Tire Recommendations

[Jakester]

Hi All,

I just got me an FJ and need to reshoe her, been sittin' a while.  Did some research on the web and it would seem that this bike sold with bias tires originally and that radials are not a good idea on a machine designed on bias construction tires.

Here is what I came up with:
First I figured matching tires, front & rear, is a good idea, so my hunt ended up with this list.
Bridgestone Battleax BT45 H rated front, V rated rear.
Avon AM26 Roadrider V rated both.
Pirelli Sport Demon V rated both.
Metzeler ME 880 Marathon V rated front, H rated rear.
Metzeler Lasertec V rated both.

I'm leaning heavily toward the Avons due same rating and price but figured I would ask you gents what you ride on.

TIA,
Jakester

[jamesearthdrum]

Welcome,
I put damn near 10,000mi. on a set of Metzler 880 before I did my mods and went to radials. Mind you they are definitely more tour than sport.

james

[aviationfred]

They are are all good tires. If you plan on doing any riding on twisties. I would recommend against the Metzler Marathons, great for mileage though.

Many members here have installed wider wheels from other bike models to take advantage of better tire selection and added benefit of radial technology. The handling also improves.

Rear wheel mod 17" x 5.5" GSXR750/1100  This mod allows the use of 170 or 180 width tires. Here is the how to link  http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2465.0

Front wheel mod is most commonly a 87'/88' FZR1000 17' x 3.5" the 87'/88' FZR750R front wheel also will work. Direct bolt on, no modification needed.

Fred

[Jakester]

James & Fred,

Thanks for the tips.

I'll look into the mods, the bolt-on aspect is appealing so I can do it myself.

Many twisties are available to me here in SE Washington so that has me leaning toward the Avons or the Pirellis.  All opinions are welcome.

TIA

[Steve_in_Florida]

My `92 FJ currently has Lazertecs on stock wheels (16" rear, 17" front).

I'm happy with them, but Florida doesn't have too many curves!

They've lasted several thousand miles so far, and have a lot of life left!

Steve

[jscgdunn]

Avon Azaros on my sons's 92.  They are radials and have been every good.  110 vs 120 on the front.

[flips]

Hi Jakester  

Prior to changing to 88 fzr1000 wheels I was running metzeler lasertecs on stock 16" (86 1tx) rims & found them to be a good all round wet & dry tyre.Good grip & long lasting but I am no sport rider so cant really comment on that aspect.

Cheers  

Jeff P

[Tiger]

  Hey Jakester...this is one of those questions with no right or wrong answer It really boils down to personal preference...

For my sins, I ride an '85 with stock 16" rims and have just fitted a set of Pirelli Sport Demon's...but haven't been able to get her out to do a 'ride report' as yet...just waiting for some good weather to come my way

On my previous ride, an '82 Yamaha 550 Vision, I ran with Avon's for many years and love them...a great confidence tire for me come rain or shine.

Avon AM26 Roadrider or Pirelli Sport Demon's...you can't go wrong really

John.

[FJmonkey]

I ran through several sets of Avon AV45/46 before I upgraded to 17" front and back. Mike in San Dimas runs the Pirellis, he seems happy with them, neither of us are knee draggers but we like the twisties here in SoCal. My first set of Avons after 3500 miles... http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=287.msg2088#msg2088

Welcome to the club. With you being new and all, I will give you a free pass on asking about tires  . Consider yourself warned... Asking about oil is just as volatile and can cause explosions as large as any fertilizer plant can make.... Just so you know..... Happy to have you aboard.

[Thmsdoyle]

Ooooohhhhhhhh noooooooo you didn't say OIL!!!!! You might has well added emulsion to it?!?!?

[ribbert]

Hi All,

Did some research on the web and it would seem that this bike sold with bias tires originally and that radials are not a good idea on a machine designed on bias construction tires.

I'm leaning heavily toward the Avons due same rating and price but figured I would ask you gents what you ride on.

TIA,
Jakester

You can find anything on the net. This myth was popular when use of radials first became widespread and I thought had long disappeared. It has no basis of fact. Anecdotal and technical evidence overwhelmingly confirms this as rubbish.

Of those interested enough in their bikes to be active forum members, I would say most either ride on, plan on, or would like to ride on  17" wheels and radials, the reasons why have already been answered.

That still leaves thousands of owners on 16" wheels. As you have discovered the choice is not great and everyone has a different view of what's best and will push whatever they chose, there is no right answer. There are too many variables.

I've had most of those tyres and despite the cool sounding names they give them, they are all pretty much in the same basket for performance.
Pick a tread pattern you like the look of, see what sort of deals are around etc. there is no one tyre that is a stand out winner over the others.

Just check the age of the actual tyres to be fitted to your bike. Some of these 16" sit on shelves for a long time and you DO NOT want old tyres.

Some of you will find this story hard to believe because it involves "dealer" and "integrity" in the same sentence.

While looking for a 16" rear a few years ago, a Michelin Macadam, the dealer said he had a couple in stock but STRONGLY recommended I did not fit one to the rear of the FJ, they were 5 years old, and, he had no other tyre to sell me.

Noel

Noel

[Jakester]

Well, after a bit more reading I think I'll try the Pirelli Sport Demons.

Noel,

Point taken.  I am buying from Dennis Kirk (online) so I'll be sure to check the "born on" date when I get them.

Thanks to all for contributing.

[Tor-King]

Hi Jakester.

I just replaced my tires with a fresh set of Avon Roadriders and love them.  They were reasonably priced and I like the tread pattern as it prevents "tracking" as the centre line is interrupted every couple of inches.  I cannot comment on the mileage that I will get out of them as they are very new.

Dean