hey everyone, i found all of these tires for the FJ and i was wondering if any of you had experience with them, and for some opinions to guide me int he right direction. i've attached a link to 7 different options. Please help me out!!
http://www.swmototires.com/tires-and-wheels-tires-products.htm?q=attdaa3-2-1093819zz~ (http://www.swmototires.com/tires-and-wheels-tires-products.htm?q=attdaa3-2-1093819zz~)
Quote from: PolskiFJ on April 27, 2012, 07:17:52 PM
hey everyone, i found all of these tires for the FJ and i was wondering if any of you had experience with them, and for some opinions to guide me int he right direction. i've attached a link to 7 different options. Please help me out!!
http://www.swmototires.com/tires-and-wheels-tires-products.htm?q=attdaa3-2-1093819zz~ (http://www.swmototires.com/tires-and-wheels-tires-products.htm?q=attdaa3-2-1093819zz~)
I ran on the Avons till I upgraded to 17" wheels. Others like them, others hate them. They are the only radial you will find for 16". Can't speak for the other tires. I like corners and they stick, I got about 3,000 miles before I rubbed off the edges....
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=287.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=287.0)
I ran this Avon combo and LOVED them. Avon offers free roadhazard warranty. I picked up a nail on the highway and it lost air so fast it destroyed the carcass. SWMototires shipped me a replacement for free in a day or so. Great service. Great tires. Great stick, wet or dry. Got about 10k out of front. About 7K rear, mostly commuting. Can't say about the others. Currently run Michelin PR2 on front and like it so far. Metzeler ME880 on back. Good wear, not so good in wet. :dash1: Get the picture?
I ran the Avon radials front and rear and liked them. Had two fronts and both cupped slightly but good otherwise. Had a Conti front and that cupped too so go figure. Rear Avon radial wore evenly and seemed to have good grip.
ive used the bridgestone battleaxe before ,good grip wet and dry but very fast wearing 3000klm out of the front less on the rear
Thanks everyone! Looks like i'll be picking up a set of the Avon radials.
Just bought some Pirelli Anngels 120 X 70 X 17 and 170 X 60 X 17 for the FJ :biggrin: have them on my FJR and lov em :biggrin: really looking forward to the WCR with the little additions that Randy is putting on the bike is gonna be a blast :good2:
Baldy
Guys i Just purchased a set of Pirelli sport demons tires for my 84 FJ. Anyone have experience with these??
Quote from: PolskiFJ on May 08, 2012, 02:03:44 PM
Guys i Just purchased a set of Pirelli sport demons tires for my 84 FJ. Anyone have experience with these??
San Dimas Mike is running them and he seems to get around well with them... Mike?
Quote from: PolskiFJ on May 08, 2012, 02:03:44 PM
Guys i Just purchased a set of Pirelli sport demons tires for my 84 FJ. Anyone have experience with these??
I have them front and rear, be very, very careful in the wet.
BTW, why are you looking for feedback if you've already bought them?
Noel
Quote from: ribbert on May 08, 2012, 08:50:13 PM
I have them front and rear, be very, very careful in the wet.
BTW, why are you looking for feedback if you've already bought them?
Noel
I think you just answered your own question... Sometimes we pull the trigger and ask if we made the right choice.... After some miles we get to chose better options.... I need stick in the corners, others want mileage for distance, neither is wrong, we like our FJs for the wide style of riding they give us.
Quote from: PolskiFJ on May 08, 2012, 02:03:44 PM
Guys i Just purchased a set of Pirelli sport demons tires for my 84 FJ. Anyone have experience with these??
I put a new set of Sport Demons on my '92 FJ the day before I left on this (now shaping up to be)17,000 mile trip. They were nice when new...inspired a lot of confidence in corners...at the 5500 mark (just after running the Dragon), the rear was GONE. No tread left at all. The front was cupped so badly that the low-speed steering wobble was ever-present. In Robbinsville, Wheeler's had a set of Metzeler ME880's in stock. Those were my preferred tire so I had them mount them up. Some impressions:
The bike immediately felt more solid. I attributed this to the heavier rotational mass of the Metzelers. I liked that...some may not.
