peeps, well I thought I really had this tire thing down. Love those Michelin road pilot 3s, so another set please. Wait a mint, looks like those sods at Michelin have discontinued the 170/60
Maybe I'll treat myself to some road pilot 4s then. Works out only a few bucks more.
Would you believe it, no 170/60 in that model either.
Yet more research reveals no problem on putting a 160/60 on my 5 inch rim.
Fond as I was of my 120/70, 170/60 - is it really that different with a 120/70, 160/60 ?
Seems if I insist on these pr3 or Pr4s then I have no choice but to fit a 160.
Somehow this feels like a step backwards?
Your thoughts welcomed as always.
Andy
After a few more hours on Google I find that the pr4 does come in 170/60, but it's called the pr4 gt which is angled at heavier bikes. As for the pr3, seems that some on line stores do still carry a 170/60, just not my favorite supplier - motorcycle superstore who are usually super about having all things.
So, I'll probably get some more pr3s unless someone chimes in raving about the pr4s.
Or perhaps a different brand???
Andy
Quote from: andyoutandabout on January 19, 2015, 01:32:36 AM
So, I'll probably get some more pr3s unless someone chimes in raving about the pr4s.
Or perhaps a different brand???
Andy
Andy, I've used both PR3's and PR4's and like both very much. I prefer the 4's but the best tyre that I have used so far are the Metzeler Roadtec Z8's. Good milage, great handling in both wet and dry conditions. Highly recommended! Regards, Pete. :good2:
Quote from: andyoutandabout on January 19, 2015, 01:32:36 AM
.......but it's called the pr4 gt which is angled at heavier bikes.
Or perhaps a different brand???
Andy
I have read very good things about the Z8's and keep threatening to try one but when it's come to the crunch the last couple of times, I buckled and went with the same tyre again.
Anyway, you mention the GT version like it's a bad thing, they are not Gold Wing or Harley tyres. My last two tyres have been the GT version of what I had previously been using and it was the release of that tyre that stopped me trying the Z8.
The GT variants I believe are the same tyre, same compound but with a stiffer carcass, they look the same, they stick the same. I have noticed a definite increase in mileage without suffering any performance loss. The FJ comes in at the low end of the weight range they are recommended for.
I have a 5" rim and have always run 180/55's, never occurred to me to run anything else.
Most modern sports and sports/touring tyres are great but the one thing I like most about mine (Conti RA2GT's) is the soft to hard compound it achieved by heat during manufacture giving a smooth and progressive transition from one to the other, this means I don't get the funny wear pattern associated with most dual compound tyres but I get the same effect. The slick type profile of the front also improves the FJ's turn in dramatically and does not make it as heavy when the tyres are well worn.
I always replace my tyres in pairs and go through about 1.5 - 2 sets a year. I have tried many tyres and there are many I haven't tried but at the moment, these are my favourites. I might give those Z8's a go shortly. I will probably need tyres for the Rally.
This is one of the few items where personal recommendations are not much good unless you happen to have been through 15 sets of tyres in the last 6 months and can offer a comparison between them.
IMHO any of the Sports/Touring tyres from the big brands these days are going to be better than us or our bikes.
Noel
Which reminds me I really have to get a new rear tyre before Grafton, this time a good dual compound job that won't wear out in 3000ks! You're coming to Grafton Noel, excellent :good2:!
Quote from: X-Ray on January 21, 2015, 08:30:53 PM
Which reminds me I really have to get a new rear tyre before Grafton, this time a good dual compound job that won't wear out in 3000ks! You're coming to Grafton Noel, excellent :good2:!
What wore out in 3000kms?
Noel
Ive seen Ray ride and he's lucky to get that. He's crazy.
Me?, I'm a pussycat rider Ken! (shit you make me laugh!!)
That damn Dunlop Roadsmart II I put on the rear before the Jindabyne trip last year Noel. it was very worn/flat spotted when I got home, (approx 3300kms). Very uneven wear and it certainly wasn't up to the task of a lot of straight highway plus luggage on the FJ. I'm leaning towards the Pirelli GTa tyres at the moment, very good reports for the tourers amongst us.
