really I'm not. :flag_of_truce:
I think you get it, partially, anyway, IMO. :pardon:
But, with a little effort, and a minor fraction of what you'd pay for a 15 year old Triumph 955, one of your FJs could have all those items. And be an
FJ... Grab a ride on one of those 'cat-in-heat' 'stink bug' FJs, and give it a try.
Not a full-on race bike, but you'd surprised how well they can go, and in relative comfort.
PLUS all the support of this group, and (probably) better parts availability (at least on the hard parts). A well-modified and ridden FJ is pretty hard to beat.
Again, JMO. No disrespect intended whatsoever.
Quote from: not a lib on January 24, 2014, 03:53:46 PM
Again, JMO. No disrespect intended whatsoever.
Wasn't even on the radar for me.
Regarding that 955i... Those curves, the three cylinder snarl, I'm like a moth drawn to a flame. Build quality is supposed to be pretty good too.
Anyways. Time to move on. Diverged enough from this thread.
I agree with what everyone says.... Everyone.
IMO, the FJ looks beautiful with the stock 16" rims and beefy tostada 80 series sidewall tires. It just looks right.
I kept my '84 stock for the first 10 years.
Then in the mid 90's I got a chance to ride my friends '86 which had the 17" conversion. I rode that bike for 2 full days through the back highways of San Diego County. The difference was noticeable. Have you ever had the chance to dance with a real good dance partner? It is much less effort. The FJ will never be the precision scalpel like a GSXR or YZF but I learned, first hand, that the old girl's agility could be improved.
Again, I agree with Marty and Megsy, the FJ just looks 'right' with the 16" oem rims and tires. They fit.
However, she really does function better with the 17" rims and modern tires.
My final thought is to point out that this modification is fully reversible. I have kept all my original gear off my '84 and I can convert her back to oem any time I want.
But in her current state of tune, she is such a good dance partner....
You might have kept the OEM gear but how will you ever find it?
Yea, I forget, you've seen my garage....it's in there...somewhere.....you wanna buy a black hard tail chopper?
Quote from: Pat Conlon on January 24, 2014, 07:55:24 PM
Yea, I forget, you've seen my garage....it's in there...somewhere.....you wanna buy a black hard tail chopper?
Yes, I do.
how bout the car too?
You want to sell it?
(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xxK2nmgMEfs/UuOKa3_bCzI/AAAAAAAAV3o/vmcMy-d7toA/w666-h499-no/DCFC0030.jpg)
I have an '85 with 16inch front, for tyres I run BT45's. I tried a few types over the last couple of years, my tyres seem to last around 6 months give or take. I found some brands to wear quickly, others to loose their edges while the centre is rock hard. For the cost and feel I belive the BT45's are a good brand and decent tyre.
I mostly commute at 100kmph over rough sealed roads, 34 psi front, 36 psi rear.
cheers, Gareth
Quote from: mr blackstock on January 25, 2014, 08:18:35 AMI have an '85 with 16inch front, for tyres I run BT45's. I tried a few types over the last couple of years, my tyres seem to last around 6 months give or take. I found some brands to wear quickly, others to loose their edges while the centre is rock hard. For the cost and feel I belive the BT45's are a good brand and decent tyre.
I mostly commute at 100kmph over rough sealed roads, 34 psi front, 36 psi rear.
cheers, Gareth
By any chance did you try the Avon RoadRiders?
I would really like to hear from someone who has ridden the same bike with both the RoadRiders & the BT-45's and find out which of the two they liked better.
Thank you
~JM~
85 FJ1100
16" stock wheels
Fairly sporty rider, but more than likely, slower than you.
I really like the Avon Azaro-ST, aka AV45/AV46. Good grip, reasonable life, will be mounting 2ND pair on the hoops this spring as I have worn out/aged out the current pair.
While I hope this may help someone reading this forum, it is just my opinion, based on my limited observations. Cheers. :drinks:
____________
The Fleet..
85 FJ1100
86 FZ750
08 Ducati 848
13 Husky TE310R
I did not try the avon's, I did try pirelli, I think, metzler, and another brand i cannot remember, could have been a chinese brand. I will look for some avons next time around.
cheers, Gareth
Quote from: ~JM~ on January 25, 2014, 10:19:17 AM
I would really like to hear from someone who has ridden the same bike with both the RoadRiders & the BT-45's and find out which of the two they liked better.
Thank you
~JM~
Ask and Ye shall receive. See post number four on page one of this thread. I have used both, and tossed the BT-45's for the RoadRiders.
I found out how much better the latter were (for me, at least) than the former, when I had a set on my Kawasaki and liked them, then bought the BT-45's for my FJ. After riding my FJ a lot in the rain one long weekend, I wasn't a fan at all of the BT-45's. So much so, that I took them off way before their time, and put on the RoadRiders. I like those.
Others like the BT-45's, and that's fine with me, they just didn't work for me. That's all.
Marty
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on January 25, 2014, 01:55:28 PM
Quote from: ~JM~ on January 25, 2014, 10:19:17 AM
I would really like to hear from someone who has ridden the same bike with both the RoadRiders & the BT-45's and find out which of the two they liked better.
Thank you
~JM~
Ask and Ye shall receive. See post number four on page one of this thread. I have used both, and tossed the BT-45's for the RoadRiders.
I found out how much better the latter were (for me, at least) than the former, when I had a set on my Kawasaki and liked them, then bought the BT-45's for my FJ. After riding my FJ a lot in the rain one long weekend, I wasn't a fan at all of the BT-45's. So much so, that I took them off way before their time, and put on the RoadRiders. I like those.
Others like the BT-45's, and that's fine with me, they just didn't work for me. That's all.
