Hi everyone. Last fall, I bought a new (for me!) FJ1200 with 28K on the clock. It's in very nice shape, with the most obvious needs being new tires, brake and clutch lines (and I assume all pads). All I did last fall to drive it a bit was changed the oil and the headlight bulb (as only the highbeam worked). I just finished restoring an 82 Yamaha 550 Seca, and rebuilt a 82 Maxim 400 for my girlfriend. So, I'm fairly skilled and have a lot of tools. But the first time you do anything, it's a challenge, right? I have gone and read through a bunch of the forum posting, but would like to ask a few general questions. And yes, I bought 2 manuals for this model - the Haynes and Clymer.
1) Tires: the bike came with Metzeler ME880's. They look great, as the bike was stored inside, but they are over 10 years old, so I feel compelled to change them. I see that Metzeler has replaced that tire with the ME888, but it does not appear they make them in the size for this bike (150/80 and 120/70). I welcome input on suitable replacements.
2) Brake lines: the bike has the original lines, and I'm assuming, the major reason they feel so spongy. I've installed SS lines on other bikes, but with this being an ABS bike (my first), I'm unclear how that will make changing and filling the lines any different. Does it? I have used one of Mity Vacs. That hydraulic unit is something new for me. So, it seems to me that just for the front brakes, you've actually got 4 lines, so how is it that some offering are only 2 lines, like this one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/271787682916?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/271787682916?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) Since I only have records of the oil changes on this bike, I assume I might as well change all the brake seals while I'm in there? Regarding brake pads, I'm leaning towards the EBC semi-sintered pads. Sound reasonable?
3) Fork oil: as I doubt it's ever been replaced, I assume I'll go ahead and do that. Does anyone here make a habit of replacing these with progressive spring? Maybe the fact that this bike has ABS brakes inclines me less to replacing the springs? The fork seals look fine.
4) Other: I'll be replacing the spark plugs, and the cam cover gasket, as that's leaking. This will be a good time to check the valve clearances, and was wondering if that valve adjustment tool works ok for this bike? It doesn't on the XJ bikes for the most part, and we use the zip-tie method to hold the valves down while we pop out the shims. Oh, and I'll change the fuel filter too just because I have no idea if that was ever changed.
Thank you very much, and I'm looking forward to your shared expertise. :)
Quote from: wirehairs on March 01, 2015, 11:15:43 AM
Hi everyone. Last fall, I bought a new (for me!) FJ1200 with 28K on the clock. All I did last fall to drive it a bit was changed the oil and the headlight bulb (as only the highbeam worked). I just finished restoring an 82 Yamaha 550 Seca, So, I'm fairly skilled and have a lot of tools.
Nice find with the '93! I'm on a '92 with ABS as well and also owned an '82 Seca 550 as my first bike. Loved that thing! :yahoo:
Quote from: wirehairs on March 01, 2015, 11:15:43 AM
1) Tires: the bike came with Metzeler ME880's. They look great, as the bike was stored inside, but they are over 10 years old, so I feel compelled to change them. I see that Metzeler has replaced that tire with the ME888, but it does not appear they make them in the size for this bike (150/80 and 120/70). I welcome input on suitable replacements.
You should definitely put new rubber on...ten years is really pushing it as the rubber will harden up over time...and you don't know their history (I thought I could use an old set that looked perfect, only to find the front was previously never balanced...it induced a scary speed wobble!) :shok:
For long-haul touring, the ME880's are spectacular! Easily got 12,000 miles out of the rear and 17,000 miles out of the front on a tour I did a couple of years ago. I see that these are still available around in our stock sizes...you might want to grab a pair if that's the type tire you're after. I saw that they are being phased out for the ME888 Ultra and the rear is available in our size, but the front isn't? This is odd because it's usually the rear size that's uncommon. The other two bias-ply tires (for our factory, admittedly skinny rim width) that are available in a matched-pair are the Avon Roadriders and the Pirelli Sport Demons. I've run both of these and the Pirelli wins out for being sticky and having a very beefy carcass. I got exactly 5,500 miles out of the rear tire. The Roadriders are a lighter tire, but performed well all around and I got a bit over 6,000 out of the rear.
