Time for another tire thread - don't blame me, it's those b'tard manufacturers

[markmartin]

Any thoughts on the Conti RA2 GT's?  They get good reviews.

I'm on my 3rd set of Conti RA2's and love them.  These are not the GT's though; I think the GT's have a heavier carcass.

how many miles are you getting out of then?

5000 miles and I wear down the chicken strip on the rear.  The front looks like they've still have 2k or so left to them at this point, but I change them as a set.

They seem to stick like glue and since I've taken Randy's advice and inflated the front to 42psi I get very little uneven wear on the front tire.  The rear tires have no tread pattern cut into the very center of the tire so it's hard to tell when they're done, so have a rear tire ready to go when you're approaching 5k or so.  It's one thing I wish they would change.

[Bill_Rockoff]

I've used Metzler ME-Z6s and had good riding and good wear (6,500 miles, IIRC.)  My last pair were ME-Z8's.  The fronts looked good, but the rear was worn bald after 4,500 miles.  That's the shortest life I've ever gotten from a radial tire.  (The front still looks fine - so much so, I considered just getting a new rear tire and seeing if I'd get the front to last another 4,500.  Instead, I just decided to keep the front.) 

After nursing it home from the fall Tellico rally, I replaced both tires with a new ME-Z8 in front and ME-Z6 in back.  Feels great so far, although I haven't spent a long day on it in the twisties yet.  Next up might be a track day, if I can get one in before Boone.

[andyoutandabout]

Tempted as I was with monkeys bargain motions, I ended up sticking with Michelin as they have kept me stuck to the Tarmac since I started using them. Even though a pair of road pilot 4s cost twice what motions go for, I rationalize money well spent on things like tires, chains, brake pads, oil and of course hookers.

[Mark Olson]

Andy ,

Great choice , let me know how they wear for you. 

[Firehawk068]

I just ordered a set of the Conti-Motions.
I've read a lot of good things about them, but we'll see how the wear goes.
At less than half the price of the Pilots, I hope I don't get half the tread life.
But money is getting spread thin at the moment, so I'll take it as it comes. 

[fj johnnie]

I too was tempted by the Conti Motions. I just couldn't do it and ordered the road 4 Pilots as well. For the same reason. They have been excellent .

[oz.fj]

On Friday, I ordered up a set of Avon Storm 3D XM radials for the 'new' '92. The write up's, on various bike sites, where 99% positive...as I knew they would be

I've been a big fan of Avon tires for many, many years. Here in Canada, I ran Avon's for years on my Yamaha 550 Vision's with no problems.

When I switched to my '85 FJ, I went with Pirelli Sport Demons...as I couldn't locate an Avon rear at that time. The Pirelli's have been good but I'm looking forward to these new 3D XM's for this up and coming season...

John.

I think you are going to like the 3D's.  I feel they are the best tires I've had on standard rims.

[Hersey289]

I just had pilot road 4s delivered after seriously thinking about the Avon Storm 3D-XMs; it came to price. I currently have Conti RA2s with 11.5k which have maybe another 2k left. Always liked the Avon Storm and PR2s in the past as well.
My 2 cents,
Rob

[yamaha fj rider]

My 93 the Michelin Road Pilot 2 have worked very well. I would buy these again but almost never run the same tire twice. Always something new to try.

Kurt

[Bearly Flying]

I ran the Avon Super Venoms for years, until the last tire change, which was quite a few years ago. Couldn't get the Avon's at that time, so tried Michelin Macadem 100 X. Since that time the bike has sat, then gone thru a rebuild. So far I only have a few hundred kilometers on them of pretty gentle riding. Anybody had any experience with these tires?

[Arnie]

Hi Bearly,

IF you're saying that you put the Michelin Macadam 100X tires on "quite a few years ago", then you might want to consider replacing them even though you have used them for very few kms.  Tires get old and harden and crack even if they appear fine.  If those tires are more than 6 or so years old, be careful.

I have no experience with these particular tires.

I ran the Avon Super Venoms for years, until the last tire change, which was quite a few years ago. Couldn't get the Avon's at that time, so tried Michelin Macadem 100 X. Since that time the bike has sat, then gone thru a rebuild. So far I only have a few hundred kilometers on them of pretty gentle riding. Anybody had any experience with these tires?

[Hawk54]

Hello all, a newbie here. I am restoring a 85 FJ1100 with 50K on it. More on that later, I have been communicating on Introduction site. My question is this: radial or bias tire? My Trophy SE runs radial, and most of my other bikes have too! However, this bike has a radial on the front and bias on the rear, not good in my book and they are at least 8 yrs old. So I could use some help here with makes, size and yes I prefer radial if I can on the stock 16" wheels. I will switch to 17" later when I do mods. Right now I just want to ride it and get used to it and maybe make it a WCR. I have received allot of help from several of you -- thanks.
Len,
Orange Power Ranger!

[fj1289]

With modern tires you can't go wrong with either selection.   There are radial tires available in the 16 size - you're selection is limited compared to 17 inch choices, but there are some that suit the FJ very well

[Pat Conlon]

Hey Len, I just finished a restoration project on a '93 that had a 16" back tire 150/80-16
I installed a Avon Storm 3D XM radial tire and I was very impressed with this tire.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/70276/i/avon-storm-3d-x-m-radial-rear-tire

Of course a 17" rim conversion will give you better options, but still, that modern Avon tire was much better than I remembered the 150/80's ever used to be....

Hope this helps.   Pat

[FJ_Hooligan]

I just checked the manufacture date on my 16" Dunlop D205.  I'm shocked (and embarrassed) to see that the date is 4102.  I was riding the crap out of it a few weeks ago and it felt fine. 

But I guess it's time to mount the Avon.....