Tire selection

[feederbb]

OK , I know I'm opening up a can of worms here, BUT, what is everyones opinion on tires.  I can't afford any rear (or front for that matter) wheel or brake upgrades, still working on all the $ issues with the ex, no job yet, half of my retirement, blah, blah, blah!  So, stock wheel size for at least another set or two of tires, what are some suggestions?  I'm not the most aggressive rider, MOST of the time, BUT, well, you understand I'm sure.  A bunch of time riding 2 up with the girlfriend.  V rated? H? Radial, biased?  It seems like there isn't a lot of choice, and I understand this is one of the main reasons everyone changes the rear wheel but I just don't have the coin and don't know when I will, so..   It has the Dunlop Tourmax 205 radial on the back now and it's been ridden a lot on the highway so it's a little flat in the middle.  I haven't even looked to see if they are still even available or not but thought before I spent too much time looking I would bounce it off everyone here so I can know some of the things I'm looking for.  Any input would be great!  Thanks guys.   Kevin. 

[Flying Scotsman]

 
I went with a Dunlop GT 501 it was the best match I could find tread wise to match the Maxxis on the front.Spent at least a week searching and found the Dunlop for $123.
I will go Radial when the front wears out and i have to replace both.

[andyb]

Stock wheels, you've got what, two choices, three?  Does it matter?

[mrbreeze]

pirelli sport demons i found a set for 236 with shipping at motorcycle- superstore sku#s 54892 and 54898 www.motorcyclesuperstore.com

[FJmonkey]

I am assuming that you need 16" for the rear? Otherwise your choices for 17" are numerous. Some of us use Avon 45/46, the only sport like radial for 16". I ride mostly in the twisties so I am getting about 3 fronts to one rear. The rear is cupping but that may be due to low tire pressure. see my post on my first set. http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=287.msg2088#msg2088

Tell us what you choose and how well it suits you.

[markmartin]

I've been happy with the Avon AV46 Azaro Sport Touring Rear Tire - 150/80ZR-16/--on the rear and the AV-55 front.  As long as you don't mind riding on 'tyres'.

first google search on shopping showed $117.99.  http://www.amazon.com/Avon-AV46-Azaro-Sport-Touring/dp/B001CD5FVS   
you might be able to beat it.

[vfourmax]

I thought about changing to the 17" wheels but decided that even though my tire choices are much more limited I want to keep the Fj in stock configuration. I had up until now been running the Metzlers and they are good tires as well and just wanted a change of pace so to speak.

Due to my past of having a lot of positive experiences with the Pirelli brand of modern rubber I also went with the Pirelli Sport Demons. Another Motorcycle Superstore #54890 and #54898 purchaser at 230.98 delivered to my door.

These new shoes were just put on and cannot really give a feedback on them but I do like the tread design and the initial feel with what few miles they have on them. I have always in the past been pleased with the Pirelli brand and for the money I think this is going to be another positive experience with the brand.

Just like anything else there are some that will advise changing to more modern wheels and rubber and there will be some that prefer more of a classic form of ownership and want to keep the bikes as original as possible. Neither way is wrong just personal preference or desires. Do whatever suites your style the best but most of all enjoy the bike as they are a great everyday ride.

[feederbb]

That's pretty much where I'm at right now at least.  I would prefer to keep it stock since it's in such great shape and pretty "original".  With my $ situation the way it is now my choice is pretty much made up for me any way.  I have always tried to keep things as much as stock or at least with the stock intention even with cars.  When I raced motocross I would try and dial the bike in as good as stock could be without running out and changing pipes, carbs, airboxes, etc.  I have had some bikes and cars that have been heavily modified and to be honest were really fun, but just as many were a hassle to even keep running.  I know the guys here have done their homework and know what works and doesn't and what's worth the money, etc.  At least when I do change my financial situation or maybe find a "fixer upper" I have some serious minds to colaberate with on my options.  Appreciate all the info guys.  Kevin.