Quote from: X-Ray on January 21, 2015, 09:23:49 PM
Me?, I'm a pussycat rider Ken! (shit you make me laugh!!)
That damn Dunlop Roadsmart II I put on the rear before the Jindabyne trip last year Noel. it was very worn/flat spotted when I got home, (approx 3300kms). Very uneven wear and it certainly wasn't up to the task of a lot of straight highway plus luggage on the FJ. I'm leaning towards the Pirelli GTa tyres at the moment, very good reports for the tourers amongst us.
I don't remember anything I liked about Roadsmarts.
Noel
You might find this interesting Ray.
http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/reviews/2013/road/pirelli-angel-gt-long-term-tyre-test-37799 (http://www.bikepoint.com.au/content/reviews/2013/road/pirelli-angel-gt-long-term-tyre-test-37799)
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on January 21, 2015, 09:41:48 PM
I don't remember anything I liked about Roadsmarts.
Noel
I'm with you Noel. The "sport touring" Roadsmart tires I tried were the worst wearing tires I have ever run. The fronts never lasted more that about 3500 miles. I switched to "sport" Michelin Pilot Power and actually get better mileage. Never buying a Roadsmart again.
Actually, now that I've checked, the OLD tyre was a Dunlop Roadsmart. The current one that has gone square and developed waves in it is a Dunlop Sportmax GPR200. Thats the one I won't be getting again, :mad:
Some good reports from FJR1300 riders on the Angels. Might just make this crummy back tyre last a bit longer then replace front and back as a set. Still plenty of tread left on the front at the moment.
Anyone have any experience with the Avon RoadRiders on an FJ? http://www.avonmotorcycle.com (http://www.avonmotorcycle.com)
I have been very pleased with their performance on my mid-size (250-500cc) bikes. Just wonder how well they hold up under FJ power & size?
Thank you.
Quote from: andyoutandabout on January 19, 2015, 01:32:36 AM
After a few more hours on Google I find that the pr4 does come in 170/60, but it's called the pr4 gt which is angled at heavier bikes. As for the pr3, seems that some on line stores do still carry a 170/60, just not my favorite supplier - motorcycle superstore who are usually super about having all things.
So, I'll probably get some more pr3s unless someone chimes in raving about the pr4s.
Or perhaps a different brand???
Andy
Hey Andy , what did you get ?
You know you need the soft compound tires the way you ride . I have always been happy with the pilot power up front and the pr3 on the back. I burn thru 2 front tires to 1 back tire.
Quote from: ~JM~ on January 22, 2015, 07:24:02 AM
Anyone have any experience with the Avon RoadRiders on an FJ? http://www.avonmotorcycle.com (http://www.avonmotorcycle.com)
I have been very pleased with their performance on my mid-size (250-500cc) bikes. Just wonder how well they hold up under FJ power & size?
Thank you.
On the Avon site they recommend the Storm2 or Storm3d, if you still have the original size FJ rear wheel. I think that's where I got caught out with the Dunlop GPR200, they just couldn't last with the FJ weight etc and were better suited for a lighter bike. There should be some reviews around on the Avons to help with your decision , :good2:
Avon storm front with Azzaro rear is the way to go on standard wheels
Andy's bike is modified with 17" wheels .
