'84 FJ1100 tire options

[Bryce]

Anyone have any advice for an 1100 with the 16" front wheel?  From what I've read, people on this forum usually just suggest changing out the 16" for a 17" to get more tire options, but my bike is registered as a collector's vehicle and so I'm obligated to keep it stock.  The Metzeler Lasertecs that the bike came with feel good to me, but I'm wondering if anyone with experience can weigh in on the other options.  Besides Metzeler Lasertecs, I'm also considering Pirelli Sport Demons, Avon Azara-STs, Dunlop GT501s, Bridgestone BT-45s, and Michelin Pilot Activs.

Thanks,

-Bryce

[Rat Fink]

I'm running the Bridgestones.  Wear seems to be good and I like the feel of them, but since they are the only tyres I have had on the bike I have nothing to compare them to. I have no problem with the 16 inch wheel I find the handling fine. Not as sharp in the tight stuff as my last bike an 85 GSXR 750 but a lot better on long fast corners where the gixer felt a bit skittish, and a lot more stable at sustained high speed. recently completed 1100 km ride in 2 days got off the bike comfortable and fresh. Definitely the bike for eating miles.

[ribbert]

......but my bike is registered as a collector's vehicle and so I'm obligated to keep it stock.

Thanks,

-Bryce

Is that registered as in a special plate and cheaper rego? If so, and a requirement is that you keep it stock, I don't think anyone is going to notice a different wheel size (or even know that it's not standard).

Stock, for the purpose of special registration of collectable / vintage / veteran vehicles usually excludes safety improvements. While your FJ is probably at the "new" end of eligibility, common sense suggests parts availability and safety will see many non standard or model correct parts fitted to older vehicles.
It is also impractical, if not impossible, to police "stock" on vehicles that are 40, 50, 100+ years old.

For practical reasons most jurisdictions apply this term with a modicum of common sense. The intention being to keep it essentially standard.

They can give those 16" tyres all the cool sounding names they like but they are still basically Harley tyres.
These may well suit you riding style but if want something that will corner and brake and stick in the wet, 17" is the way to go.

We've all done time on the tyres you mention and many still are, and they do the job, but modern tyres transform the bike, particularly in the wet.

I have had a number of the tyres you mention and in my opinion there is no stand out performer, go with a tread pattern you like the look of.

One of the common myths of motorcycling is that you only need modern tyres if you ride hard. Certainly if you ride hard you do, but I view it more as a safety item, insurance. You don't have to be riding hard to need to brake in an emergency or to overcook a corner etc.

If you go with any of the tyres you mentioned, it would be wise to check the date on them. As demand for these diminishes some shops may have old stock.

Noel

[FJ1100mjk]

Bryce:

Welcome to the ever-shrinking minority club of those that still carry 16 inch hoops on their FJs.

I have tried the BT-45s. Their price point was appealing, but I did not care for their lack of feel in the wet. But others opinions of them may vary.

Sport Demons are a good tire.

I currently have Avon Sportriders on my '85 and have found them a good tire in all conditions. They don't cost a lot either.  Others here may chime in on the Azzaros, and their merits, but I have not had a set on to try out yet.

Marty

[FJ1100mjk]

they are still basically Harley tyres.

Noel

Really? So what is the basis of this observation? Testing, conversations with Engineers at the tire manufacturers?

PS, not asking for a video like Randy did. 

[Bones]

I've got sport demons on my bike at the moment, 17inch front 16 inch rear, and although I've never had a problem with them slipping in the dry or wet, they do seem to tramline a bit with irregularities in the road.

Had Dunlops before and never noticed it with them, so weather it's because the Dunlops were radials and the Pirelli's are cross ply's, I don't know. Pirelli's seem to wear quicker too.

My next set of tyres will be Avons, as I've read good reports about them, plus we really don't have much variety with a 16 inch rear wheel compared to 17 inch.

                                                             Tony.

