rear tyre what make or size! do you use?

[Russfjr1]

OK so best 16" tyre or tire  well what could it be? We all know most of it is down to the individual but can we agree on one in particular? Be it brand, version or even size?

[Russfjr1]

I think with my FJ100 I would go with the Michelin Commander II 150/80 B16 77 H             any thoughts?

[FJmonkey]

I think with my FJ100 I would go with the Michelin Commander II 150/80 B16 77 H             any thoughts?

My thoughts... If you can out ride it then get a better one. I think I can speak for many here and say that we (99%) cannot out ride our rubber. This may be just one more tire thread so let the bullets fly. I ride on some decent tires and can not keep up with others on 16" tires. It is not the tire.... A really hard tire like the ME88 Marathon needs more time to warm up but they still grip... How hard do you ride?

[Pat Conlon]

I recommend the Avon Storm 3D X-M radial 150/80-16
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/avon-storm-3d-x-m-tire

Review: http://www.sportrider.com/avon-storm-3d-x-m-tires-sr-tested

[balky1]

I've been using my second set of Bridgestone Battlax (BT 45 I think). Very nice grip from start, but that also means a soft tire. Don't expect more than 8-8.5k from rear, especially on the freeways.

[Russfjr1]

I think with my FJ100 I would go with the Michelin Commander II 150/80 B16 77 H             any thoughts?

My thoughts... If you can out ride it then get a better one. I think I can speak for many here and say that we (99%) cannot out ride our rubber. This may be just one more tire thread so let the bullets fly. I ride on some decent tires and can not keep up with others on 16" tires. It is not the tire.... A really hard tire like the ME88 Marathon needs more time to warm up but they still grip... How hard do you ride?

I used to be hard on tyres but today with health problems and age the heart sole and mind are willing but the body say's NO. 
Something that has always intrigued me most of the "problems" people say they have with there rubber is all in the mind (I think).
I totally agree that with today's rubber most people if asked the question and they answered honestly ALL tyres are good and yes possibly better than our ridding ability unless on a track, but put me on a bike that is fitted with Avon tyres and I'm a wreck put the same bike on Michlines and happy all day long, take on anyone no matter what they ride.
Now I know Avons are a very very good tyre but try telling that to my stupid brain    I suppose I asked the original question wondering if other people experienced the same thoughts or they really do have a preference, be that brand loyalty, riding style, availability or like me  stupid brain.    
   

[FJmonkey]

Russ, you make a good point. If you like a particular tire (brand or style) then you are likely to feel more confident with it. That confidence allows one to push the tire more than the other brand. I believe the rider has much more influence on performance when it comes to what us average Joe's ride.

[Pat Conlon]

Russ's tyre question was wide open, thus my reply.

He should have asked, "Which Michelin 16" tire is the best?"

I'm a fan of Michelin tyres. I have a set of Pilot Road 4's on my bike (abet 17") and I'm amazed at the longevity and wet performance.
Dry handling they are ok, I've had better, but for cross country touring they are very good.

[red]

For 16" wheels, I think the best are Avons (radial), or Pirelli Sport Demons (bias ply). 
I went with the less expensive Pirelli Sport Demons, and they transformed my FJ1100
into something greater than it was.  I still want to try the Avons, which may be even better.

Cheers,
Red

[FJmonkey]

I cannot offer any info on the Deamons other than, they are liked by the ones that ride on them. I ran on the Avon's till I went to 17" and really liked them. Here is my first post on the Avons http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=287.msg2088#msg2088

Pick good rubber and ride on it.... My current tire is the Continental Motions in 17". A set of front and rear delivered to my door for under $170 USD works for me. I mount and balance myself so the cost per mile is less than all other tire choices to date. The PR3/PR4 come close with the mileage calculation, but not enough. Just remember to keep the sticky side down....

[X-Ray]

I've just put some Pirelli Sport Demons on my '94, haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but the reviews are good. ( Stock wheels both ends )   I was trying to get some Avon Storms, but they aren't imported here, ( or so the bike shops told me ).

[racerrad8]

Here is a video my Michelin salesman sent me recently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJJxSlls-tA

Randy - RPM

[Tor-King]

For what it's worth, I am running Avon AM26 Roadrider's on two of my FJ's.  I am certainly not an aggressive rider and they perform flawlessly. I have stock rims on both bikes so I am limited on choice.  For the cost, I certainly cannot complain. For Canadian consumers, this is where I source my tires: https://fortnine.ca/en/avon-am26-roadrider-front-tire

Dean

[Russfjr1]

Russ's tyre question was wide open, thus my reply.

He should have asked, "Which Michelin 16" tire is the best?"

I'm a fan of Michelin tyres. I have a set of Pilot Road 4's on my bike (abet 17") and I'm amazed at the longevity and wet performance.
Dry handling they are ok, I've had better, but for cross country touring they are very good.

Sorry Pat looks like I might of offended you in some strange way? maybe I should of not specified 16" but any size, would that help? Or is it I just don't like Avon???   

The question is indeed wide open for all to reply and talk about any tyre, tyres they have a preference of. 

Yes my choice is Michelin but I would buy Continental or Dunlops as well just never Avon. 

I have Dunlops on my Ducati and get on fine with them but I think my problem with Avons goes back to when I had a Yamaha SR500 in the early 80's it come with a square section Avon Road Runner on the back with a Avon Speedmaster on the front. Memories of those are firmly implanted in my brain.
One tyre I personally would like to hear about BUT NOT USE is the Challenger Tomahawk a retread motorcycle tyre!!! Are they even made anymore?

[Pat Conlon]

No worries Russ!