Quote from: wirehairs on March 01, 2015, 11:15:43 AM
2) Brake lines: the bike has the original lines, and I'm assuming, the major reason they feel so spongy. I've installed SS lines on other bikes, but with this being an ABS bike (my first), I'm unclear how that will make changing and filling the lines any different. Does it? I have used one of Mity Vacs. That hydraulic unit is something new for me. So, it seems to me that just for the front brakes, you've actually got 4 lines, so how is it that some offering are only 2 lines, like this one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/271787682916?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/271787682916?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) Since I only have records of the oil changes on this bike, I assume I might as well change all the brake seals while I'm in there? Regarding brake pads, I'm leaning towards the EBC semi-sintered pads. Sound reasonable?
The EBC HH pads are highly regarded here and you'll find two camps on the ABS system. In the one camp, you have me...stubornly keeping it and am very happy for it. In the other camp, you'll have everyone else...who will recommend stripping off all the ABS bits to save weight, improve lever feel, reduce the SS brake line count, switch to blue-dot calipers, change the master cylinder to match (or skip this step)...while you're in there, swap the front wheel for a wider 17", go with a wave rotor and switch to radial tires. Did you get all that? Well, if you want to keep the ABS, you've found a supporter. There are more lines involved for sure as the fluid has to get routed to the ABS pump at the rear and back. Galfer makes a fine SS line kit for the ABS setup that includes the rear brake and clutch lines as well (I helped them develop this kit during my bike rebuild). You may find this helpful:
http://www.galferusa.com/brake-line-instructions/ABS/Kawasaki-Yamaha-Complete-Kits/D663-9%20Std%20Front%20Rear%20and%20Clutch.pdf (http://www.galferusa.com/brake-line-instructions/ABS/Kawasaki-Yamaha-Complete-Kits/D663-9%20Std%20Front%20Rear%20and%20Clutch.pdf)
As far as brake seals are concerned, you seem handy...and it's an easy job while you have things apart. There is a little round seal that seals the two caliper halves to each other. Don't make the mistake of chucking those assuming a seal kit comes with a new one. It doesn't.
The trick to the spongy lever is proper bleeding...which includes a mighty-vac, a gallon of brake fluid and some tenacity. Even with that, your front lever (with all the ABS lines) won't feel as tight as a non-ABS setup.
Quote from: wirehairs on March 01, 2015, 11:15:43 AM
3) Fork oil: as I doubt it's ever been replaced, I assume I'll go ahead and do that. Does anyone here make a habit of replacing these with progressive spring? Maybe the fact that this bike has ABS brakes inclines me less to replacing the springs? The fork seals look fine.
ABS brakes have little to do with the handling of the front end of the bike. Most folks here have rebuilt the front end using a straight-rate spring (myself included) and some fork valve setup. The hot ticket for keeping the front end planted is the RPM fork valves:
(http://www.rpmracingca.com/prodimages/large/M%20C%20RPMForkValve-1.jpg)
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ARPMForkValve (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ARPMForkValve)
While you're in there replace the fork seals as well...
Quote from: wirehairs on March 01, 2015, 11:15:43 AM
4) Other: I'll be replacing the spark plugs, and the cam cover gasket, as that's leaking. This will be a good time to check the valve clearances, and was wondering if that valve adjustment tool works ok for this bike? It doesn't on the XJ bikes for the most part, and we use the zip-tie method to hold the valves down while we pop out the shims. Oh, and I'll change the fuel filter too just because I have no idea if that was ever changed.
There is a valve tool for our bikes that works great. I own one as do a lot of folks here. There is also a shim kit floating around...actually a couple of them...which includes the tool...that can be loaned out to us for a small fee. You take what you need, replace them with the ones you don't and return it for the next guy to use. Nothing like having a kit full of various size shims on hand in the moment you need them. :good2:
(http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4615/shimkit004zps043b2459.jpg)
http://fjowners.wikidot.com/valve-shims (http://fjowners.wikidot.com/valve-shims)
Yeah, a genuine fuel filter is called for and again...available from Randy:
(http://www.rpmracingca.com/prodimages/large/M%20C%20FF-O.E.-1.jpg)
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AFF-O.E. (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AFF-O.E.)
