Tires

[gyrfalcon]

Hello,

I have a 1989 FJ that has a Metzler ME880 Marathon MBS 150/80 B16 MC 71H on the rear and
a Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart 75R-061770 120/70 ZR17  MC  58W. I've put about 7000 K on them since I bought the bike.

I've been researching possible replacements and had hoped to get the same type of tires for the front and rear but it seems that very few models make both recommended sizes. What are some possible choices using the recommended sizes in the owner's manual?
I am guessing the recommended Dunlops were Bias Ply... Frt: 120/70V17-V250  K330A Rear: 150/80V16 -V250  K330
Are most riders still using Bias Ply tires or using radials on their FJ1200?

Thanks for any suggestions or feedback.

[Capn Ron]

Hello,

I've been researching possible replacements and had hoped to get the same type of tires for the front and rear but it seems that very few models make both recommended sizes.

Thanks for any suggestions or feedback.

If you're going to run stock tire sizes in front (120/70-17) and rear (150/80-16), you're looking at bias ply options as the factory rims are narrow and will "pinch" a radial tire giving it a poor shape.

If you want a brand/model matching set front/rear, your choices are:

Metzeler ME880 Marathons.  These are high mileage touring tires and have a very heavy carcass.  I got 12,000 miles out of the rear and 17,000 out of the front.  LOVE them for cross-country trips!

Pirelli Sport Demons.  An excellent "canyon" tire and probably the stickiest choice in stock sizes.  Also a very heavy/solid carcass tire.  LOVE these for running the twisties out behind the house!

Avon RoadRiders.  Somewhere in between the two above.  This is a very lightweight/thin carcass tire.  Just running these now and am happy with them so far.

That all being said, if you are looking for better tire choices and/or radial choices, you're starting to go down the path of wheel swaps to get a wider rim on both the front and rear.

[gyrfalcon]

Thanks for tire information! I noticed the combination on this bike is actually a radial on the front and Bias ply on the rear.
Is it a bad idea to mix tires in this way and do you think it's best to try and match the types/brands and change them together?

I see the Metzler me 880 marathons make both a radial and bias ply for the stock front size. The Avons and Pirelli tires both have a V rating as recommended in my owners manual but the Metzler is an H. Not that I spend a lot of time driving over 200K..but the thought of a blowout at those speeds isn't too appealing. Hope to order something soon!

I am assuming the most likely wheel upgrade is moving to a 17 on the rear. What kind of bike wheel is usually sought after for this change to a stock rear wheel?

Thanks.

[aviationfred]

I can't quote any studies or articles written for or against mixing brands and/or radial and bias ply tires. I do know that I have ALWAYS been told to use the same brand and model tire. Mixing bias ply and radials is something that I honestly have never heard of someone doing.

My personal belief is to find a brand and model that you like and only use matched front and rear tires.

For the 17" rear wheel mod. Here is the thread for the easy bolt on mod. http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=3380.0

Following the directions exactly as layed out and you will then be able to use modern size sport bike radials. (120/70/17 and 180/55/17)

Most all of the parts you need can be sourced from eBay at a decent cost. I would factor in the expense of around $300.00 for all the parts needed. The best part is, that you can buy the parts as you can get/afford them.

[FJ_Hooligan]

I've mixed tire brands and radial/bias front and rear and it never made a bit of difference in how the bike rode or handled.  Others have done the same thing.

What I haven't done is mix cheap tires.  I always use a good quality brand tire.  I have never been unhappy with any MODERN tire I have mounted.

People who have used cheap Shinko tires report good performance also.

[Country Joe]

The early Kawasaki Concours came from the factory with a bias front/radial rear combo. I don't know why they were spec'ed out that way. Sounds like its time for a Google search....
Joe

[ALAN553]

Not sure if they make them anymore, I have Metzelers Z2's in stock size on my ' 92, they are radials and they are great!