Marty
Thank you Marty, Thats both good & bad news for me. I like the RoadRiders & have them on a few of my bikes. I recently let someone talk me into a new pair of BT-45's for my FZR/RD-400 hybrid project. I'm concerned that I won't like them when the time comes around that this project is completed. I just bought a new pair of RoadRiders for another project bike. Bet you never guess who I bought them from? Would you believe that Amazon.com had the best online price that I could find. It was just a few cents shy of $200 for both tires with free shipping. Plus they arrived 3 days after I ordered them during the busy holiday season. I was impressed with the ease of buying & the quick shipping!
You guys should all check out Amazon.com when looking for tires & other commonly available parts.
Good luck
~JM~
Quote from: ~JM~ on January 26, 2014, 10:26:15 AM
You guys should all check out Amazon.com when looking for tires & other commonly available parts.
+1
I ordered a ContiMotion rear tire for one of my spare wheels just ahead of the ECFR, and got the best price for it thru Amazon. Then, a day or two before leaving, I realized that the spare had no brake disc on it. Amazon also had the best price on the disc as well, and with a free trial of Amazon Prime, got free one day shipping to the campground... it was there when I arrived!
My last two sets of Conti Motions were delivered via Amazon to my door for less than $200. I mount and balance myself so the tires are a great deal... They stick well enough for me and wear much better than the Avon 45/46 that I ran when I had 16" wheels...
I run with the BT 45 all through the Irish winter ( that's a lot of wet days ). They are a good tyre for the money, but keep it down a small bit when the road is greasy and you won't end up in the ditch.
Sean.
I have had Metzeler ME880 on my `86 with 16 inch wheels and I find them extremely slippery in the wet and am planning on something else as next set of tires, the good thing (and likely the reason for poor wet performance) is that they are hardly showing any wear after 5000+ KM`s so I will probably have to replace them due to boredom before the wear forces me to.
So IMO Do not use this tire on the FJ
Quote from: IceFJ on February 06, 2014, 07:29:51 PMI have had Metzeler ME880 on my `86 with 16 inch wheels and I find them extremely slippery in the wet and am planning on something else as next set of tires, the good thing (and likely the reason for poor wet performance) is that they are hardly showing any wear after 5000+ KM`s so I will probably have to replace them due to boredom before the wear forces me to.
So IMO Do not use this tire on the FJ
My FJ1100 came to me with old bias-ply Metzlers, and on the advice that I got on this forum, I switched to a set of Pirelli Sport Demons (which are also bias ply tires). The difference in handling was like night and day. It felt like I had done major suspension upgrades; I felt far more confidence in cornering and braking. There may be better tires out there, such as the Avon radials, but I have no experience with them, and I liked the prices on these Pirelli tires. Talk to everybody, of course, but I feel sure that either Pirellis or Avons will do much better than the tires that you have now.
Cheers,
Red
Right on RED, I ran on the Avons for a few years till the Moditus bit me HARD and I switched to 17" front and rear in the same year. The Sport Demons are reported to handle like radials and the Avons are radials. I can vouch for the Avons and ride with members with the Demons. So unless you ride really hard and have no chicken strips then you can't go wrong with either. But if I had to choose what brand to run to loose my chicken strips, the Avons have my confidence. I also chose stick over mileage, seems like a less expensive kind of insurance...
Quote from: IceFJ on February 06, 2014, 07:29:51 PM
I have had Metzeler ME880 on my `86 with 16 inch wheels and I find them extremely slippery in the wet and am planning on something else as next set of tires, the good thing (and likely the reason for poor wet performance) is that they are hardly showing any wear after 5000+ KM`s so I will probably have to replace them due to boredom before the wear forces me to.
So IMO Do not use this tire on the FJ
Depends on what you're trying to accomplish. My last big road trip was a little over 17,000 miles. I had around a hundred or so pounds of camping gear in Givi hardcases and I left Los Angeles with a brand new set of Pirelli Sport Demons. Outstanding for grip...really a confidence builder and I had a "let's see how this goes" outlook. At 5,500 miles, the Sport Demons were done for. They got me through the Tail of the Dragon in one piece, but it was time for new rubber. I fitted up Metzeler ME880's at a shop in North Carolina and headed off. They got me through the rest of the US, Canada from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island and then back to Los Angeles. All in all, I put over 12,000 hard miles on the Metzelers in two months. Outstanding tires...for THAT purpose.
I now have two sets of wheels/tires for my FJ. One set are a fresh set of ME880's for long touring...the other set are Pirelli Sport Demons for the twisty roads in the Santa Monica Mountains. Both have their place and in stock wheel sizes, both are a great choice depending on your needs.
Cap'n Ron. . .
Second year with the Dunlop GT501 on my 1984 FJ1100. No complaints. Minor modification but with stock wheels.
My Dunlops GT501 work excellent on my 85 FJ 1100. I avoid rain rides.I even scraped
the left foot peg the other day :good2: and still lean angle left on tires. IMO Dunlop
makes a very good tire! :biggrin:
:hi: ...Get a set of Pirelli Sport Demons...they stick to the road like shite on a woolly blanket :lol: :rofl2: :rofl:... :biggrin: You won't regret your purchase :good2:
John.
Quote from: Tiger on March 18, 2014, 06:42:03 PM
:hi: ...Get a set of Pirelli Sport Demons...they stick to the road like shite on a woolly blanket :lol: :rofl2: :rofl:... :biggrin: You won't regret your purchase :good2:
John.
Note to self: Don't ride behind this guy, smells like shite on a woolly blanket... :bad:
Bias Ply Tyres?
George Bowers would love this thread.
Recently installed a set of Pirelli Sport Demons (16" stock wheels). Had Dunlops GT501 before, which lasted for about 18,000km. No complaints on either tires. The Pirellis have a "softer" feel.