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Tire sizes

Started by Chrisdzu, October 18, 2021, 12:44:36 PM

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Chrisdzu

October 18, 2021, 12:44:36 PM
On a 1985 FJ1100, what size tires can I get away with for stock front end and stock swingarm?

Millietant

#1
October 18, 2021, 02:58:23 PM
Not sure what you mean by "get away with", but on standard wheels you should go for standard sizes.

I wouldn't go for anything else on a stock FJ 11.
Dean

'89 FJ 1200 3CV - owned from new.
'89 FJ 1200 3CV - no engine, tank, seat....parts bike for the future.
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - complete runner 2024 resto project
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - became a race bike, no longer with us.
'86 FJ 1200 1TX - sold to my boss to finance the '89 3CV I still own.

Pat Conlon

#2
October 18, 2021, 03:53:31 PM
120/80-16 front

150/80-16 rear....or a 160/80-16 (if you can find it)

The oem FJ rims are narrow so you need a sidewall with a 80 aspect ratio so the tire bead fits the rim.
A shorter aspect ratio will pinch the tire.


Cheers
1) Free Owners Manual download: https://tinyurl.com/fmsz7hk9
2) Don't store your FJ with E10 fuel https://tinyurl.com/3cjrfct5
3) Replace your old stock rubber brake lines.
4) Important items for the '84-87 FJ's:
Safety wire: https://tinyurl.com/99zp8ufh
Fuel line: https://tinyurl.com/bdff9bf3

Chrisdzu

#3
October 18, 2021, 03:57:10 PM
Someone is trying to sell me a 130/80-16 front, saying it will fit

FJmonkey

#4
October 18, 2021, 04:08:25 PM
I would stay with the OEM size or possibly a 110 width. A 130 width might be too wide and could affect how the side wall behaves in the corners.
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

oldktmdude

#5
October 18, 2021, 04:22:08 PM
   The 110 works well. I have never used one but I know others that do and like them very much.
   Regards, Pete.
1985 FJ1100 x2 (1 sold)
2009 TDM 900
1980 Kawasaki Z1R Mk11 (sold and still regretting it)
1979 Kawasaki Z650 (sold)
1985 Suzuki GSXR 400 x2 (next project)
2001 KTM 520 exc (sold)
2004 GasGas Ec300
1981 Honda CB 900 F (sold)
1989 Kawasaki GPX 600 Adventure

Millietant

#6
October 18, 2021, 07:58:41 PM
Quote from: Chrisdzu on October 18, 2021, 03:57:10 PM
Someone is trying to sell me a 130/80-16 front, saying it will fit

It's your risk, but I wouldn't put a 130/80/16 on the front, it could likely ruin the turn in and handling - as a side question, how old is that 130 tyres d what is its speed rating?

The only new ones I can see on line are scooter tyres, not suitable for a FJ.
Dean

'89 FJ 1200 3CV - owned from new.
'89 FJ 1200 3CV - no engine, tank, seat....parts bike for the future.
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - complete runner 2024 resto project
'88 FJ 1200 3CV - became a race bike, no longer with us.
'86 FJ 1200 1TX - sold to my boss to finance the '89 3CV I still own.

fj1289

#7
October 18, 2021, 10:24:39 PM
Quote from: Chrisdzu on October 18, 2021, 03:57:10 PM
Someone is trying to sell me a 130/80-16 front, saying it will fit

This is the same size used by the 16" CBR900.  I've heard of them used on early FJs - and heard good and bad from people that tried them.  Based on that I would pass - I'd assume the good reports came from people with low expectations of their tires. 

Who on the list here has the signature block that says something like life's too short to ride on shitty tires (wrong sized tires fall in that category too!)

SpiderFJ1200

#8
December 14, 2021, 09:01:17 PM
I'm clearly in need of new tires, and this being the first time I'm shopping for the FJ, I looked through the threads. I pretty familiar with the brands that are available, and have tried most of them. But it's been a while, and I can't remember the differences in their profiles. I'm getting old and fragile, so I'm looking for something that won't lean too aggressively. I used to really like those tires, but now, not so much. So that probably puts me in the Metzeler category. I don't think I've tried Shinko. Looks like stock wheels, with 120/70r17 front, 150/80r16 rear.
Robert Crawley
1990 Yamaha FJ1200 3CV

red

#9
December 15, 2021, 07:58:08 AM
Quote from: SpiderFJ1200 on December 14, 2021, 09:01:17 PMI'm clearly in need of new tires, and this being the first time I'm shopping for the FJ, I looked through the threads. I pretty familiar with the brands that are available, and have tried most of them. But it's been a while, and I can't remember the differences in their profiles. I'm getting old and fragile, so I'm looking for something that won't lean too aggressively. I used to really like those tires, but now, not so much. So that probably puts me in the Metzeler category. I don't think I've tried Shinko. Looks like stock wheels, with 120/70r17 front, 150/80r16 rear.
Robert,

FWIW, I run on Pirelli Sport Demons, because they are available in 16" sizes, and I like Pirelli tires.  Avon has radials (but I have not tried them yet).  A set of good tires causes real confidence in the bike.  I would not choose tires based on the expected mileage from them.  I want a good grip in dry weather, and reasonable wet traction.