The other BIG improvement is getting rid of the old OEM rear shock...that's probably too spongy at this point. Years ago, a Penske Sport shock was about your only option, but Randy has changed that by developing a rear shock specifically for our FJ's to rave reviews.
(http://www.rpmracingca.com/prodimages/large/M%20C%20RPMShock(91-95)-1.jpg)
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ARPMShock%2891-95%29 (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ARPMShock%2891-95%29)
I've caught some flack for this in the past, but I think Yamaha got the bike "right" in the first place. It's the reason we all love it so much. That's not to say there aren't some excellent (and even some no-brianer) upgrades you can do when the budget or time allows. The "Yamaha got it right" part is that it's an excellent ride as-is and only gets better as you go. You don't HAVE to do any of these upgrades...but when you do, you'll wonder why you didn't do them sooner.
One suggestion on Ron's otherwise spot-on answers: When doing the fork rebuild, replace the bushings. And don't skip the $20 for set of fork seals either. Forks are wear items, a simple oil change won't really do.
Ed
Quote from: simi_ed on March 01, 2015, 02:04:32 PM
One suggestion on Ron's otherwise spot-on answers: When doing the fork rebuild, replace the bushings. And don't skip the $20 for set of OEM YAMAHA fork seals either. Forks are wear items, a simple oil change won't really do.
Ed
FIFY
Good job Ron!
Quote from: Pat Conlon on March 01, 2015, 02:14:25 PM
Quote from: simi_ed on March 01, 2015, 02:04:32 PM
One suggestion on Ron's otherwise spot-on answers: When doing the fork rebuild, replace the bushings. And don't skip the $20 for set of OEM YAMAHA fork seals either. Forks are wear items, a simple oil change won't really do.
Ed
FIFY
Good job Ron!
Thanks Pat...I thought I'd put in a good effort on my 999th post here on the forum. Just giving back a little slice of what I've gained from everyone else here. :hi:
Wait...I just hit 1,000! :yahoo:
Wow, small world. My first was the '82 Seca 650, and I'm now on my second '93 ABS. I won't even attempt to add to Cap'n Ron's post, since it is as comprehensive as it gets. I will say that I ditched the ABS, and "upgraded" to the blue pots off an FJR, as well as the GSXR rear wheel and FZR front wheel, along with the RPM treatment (forks and rear shock), and I can't get off the damned thing. Neither rain nor sleet nor fog has kept me from commuting on it daily through our relatively cold and wet winter here in NorCal.
On your valve cover gasket, consider replacing your 8 valve cover bolt grommets also
http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Head:FJGrommet&cat=39 (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Head:FJGrommet&cat=39)
Congratulations on the bike and good work on the XJs. You have been given some excellent advise. My two cents is about the front engine mounts. Here is a link for instructions on how to do this. http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3613.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3613.0) You may not need the puller. I didn't. Don't hammer on the mounts these are part of the engine case. If they are stuck you will have a lot more vibration. Use common sense, if you are forcing it stop and rethink it.
Kurt
Just wanted to thank everyone, especially Capt Ron, for taking the time to respond to my questions. It's always just a bit daunting to learn all the ins-and-outs of a new model... and I really like to do everything right, especially when safety is involved. And thanks for the leads on some parts. I am interested in the idea of the fork valves and the new rear shock, but for this year, I think I'll just tend to the maintenance stuff, and then next year (when I should have a new house with a basement where I can work all winter long on the thing in a heated room!), I can do some upgrades.
We do all tend to fall into two camps, don't we? Those wanting to keep the bike stock, and those willing swap out anything in the name of weigh and performance. With my XJ, I was all about keeping it strictly stock. I'm less adamant about that approach with this one, although I still see myself keeping the ABS and the airbox. Yes, I'll be bitching at the lack of space when working on it, but I just figure the engineers who designed the motor know more than I do.