[Zari]

I second the Avon's; great rubber if you're staying stock.  I had the 160's but then they discontinue, and have since done the conversion with the mechanical brains of Mark Olson.  Loving my Michelin 180 pilot power.  But if you're staying stock, I agree the Avon AZ 46 would be the shoe for you!

[andyb]

If you're staying with stock wheels because of cost, you can recoup the cost of a 17" YZF conversion in about two and a half tire changes.  At least, that's how long it took me to get it to pay off...  Look at some of the 17" tires for a moment, notice that they're hugely more modern (more stick AND more wear life), and they're often cheaper to boot.  If it was in a miles:$ comparison I would imagine that it'd pay off even that much quicker.

[feederbb]

Thanks guys.  Andy, at the risk of sounding like a whiner, I'm still not 100% through with all the financial "shit" from my divorce last year, i.e. she didn't pay her f'n attorney so the paperwork that controls MY half (and I guess hers also but who gives a shit) sat on the attorneys desk until she paid up just a couple of months ago.  Now were waiting for the "court numbered copies" so that my trust fund and 401K can be split and distributed.  Like everything else in Cali, the county courts are belly up and understaffed so that's not a quick event either.  At the advice of my attorney I haven't worked andve no real plans of working until it's a done deal.  Thank god I have been at least getting my half of the pension since November of last year.  It's not  a lot of money but enough to keep food, rent, and gas flowing but not much even for a crappy tire much less a wheel upgrade regardless of paying off down the road.  I've tried to find some cash labor jobs around town but most are taken by the "questionably legal" workforce, so for now I'm just flying low on the radar and trying to make things last, stock form or what ever.  All my purchases have to be pretty well thought out and planned for, NOT something I have been used to working the hours I was at UPS, well,at least not until it wasn't enough for her habit.  Don't want to make it sound like I'm unhappy, unsatisfied with the timetable of the work in progress, yes, but for all the shit I got rid of and my freedom form all that, never, ever remember being happier at least as far back as I can remember. Life is good, freedom is priceless!  Kevin.

[thkfast]

I just ordered up one of those $117.99 Avon AV46 Azaro Sport Touring Rear Tire 150/80ZR-16 from Amazon.  Arrived yesterday and I plan to have it mounted Tuesday.  Hard to beat that deal.  This is the same tire the bike had on it when I bought it 6,000 miles ago, so I'm guessing I got about 8,000 mi out of it.  BTW, I could NOT find a single matched set of 120/70-17 and 150/80-16 anywhere.

[feederbb]

thnkfast, think that's what I'll probably end up going to.  Hey, are there ANY twisty places to ride in Iowa?  I know you say on your little statement there 11 curves, but I was just wondering.  I used to drive through Iowa on my way to Chicago and it does look pretty flat and straight.  I have a good friend that lives in Kansas and he suffers from much of the same thing.  We have some really fun roads in Utah but often the condition of the roads are pretty bad which I guess is a good thing becuase it keeps my right wrist in check.  One of these days I would like to head out on a long ride to maybe Kansas to see my buddy but he's around the East side and I just know how long and straight that road is going to be.  The rockies in Colorado would be interesting and I have a lot of time in a truck going over but once your in Kansas it's nothing and straight for a looooooong time.  Thanks again.  Kevin.

[thkfast]

Kevin,

Iowa sucks.  Sorry Iowans!

I've been treking to "The Dragon" at Deals Gap and a few other Smoky Mountain locations for the past 5 years to get my fix. 

A coworker heard me talking about curvy roads and suggested some farm roads in eastern Iowa to ride.  He described them as curvy with elevation changes and beautiful scenery.  I hit them 2 days ago and literally counted 10 turns in 15 miles on the best road.  Big whoopee.  I had to wick it up to 80 mph in order to lean the bike!  Everyone has their own interpretation of curvy I guess.

Like the saying goes, "There's nothing to see here, move along, move along."

[UJM]

Tyres came in this week -



Also picked up a gallon of Yamaha oil, a new oil filter, both factory oil filter o-rings and the tires.

A hair over $300.00 with tax.

I'm good with that, and prefer to buy local whenever possible.