I am trying to find radial tires to fit my 86 FJ. Having 16 inch wheels really limits my choices. I am not going to 17 inch rims at this time. It currently has Avon, but the model and size don't appear to be available any more. I see that Avon makes a 130/70 X 16 vs the stock 120/80 X 16. Has anybody tried that tire? I am concerned that the recommended rim width for the 130/70 is 3.5 inches and the stock FJ is 3.25 (?). I have Pirellis on another 86 FJ and they are my plan "B". Any tire recommendations are appreciated.
https://www.denniskirk.com/avon/rear-av66-storm-3d-x-m-150-80zr-16-tire-90000020762.p544543.prd/544543.sku (https://www.denniskirk.com/avon/rear-av66-storm-3d-x-m-150-80zr-16-tire-90000020762.p544543.prd/544543.sku)
I think you will be fine with the 130/70 front. A slightly shorter sidewall, but not drastically smaller.
Mounted on a 1/4" narrower rim width should also not be a problem.
Tire Size Comparison
Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
120/80-16 3.8in 11.8in 23.6in 74.0in 856 0.0%
130/70-16 3.6in 11.6in 23.2in 72.8in 871 -1.7%
I have not tried a 130/70-16 front Avon, but I have tried the 150/80-16 Avon Storm 3D and I was *very* impressed.
I can say that if the Avon 3D radial had been available 14 years ago, I would have never converted my bike over to the 17" rims.
That tire is that good.
Just my opinion.
Quote from: chrism40 on July 05, 2016, 05:00:02 PM
I am trying to find radial tires to fit my 86 FJ. Having 16 inch wheels really limits my choices. I am not going to 17 inch rims at this time. It currently has Avon, but the model and size don't appear to be available any more. I see that Avon makes a 130/70 X 16 vs the stock 120/80 X 16. Has anybody tried that tire? I am concerned that the recommended rim width for the 130/70 is 3.5 inches and the stock FJ is 3.25 (?). I have Pirellis on another 86 FJ and they are my plan "B". Any tire recommendations are appreciated.
IIRC (and it's been a while), but seems I recall that the 130/70/16 was made for the Honda CBR900RR.
If that's the one, other FJers reported issues with the profile when fitted to an FJ... YMMV
Remember to check speed and load rating if you go for any tyre other than the recommended.
You will only be able to find a 16" radial tyre for the rear wheel. They don't exist in the standard FJ size for the front wheel.
However, you will be fine with bias-ply tyres even for spirited riding. Remember that the FJ was designed as a 146 mph sports bike with bias-ply tyres.
Chrism40,
AFAIK, there are three major 16" tire brands for the FJ: Avon, Metzler, and Pirelli. I have nothing to say for Metzlers; the ones I had were old and maybe because of that, they were rather marginal. Avons are radials, and Pirellis are bias-ply. I realize that you asked about radials, but I tried a set of Pirelli Sport Demons on my FJ1100. I am very happy with these tires. They look fine, and handle very well. If you do not find the right Avons, you might consider the Pirellis. I think that you will find the Pirellis last a little longer on the road, and cost a bit less than radials. With the Pirelli Sport Demons, I no longer see any real need to change my rims to 17" this year.
While you probably won't find this in 16" tires, there is now a GT spec (Michelin calls it 2AT) which combines radial and bias-ply tire technology in the same tire.
Who'da thunk it? :good2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi3x8sq7BaU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi3x8sq7BaU)
I would like to hear back later, if you buy Avons for the FJ, about handling and tire mileage.
Cheers,
Red
Quote from: red on July 06, 2016, 03:31:29 AM
Chrism40,
AFAIK, there are three major 16" tire brands for the FJ: Avon, Metzler, and Pirelli. I have nothing to say for Metzlers; the ones I had were old and maybe because of that, they were rather marginal. Avons are radials, and Pirellis are bias-ply.
Avon only has one radial 16" tyre for the FJ and that is the STORM 3D X-M which is for the rear wheel. The ones they have for the front wheel - in standard FJ sizes - are bias-ply.
I have always used Avon tyres and have Avons on my FJ (radial rear and bias-ply front). For my riding style, they have superior handling and mileage.
Quote from: not a lib on July 05, 2016, 08:38:14 PM
Quote from: chrism40 on July 05, 2016, 05:00:02 PM
I am trying to find radial tires to fit my 86 FJ. Having 16 inch wheels really limits my choices. I am not going to 17 inch rims at this time. It currently has Avon, but the model and size don't appear to be available any more. I see that Avon makes a 130/70 X 16 vs the stock 120/80 X 16. Has anybody tried that tire? I am concerned that the recommended rim width for the 130/70 is 3.5 inches and the stock FJ is 3.25 (?). I have Pirellis on another 86 FJ and they are my plan "B". Any tire recommendations are appreciated.