One crazy idea of do have is repainting it over the winter next year... or the year after. I wonder if anyone has every done the Kenny Robert's treatment to an FJ? http://www.rddecals.afegraphics.com/view_product.php?&product=87rz350KRYL-FullKit-R00947 (http://www.rddecals.afegraphics.com/view_product.php?&product=87rz350KRYL-FullKit-R00947) Or maybe I should go with Red and White...
In the next few weeks, I'll post some pictures of my project to the other billboard. The bike was dropped at some point, and I have a scratched shield to deal with (I have 3-bottle pack Meguire's compounds I'm going to use to buff them out). But the fairing has a little damage, causing problems with one of the mirror mounts, and one of the frame mounts for the fairing is smashed pretty flat, so the PO just put a piece of wire as an attachment point. Not sure that's fixable, but I'll post pictures for input.
Thanks again everyone!!
i think the kenny roberts scheme would look shit hot, ive seen an rz and an xjr done like this, i wonder how you'd go with decals with the dimensions of the fj? might be easier to paint them on.
Oh, I've always liked that scheme... :good2:
I stuck with red-and-white, but it's sorta KR-ish...
(http://i1350.photobucket.com/albums/p779/rocklucas9/P1000177_zps6f7e1f88.jpg)[/URL]
Quote from: rlucas on March 03, 2015, 06:58:05 AM
I stuck with red-and-white,
You're "stuck" with the best two colors to ever grace the FJ. Enjoy!
Quote from: FJ1100mjk on March 03, 2015, 07:26:21 AM
Quote from: rlucas on March 03, 2015, 06:58:05 AM
I stuck with red-and-white,
You're "stuck" with the best two colors to ever grace the FJ. Enjoy!
Agreed! :good2:
http://www.fj1100.com/fj_gallery/fj053.jpg (http://www.fj1100.com/fj_gallery/fj053.jpg) But I'd imagine John has better photos if you are going want investigate futher. :drinks:
Quick question on those ME880 tires: do most folks go with the bias or the radials? I see pros and cons of each. For application, I see more touring than scratching pegs.
On the stock rim widths, you'll want to go bias ply. There are no radials in FJ stock sizes that are recommended by their manufacturers to run on the 3" front rim width or the 3.5" rear rim width. Essentially, the tires in stock sizes are "pinched" too much changing their desired profile. Some here do run radials, but they either step down a size to a 110/70-17 tire in the front...or as a LOT of folks here have done...change to some wider wheel option.
My earlier tire choice recommendation of Metzeler ME880's, Avon Roadriders or Pirelli Sport Demons was due to their availability in matching front and rear stock sizes and they're all in a bias-ply.
Well shoots. My local place only has my stock tire sizes in radials (for the ME880). I didn't see anything in my manuals about bias or redial recommendations, so I was unclear on that.
Quote from: Capn Ron on March 03, 2015, 05:11:30 PM
On the stock rim widths, you'll want to go bias ply. There are no radials in FJ stock sizes that are recommended by their manufacturers to run on the 3" front rim width or the 3.5" rear rim width. Essentially, the tires in stock sizes are "pinched" too much changing their desired profile. Some here do run radials, but they either step down a size to a 110/70-17 tire in the front...or as a LOT of folks here have done...change to some wider wheel option.
My earlier tire choice recommendation of Metzeler ME880's, Avon Roadriders or Pirelli Sport Demons was due to their availability in matching front and rear stock sizes and they're all in a bias-ply.
Radials are fine
Quote from: Pat Conlon on March 04, 2015, 10:04:15 AM
Radials are fine Perfect
You forget how good radials are until you get back on a set of bias ply tires. I bought a bike a while back and it followed every crack in the road. I looked & looked for something loose as that is what it felt like. I put on a set of new radials and straight as a rail now.
Quote from: FeralJuggernaut on March 03, 2015, 04:21:54 PM
http://www.fj1100.com/fj_gallery/fj053.jpg (http://www.fj1100.com/fj_gallery/fj053.jpg) But I'd imagine John has better photos if you are going want investigate futher. :drinks:
Always loved the Kenny Roberts RZ350, sort of the inspiration to my paint choice.
(http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb37/campsimonette/100_3605.jpg) (http://s208.photobucket.com/user/campsimonette/media/100_3605.jpg.html)
and I 2nd the radial tire choice. They may not be correct, but they have proven themselves to work.