@FJ1289:  Check my signature block.    :good2:
Cheers,
Red
P.S. Life is too short, and health is too valuable, to ride on cheap parade-duty tires.

balky1

#10
December 16, 2021, 08:36:42 AM
Quote from: red on December 15, 2021, 07:58:08 AM
Quote from: SpiderFJ1200 on December 14, 2021, 09:01:17 PMI'm clearly in need of new tires, and this being the first time I'm shopping for the FJ, I looked through the threads. I pretty familiar with the brands that are available, and have tried most of them. But it's been a while, and I can't remember the differences in their profiles. I'm getting old and fragile, so I'm looking for something that won't lean too aggressively. I used to really like those tires, but now, not so much. So that probably puts me in the Metzeler category. I don't think I've tried Shinko. Looks like stock wheels, with 120/70r17 front, 150/80r16 rear.
Robert,

FWIW, I run on Pirelli Sport Demons, because they are available in 16" sizes, and I like Pirelli tires.  Avon has radials (but I have not tried them yet).  A set of good tires causes real confidence in the bike.  I would not choose tires based on the expected mileage from them.  I want a good grip in dry weather, and reasonable wet traction.

@FJ1289:  Check my signature block.    :good2:

Those are probably my next choice, how are they doing?


FJ 1100, 1985, sold
FJR 1300, 2009

red

#11
December 16, 2021, 11:25:31 AM
Quote from: SpiderFJ1200
Quote from: red on December 15, 2021, 07:58:08 AM
Quote from: SpiderFJ1200 on December 14, 2021, 09:01:17 PMI'm clearly in need of new tires, and this being the first time I'm shopping for the FJ, I looked through the threads. I pretty familiar with the brands that are available, and have tried most of them. But it's been a while, and I can't remember the differences in their profiles. I'm getting old and fragile, so I'm looking for something that won't lean too aggressively. I used to really like those tires, but now, not so much.  I don't think I've tried Shinko. Looks like stock wheels, with 120/70r17 front, 150/80r16 rear.
Robert,
FWIW, I run on Pirelli Sport Demons, because they are available in 16" sizes, and I like Pirelli tires.  Avon has radials (but I have not tried them yet).  A set of good tires causes real confidence in the bike.  I would not choose tires based on the expected mileage from them.  I want a good grip in dry weather, and reasonable wet traction.
Those are probably my next choice, how are they doing?
Robert,

Got a few thousand miles on them now (the FJ is one of the two bikes I have).  I'm guessing they may have one or two thousand more miles left in them, but they have held up well.  Some tires can change as they get a bit worn, but these are still inspiring confidence in the corners.  I will buy them again, but for 16" wheels, my only choices are the Pirelli (which are bias-ply), or Avon radials.
Cheers,
Red
P.S. Life is too short, and health is too valuable, to ride on cheap parade-duty tires.

Sparky84

#12
December 16, 2021, 12:34:36 PM
Quote from: red on December 15, 2021, 07:58:08 AM

FWIW, I run on Pirelli Sport Demons, because they are available in 16" sizes, and I like Pirelli tires.  Avon has radials (but I have not tried them yet).  A set of good tires causes real confidence in the bike.  I would not choose tires based on the expected mileage from them.  I want a good grip in dry weather, and reasonable wet traction.

@FJ1289:  Check my signature block.    :good2:
I don't think Avon has a radial for the front 16, only for the rear.
1984 FJ1100
1979 Kawasaki Z1300
1972 Honda CB750/4 K2

SpiderFJ1200

#13
December 17, 2021, 01:20:04 PM
https://youtu.be/7bZc7LkhoUc

This is what I'm talking about when I was asking about profiles. If you ride the aggressive profiles like a cruiser, and don't spend much time in the twisties, you end up with a cupped triangle shaped tire. Which was why I was wanting the more rounded profile, if I can get them.
Robert Crawley
1990 Yamaha FJ1200 3CV

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