IIRC (and it's been a while), but seems I recall that the 130/70/16 was made for the Honda CBR900RR.
If that's the one, other FJers reported issues with the profile when fitted to an FJ... YMMV
Thanks, that is the type of information that I was looking for. By profile are you saying that the narrower rim changes the the contact patch to the point of being unhealthy?
Quote from: 4everFJ on July 06, 2016, 03:49:17 AM
Quote from: red on July 06, 2016, 03:31:29 AM
Chrism40,
AFAIK, there are three major 16" tire brands for the FJ: Avon, Metzler, and Pirelli. I have nothing to say for Metzlers; the ones I had were old and maybe because of that, they were rather marginal. Avons are radials, and Pirellis are bias-ply.
Avon only has one radial 16" tyre for the FJ and that is the STORM 3D X-M which is for the rear wheel. The ones they have for the front wheel - in standard FJ sizes - are bias-ply.
I have always used Avon tyres and have Avons on my FJ (radial rear and bias-ply front). For my riding style, they have superior handling and mileage.
Have have radial/bias mix on my 89 FJ. Metzler radial on the front and Metzler bias on the rear. I can definitely feel the difference in the radial gripping better than the bias rear. So, that is why I am interested in your insight in using a rear radial and bias front. Thank you.
Avon still makes a radial for both front and rear in 16".
http://www.revzilla.com/product/avon-av45-st-front-tires (http://www.revzilla.com/product/avon-av45-st-front-tires)
Quote from: 4everFJ on July 06, 2016, 03:49:17 AM
Avon only has one radial 16" tyre for the FJ and that is the STORM 3D X-M which is for the rear wheel. The ones they have for the front wheel - in standard FJ sizes - are bias-ply.
This appears to be true for Avon now, but you can still find closeout AV45 front tires that are radial. These used to be the front of the AV45/AV55 F/R setup for 16" radials, but the rear was replaced with the 3D. Sadly no 16" 3D front yet, but now that the AV45 is dead we may see one (wishful thinking, but there are a bunch of early "sport bikes" out there needing a 16" front radial with some stick). I bought a few AV45s for inventory just in case... They're very good tires for the early FJs on stock wheels.
Frank
Quote from: FJmonkey on July 06, 2016, 09:25:58 AM
Avon still makes a radial for both front and rear in 16".
http://www.revzilla.com/product/avon-av45-st-front-tires (http://www.revzilla.com/product/avon-av45-st-front-tires)
These appear to all be closeout at this point... Chaparral already had a hard time getting them. I ordered from Revzila (which clearly indicates Closeout status), so we'll see how that goes.
If you like and want to continue with AV45s, you might want to pick some up now.
Frank
Quote from: Flynt on July 06, 2016, 09:40:49 AM
Quote from: FJmonkey on July 06, 2016, 09:25:58 AM
Avon still makes a radial for both front and rear in 16".
http://www.revzilla.com/product/avon-av45-st-front-tires (http://www.revzilla.com/product/avon-av45-st-front-tires)
These appear to all be closeout at this point... Chaparral already had a hard time getting them. I ordered from Revzila (which clearly indicates Closeout status), so we'll see how that goes.
If you like and want to continue with AV45s, you might want to pick some up now.
Frank
Yeah, Avon hasn't made those for a couple of years, so any on stock at dealers might be quite old?
Quote from: 4everFJ on July 06, 2016, 10:04:43 AM
Quote from: Flynt on July 06, 2016, 09:40:49 AM
Quote from: FJmonkey on July 06, 2016, 09:25:58 AM
Avon still makes a radial for both front and rear in 16".
http://www.revzilla.com/product/avon-av45-st-front-tires (http://www.revzilla.com/product/avon-av45-st-front-tires)
These appear to all be closeout at this point... Chaparral already had a hard time getting them. I ordered from Revzila (which clearly indicates Closeout status), so we'll see how that goes.
If you like and want to continue with AV45s, you might want to pick some up now.
Frank
Yeah, Avon hasn't made those for a couple of years, so any on stock at dealers might be quite old?
Could be a few years even, but as long as they haven't been heat cycled I'd still use them. I recently bought two, one via RPM and the Chaparral sourced one. The RPM had a CY15 date code, the other was CY14... still acceptable for me.
I sent Avon a note about a 16" 3D front... others might do the same and see if we can influence them.
Frank
Quote from: chrism40 on July 06, 2016, 08:33:08 AM
Quote from: not a lib on July 05, 2016, 08:38:14 PM
Quote from: chrism40 on July 05, 2016, 05:00:02 PM
I am trying to find radial tires to fit my 86 FJ. Having 16 inch wheels really limits my choices. I am not going to 17 inch rims at this time. It currently has Avon, but the model and size don't appear to be available any more. I see that Avon makes a 130/70 X 16 vs the stock 120/80 X 16. Has anybody tried that tire? I am concerned that the recommended rim width for the 130/70 is 3.5 inches and the stock FJ is 3.25 (?). I have Pirellis on another 86 FJ and they are my plan "B". Any tire recommendations are appreciated.