I have a '93 FJ I've been restoring. Trying to get ready for the WCR
I used the new Avon AV66 Storm 3D in 150/80ZR16 in the back, and in the front, the Michelin Pilot Power 2CT in 120/70-17.
The Avon manufacturers specifications list the minimum rim width for this tire at 3.5" so I'm good to go...
http://www.avonmoto.com/products/sport-touring/storm-3d-x-m (http://www.avonmoto.com/products/sport-touring/storm-3d-x-m)
These tires feel absolutely wonderful on this bike.
Not really doubting that radials are a nice improvement over bias ply tires. If there was a radial *front* in the stock 120/70-17 size...that a manufacturer recommended to be mounted on a 3" front rim, I'd be running radials. I'm weird that way. ...and I don't want to run a 110/70-17 front.
I did the digging about a year ago...out of 41 front tires in the 120/70-17 size, 6 were bias ply and their manufacturers "acceptable rim width" was either 2.75" - 3.75" or 3.00" - 3.75". Out of the 35 remaining radials in stock size, 30 of them had an "acceptable rim width" of 3.50" - 3.75". Of the 5 radials that did have an "acceptable rim width" as low as 3.00", there was no match for the rear.
The Pilot Power 2CT:
Mfg: Model: Size F/R R/B Infl. Width On rim "acceptable rim width" Weight Price
Michelin Pilot Power 2CT 120/70ZR-17 Front Radial 5.16 3.5 3.50 - 3.75 8.95 $104.00
I don't doubt that they will mount up and feel just fine...even excellent or perfect! :good2: Just not my thing is all and I'll patiently wait until I can get my ABS wheels "widened" to go to radials.
Here's the Metzeler ME880 front available from Motorcycle Superstore:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6126/i/metzeler-me-880-marathon-touring-front-tire (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6126/i/metzeler-me-880-marathon-touring-front-tire)
Says there are 6 left in stock. (120/70VB-17)
And the rear:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6127/i/metzeler-me-880-marathon-touring-rear-tire (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6127/i/metzeler-me-880-marathon-touring-rear-tire)
Says they have more than 10 available. (150/80HB-16)
Revzilla also has them in stock, but they're a bit more expensive there.
Before I left on my trip...and after a ton of research, this is the tire I wanted. I called six local dealers and they all told me that Metzeler no longer makes the ME880 in my sizes. They were wrong or lazy or just wanted to sell me what they had on hand...or all three. :dash2: In a seeming bind, I had them mount up Pirelli Sport Demons...as much as I liked them, they were worn out in TWELVE days of touring. :shok:
Ron,
I heard of an outfit over in Germany that mods 17" XJR wheels fitted with antilock brakes. In fact, there is a non member of this group running one on his 93. If interested, I'll get more info to you.
CraigO
Craig,
Yeah, I'd be interested in that! There were a couple of leads a while back about folks here in the states who would modify stock wheels to either widen them, change their diameter or both. I'm not sure what ever happened, but I think those leads all dead-ended. :scratch_one-s_head: I even spent countless hours with the Google...to no avail.
I have two factory sets of ABS wheels. My ideal setup would be a stock-size set shod with Metzeler ME880's for touring and the other set re-rimmed for a 17x3.5 front hoop and a 17x5.5" rear hoop shod with some nice sticky radials. One bike, two personalities...depending on my ride choice. Oh...and ZERO fiddling around with axles, swing arms, brake hangers, shims/spacers and the like....Just a simple wheel swap. :good2:
Radial vs bias...to each his own mon Capitan :drinks:
I think before I would worry about a front rim that is 1/2" out of spec. I would worry about putting a back tire with a lower speed rating than what Yamaha put on the FJ.
A "H" rated back tire is only good for......?
......and how fast were we going while crossing the Nevada desert?
Excellent point Pat!
H is rated for 130MPH...but I was running the Pirelli Sport Demon in the front and an Avon Roadrider in the rear on that trip. They're both V rated for 149MPH.
