FJ Tires

[PolskiFJ]

hey everyone, i found all of these tires for the FJ and i was wondering if any of you had experience with them, and for some opinions to guide me int he right direction. i've attached a link to 7 different options. Please help me out!!

http://www.swmototires.com/tires-and-wheels-tires-products.htm?q=attdaa3-2-1093819zz~

[FJmonkey]

hey everyone, i found all of these tires for the FJ and i was wondering if any of you had experience with them, and for some opinions to guide me int he right direction. i've attached a link to 7 different options. Please help me out!!

http://www.swmototires.com/tires-and-wheels-tires-products.htm?q=attdaa3-2-1093819zz~

I ran on the Avons till I upgraded to 17" wheels. Others like them, others hate them. They are the only radial you will find for 16". Can't speak for the other tires. I like corners and they stick, I got about 3,000 miles before I rubbed off the edges....
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=287.0

[soundmindryan]

I ran this Avon combo and LOVED them. Avon offers free roadhazard warranty. I picked up a nail on the highway and it lost air so fast it destroyed the carcass. SWMototires shipped me a replacement for free in a day or so. Great service. Great tires. Great stick, wet or dry. Got about 10k out of front. About 7K rear, mostly commuting. Can't say about the others. Currently run Michelin PR2 on front and like it so far. Metzeler ME880 on back. Good wear, not so good in wet.  Get the picture?

[markmartin]

I ran the Avon radials front and rear and liked them. Had two fronts and both cupped slightly  but good otherwise.  Had a Conti front and that cupped too so go figure.  Rear Avon radial wore evenly and seemed to have good grip. 

[fj11.5]

ive used the bridgestone battleaxe before ,good grip wet and dry but very fast wearing 3000klm out of the front less on the rear

[PolskiFJ]

Thanks everyone! Looks like i'll be picking up a set of the Avon radials.

[baldy3853]

Just bought some Pirelli Anngels 120 X 70 X 17 and 170 X 60 X 17 for the FJ  have them on my FJR and lov em really looking forward to the WCR with the little additions that Randy is putting on the bike is gonna be a blast 
Baldy

[PolskiFJ]

Guys i Just purchased a set of Pirelli sport demons tires for my 84 FJ. Anyone have experience with these??

[FJmonkey]

Guys i Just purchased a set of Pirelli sport demons tires for my 84 FJ. Anyone have experience with these??

San Dimas Mike is running them and he seems to get around well with them... Mike?

[ribbert]

Guys i Just purchased a set of Pirelli sport demons tires for my 84 FJ. Anyone have experience with these??

I have them front and rear, be very, very careful in the wet.

BTW, why are you looking for feedback if you've already bought them?

Noel

[FJmonkey]

I have them front and rear, be very, very careful in the wet.
BTW, why are you looking for feedback if you've already bought them?
Noel

I think you just answered your own question... Sometimes we pull the trigger and ask if we made the right choice.... After some miles we get to chose better options.... I need stick in the corners, others want mileage for distance, neither is wrong, we like our FJs for the wide style of riding they give us. 

[Capn Ron]

Guys i Just purchased a set of Pirelli sport demons tires for my 84 FJ. Anyone have experience with these??

I put a new set of Sport Demons on my '92 FJ the day before I left on this (now shaping up to be)17,000 mile trip.  They were nice when new...inspired a lot of confidence in corners...at the 5500 mark (just after running the Dragon), the rear was GONE.  No tread left at all.  The front was cupped so badly that the low-speed steering wobble was ever-present.  In Robbinsville, Wheeler's had a set of Metzeler ME880's in stock.  Those were my preferred tire so I had them mount them up.  Some impressions:

The bike immediately felt more solid.  I attributed this to the heavier rotational mass of the Metzelers.  I liked that...some may not.
For the way I ride...and especially this HIGH mile trip...the ME880's are a MUCH better choice
The rear Pirelli was gone at 5500 miles.  The rear ME880 has 7500 on it so far with a good amount of tread left.
The front Pirelli was severely cupped at 5500 miles.  The ME880 front has NO signs of cupping and no steering wobble at 7500.
The Pirelli's were run with just me and 100 lbs on the back (Givi's and camping gear)
The Metzelers have had the exact same load for 7500 miles...but 1500 of those had the additional 125 lb weight of my GF on the back.
I ran exactly 38PSI in the front and 42 PSI in the back of both sets of tires.
I still have 4000 miles to go before I hit home...I'm hoping I can make it without another tire change on the road.

Cap'n Ron. . .

[CanuckFJ]

So, just picked up new Avons for my 86, never changed tires on motorbike before by myself. Big challenge or no?  Just can't fathom paying $40 per tire to have a shop change them. I will however take them in to get balanced.

[DB Cooper]

I mounted my new Michelin PR2's by hand, and didn't bother to get them balanced.  Zero shake at any speed I've thrown at them.
The tire change by hand was easy for me, but I spent some 15 years doing on road tire service to rigs and heavy OTR equipment. If you have the right tools, and a spare hand, it can be done. You could also save a bit of coin if you bring the tires in loose to the stealership, that way they don't charge the labour for re & re off the bike.
Kevin
   

[yamaha fj rider]

When I worked in motorcycle shops we checked and tires were in balance it was the wheel that was out, even then .50 to 1.0 oz off was average. This being said I do balance my tires and wheels, any vibration you can remove is a good thing!!! It's a good idea to be able to change your own tires if you have a problem on the road this could be a real life saver. Try it at home first, if you have an old tire and wheel use that and a five gallon bucket really helps. Buy some of those 9 or 10 inch tire irons they are all you need, two or three will work lube the bead of tire well and make sure it is in lowest recess of the rim. Take your time and you will be fine. 

Kurt