IIRC (and it's been a while), but seems I recall that the 130/70/16 was made for the Honda CBR900RR.
If that's the one, other FJers reported issues with the profile when fitted to an FJ... YMMV
Thanks, that is the type of information that I was looking for. By profile are you saying that the narrower rim changes the the contact patch to the point of being unhealthy?
That would be my supposition, but I clearly remember that (if that's the one) it definitely was a problem.
If you go HERE (http://fj1200archives.com/), select the Netpath list, and search 'fireblade tire', there's a bunch of stuff I didn't have time to weed through.
Quote from: FJmonkey on July 06, 2016, 09:25:58 AM
Avon still makes a radial for both front and rear in 16".
http://www.revzilla.com/product/avon-av45-st-front-tires (http://www.revzilla.com/product/avon-av45-st-front-tires)
Thanks I had not seen that option. Hopefully when the supply of the old AV45 is exhausted they will make some 3D front tires. Still shopping.
Just ordered a new front from revzilla for $90 on closeout. Thanks for the heads up Frank. Dave
I am guessing the 120-60-16 they show in the pull down box is wrong and its really 120-80-16 ---- as the 60 would be to much width.
steve
EDIT --- never mind -- I see that it says "80" my eyes are getting worser and worser ( and yes Worser is a word ..... wrong but its a word)
Quote from: moparman70 on July 07, 2016, 10:26:21 PM
I am guessing the 120-60-16 they show in the pull down box is wrong and its really 120-80-16 ---- as the 60 would be to much width.....
Hey myopic home boy, the 120 is the width.....the 80 is the sidewall height.
There is also Bridgestone Battlax BT45, at least in Europe.
I have my second set on now. Fantastic handling, but they suffer I think from being too soft. Rear one gets a flat spot pretty fast if you ride it on highway a lot, but I must say I didn't feel any influence of it in corners. I got some 12000 kilometers on the rear. Front pretty much like new.
As for Metzeler, a friend of mine uses only Lasertecs on his FJ1100, on which he, by the way, got 1 300 000 KILOMETERS! I have heard from others that Bridgestones give much better feel.
For Avons I have no idea. Simply no one uses Avons in Europe. :rofl:
Ivan
Quote from: balky1 on July 08, 2016, 02:24:01 AM
For Avons I have no idea. Simply no one uses Avons in Europe. :rofl:
Ivan
Meaahh...., AVON is a UK company..... Having made tyres for more than 100 years, I am sure there are a few around in Europe... :scratch_one-s_head:
At least I have them..., but maybe I am the only one in Europe... :unknown:
Quote from: 4everFJ on July 08, 2016, 04:04:31 AM
Quote from: balky1 on July 08, 2016, 02:24:01 AM
For Avons I have no idea. Simply no one uses Avons in Europe. :rofl:
Ivan
Meaahh...., AVON is a UK company..... Having made tyres for more than 100 years, I am sure there are a few around in Europe... :scratch_one-s_head:
At least I have them..., but maybe I am the only one in Europe... :unknown:
Well it was somewhat of a sarcasm me saying that, but I haven't seen them in a long time on a motorcycle.
Since UK is leaving EU, I bet even less people will have them when the prices go up. :sarcastic:
Quote from: balky1 on July 08, 2016, 02:24:01 AM
There is also Bridgestone Battlax BT45, at least in Europe.
I have my second set on now. Fantastic handling, but they suffer I think from being too soft. Rear one gets a flat spot pretty fast if you ride it on highway a lot, but I must say I didn't feel any influence of it in corners. I got some 12000 kilometers on the rear. Front pretty much like new.
As for Metzeler, a friend of mine uses only Lasertecs on his FJ1100, on which he, by the way, got 1 300 000 KILOMETERS! I have heard from others that Bridgestones give much better feel.
For Avons I have no idea. Simply no one uses Avons in Europe. :rofl:
Ivan
I saw some good reports from Europe about the Battlax and decided to try a set. I am looking for good grip and feel. I spread my riding over 3 FJs + a Honda 750 so none get ridden excessively. The tires will probably age out before they wear out. Hopefully radials will become available again in the future.
Quote from: chrism40 on July 08, 2016, 03:38:25 PM
Quote from: balky1 on July 08, 2016, 02:24:01 AM
There is also Bridgestone Battlax BT45, at least in Europe.
I have my second set on now. Fantastic handling, but they suffer I think from being too soft. Rear one gets a flat spot pretty fast if you ride it on highway a lot, but I must say I didn't feel any influence of it in corners. I got some 12000 kilometers on the rear. Front pretty much like new.
