Author Topic: Avon Roadrider, Dunlop D404 or Bridgestone BT45? (Read 33679 times)

CB_Jeff · « **on:** March 30, 2012, 01:14:07 PM »

I have seen the threads, but wanted to put a point on it, of the three tires (or tyres if you prefer) is there a tire that is clearly better? They will be going on my 1976 cb750k cafe project.
Here is my criteria:
- must perform well in the twisties...nothing super aggressive, but spirited riding is planned.
- good treadlife is a plus
- must look good on the bike...sometimes new tread patterns look off on an older bike
I like the Avon, but haven' t really heard of anyone running them....I so wish the Roadrunner hadn't been relegated to 15 and 16in. rears....I had that tire on my Vmax and really liked it.
The Metzler are nice, but too expensive and I didn't see anything appealing with the Michelin, Shinkos or Kendas. Am I overlooking anything? ....looks like the Spitfires have been dropped.

heffay · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2012, 01:25:37 PM »

I speak only for myself

Avons... Hands down a better tire for aggressive riding
Used them on and off the track, very grippy

tweakin · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2012, 08:04:52 PM »

I run Avon roadriders and love them. I run a 19 in the front and an 18 in the rear.

Imago · « **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2012, 08:40:31 PM »

Quote from: CBCafe_Jeff on March 30, 2012, 01:14:07 PM

I have seen the threads, but wanted to put a point on it, of the three tires (or tyres if you prefer) is there a tire that is clearly better? They will be going on my 1976 cb750k cafe project.
Here is my criteria:
- must perform well in the twisties...nothing super aggressive, but spirited riding is planned.
- good treadlife is a plus
- must look good on the bike...sometimes new tread patterns look off on an older bike
I like the Avon, but haven' t really heard of anyone running them....I so wish the Roadrunner hadn't been relegated to 15 and 16in. rears....I had that tire on my Vmax and really liked it.
The Metzler are nice, but too expensive and I didn't see anything appealing with the Michelin, Shinkos or Kendas. Am I overlooking anything? ....looks like the Spitfires have been dropped.

If you're in Canada, I got the Metzler Lasertec's's (3.25X19 & 4.00X18) from Pete's in Quebec, both tires delivered to Saskatchewan for $229.90. These tires are proper "period correct" non-metric sizes that appeal to me for a variety of reasons. www.petes-superbike.com

camelman · « **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2012, 09:48:24 PM »

I love my Avons, but found the Bridgestones to be stickier at lower temps.

Rgconner · « **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2012, 10:10:58 PM »

Another option:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=103908.msg1162380#msg1162380

Hiedenau. Perhaps not as well known, but I really liked them and they were reasonable, ~$250 for the pair

CB_Jeff · « **Reply #6 on:** March 31, 2012, 03:23:30 AM »

Thanks!
Tweakin, what size road rider do you run for the back?
I also have a bone stock K7 that has the 17 in rear and a 130 which works well.
The 110 seems common on the 18 in. rim.
I am in the Boston area, so I don't know if Petes will do me any good.

tweakin · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2012, 07:27:16 AM »

I run a 120/90-18 in the rear

Quote from: CBCafe_Jeff on March 31, 2012, 03:23:30 AM

Thanks!
Tweakin, what size road rider do you run for the back?
I also have a bone stock K7 that has the 17 in rear and a 130 which works well.
The 110 seems common on the 18 in. rim.
I am in the Boston area, so I don't know if Petes will do me any good.

Imago · « **Reply #8 on:** March 31, 2012, 07:43:43 AM »

Quote from: CBCafe_Jeff on March 31, 2012, 03:23:30 AM

Thanks!
Tweakin, what size road rider do you run for the back?
I also have a bone stock K7 that has the 17 in rear and a 130 which works well.
The 110 seems common on the 18 in. rim.
I am in the Boston area, so I don't know if Petes will do me any good.

According to Google maps, it's only 323 miles from Boston to Pete's in Montreal. It says "In current traffic: 5 hours 52 mins"
Montreal is a beautiful city too!