...But we never cracked the 65 MPH speed limit. :biggrin:
Avon Azaros on day 1 of switching both tires, a GLORIOUS day! I just picked up an '89 with bias tires and it handles like a truck. My MX-5 handles better... My problem is I am such a cheap ass bastard and the tires are so new that I can't justify the expenditure for a new set of tires while these only have a few hundred miles on them... Get the radials and if you are anything less than amazed, I'll buy them off of you and pay for shipping to Arizona. Decide before your 2nd tank of gas. I am confident you'll have decided before getting back into the driveway. Don't believe me, but trust in Brother Pat! :drinks:
Quote from: FeralJuggernaut on March 05, 2015, 08:46:06 AM
Avon Azaros on day 1 of switching both tires, a GLORIOUS day! I just picked up an '89 with bias tires and it handles like a truck. My MX-5 handles better... My problem is I am such a cheap ass bastard and the tires are so new that I can't justify the expenditure for a new set of tires while these only have a few hundred miles on them... Get the radials and if you are anything less than amazed, I'll buy them off of you and pay for shipping to Arizona. Decide before your 2nd tank of gas. I am confident you'll have decided before getting back into the driveway. Don't believe me, but trust in Brother Pat! :drinks:
Erich V.
Get your ass up here to Colorado!
Are you coming to the "Central Rally" this year?
Quote from: Capn Ron on March 04, 2015, 11:55:12 PM
Excellent point Pat!
H is rated for 130MPH...but I was running the Pirelli Sport Demon in the front and an Avon Roadrider in the rear on that trip. They're both V rated for 149MPH.
...But we never cracked the 65 MPH speed limit. :biggrin:
I thought that speed rating was: at that speed, sustained for a prolonged (30 mins?) period of time. -No? I also thought I read where most/ all H rated tires will do much more than advertised, but you just would not want to bet your life on it -which is good council, of course.
Dan
Quote from: Dan Filetti on March 05, 2015, 02:23:08 PM
Quote from: Capn Ron on March 04, 2015, 11:55:12 PM
Excellent point Pat!
H is rated for 130MPH...but I was running the Pirelli Sport Demon in the front and an Avon Roadrider in the rear on that trip. They're both V rated for 149MPH.
...But we never cracked the 65 MPH speed limit. :biggrin:
I thought that speed rating was: at that speed, sustained for a prolonged (30 mins?) period of time. -No? I also thought I read where most/ all H rated tires will do much more than advertised, but you just would not want to bet your life on it -which is good council, of course.
Dan
My mechanic told me the same thing about the H rating when I was looking to reshod the FJ last season. I think that's typical for tire ratings. I bought Pirelli Sport Demons and for street use they have been great. Pirelli calls them X-ply, the front is H rated and the rear is V rated.
WELL --- I am for stepping down to the 110/70-17 radial front --- its not that much smaller than the 120 and is made for a 3 inch rim ---- spec last time I checked 2.75-3 inch ---- and the 120 was 3 - 3.5 ---- so why not go to the 110 and go with the upper end of the spec ( wider rim size for that size tire) .
AVON STORM 3-D XM --- are available for the front in both 120 and 110 sizes so if you want you can go the other way too. And they have a rear 150 -- if still pushing the stock rear. V- rated as during my commute I do frequent the higher speeds and need that for safety
I like mine -- so far but I haven't given them the PaLomar Test yet.
sc2
Quote from: moparman70 on March 06, 2015, 07:23:41 PM
I like mine -- so far but I haven't given them the PaLomar Test yet.
sc2
After the snow melts and the roads are clear of sand, I'll join you. :i_am_so_happy:
CraigO
Quote from: craigo on March 06, 2015, 09:09:56 PM
After the snow melts and the roads are clear of sand, I'll join you. :i_am_so_happy:
CraigO
Count me in...