Quote from: stua1959 on January 22, 2015, 05:17:28 PM
Avon storm front with Azzaro rear is the way to go on standard wheels
I agree. I have 16 inch wheels and run avon azzaros front and rear. The tire distributors are saying the 16 inch azzaros are being discontinued but I believe you can still get the more expensive storms in 16 inch. Dave
Quote from: TexasDave on January 22, 2015, 05:30:37 PM
Quote from: stua1959 on January 22, 2015, 05:17:28 PM
Avon storm front with Azzaro rear is the way to go on standard wheels
I agree. I have 16 inch wheels and run avon azzaros front and rear. The tire distributors are saying the 16 inch azzaros are being discontinued but I believe you can still get the more expensive storms in 16 inch. Dave
thats what ive got on mine, 12000k later they still have plenty of meat on them
Quote from: ~JM~ on January 22, 2015, 07:24:02 AM
Anyone have any experience with the Avon RoadRiders on an FJ? http://www.avonmotorcycle.com (http://www.avonmotorcycle.com)
I have been very pleased with their performance on my mid-size (250-500cc) bikes. Just wonder how well they hold up under FJ power & size?
Thank you.
I've got RoadRiders on mine at present and I like them. I've only done 2,500 km so far but they seem to be wearing well.
No complaints with the way they handle, wet or dry, they've got the same weight ratings as other comparable tyres for the FJ, so I don't see a problem there, plus they don't follow grooves in the road like the Sport Demons I had before.
Radial or crossply in the Avons, you can't go wrong either way.
Thank you all for the replies. My '89 FJ is an all stock bike. It has Metzelor tires on it from the P/O. Can't recall which model of tire, but I've had the rear end step out on me before in a turn. Don't care for that much.
Please check the date code on those tires. Generally the recommendation from most tire companies is to dispose of tires after 5 years. My FJ came with a pair of Metzler Lasertecs that had nearly full tread depth, but were 6 years old. I did ride on them, but swapped to a pair of Avon Azaros well before the Metzlers were any where close to being worn out.
Quote from: Country Joe on January 24, 2015, 07:59:12 AMPlease check the date code on those tires. Generally the recommendation from most tire companies is to dispose of tires after 5 years. My FJ came with a pair of Metzler Lasertecs that had nearly full tread depth, but were 6 years old. I did ride on them, but swapped to a pair of Avon Azaros well before the Metzlers were any where close to being worn out.
I have a feeling that they have expired due to time. There is good tread & the tires are not dry cracking, but they feel hard. The P/O was a touring rider, so I figured he may have been more concerned with mileage than cornering.
Thanks.
Any thoughts on the Conti RA2 GT's? They get good reviews.
Quote from: Burns on March 15, 2015, 07:34:02 AM
Any thoughts on the Conti RA2 GT's? They get good reviews.
Love 'em!
They are the only tyre I've ever bought again and I'm on about my 4th set.
I have reviewed them here a number of times. The journo's like them too, and they get to ride on everything.
I have tried all the others with the exception of the Metzeler Roadtec Z8, which also review very well and get glowing reports from some members on the forum, as do the RA2 GT's.
Happy to PM you more detailed info on them if you're interested.
Noel
Here is an option that I believe has not been mentioned before. The Continental Cont-Motion radial tires that many members use that have the 17" real wheel mod, can now be used on '89 and later bikes with OEM wheels.
There are offerings of a 120/70/17 and a 110/70/17 z-rated front and a 160/80/16 R-rated rear.
http://www.compacc.com/p/continental-conti-motion-sport-touring-radial-z-rated-rear (http://www.compacc.com/p/continental-conti-motion-sport-touring-radial-z-rated-rear)
Fred
Quote from: Burns on March 15, 2015, 07:34:02 AM
Any thoughts on the Conti RA2 GT's? They get good reviews.
I'm on my 3rd set of Conti RA2's and love them. These are not the GT's though; I think the GT's have a heavier carcass.
Quote from: aviationfred on March 15, 2015, 08:58:01 AM
Here is an option that I believe has not been mentioned before.
Fred, it has been covered recently... And the price is hard to beat.
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=13397.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=13397.0)
Quote from: markmartin on March 15, 2015, 11:05:46 AM
Quote from: Burns on March 15, 2015, 07:34:02 AM
Any thoughts on the Conti RA2 GT's? They get good reviews.
I'm on my 3rd set of Conti RA2's and love them. These are not the GT's though; I think the GT's have a heavier carcass.
how many miles are you getting out of then?
