yet another tire thread. azaro vs sport demon vs roadriders

[uraberg]

Has anyone tried Avon roadriders (am26) tires on their FJ? (mine is 1986, stock 16" rims) My azaro's need to be replaced, and while I was very pleased with the mileage that I got from these, The tire wear (cupping) and road manners left me unimpressed.

I've heard good things about the sport demons (nice handling), but conflicting stories about the mileage to expect.

The tires will see 50% straight easy commuting, 50% sporty mountain riding.

So, anybody still running 16" bias ply here?

[threejagsteve]

Hello, Uraberg,

Although my '91 is gonna be on the centerstand for about another week waiting on front brakes, I have a brand-new set of Sport Demons mounted and ready to go.

If you aren't in a hurry, stick around... I'll be reporting as the experience rolls in...

And btw, the twisty SoCal canyon roads are my playground!

Hope this helps,
threejagsteve

[uraberg]

Thanks for the reply Steve, but my front is about down to the carcass. I'm probably going to go ahead and order the am26's. I'll still be interested in what you think of the sport demons. What kind of tires did you come from?

[threejagsteve]

Sad to say, my bike had just been collecting dust for 6 years - it still had Dunlop 591s on it! 

[smokamoto]

This is apples and oranges, but I went through a couple sets of sport demons on my last bike, a Seca 750.  I was pretty impressed, stuck pretty well and lasted about 8,000 miles (on a 750...) and I wasn't easy on it.

[Tuxracer]

I just got my FJ so I can't comment, but I have 16" front & rear. The rear is an Avon Roadrider 150/80 which seems to be a nice tire so far, unfortunately the front is a Michelin and is horribly cupped/scalloped/feathered (whatever the term is these days lol).

I am also curious as to what most people like to use for tires because I want to replace the front and will either get another Avon to match it, or will replace both of them. Money is tight right now so will probably get an Avon. I don't need a super grippy tire since I do not ride fast anymore, my concern is tire wear and a nice long life to keep replacement costs down.

[pdxfj]

Tuxracer,

If cash is tight, try looking at this tire.  http://www.bikebandit.com/product/13859

George Bowers put one on the '86 he had was quite happy with the performance. 

The Sport Demon is a good tire, I have a set on my Ninja 250 and have no complaints.  Although I don't ride the 250 like the FJ.  Gotta get some better fork springs in it. 

[uraberg]

pdxfj: I find it extremely distracting to read your posts. And not in the bouncing boobs good way.

Anyhow, I got the AM26's mounted today. Right out of the box, the rubber feels softer than the azaro's. I have a feeling that these are going to be stickier tires than the previous ones. I also don't expect these to be high mileage tires, but if I get about 6 or 7k out of the rear (10k front), I'm happy.

The tires are quite a bit wider than advertised. Where the azaro's were just about true size, the am26 150 rear is more like a 160 mounted. The front is about 125mm. Also, the front profile seems to have a larger radius than the azaro's. I think the wider tire, and the larger radius may work out to give a larger contact area, and also prevent the bike from disturbingly falling into a turn. I've always had to struggle a bit with the azaro's in that respect. You're either riding straight up, or leaned way the hell over. Anything in between requires pretty manly counter steering.

For future reference, I'm now at 62K miles, with a WV weekend trip next month.

[SlowOldGuy]

Put an '89+ FJ front end on that thing and it will transform the handling characteristics.

DavidR.

[uraberg]

Hot damn! Nearly dropped it on my way out this morning!

Handling has improved so much that over-counter steering just about had me run a corner wide. These are initial impressions after only 20 miles.
Bike feels much lighter, steering is almost completely neutral. All kinds of lean angles possible besides all or nothing . Running 38psi front and back.

David: I had thought about it, even bought some blue pots. Maybe in the future.

[Dan Filetti]

The better handling is very likely from simply replacing squared off rubber.  Sure does wonders for the tire companies when people rave about the handling differences after putting on 'fresh meat'.  Some of this though, possibly most of this would be felt after ANY 'fresh meat'.

Still, it's a great feeling, seriously confidence inspiring!

Congrats,

Dan

[roaddog]

Did you get an answer to your question? I just bought 1990 FJ1200. I need to buy two tires. They need to stick and give you confidence in the corners. What is the number one tire being used out their? Roaddog

[Marsh White]

Did you get an answer to your question? I just bought 1990 FJ1200. I need to buy two tires. They need to stick and give you confidence in the corners. What is the number one tire being used out their? Roaddog

If you have a 1990 FJ with stock wheels - then I would Highly recommend the Avon Azaros.  You can get them in your stock tire sizes - they are radials as well.  They are reasonably priced.  You won't be disappointed.

[threejagsteve]

Since I last posted on this thread, I've put about 250 mi. on the Sport Demons on my '91. Never had radials on it, so I can't speak to that difference, but I can say that the SDs are real good for a bias tire! I'm not riding very hard (yet) after my 6-year layoff, but strong enough that I'm frequently getting the rear to step out on corner exits.

And if this is an issue, a pair of SDs is ~$100 cheaper that the Avons. BTW, if you have the stock 3" front wheel, I'd recommend going with the 110 front, not the 120. Yes, I know Yamaha specifies 120, but the Pirelli 120 is contoured for a 3.5" wheel, so the profile is a bit 'peaky' mounted on the stock rim. I'm gonna do the front wheel mod as soon as I can find a decent one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, so I should be able to report a direct comparison fairly soon...

Cheers, and the duck says, "Kookaloo!"

[roaddog]

I have the stock wheels on her front and back. I would like radials if they will fit right. Have you done some mods to your wheels? RD