Stev-o · « **Reply #9 on:** April 01, 2012, 02:19:27 AM »

I just replaced Dunlos with BT45's on my K4. So far, I like the BT's better, seems to hand better. The Dunlops were 11 years old and the rear rubber had hardened.
+1 - 120/90-18 on the back. Bought a set shipped for $175 from Dennis Kirk.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2012, 03:49:30 AM »

BT45's are brilliant tyres, I've put them on Honda's, Suzuki's and BMW's for the last 15 years or so, I've done thousands of miles on them, and I've recommended them to everyone who've asked, and those who have taken my advice have all said what a great tyre they are. I don't know anything about the other tyres mentioned, but I'm sure they're good too. Cheers, Terry.

andy750 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 01, 2012, 10:35:02 AM »

Quote from: CBCafe_Jeff on March 30, 2012, 01:14:07 PM

I have seen the threads, but wanted to put a point on it, of the three tires (or tyres if you prefer) is there a tire that is clearly better?

- must perform well in the twisties...nothing super aggressive, but spirited riding is planned.
- good treadlife is a plus
- must look good on the bike...sometimes new tread patterns look off on an older bike

Of the 3 you mention they will all do well. End of the day it comes down to personal preference between the 3. No experience with the Dunlop but you cant go wrong with either the Avons or the BTs. Pick one and try it out.

Cliffs Cycles in Norfolk, MA are a great place for getting tires mounted and balanced.

Andy

CB_Jeff · « **Reply #12 on:** April 03, 2012, 06:12:34 AM »

Andy,
Do you get your tires there as well?
My bike is currently having some work done in Quincy and that may be a possible stop on the way back to southern NH.

andy750 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 03, 2012, 09:41:09 AM »

Quote from: CBCafe_Jeff on April 03, 2012, 06:12:34 AM

Andy,
Do you get your tires there as well?

Yes. Great service.

What is Adam in Quincy doing for you?

mitch500 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 03, 2012, 09:50:34 AM »

CB_Jeff · « **Reply #15 on:** April 03, 2012, 11:43:48 AM »

Seems like the BT-45's gets the most positive feedback. I am going to take a closer look at both the bt45's as well as the avons. I will check out Cliffs.
Adam in Quincy is going through my bike, clutch, bearings, carbs, Etc. Great guy! Very knowledgeable with the sohc bikes.

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #16 on:** April 03, 2012, 11:47:29 AM »

Just be sure to run higher pressures than what is on the bike, tubeless tires require more pressure for the sidewalls.

jessezm · « **Reply #17 on:** April 03, 2012, 11:53:17 AM »

If price is an issue, I know that I had it narrowed down to Avons or BT45s and the BT45s were about $50 cheaper at the time. I am extremely happy with them, and think they look great, too.

CB_Jeff · « **Reply #18 on:** June 04, 2012, 12:01:33 PM »

So, I need to revise this post a bit as I now have my front end together and realize that a modern tread pattern will look out of place on my bike. I really need a tire with vintage styling/ symetry but modern performance capabilities. Now leaning towards the d404; does anyone have pics of these mounted up?
I would rather avoid a true vintage tire (i.e K70) and get something with modern tire geometry.

Elan · « **Reply #19 on:** June 04, 2012, 12:07:03 PM »

Quote from: andy750 on April 03, 2012, 09:41:09 AM

Quote from: CBCafe_Jeff on April 03, 2012, 06:12:34 AM
Andy,
Do you get your tires there as well?

Yes. Great service.

What is Adam in Quincy doing for you?

is this the guy that always has an ad on craigslist?

CB_Jeff · « **Reply #20 on:** June 04, 2012, 12:13:47 PM »

Yes sir.
Adam did a bunch if work for me and did a great job at a reasonable price.
The SOHC four is his specialty.
He also recommends the D404.

becken · « **Reply #21 on:** June 04, 2012, 01:06:29 PM »

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9780

This test was on 17" tires but most of the manufacturers make them in sizes for our bikes.

cabrala · « **Reply #22 on:** June 04, 2012, 01:20:59 PM »

I was wondering about the Adam on Craigslist seeing that I will be needing some work done soon...

Wish I could add to the tire discussion, but I have yet to need my first pair of shoes for the 550. Thanks for asking my inevitable question though.

mono · « **Reply #23 on:** June 04, 2012, 01:27:49 PM »

just put Avons on my 550 at the start of the season - they're great so far. but as you can tell from everyone's posts here, all 3 of the tires you're asking about seem to be very popular, and are the 3 i see recommended a lot. i'm sure you'll do well with any of them!

Deltarider · « **Reply #24 on:** June 04, 2012, 01:38:43 PM »

But in terrain, nothing beats the ol' chain.
Kettenkrad off roading - turn over

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Author Topic: Avon Roadrider, Dunlop D404 or Bridgestone BT45? (Read 33679 times)