On Friday, I ordered up a set of Avon Storm 3D XM radials for the 'new' '92. The write up's, on various bike sites, where 99% positive...as I knew they would be :good:
I've been a big fan of Avon tires for many, many years. Here in Canada, I ran Avon's for years on my Yamaha 550 Vision's with no problems.
When I switched to my '85 FJ, I went with Pirelli Sport Demons...as I couldn't locate an Avon rear at that time. The Pirelli's have been good but I'm looking forward to these new 3D XM's for this up and coming season... :good2:
John.
Quote from: Burns on March 15, 2015, 01:53:56 PM
Quote from: markmartin on March 15, 2015, 11:05:46 AM
Quote from: Burns on March 15, 2015, 07:34:02 AM
Any thoughts on the Conti RA2 GT's? They get good reviews.
I'm on my 3rd set of Conti RA2's and love them. These are not the GT's though; I think the GT's have a heavier carcass.
how many miles are you getting out of then?
5000 miles and I wear down the chicken strip on the rear. The front looks like they've still have 2k or so left to them at this point, but I change them as a set.
They seem to stick like glue and since I've taken Randy's advice and inflated the front to 42psi I get very little uneven wear on the front tire. The rear tires have no tread pattern cut into the very center of the tire so it's hard to tell when they're done, so have a rear tire ready to go when you're approaching 5k or so. It's one thing I wish they would change.
I've used Metzler ME-Z6s and had good riding and good wear (6,500 miles, IIRC.) My last pair were ME-Z8's. The fronts looked good, but the rear was worn bald after 4,500 miles. That's the shortest life I've ever gotten from a radial tire. (The front still looks fine - so much so, I considered just getting a new rear tire and seeing if I'd get the front to last another 4,500. Instead, I just decided to keep the front.)
After nursing it home from the fall Tellico rally, I replaced both tires with a new ME-Z8 in front and ME-Z6 in back. Feels great so far, although I haven't spent a long day on it in the twisties yet. Next up might be a track day, if I can get one in before Boone.
Tempted as I was with monkeys bargain motions, I ended up sticking with Michelin as they have kept me stuck to the Tarmac since I started using them. Even though a pair of road pilot 4s cost twice what motions go for, I rationalize money well spent on things like tires, chains, brake pads, oil and of course hookers.
Andy ,
Great choice , let me know how they wear for you. :mail1:
I just ordered a set of the Conti-Motions.
I've read a lot of good things about them, but we'll see how the wear goes.
At less than half the price of the Pilots, I hope I don't get half the tread life.
But money is getting spread thin at the moment, so I'll take it as it comes. :drinks:
I too was tempted by the Conti Motions. I just couldn't do it and ordered the road 4 Pilots as well. For the same reason. They have been excellent .
Quote from: Tiger on March 15, 2015, 03:19:43 PM
On Friday, I ordered up a set of Avon Storm 3D XM radials for the 'new' '92. The write up's, on various bike sites, where 99% positive...as I knew they would be :good:
I've been a big fan of Avon tires for many, many years. Here in Canada, I ran Avon's for years on my Yamaha 550 Vision's with no problems.
When I switched to my '85 FJ, I went with Pirelli Sport Demons...as I couldn't locate an Avon rear at that time. The Pirelli's have been good but I'm looking forward to these new 3D XM's for this up and coming season... :good2:
John.
I think you are going to like the 3D's. I feel they are the best tires I've had on standard rims.
I just had pilot road 4s delivered after seriously thinking about the Avon Storm 3D-XMs; it came to price. I currently have Conti RA2s with 11.5k which have maybe another 2k left. Always liked the Avon Storm and PR2s in the past as well.
My 2 cents,
Rob
My 93 the Michelin Road Pilot 2 have worked very well. I would buy these again but almost never run the same tire twice. Always something new to try.
Kurt
I ran the Avon Super Venoms for years, until the last tire change, which was quite a few years ago. Couldn't get the Avon's at that time, so tried Michelin Macadem 100 X. Since that time the bike has sat, then gone thru a rebuild. So far I only have a few hundred kilometers on them of pretty gentle riding. Anybody had any experience with these tires?