For the way I ride...and especially this HIGH mile trip...the ME880's are a MUCH better choice
The rear Pirelli was gone at 5500 miles. The rear ME880 has 7500 on it so far with a good amount of tread left.
The front Pirelli was severely cupped at 5500 miles. The ME880 front has NO signs of cupping and no steering wobble at 7500.
The Pirelli's were run with just me and 100 lbs on the back (Givi's and camping gear)
The Metzelers have had the exact same load for 7500 miles...but 1500 of those had the additional 125 lb weight of my GF on the back.
I ran exactly 38PSI in the front and 42 PSI in the back of both sets of tires.
I still have 4000 miles to go before I hit home...I'm hoping I can make it without another tire change on the road.
Cap'n Ron. . .
So, just picked up new Avons for my 86, never changed tires on motorbike before by myself. Big challenge or no? Just can't fathom paying $40 per tire to have a shop change them. I will however take them in to get balanced.
I mounted my new Michelin PR2's by hand, and didn't bother to get them balanced. Zero shake at any speed I've thrown at them.
The tire change by hand was easy for me, but I spent some 15 years doing on road tire service to rigs and heavy OTR equipment. If you have the right tools, and a spare hand, it can be done. You could also save a bit of coin if you bring the tires in loose to the stealership, that way they don't charge the labour for re & re off the bike.
Kevin
When I worked in motorcycle shops we checked and tires were in balance it was the wheel that was out, even then .50 to 1.0 oz off was average. This being said I do balance my tires and wheels, any vibration you can remove is a good thing!!! It's a good idea to be able to change your own tires if you have a problem on the road this could be a real life saver. Try it at home first, if you have an old tire and wheel use that and a five gallon bucket really helps. Buy some of those 9 or 10 inch tire irons they are all you need, two or three will work lube the bead of tire well and make sure it is in lowest recess of the rim. Take your time and you will be fine. :good2:
Kurt
changed my own front tyre at home, first time ive tried it in 25 years of riding, easier than i thought it would be :pardon:
Good morning, I hope all are well on this beautiful fall day. I am in need of tires, after an extended time with the bike in storage. Yes, I know, awful.
Anyway, the last time I got tires was approx. 1998, so I'm not surprised that the rear is wearing out very quickly. I should take a photo of it, very bald, I expect to see wires soon. Maybe before I get home from work.
I've got K591 front and rear, as installed by Greg Spears back in San Jose, CA, whom I would ask again if I thought it wouldn't be seriously impolite. "I know it's been 15 years, but I want something from you now."
Anyway, Dunlop wants me to buy GT501, and several other threads have made other suggestions. I see the K591 is still for sale, and it's certainly predictable, but as someone else wrote in these very forums, "tire technology has advanced in 15 years".
I tend to wear out the middles, so suggestions gladly accepted. The K591 is labeled "Harley", but that seems to be true of all the bias-ply designs. Still, as I said, the center is worn out so maybe the K591 isn't for me.
I may need a new tire before I get home (in fact, anyone with a brain would say so), so if you have something to say say it quick. And thank you for the first post in a new (to me) forum. It's been a long time since rec.motorcycles...
Quote from: DoD#663 on October 16, 2012, 10:29:53 AM
I tend to wear out the middles, so suggestions gladly accepted. The K591 is labeled "Harley", but that seems to be true of all the bias-ply designs. Still, as I said, the center is worn out so maybe the K591 isn't for me....
Hey, that's David's favorite tire! :bomb:
There's almost as many opinions on tires as there are on oil. :unknown:
Welcome to the forum. :biggrin:
Welcome to the club, I once rode on K591 when I did my iron butt rides every other week between Los Angeles and Sacramento. Now I ride in the twisty roads of Angels Crest and have switched to stickier sport tires and 17" wheels front and rear. You should be able to find some long lasting tires even with 16" wheels. Much of the tire tech has gone into the 17" but you can find better performance than the K591 tires. Not sure if any newer 16" tires will last you longer though. Others will have more info and should post soon. Now get your self over to the introduction section and say HI to everyone.
Quote from: not a lib on October 16, 2012, 10:55:52 AM
Hey, that's David's favorite tire! :bomb:
Wrong! Mine was the Dunlop D401 "Harley" tire.