As for Metzeler, a friend of mine uses only Lasertecs on his FJ1100, on which he, by the way, got 1 300 000 KILOMETERS! I have heard from others that Bridgestones give much better feel.
For Avons I have no idea. Simply no one uses Avons in Europe. :rofl:
Ivan
I saw some good reports from Europe about the Battlax and decided to try a set. I am looking for good grip and feel. I spread my riding over 3 FJs + a Honda 750 so none get ridden excessively. The tires will probably age out before they wear out. Hopefully radials will become available again in the future.
Like I said, they really give you a nice feel, but I noticed some strange cracks on both of my rears I had. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures. Without any effect on the handling, though.
Quote from: balky1 on July 08, 2016, 04:32:47 PM
Quote from: chrism40 on July 08, 2016, 03:38:25 PM
Quote from: balky1 on July 08, 2016, 02:24:01 AM
There is also Bridgestone Battlax BT45, at least in Europe.
I have my second set on now. Fantastic handling, but they suffer I think from being too soft. Rear one gets a flat spot pretty fast if you ride it on highway a lot, but I must say I didn't feel any influence of it in corners. I got some 12000 kilometers on the rear. Front pretty much like new.
As for Metzeler, a friend of mine uses only Lasertecs on his FJ1100, on which he, by the way, got 1 300 000 KILOMETERS! I have heard from others that Bridgestones give much better feel.
For Avons I have no idea. Simply no one uses Avons in Europe. :rofl:
Ivan
I saw some good reports from Europe about the Battlax and decided to try a set. I am looking for good grip and feel. I spread my riding over 3 FJs + a Honda 750 so none get ridden excessively. The tires will probably age out before they wear out. Hopefully radials will become available again in the future.
Like I said, they really give you a nice feel, but I noticed some strange cracks on both of my rears I had. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures. Without any effect on the handling, though.
The new Battlax tires on the bike do feel good. They feel gripper than the Pirellis that I have on another 86 FJ. I have not been able to try them on twisty roads yet. Not many twisties here in Florida. I will keep an eye out on tread cracks and splits. A friend tried Avons on his 84 Honda and he had tread splits on the front tire, got it replaced, happened again, got it replaced. So I guess that can happen on just about any tire.
When cracks appear in what should be a new tire, check the date code. In fact, always check the date code when putting on new tires. You might find some shop is selling you an old tire that has been sitting on the shelf. Or was given an old tire from the supplier. :bad:
Quote from: chrism40 on July 14, 2016, 09:33:33 AM
Quote from: balky1 on July 08, 2016, 04:32:47 PM
Quote from: chrism40 on July 08, 2016, 03:38:25 PM
Quote from: balky1 on July 08, 2016, 02:24:01 AM
There is also Bridgestone Battlax BT45, at least in Europe.
I have my second set on now. Fantastic handling, but they suffer I think from being too soft. Rear one gets a flat spot pretty fast if you ride it on highway a lot, but I must say I didn't feel any influence of it in corners. I got some 12000 kilometers on the rear. Front pretty much like new.
As for Metzeler, a friend of mine uses only Lasertecs on his FJ1100, on which he, by the way, got 1 300 000 KILOMETERS! I have heard from others that Bridgestones give much better feel.
For Avons I have no idea. Simply no one uses Avons in Europe. :rofl:
Ivan
I saw some good reports from Europe about the Battlax and decided to try a set. I am looking for good grip and feel. I spread my riding over 3 FJs + a Honda 750 so none get ridden excessively. The tires will probably age out before they wear out. Hopefully radials will become available again in the future.
Like I said, they really give you a nice feel, but I noticed some strange cracks on both of my rears I had. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures. Without any effect on the handling, though.
The new Battlax tires on the bike do feel good. They feel gripper than the Pirellis that I have on another 86 FJ. I have not been able to try them on twisty roads yet. Not many twisties here in Florida. I will keep an eye out on tread cracks and splits. A friend tried Avons on his 84 Honda and he had tread splits on the front tire, got it replaced, happened again, got it replaced. So I guess that can happen on just about any tire.
I think you'll enjoy them. :yes:
Might be a little late here and I have stock rims on my 89.
I put Avon Storm 3-D XM tires on my bike this spring. I was also only looking at Radials.
I haven't taken a thread depth gauge to the tires but they look about 40-50% gone after almost 7,000 miles so far this year.
Of those miles, in one trip I covered 6,500 miles were in snow, rain, hail, sun, 100+ degree heat in AZ... basically all conditions with an extra 50 or so pounds of gear on the back of the bike.
Even about 25+ miles of gravel roads.
overall, they have been good. I don't have any issues- partly because these are my first new set of motorcycle tires I have ever purchased. But with their longevity and how well they have handled so far, I would not hesitate to buy them again.