Changing tire sizes possible???

[Scooterbob]

Currently fighting with getting a decent set of tires for the 89' FJ1200 I have.  It seems that most places have the rear Avon AV46 in the stock size, but the front is a different story.  I found a front Avon AV45 but the size is a 120/60-17, instead of the stock size of 120/70-17.  Question is, will it work?  Any hazards or things it would hurt?  From what I understand, we are talking about a minimal height difference here. 

Or should I be looking in a different direction totally?  The Avon AV46 Rear is $128.99 and the (above mentioned size) AV45 is $99.99 with free shipping.  Should I consider something else close to that price range in a Radial?

I know there lots of other threads on this, but I wasn't able to find any direct applications to what I'm asking.  If so, I apologize ahead of time.

[mz_rider]

Currently fighting with getting a decent set of tires for the 89' FJ1200 I have.  It seems that most places have the rear Avon AV46 in the stock size, but the front is a different story.  I found a front Avon AV45 but the size is a 120/60-17, instead of the stock size of 120/70-17.  Question is, will it work?  Any hazards or things it would hurt?  From what I understand, we are talking about a minimal height difference here. 

Or should I be looking in a different direction totally?  The Avon AV46 Rear is $128.99 and the (above mentioned size) AV45 is $99.99 with free shipping.  Should I consider something else close to that price range in a Radial?

I know there lots of other threads on this, but I wasn't able to find any direct applications to what I'm asking.  If so, I apologize ahead of time.

The Azaro AV45 front has been replaced by the Storm AV55 available in 120/70-17 and matches the AV46 rear.

Stuart

[Scooterbob]

Any quick info on the cheapest place?

[Marsh White]

I can also add that the AV55 is FAR superior to the AV45.  The AV45 was prone to cupping about half way into it's life.  The last AV55 I went through never cupped on me even a little bit.

I usually order through SW Moto Tires - http://www.swmototires.com/ - but that is because I'm in SoCal and they are in Arizona - so I get it here quick - without state sales tax.  Their prices were also pretty good the last time I checked - free shipping with a set too.  East Coasters may have other favorites I wouldn't know about.

[mikeholzer]

Any quick info on the cheapest place?

I like SW Moto Tires in AZ.

http://www.swmototires.com

[1tinindian]

I bought my Avons from Dennis Kirk.com and Amazon.com
Just kept searching until I found the cheapest prices.

Leon

[Scooterbob]

Got mine ordered too. Got rear at DennisKirk.com. It's the AV46 Avon for $113 shipped. Got the front at SWMoto.com. It's the AV55 Storm for $126 shipped. Best prices I could find of in stock. Should have them both by next Tuesday, with the free holiday 3 day shipping. Stock sizes too, so no size swapping. Just coming from Bias to Radials.

[Marsh White]

Just coming from Bias to Radials.

Enjoy the transformation to radials!      That is also a great combo.  I have used it a time or two.

I know you have the stock rear wheel - but for those running a tight chain clearance who might be reading this - the AV46 is a WAY better choice than the AV56.  I wish I had a pic - but the AV56 had at least a 1/4 inch shaved off by my chain - whereas the chain wouldn't touch the tire on a AV46.  I couldn't tell a difference performance wise between the two.

[andyb]

Got mine ordered too. Got rear at DennisKirk.com. It's the AV46 Avon for $113 shipped. Got the front at SWMoto.com. It's the AV55 Storm for $126 shipped. Best prices I could find of in stock. Should have them both by next Tuesday, with the free holiday 3 day shipping. Stock sizes too, so no size swapping. Just coming from Bias to Radials.

Can often get places to price match so that you'll save another buck tyd.  Denniskirk does it (and ships from MN, two days to my door, instead of a week from the damned coast), I'm sure others probably would as well.

[moparman70]

Currently fighting with getting a decent set of tires for the 89' FJ1200 I have.  It seems that most places have the rear Avon AV46 in the stock size, but the front is a different story.  I found a front Avon AV45 but the size is a 120/60-17, instead of the stock size of 120/70-17.  Question is, will it work?  Any hazards or things it would hurt?  From what I understand, we are talking about a minimal height difference here. 

Or should I be looking in a different direction totally?  The Avon AV46 Rear is $128.99 and the (above mentioned size) AV45 is $99.99 with free shipping.  Should I consider something else close to that price range in a Radial?

I know there lots of other threads on this, but I wasn't able to find any direct applications to what I'm asking.  If so, I apologize ahead of time.

All - I was told by a fellow FJ'r that when it comes to buying the radials and if you have a stock rim - going with the 120/70/17 while will work -- but will not give you the full use of the tire as it pulls the bead in too far so the tire is more curved.  I find this with the tire I have presently, the sidewall is a wall.  He said the 120 is for a 3.5 inch rim and we have 3 inch stock.  He recommended a 110-70-17 if going to a radial.   CAN anyone confirm the above. 

Steve

[Mark Olson]

I ran the 120/70/17 on the 3" fj wheel with no problems . the front end was light and steering quick . Even leaned it way over and never had a problem with a pilot power on it.

Later I switched to the fzr 1000 3.5 wheel and same pilot power tire and the difference was very noticeable . front end planted and steering neutral.

[moparman70]

thanks Mark, I don't have issue with the setup other than like you said in the latter part of your message that with the right size rim the tire was so much better.  Do you think the 110-70-17 would be better for a 3 inch rim?   The profile just looks wrong with the 120 radial on the 3 inch rim -- the chicken strips will never come off unless I start scraping forks and riding on my sides.

[ukfj]

 On my 89  3cv I have the avon Azaro rear  ,with Avon Storm on front standard size. In UK. price  £98 rear, £86 front fitted
and balanced,new valves. It has transformed the bikes handling,compared to the Battlax I had before.
I have done about 6500 miles on the Avons and the tyres arer hardly worn with no flat on the rear. i am impressed.

[Pat Conlon]

-- the chicken strips will never come off unless I start scraping forks and riding on my sides.

Steve, no worries, chicken strips on the front tires of our FJ are common. Even our more aggressive riders like Marsh and Dean, can't make them go away.
Back tires, no problem......Although,  I've found that a belt sander works great 

[moparman70]

thanks Pat - but I wasn't really really  so concerned about the strips but like Mark I want to replace both front and rear tires before WCR and I just don't like the profile the radial 120 gives on the 3 inch rim--- too much side wall tread and the sidewall seems to narrow down to the rim as opposed to being straight down.

I take it no one can confirm what a 110 would look like on the 3inch standard rim .... I maybe the first if I decide to stick with the radials.

I might just go back to the Bias-Ply Metzlers -- I used to love the ME99 rear and ME 33 fronts but then again that rim size was the 16 inch wheel so I don't know what the similar size tire would look like on the 17s ----maybe the same thing ( in other words maybe a radial and bias ply 120-70-17 tire will fit the same.)

There is still some mileage left so still time to think/ponder --- tires are always such a big decision...

steve