Still a good tire. Lasted long and held traction as well as anything else I've had on it.
DavidR.
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on October 16, 2012, 12:04:06 PM
Wrong! Mine was the Dunlop D401 "Harley" tire.
Still a good tire. Lasted long and held traction as well as anything else I've had on it.
Well, Dunlop's website lists K591, D401, D404 and GT501. So maybe it depends on which can be gotten "here and now". I miss having a mechanic whom I trust for advice.
Surely the GT501 is going to be available, it's the "new" one.
One word on having not had a change of tires since 1998, WOW! The mechanics want a $100 to do two tires? Ouch. Damned Greenspan/Bernanke and their printing press.
Quote from: DoD#663 on October 16, 2012, 12:23:50 PM
One word on having not had a change of tires since 1998, WOW! The mechanics want a $100 to do two tires? Ouch. Damned Greenspan/Bernanke and their printing press.
Is that the price with wheels on or off the bike? I pay $20 per tire off the bike (mount and ballance). I am seriously thinking about changing and ballancing them my self soon.
I've got a question. I'm looking at Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires The site doesn't have the same speed rating for both front and back. Front will be H rated and rear V rated. Can I mix the the different speed ratings. Stock rim sizes.
Andrew
http://www.bikebandit.com/bridgestone-battlax-bt45-motorcycle-tire (http://www.bikebandit.com/bridgestone-battlax-bt45-motorcycle-tire)
Quote from: Tapartacus on October 16, 2012, 01:13:57 PM
I've got a question. I'm looking at Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires The site doesn't have the same speed rating for both front and back. Front will be H rated and rear V rated. Can I mix the the different speed ratings. Stock rim sizes.
Andrew
http://www.bikebandit.com/bridgestone-battlax-bt45-motorcycle-tire (http://www.bikebandit.com/bridgestone-battlax-bt45-motorcycle-tire)
I don't see why not, just don't exceed the speed of your lowest rated tire.
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on October 16, 2012, 12:04:06 PM
Quote from: not a lib on October 16, 2012, 10:55:52 AM
Hey, that's David's favorite tire! :bomb:
Wrong! Mine was the Dunlop D401 "Harley" tire.
Still a good tire. Lasted long and held traction as well as anything else I've had on it.
DavidR.
I thought you just bought it because it said 'Harley'. :pardon:
Quote from: Tapartacus on October 16, 2012, 01:13:57 PM
I've got a question. I'm looking at Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires The site doesn't have the same speed rating for both front and back. Front will be H rated and rear V rated. Can I mix the the different speed ratings. Stock rim sizes.
Andrew
http://www.bikebandit.com/bridgestone-battlax-bt45-motorcycle-tire (http://www.bikebandit.com/bridgestone-battlax-bt45-motorcycle-tire)
FWIW, I
hated the two BT45 rear tires I had.
Quote from: FJmonkey on October 16, 2012, 12:28:23 PM
Is that the price with wheels on or off the bike?
Wheels on. Trying to find a cheaper mechanic. I should know not to go to the dealers.
Quote from: Tapartacus on October 16, 2012, 01:13:57 PM
I've got a question. I'm looking at Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires The site doesn't have the same speed rating for both front and back. Front will be H rated and rear V rated. Can I mix the the different speed ratings. Stock rim sizes.
Andrew
http://www.bikebandit.com/bridgestone-battlax-bt45-motorcycle-tire (http://www.bikebandit.com/bridgestone-battlax-bt45-motorcycle-tire)
FWIW, I
hated the two BT45 rear tires I had.
[/quote]
I like a lot my BT 45s fitted in my CBX 750. The feeling and performance are similar to the BT 020s, that I liked a lot, but the 45s only last around 5.000 kms, so with 40 CV and 30 kg more I think those must not last too much in our FJs
Quote from: DoD#663 on October 16, 2012, 01:52:41 PM
Wheels on. Trying to find a cheaper mechanic. I should know not to go to the dealers.