Hi Bearly,
IF you're saying that you put the Michelin Macadam 100X tires on "quite a few years ago", then you might want to consider replacing them even though you have used them for very few kms. Tires get old and harden and crack even if they appear fine. If those tires are more than 6 or so years old, be careful.
I have no experience with these particular tires.
Quote from: Bearly Flying on April 26, 2015, 12:25:09 AM
I ran the Avon Super Venoms for years, until the last tire change, which was quite a few years ago. Couldn't get the Avon's at that time, so tried Michelin Macadem 100 X. Since that time the bike has sat, then gone thru a rebuild. So far I only have a few hundred kilometers on them of pretty gentle riding. Anybody had any experience with these tires?
Hello all, a newbie here. I am restoring a 85 FJ1100 with 50K on it. More on that later, I have been communicating on Introduction site. My question is this: radial or bias tire? My Trophy SE runs radial, and most of my other bikes have too! However, this bike has a radial on the front and bias on the rear, not good in my book and they are at least 8 yrs old. So I could use some help here with makes, size and yes I prefer radial if I can on the stock 16" wheels. I will switch to 17" later when I do mods. Right now I just want to ride it and get used to it and maybe make it a WCR. I have received allot of help from several of you -- thanks.
Len,
Orange Power Ranger!
With modern tires you can't go wrong with either selection. There are radial tires available in the 16 size - you're selection is limited compared to 17 inch choices, but there are some that suit the FJ very well
Hey Len, I just finished a restoration project on a '93 that had a 16" back tire 150/80-16
I installed a Avon Storm 3D XM radial tire and I was very impressed with this tire.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/70276/i/avon-storm-3d-x-m-radial-rear-tire (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/70276/i/avon-storm-3d-x-m-radial-rear-tire)
Of course a 17" rim conversion will give you better options, but still, that modern Avon tire was much better than I remembered the 150/80's ever used to be....
Hope this helps. Pat
I just checked the manufacture date on my 16" Dunlop D205. I'm shocked (and embarrassed) to see that the date is 4102. I was riding the crap out of it a few weeks ago and it felt fine.
But I guess it's time to mount the Avon.....
Quote from: FJ_Hooligan on April 28, 2015, 09:21:11 PM
I just checked the manufacture date on my 16" Dunlop D205. I'm shocked (and embarrassed) to see that the date is 4102. I was riding the crap out of it a few weeks ago and it felt fine.
But I guess it's time to mount the Avon.....
Tires from the future????
Quote from: FJmonkey on April 28, 2015, 09:26:05 PM
Tires from the future????
Noooo, 41st week of 2002 is the translation.
Hooli, is that the infamous Harley tire?
Has it been that long?
Quote from: Pat Conlon on April 28, 2015, 07:32:09 PM
Hey Len, I just finished a restoration project on a '93 that had a 16" back tire 150/80-16
I installed a Avon Storm 3D XM radial tire and I was very impressed with this tire.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/70276/i/avon-storm-3d-x-m-radial-rear-tire (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/70276/i/avon-storm-3d-x-m-radial-rear-tire)
Of course a 17" rim conversion will give you better options, but still, that modern Avon tire was much better than I remembered the 150/80's ever used to be....
Hope this helps. Pat
:yahoo:Thanks Pat, I will be tire shopping this weekend, perhaps then I can see what this 85' has left in her after I scrub the tire, a ride up the coast sounds good here in Oregon :bye2:.
Len
Had my heart set on a set of Conti RA2GT's but - no 16 inchers could I find. My 90 has the stock 16's fore and aft.
So - what's the best I can do fellas? What do you recommend that will fit these hoops?
