New front tire

[ceebass68]

Need a new front tire on my (new to me) 1989 fj1200. Rear tire is in good shape. Rear is a Pirelli Sport Demon and I would prefer a match set. The recommended size is no longer available for the front 120/70-17.

I have narrowed my selection down to 2: (both bias ply)

110/70H-17 Pirelli Sport Demon
120/70V-17 Avon AM26

Should I opt for same brand/tire pattern (match) or manufacturer recommended size?

Thanks for any opinions!

[FJ1100mjk]

AM26, is good. I've used them front and back. Back, doesn't last very long though.

You might mix it up, and throw a radial on. I've read where it's been done. Never tried it myself.

[Tor-King]

The Avon Roadriders are absolutely fantastic tires.  I have a set on my '93 and that is what will be going on my '86.  I don't like the idea of mixing brand tires.  Although it may be fine, tires are designed to work together with same pattern types.  It may also be the Type A personality thing talking.  The idea of having one tire bias and another radial may not be safe.  There is a lot written about the dangers.  I cannot verify the truth behind this but please do some research and be an educated consumer.

Dean

[4everFJ]

I have radial on the rear wheel and bias on the front (both Avon, but different models). No problems whatsoever, even at full lean angle.

[Alf]

Welcome to the community!. It would be OK if first of all you present yourself and say anything about yourself and your FJ 

The Sport Demons were a good tyre 30 years ago fitted in my RD 350. These Pirellis are the worst tyres that I've tested in a FJ: flex all around even at moderate speed and lean angles. I cant understand how people continue fitting those

The best tyres with 150 rear still available are Avon radials: fit Azaro front and new Ultra XD rear. These are awesome

Dunlop Streetsmarts are bias ply but with modern construction and very good. BT45s changed the carcass construction years ago and now suffer from awkward wear.

I hope this helps

Welcome again

Alf

[Old Rider]

I have just changed my front tire from pirelli sport deamon to metzeler lasertec.I was on the first trip yesterday with the new tire and wow what a difference .  The bike handles really good like on rails in corners and planted and stable on straights .Withe the pirelli deamon the bike  felt really unstable and wobbly and also no good in corners.
I have had an fj1100 earlier for many years and on that bike to the metzeler lasertech was the best choice and also the michelin m48 was good.The metzeler is also very good i wet conditions .On my xj600F it was a different story because that one was best on soft pirelli tires.
So my advice is go for avon or metzeler the metzeler also last long.

[Alf]

Lasertecs are better and more rigid than Demons... but the Metzs are a 30 years old design, and the company continue making these with the same compounds and structure

So if the difference have been great, imagine with a much modern design Streetsmarts or better, Avon radials

[Old Rider]

Lasertecs are better and more rigid than Demons... but the Metzs are a 30 years old design, and the company continue making these with the same compounds and structure

So if the difference have been great, imagine with a much modern design Streetsmarts or better, Avon radials

Thats not right The lasertec is uppgraded and using the latest tecnology Compound with high Silica developed for outstanding grip both in dry and in wet enhancing riding performance also more resistant polyester fibers giving higher comfort and improving handling.
The old style lasertec was also really good even when riding agressive style in my opinion.

[PaulG]

When I bought my '92 in '07 it had a set of Lasertechs already on them.  When they wore out, I bought another set.  For my third set I just switched to Avon Storm 3D radials - just because I wanted to try radials (and they were a little cheaper for some reason).

The Lasertechs will give you very high mileage, are a good all round tire, especially in the wet.  Yes they are an old design, but they must be in demand as they still make them.  My last rear went for around 70,000 km.  But then again I'm not so aggressive a rider too.  I still had the teats on them after all those clicks.     Being bias ply they tend to sguiggle a bit on tar snakes, but are a great touring tire.

The Avon Storm's are completely different.  Smoother ride, and much more planted.  Don't know about mileage yet, but I won't imagine they would last as long as the Lasertech's, which is ok.  I've never mixed brands or types F/R.  Generally my front lasts twice as long as the rear, so if I decide to switch brands I do it when they are both pooched.  No sense in tossing a perfectly good tire.

[Alf]

That's not right The lasertec is upgraded and using the latest technology Compound with high Silica developed for outstanding grip both in dry and in wet enhancing riding performance also more resistant polyester fibers giving higher comfort and improving handling.
The old style lasertec was also really good even when riding aggressive style in my opinion.

Dint believe the marketing!. The Lasertec is the same tyre that 30 years ago. A little less hard, but nothing else. The FJ power and chassis deserve better tyres. In 1984 the Lasertecs were considerate then unappropriated for the FJ 1100 power, so now... 

[PaulG]

Thanks for any opinions!

Uh - Oh!  Now you've done it!   

[FJ_Hooligan]

The Lasertechs will give you very high mileage, are a good all round tire, especially in the wet.    My last rear went for around 70,000 km. 

Am I reading that correctly?  70,000km???

I can't get a chain to last that long.

[PaulG]

Am I reading that correctly?  70,000km???

I can't get a chain to last that long.

Yes that's correct.  I had to think about it when I changed it.  It was on for three years.  I'm not that aggressive when it comes to cornering, etc. as theres no real place to do it around here without losing you're license.  I also usually ran the pressures near the top end of the range as I always have bags on, and tour mostly.  Plus my suspension needs upgrading if I really want to be more aggressive.

And if you want to get your chain to last longer get a Scott Automatic Chain Oiler.  I put one on last year and the only time I adjusted it was when I put the new Avons on this year.