[FJmonkey]

Before I switch over to 17" I ran on the AVON AV 45/46 combo. 16" front & rear and they are radials. They are a good tire, I also ride with another 86' and he runs on the Pirelli Sport Demons and they seem like a good choice as well.

[ribbert]

they are still basically Harley tyres.

Noel

Really? So what is the basis of this observation? Testing, conversations with Engineers at the tire manufacturers?

PS, not asking for a video like Randy did. 

I use the term "Harley tyres" in the context of them not being performance tyres by modern, middle of the road standards and I don't believe even the manufacturers would claim they were.

I don't think talking to the engineers is required to form an opinion of a tyre. I don't need to know how it was made to know how it performs on the road.

And yes, I have tested (as in fitted new and worn out) Lastertecs, Macadams, Bridgestones, Dunlops and currently have a set of Sport Demons fitted to an FJ. I have not tried the Activ but Michelin themselves on their website say they are targeting the 500cc market and rattle off 4 specific models from all the major manufacturers.

I have many examples of my experiences with both sorts of tyres. How and where I ride I think is a pretty good test for any tyres all round performance and I can only pass on my findings.

Glad to see nothing's changed in my absence. First technical post in many months and it draws flak! 
I appreciate a supporting video was not required.
(no video camera was harmed in the making of this post)

Noel

[Alf]

Good tyres the Avons. Radials so the rear support better the weight of the bike and don´t flex

Continental has revamped tkv11/12. I´ve not still test these, but judging for the new Conti work in classic machines those look a good bet

For me the Pîrellis and these are the worst tyres that you could fit in a FJ: the rear flex at nothing more than 50% of the capabilities of the bike, slip even in medium throttle (because flex), don´t support the front end... well, its curious the different point of view of different people. It could be because of different tarmac or style of riding, I don´t know, but I´ve tested dozens of tyres in my FJs and in my friend´s and the general conclusion is that Pirellis are horrible and a ticket to the hospital

The Pilot Activs are designed for medium weight bikes (here in Europe). I don´t recommend you

BT45s are a good tyre, but if you ride at the sporty side, the front tyre could disintegrated in less than 4.000 kms (this is the duration in my CBX 750 with less weight, less power and less brakes than my FJ). The rear last longer, around 12.000 in my CBX, but the wear in a byas-ply is not as uniform as a radial tyre

[FJ1100mjk]

Glad to see nothing's changed in my absence. First technical post in many months and it draws flak! 
I appreciate a supporting video was not required.
(no video camera was harmed in the making of this post)

Noel


Welcome back.

Keep the technical posts coming. I find the some of the other types (mine included) tiresome at times.

[Derek Young]

Hi Bryce.  I believe Noel to be right about the collector plate requirements.  I had a collector plate on my 86.  I was given the collector plate after I had put 17" wheels on it.  I also Had an insurance claim without even a question about size of wheels, brakes,forks or suspension.  Modifications are allowed if it is for safety reasons. If you do decide to change to 17'' wheels let me know, I can help out.

Derek

[~JM~]

I've been using Avon RoadRiders on my vintage bikes & really like them. My bikes are all in the 400 to 500cc range other than my FJ. I don't know how the Avon RoadRiders would hold up to an FJ, but they will be my first choice when it comes time to replace the Metzelers that are on the bike now. My rear Metzeler has slid on me a couple of times in some aggresive cornering.

Good luck
~JM~

[Alf]

Well, RoadRiders are the obligatory mount at the Practical Sportsbikes CNC series and 3 of the first 5 on the Championship are FJs...

[Bryce]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.  Didn't know that the Avons were radials, that's interesting as I assumed they were bias.  And yeah, I probably could get away with changing to a 17" wheel, even if it were a problem I doubt the average person would be able to notice the difference.

-Bryce

[bcguide]

I just had a look at ICBC applcation form and it says you wheels can be upgraded to 1' taller and 1'' wider. Tires can be upgraded from bias to radial