Shouldn't the 90 have a 17 inch front wheel? Didn't they change wheel sizes and calipers in the 88/89 models.:scratch_one-s_head:
Quote from: Bones on June 12, 2015, 04:23:25 PM
Shouldn't the 90 have a 17 inch front wheel? Didn't they change wheel sizes and calipers in the 88/89 models.:scratch_one-s_head:
You are correct. I was looking in an older owner's manual (85).
My bikes (89 and 90) are front 110/80 17 and rear 150/80 16.
Quote from: andyoutandabout on March 15, 2015, 11:10:03 PM
Tempted as I was with monkeys bargain motions, I ended up sticking with Michelin as they have kept me stuck to the Tarmac since I started using them. Even though a pair of road pilot 4s cost twice what motions go for, I rationalize money well spent on things like tires, chains, brake pads, oil and of course hookers.
Bit off topic but Andy - how much are the hookers in Nor Cal?
Seriously, I am on my second set of Bridgestone Battleaxe T30 GT's.... I absolutely love'em.... Duration is critical to me but so is traction... I can almost keep up with Andy and its not the tires holding me back.....
tim
the Stones are 17" and 18" only aren't they?
Well, I've ordered Avon Storm 3D XM's (150/80 ZR 16 and 110/70 ZR 17) for the '90 and I'm looking at wheels for the '89).
Quote from: Burns on June 12, 2015, 08:18:36 PM
the Stones are 17" and 18" only aren't they?
Yup - no 16" in the Bridgestone lineup but I think Andy has 17" wheels on so the T30's would work.....
The wheel upgrade is one of the best mods you can do....
Quote from: Burns on June 13, 2015, 10:56:17 AM
Well, I've ordered Avon Storm 3D XM's (150/80 ZR 16 and 110/70 ZR 17) for the '90 and I'm looking at wheels for the '89).
Burns,
We have been trying to get the Avon rear tire for months. Just last week Robert spoke with Avon USA and they told him the rear tire is on factory back order and they do not expect them to be in the US for at least a month. We have ordered the tire from several different online vendors only to be told later they are on back-order.
You might get in contact with whom you purchased from and confirm they are going to be able to supply the tire, because unless they have it on the shelf they are not going to be able to supply.
If you do confirm they have them, can you pleases forward the company as I have two customers that need them.
I ordered a set of Shinko radials to install onto my 92 in the next week or two to test them and see how they do.
Randy - RPM
Thanks for the head's-up Randy. I bought the tires from the Motorcycle Super Store. Their customer service number is (877) 668-6872
Quote from: Burns on June 13, 2015, 10:56:17 AM
Well, I've ordered Avon Storm 3D XM's (150/80 ZR 16 and 110/70 ZR 17) for the '90 and I'm looking at wheels for the '89).
I installed a set of these on my '92, for the start of this season...excellent choice of tire, you won't be disappointed:good2:
John.
Since we have poor choices running Radials unless you mod i helped my Brother-in-law with his 88 FZR1000.I looked into Shinko's 006's..He's got a 18" rear so we mounted a set of Shinko's cost shipped to the door was 250$ Canadian.I rode it home after mounting tires felt planted...he's went around 500kms so far and loves them..I'll re-post update after we get back from Deals Gap in July..by then he'll have 3-4000 kms on them
Randy: I got this email message this morning from the tire merchant:
We are pleased to inform you that the Avon Storm 3D X-M Radial Rear Tire is now available for purchase at Motorcycle Superstore. Follow the link below to purchase it now.
Avon Storm 3D X-M Radial Rear Tire
Color: Black
Size: 150/80ZR-16
ItemSku# 596972
John: Thanks for the assurance. Good to know you've had good experience with this tire.
Quote from: Burns on June 14, 2015, 10:32:19 AM
We are pleased to inform you that the Avon Storm 3D X-M Radial Rear Tire is now available for purchase...
The boat must have come in. I looked at a couple of other vendors this morning that I normally buy from and they are also showing tires in stock.
Good to know, but I already ordered the Shinko tires so I can give them a test.
Randy - RPM
yeah, it will be good info to know if they turn out to be a good bang-for-the-buck alternative.