If you have some basic mechanical ability then you will be the most afordable mechanic. Plus you learn enough about your bike you will eventually vow to never let a mechanic touch your FJ ever again. Except maybe Randy at RPM. But I still perfer to do as much of my own work as possible. I can now remove and install the front and rear wheels (changed them both to 17"), replace wheel bearings, service the rear swing arm and related bearings, remove/replace rear shock, rebuild my forks and adjust the valves. Before too long I will rebuilding and syncing the carbs. Last weekend I pulled out the air box to fit UNI filter pods, with rebuilt carbs rejetted for them and slipped on some SupperTrapp AL pipes. Get yourself a manual and do some simple jobs first. Work on it when you can't ride it. Then ride it like you stole it.
Quote from: FJmonkey on May 08, 2012, 08:58:10 PM
Quote from: ribbert on May 08, 2012, 08:50:13 PM
I have them front and rear, be very, very careful in the wet.
BTW, why are you looking for feedback if you've already bought them?
Noel
I think you just answered your own question... Sometimes we pull the trigger and ask if we made the right choice.... After some miles we get to chose better options.... I need stick in the corners, others want mileage for distance, neither is wrong, we like our FJs for the wide style of riding they give us.
I think you hit the nail on the head, it is up to your personal preferences and style of driving that will make or break your choice of tires. Personally, I prefer the big sticky tires when possible but for long trips, a touring tire may serve better. I went through 2 Harley tires driving from Ensenada, Mexico to Cabo and back and then to Panama....not really a whole lot of kilometers but the roads are not very good either....lot of unavoidable potholes and sub-standard pavement. There are a lot of variables.
Quote from: FJmonkey on October 16, 2012, 02:05:03 PM
If you have some basic mechanical ability then you will be the most afordable mechanic.
One thing prevents me from doing work myself: I have no garage, I have no space for tools.
When I had a garage, I had Greg Spears of SpearsEnterprises.com at my beck and call, and if I lived within 500 miles of him I'd do so again.
Quote
(changed them both to 17")
Was there any problem with clearance doing that?
What was your experience with RPM/MPH? I have always disliked that the FJ didn't have a 6th gear. But then, with a speed limit of 55mph, why bother?
Quote from: DoD#663 on October 16, 2012, 03:28:35 PM
Was there any problem with clearance doing that?
What was your experience with RPM/MPH? I have always disliked that the FJ didn't have a 6th gear. But then, with a speed limit of 55mph, why bother?
The 17" wheels use lower profile tires and end up with nearly the same diameter, so no changes in RPM vs MPH. Get the right wheels and they just bolt on, easy to do. Then you get a much better supply of rubber and you can upgrade your brakes and forks at the same time. I love my RPM fork valves. If you want a 6th gear consider changing to an 18 tooth front sprocket. The FJ has plenty of grunt so move some of it to the top end if you spend enough time in the higher RPMs.
You live a lot closer than that to some REAL smart FJ guys. You should try to use your local contacts, come to the NEFJR and meet some people. This is a very helpfull community.
Bob W
Quote from: DoD#663 on October 16, 2012, 01:52:41 PM
Quote from: FJmonkey on October 16, 2012, 12:28:23 PM
Is that the price with wheels on or off the bike?
Wheels on. Trying to find a cheaper mechanic. I should know not to go to the dealers.
Last Saturday, here in Panama, the mechanic and I installed my brand new pre-tuned carbs from Randy at RPM. (beautiful to behold, wanted to put them on the mantle) Changed the oil and filter, fuel filter, new plugs and wire ends, new rubber on shifter pedal. Started it, tested it, good to go. I bought all of the parts and asked the mechanic how much I owe him. One hour and forty minutes and $15.00 plus $5 tip. It is nice to get a break once in awhile since shipping costs are very high here in Panama. The dealers here in Panama are the most useless motorcycle people I have ever had the displeasure to talk to. Totally unknowledgeable and will only tell you that it will take as much time as it takes. One guy told me to adjust the valves, he would need need my bike for 2 weeks and I buy everything and he wanted $200 down to start. I did it myself for the first time in one day, checking, double-checking and triple-checking everything. There are some real talented mechanics down here in latin america considering they have basically no training at all, but you need to be careful, all it takes to be a mechanic or a carpenter or an electrician is to put a sign up saying you are.
Quote from: 93fj1200 on October 16, 2012, 04:42:40 PM
but you need to be careful, all it takes to be a mechanic or a carpenter or an electrician is to put a sign up saying you are.
I wouldn't be much of an anarchist if I objected to -that-, but I agree that there has to be attention paid to whose doing the work.
But then, considering the kind of experience I've had with "licensed" shops here in the USA, it's just as much of a crap-shoot.
Oh, BTW, I found a Harley guy across the street from where I work, he's had excellent experience with the D401, so I've contracted with him to do the work. I'll write back about how the D401 feel after I've put a few miles on them.
K591s came stock on the bike from the factory. Dunlop replaced the 591 with the GT501. Then I think they rebranded the 591 with the Hardley moniker. :bad:
I used the GT501s for one go around. They weren't bad. Didn't last as long at the 591s. Then I went radial and discovered what its like to ride a real motorcycle. Once you go radial, you never go back.
Quote from: FJ Flyer on October 17, 2012, 04:27:44 PM
K591s came stock on the bike from the factory. Dunlop replaced the 591 with the GT501. Then I think they rebranded the 591 with the Hardley moniker. :bad:
Yes, that's how it looked to me as well.
Quote
I used the GT501s for one go around. They weren't bad. Didn't last as long at the 591s. Then I went radial and discovered what its like to ride a real motorcycle. Once you go radial, you never go back.
The mechanic across the street priced the GT501 and said they were $100 more per tire than the D401.
That wasn't a hard choice.
Now that my FJ is back on the road, I'm in desperate need of some new rubber. I currently have a home-made slick on the back and a very tired doughnut up front. Both Dunlaps. I want to eventually get a 17" wheel on the back, but I'm wanting to get some riding in before it gets too cold so that mod is going to have to wait.
I have a 87-88 FZR front wheel (17") up front.
I'd like to try the radials and it appears Avon is the only choice with the 16" rear.
Has anyone ran the Avon's with a 17" wheel up front and a 16" in the rear?
Did you like it?
What sizes did you go with?
Quote from: zz28zz on October 21, 2012, 04:48:13 PM
Now that my FJ is back on the road, I'm in desperate need of some new rubber. I currently have a home-made slick on the back and a very tired doughnut up front. Both Dunlaps. I want to eventually get a 17" wheel on the back, but I'm wanting to get some riding in before it gets too cold so that mod is going to have to wait.
I have a 87-88 FZR front wheel (17") up front.
I'd like to try the radials and it appears Avon is the only choice with the 16" rear.
Has anyone ran the Avon's with a 17" wheel up front and a 16" in the rear?
Did you like it?
What sizes did you go with?
I did the opposite, ran a 17" wore out Bridgestone radial rear (16" Avon radial front) for the WCR 2011 (wet riding sucks), then went 17" front by the next rally. No issues, if you are worried then keep the tone gentle till you have a feel for the tires. Mixing tires won't toss you off if you ride them to get the feel first. Balls out on untested mixes scares the hell out of me. Ease into new stuff till you have a feel for it.... Worse case is you find the mix is bad and ride like your grandma going to church on Sunday.... Then change your tires ASAP....
Ok, a few days in and no problems at all. The D401 feel just fine, although the extra rubber has me feeling like I'm sitting on a much taller bike than before.
That "new tire roundness" also took a moment to get used to, after having that comforting flat back tire for so long. Also, although they're both 16 inch stock wheels, he couldn't find a 120 front, so he put on a 130 front instead. It fits fine, and I can't tell the difference while moving, but maybe that's party of why it feels so much taller.
No slips, no errors, and they're scuffing in nicely. The last set lasted 15 years. I wonder how long these will last? (popcorn)
Quote from: DoD#663 on October 24, 2012, 10:04:51 AM
Ok, a few days in and no problems at all. The D401 feel just fine, although the extra rubber has me feeling like I'm sitting on a much taller bike than before.
That "new tire roundness" also took a moment to get used to, after having that comforting flat back tire for so long. Also, although they're both 16 inch stock wheels, he couldn't find a 120 front, so he put on a 130 front instead. It fits fine, and I can't tell the difference while moving, but maybe that's party of why it feels so much taller.
No slips, no errors, and they're scuffing in nicely. The last set lasted 15 years. I wonder how long these will last? (popcorn)
Modern front tires in the 120 width are a little pinched, a 110 would have been better IMO. The stock 120 was said to be narrower by today's standards. I now have a 3.5" wheel and a 120 looks proper. Stay cautious and get a feel for the front. Mopar Man Steve put a 110 on his stock front and it looks less pinched when compaired side by side when I had a 120 on my stock front end.
I had Avon Azros on my 92 1200 and I felt they were great. There was a noticable difference in handling compared to the 84 with a battleax bias on rear and 17 inch 120 metzler (radial) up front. The 84 was fine, the 1200 just felt better. I just picked up a 92ABS with a Michelin Mcadam on the rear. It say "radial" on it. I havent verified but I assume the ABS rear is still a 16 inch. Replacing ABS wheels with Thundercat 17's this winter.
Quote from: FJmonkey on October 24, 2012, 11:36:45 AM
Modern front tires in the 120 width are a little pinched, a 110 would have been better IMO. The stock 120 was said to be narrower by today's standards. I now have a 3.5" wheel and a 120 looks proper. Stay cautious and get a feel for the front. Mopar Man Steve put a 110 on his stock front and it looks less pinched when compaired side by side when I had a 120 on my stock front end.
Thank you, I will watch it. I'll also see how it feels a touch under-pressured, to give it a little bit more contact patch.
Seriously, though, I don't ride hard enough to expect any problems. I'm not a canyon carver.
Quote from: jscgdunn on October 24, 2012, 09:41:05 PM
I had Avon Azros on my 92 1200 and I felt they were great. There was a noticable difference in handling compared to the 84 with a battleax bias on rear and 17 inch 120 metzler (radial) up front. The 84 was fine, the 1200 just felt better. I just picked up a 92ABS with a Michelin Mcadam on the rear. It say "radial" on it. I havent verified but I assume the ABS rear is still a 16 inch. Replacing ABS wheels with Thundercat 17's this winter.
All FJs had the 16" rear wheel.
Michelin doesn't make anything that's not a radial.
Hi,
Michelin does make bias ply tires. They are the Pilot Activ sport touring bias ply.
Mark
FYI, I have michlens front (V rated) and rear (H rated) on my J. The front is fantastic, the rear appears to last for ever (I believe they are duel compound) but the rear only worked in the dry after it was half worn, lets put it this way if I didn't ride MX in my younger years I'd be collecting bits of the road six times now. In the future I'll get a V rated tyre (Oz spelling)no matter what type it is.
Mileage means nothing if the bike drops.
Bozo, I agree with your last statement, but the letter designation or rating doesn't specify grip or compound. The S, T, H, V, Z (and maybe others) are all sustained high speed ratings.
It is true that usually the higher the speed rating, the LESS depth of tread and wear life a tire/tyre has.(suddenly you're concerned about spelling? )
Within a given speed rating, you'll be able to find a wide range of grip and wear even though they have the same rating. I've had V rated Michelins that were hard as rocks and were dangerous to ride with (A&M 48 come to mind) until you finally got them hot, and I still never liked how they felt. I also had the misfortune to ride the M89 and M90 tires and didn't like them much better. However, I really like the Michelin Road Pilot II that I'm currently riding on.
I'm pretty certain that it is not legal to fit any tire that has less than a V or Z rating to the FJ in Australia. (doubtful that it is enforced often)
I've also had an H rated tire that I really liked, the Metzler 88 and 880.
None of this may apply to you. Some folks swear by tires that I swear at. Your choice.
Cheers,
Arnie
Quote from: Bozo on November 07, 2012, 05:31:54 AM
FYI, I have michlens front (V rated) and rear (H rated) on my J. The front is fantastic, the rear appears to last for ever (I believe they are duel compound) but the rear only worked in the dry after it was half worn, lets put it this way if I didn't ride MX in my younger years I'd be collecting bits of the road six times now. In the future I'll get a V rated tyre (Oz spelling)no matter what type it is.
Mileage means nothing if the bike drops.
+1 on the pilots arnie, only michelin tyre I've actually liked/trusted, had the ones fitted to different bikes , the mitches with that weird side groove , liked to slide with no warning even once hot, , never trusted bike shops to fit their recommend tyres, go in for bridgestone battle axes and they fit crap ,,
Do NOT trust bike shops!!! Its YOUR ASS (and the rest of your precious parts) on the line !!!
Make sure you specify EXACTLY what you want. Bridgestone call lots of tires "BattleAxe". You must specify BT021 or BT014, or BT45, or whatever. Dunlop also call (or have called) a bunch of different tires the same name, "SportMax". I expect this may be common with tire and tyre companies.
YOU must take responsibility for your own safety. They (mostly) only care about profits.
Arnie
Quote from: fj11.5 on November 07, 2012, 03:29:45 PM
+1 on the pilots arnie, only michelin tyre I've actually liked/trusted, had the ones fitted to different bikes , the mitches with that weird side groove , liked to slide with no warning even once hot, , never trusted bike shops to fit their recommend tyres, go in for bridgestone battle axes and they fit crap ,,
Quote from: PolskiFJ on April 27, 2012, 07:17:52 PM
hey everyone, i found all of these tires for the FJ and i was wondering if any of you had experience with them, and for some opinions to guide me int he right direction. i've attached a link to 7 different options. Please help me out!!
http://www.swmototires.com/tires-and-wheels-tires-products.htm?q=attdaa3-2-1093819zz~ (http://www.swmototires.com/tires-and-wheels-tires-products.htm?q=attdaa3-2-1093819zz~)
Hi All,
Here's my Tyre experience for whatever it's worth. I'm just running stock size rims etc on a 92FJ, so still have the 16inch rear wheel. My FJ is my daily commute, so i normally clock up between 500-600km's each week without any weekend rides. Here in NZ our roads are pretty rough & i have about 2km's of gravel/metal road twice a day, so my tyres get plenty of different surfaces to run on. I ride rain, hail, sunshine, ice, snow, doesn't matter, so they're used in all sort of temperatures etc.
When i purchased the bike back in February, it had near new Metezler ME880 marathons both front & rear. The rear lasted me a total of 7,381km's before it was replaced, & was really "squared" off, but always felt good, & I had no "moments" of any note that caused me concern as to it's level of grip or anything. I'm just about to replace the front ME880 next week which would have seen good for a total of around 16,100km's!! Not bad i reckon & it still seems to hang on okay.
I'm going to replace the front with a Metezler Lasertech & see how that goes. I replaced the rear with a Shinko SR777, which i understand is basically taken from an old Yokahama mould. So far the Shinko SR777 has performed really well, it's done approx 8700km's to date & is still looking good & hangs on in the corners as the well as the Metzeler did prior to it. The other difference I did notice (& this is only my observation) that the rolling diameter of the Shinko SR777 is marginally larger than the Metzeler. Only reason i observed this was the engine RPM's dropped approx 150RPM's at 100km/hr. This is based on when both tyres were new as well, not with one warn & the other new.
Sorry about everything being in KM's for you MPH people.
Cheers
Ants
Quote from: chocker on November 06, 2012, 04:15:07 PM
Hi,
Michelin does make bias ply tires. They are the Pilot Activ sport touring bias ply.
Mark
Wow, that's a new one on me. Never thought they made anything bias.
I've run the Battleax tires and currently have Avon Azaro AV46-ST (rear) and AV-45 ST (front) on my 84 FJ. I liked the Battleax - good tire - but think the Avon is better. Handles great and like the appearance of the tread design better.
Quote from: fjbiker84 on November 16, 2012, 11:17:47 AM
I've run the Battleax tires and currently have Avon Azaro AV46-ST (rear) and AV-45 ST (front) on my 84 FJ. I liked the Battleax - good tire - but think the Avon is better. Handles great and like the appearance of the tread design better.
Welcome fjbiker84, I ran the same Avons on my 86 when I still had 16" wheels and I liked them. The 120 in the front was a little pinched, 110 has a better profile. You should join us SoCal members on our next ride. We are getting quite a group down here, might be enough for a SoCal rally.