Quote from: moparman70 on March 06, 2015, 07:23:41 PM
WELL --- I am for stepping down to the 110/70-17 radial front
I went with a 110 radial front and feel that it is much better suited to the 3" rim. After the first few rides I had very narrow chicken strips whereas the 120 still had plenty of untouched side tread. This tells me that the area of the tyre that was designed for cornering is now being properly used
Quote from: stua1959 on March 07, 2015, 04:14:06 AM
Quote from: moparman70 on March 06, 2015, 07:23:41 PM
WELL --- I am for stepping down to the 110/70-17 radial front
I went with a 110 radial front and feel that it is much better suited to the 3" rim. After the first few rides I had very narrow chicken strips whereas the 120 still had plenty of untouched side tread. This tells me that the area of the tyre that was designed for cornering is now being properly used
Yeah, I think you're on the money Stu, 110's the way to go with a 3" wheel.
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on March 07, 2015, 05:54:29 AM
Quote from: stua1959 on March 07, 2015, 04:14:06 AM
Quote from: moparman70 on March 06, 2015, 07:23:41 PM
WELL --- I am for stepping down to the 110/70-17 radial front
I went with a 110 radial front and feel that it is much better suited to the 3" rim. After the first few rides I had very narrow chicken strips whereas the 120 still had plenty of untouched side tread. This tells me that the area of the tyre that was designed for cornering is now being properly used
Yeah, I think you're on the money Stu, 110's the way to go with a 3" wheel.
Noel
+1 I remember reading somewhere that the 120 that came on these bikes was only 112 mm.
Kurt
Quote from: yamaha fj rider on March 07, 2015, 08:25:59 PM
I remember reading somewhere that the 120 that came on these bikes was only 112 mm.
Kurt
The 120 Conti's I use are only 110mm.
Noel
Quote from: Dan Filetti on March 05, 2015, 02:23:08 PM
Quote from: Capn Ron on March 04, 2015, 11:55:12 PM
Excellent point Pat!
H is rated for 130MPH...but I was running the Pirelli Sport Demon in the front and an Avon Roadrider in the rear on that trip. They're both V rated for 149MPH.
...But we never cracked the 65 MPH speed limit. :biggrin:
I thought that speed rating was: at that speed, sustained for a prolonged (30 mins?) period of time. -No? I also thought I read where most/ all H rated tires will do much more than advertised, but you just would not want to bet your life on it -which is good council, of course.
Dan
Just checked my Sport Demons and they're both V speed rated. The front load/speed rating is (58V).
According to Wikipedia, "It indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a load corresponding to its Load Index."
I take that to mean that the tire is rated up to 149MPH while carrying its 520 pound maximum. I'm having a hard time finding any verbiage on "time at speed". Our front tires don't see nearly that much weight so I'm surmising some margin of safety there as well.
Quote from: Capn Ron on March 08, 2015, 03:09:27 AM
Just checked my Sport Demons and they're both V speed rated. The front load/speed rating is (58V).
According to Wikipedia, "It indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a load corresponding to its Load Index."
I take that to mean that the tire is rated up to 149MPH while carrying its 520 pound maximum. I'm having a hard time finding any verbiage on "time at speed". Our front tires don't see nearly that much weight so I'm surmising some margin of safety there as well.
Did you find any info on their "Off-Road" capabilities? :sarcastic:
In the end, I decided to go with the 880's with the bias ply. In case anybody else is going to buy some, the promo code PB-S1METZ right now at Motorcycle Superstore nets you another 5% off.
Cheers!
Quote from: Capn Ron on March 04, 2015, 03:34:05 PM
Here's the Metzeler ME880 front available from Motorcycle Superstore:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6126/i/metzeler-me-880-marathon-touring-front-tire (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6126/i/metzeler-me-880-marathon-touring-front-tire)
Says there are 6 left in stock. (120/70VB-17)
And the rear:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6127/i/metzeler-me-880-marathon-touring-rear-tire (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6127/i/metzeler-me-880-marathon-touring-rear-tire)
Says they have more than 10 available. (150/80HB-16)
Revzilla also has them in stock, but they're a bit more expensive there.
Before I left on my trip...and after a ton of research, this is the tire I wanted. I called six local dealers and they all told me that Metzeler no longer makes the ME880 in my sizes. They were wrong or lazy or just wanted to sell me what they had on hand...or all three. :dash2: In a seeming bind, I had them mount up Pirelli Sport Demons...as much as I liked them, they were worn out in TWELVE days of touring. :shok: