Author Topic: Bridgestone BT45s or Bridgestone Spitfire S11? Or something else? (Read 5015 times)

andy750 · « **on:** March 17, 2021, 03:36:56 AM »

For years Ive run the BT-45s on my 750s and do like them a lot but was looking for a change this year for my K2: something good in the wet/dry and maybe a little off-road forest track riding. Have searched the forum and found the Spitfires pop up now and again...any thoughts on how these handle for a 750? They are a good price.

Other tires I am considering:
1. Avon Roadriders - hard to find at the moment
2. Metzler Roadtec - based on Pers advice

Any other recommendations? I have a 2.5 rear rim so can run a 120/90/18 on the rear.

thanks
Andy

markmyodb · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2021, 05:11:25 AM »

I've got Avon Roadriders AM26 on my 550, they ride well, lots of grip in the twisties. I had ridden on Michelin Pilots for a long time, the Avons seem better..

I have new Roadriders MKII's going on my CB750 restomod. have not ridden yet. Maybe by Mid April.

70CB750 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2021, 05:12:24 AM »

I run Shinko 712 on Red - about to replace them for the third time. Also on the sidecar and the CB900C. For the sidecar I will eventually get a special sidecar tire, but as of now, the Shinko works great.

Shinkos are what used to be Yokohamas but made in Korea.

70CB750 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2021, 05:15:03 AM »

If you want off road, check out Kenda 761, friend of mine runs them on V-Strom and they do on road and off well.

Alan F. · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2021, 08:34:29 AM »

Quote from: 70CB750 on March 17, 2021, 05:15:03 AM

If you want off road, check out Kenda 761, friend of mine runs them on V-Strom and they do on road and off well.

And they're cheap and available in lots of relevant sizes. I read a few reviews and they wear well too.
This might do the trick for a future project of mine.

PeWe · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2021, 08:52:27 AM »

Quote from: markmyodb on March 17, 2021, 05:11:25 AM

I've got Avon Roadriders AM26 on my 550, they ride well, lots of grip in the twisties. I had ridden on Michelin Pilots for a long time, the Avons seem better..

I have new Roadriders MKII's going on my CB750 restomod. have not ridden yet. Maybe by Mid April.

Nice wheels!

70CB750 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2021, 10:03:48 AM »

Quote from: Alan F. on March 17, 2021, 08:34:29 AM

Quote from: 70CB750 on March 17, 2021, 05:15:03 AM
If you want off road, check out Kenda 761, friend of mine runs them on V-Strom and they do on road and off well.

And they're cheap and available in lots of relevant sizes. I read a few reviews and they wear well too.
This might do the trick for a future project of mine.

Typically I need two rears and one front for 10 000 miles, it really is a no brainer.

74CB750K4 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2021, 12:22:17 PM »

Quote from: markmyodb on March 17, 2021, 05:11:25 AM

I've got Avon Roadriders AM26 on my 550, they ride well, lots of grip in the twisties. I had ridden on Michelin Pilots for a long time, the Avons seem better..

I have new Roadriders MKII's going on my CB750 restomod. have not ridden yet. Maybe by Mid April.

I've got the Avon MKII's in the garage now and going to mount in a couple weeks, looking forward to riding on them. Got them in stock sizes, 3.25 front and 4.00 rear.

cooldrum · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2021, 02:02:39 PM »

I ride a '74 CB and for street riding I like the Bridgestone Spitfires front and rear. Good grip on most types of street surfaces and they have a nice look that compliments the CB. I ordered a pair from 4 into 1 which included the tubes/rim strips with the package. Got over 10K miles on the last pair so re-up'd for another. Enjoy the ride!

Alan F. · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2021, 02:20:25 PM »

My K8 will be rolling on Shinko 230's sized for 2-up riding over handling. I'll be happy enough to be riding again.

andy750 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2021, 06:52:58 PM »

Thank you all who replied! I hadnt heard of the Roadriders MKII's so thats great info. They do look good. Thank you. Prokop I hear you on the Shinkos and Kendas. I did try the Kendas a few years back but wasnt too impressed on the handling. Have heard good things about Shinkos.

All great feedback and you have answered my questions so thank you!
cheers
Andy

andy750 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2021, 07:05:03 PM »

What do you think about a 120/80/18 tire? Something like this:

The Avon AV54

https://www.chapmoto.com/avon-av54-trailrider-dual-sport-rear-tire.html

Andy

andy750 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 30, 2021, 04:26:10 AM »

I ended up getting the Avon RoadRiders in a 100/90/19 and 120/80/19. Here they are compared to the BT-45 and the Accolade. I bought them via Avid Cycles off Amazon -very speedy service.

PeWe · « **Reply #13 on:** March 30, 2021, 05:14:02 AM »

It would be fine with a rear tire that will survive longer than 6000 km.
My last change on my stock K2 at 6000 km, not raced but higher speeds now and then.

Shtonecb500 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 30, 2021, 08:37:50 AM »

I rode on dunlop 404's for my first years of riding, never had a single complaint through all of the seasons.

I feel like im going to get crucified for saying that, lol.

PeWe · « **Reply #15 on:** March 30, 2021, 09:25:40 AM »

Did the old tires with HA oils last longer?

caluser2000 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 30, 2021, 09:35:38 AM »

Quote from: Shtonecb500 on March 30, 2021, 08:37:50 AM

I rode on dunlop 404's for my first years of riding, never had a single complaint through all of the seasons.

I feel like im going to get crucified for saying that, lol.

Lol. Nah, well all have different experiences.

I'm running Shinkos on the CB550F. Use to run Cheng Shin High Maxs without any bother on my GSX750EZ(GS750EZ in the US) and CB750F2D all year round

Stev-o · « **Reply #17 on:** March 30, 2021, 03:53:10 PM »

Quote from: andy750 on March 30, 2021, 04:26:10 AM

I ended up getting the Avon RoadRiders in a 100/90/19 and 120/80/19.

Hey Andy....I think you will be very happy with the Avons, I have them on my Z1 and love them.
Glad you did not buy the Spitfires, they are a half step down from the BT-45's.

I would have also recommended the Continental "Conti Twins"...excellent tires, with the nice vintage tread pattern. I have them on my H2...

https://www.continental-tires.com/motorcycle/tires/motorcycle-tires/sport-classic/rb2-k112

PS. You have a 19" rear rim now?! Ha

andy750 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 30, 2021, 05:44:45 PM »

Good catch Stev-o...120-80-18 on non-stock Buchanan rims

Cant wait to try them!

cheers
Andy

andy750 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 30, 2021, 05:48:20 PM »

I think Dunlop 404s are fine - they look a bit like the Bridgestone Accolades I have on the K2 now - hard wearing tire but not as good in the corners (confidence inspiring) as the BT-45s. At speed in a straight line they are fine. All depends on how you ride. I do a lot of backroads/mountain passes with tight turns, switchbacks, long sweepers and I like to ride a little fast. Having solid tires in the dry/wet is key for my kind of riding. I also have the suspension to match the tires which also makes a big difference.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #20 on:** March 31, 2021, 04:08:03 AM »

I ran BT45's for years but got sick of the front tyres wearing out faster than the rears, so on Dave500's recommendations went for Pirelli Sport Demons and they were great. Then I bought some cheapo Stinko 712's and found them to be fantastic, at half the price of "Brand Name" tyres. We're friends with Korea, so happy to throw some bucks their way, they'll need it when they eventually invade the north........

PeWe · « **Reply #21 on:** March 31, 2021, 07:17:43 AM »

I'm still stuck with the thought of quicker wearing tires today compared to the 80's.

I remember how a biker friend commented he had tested the "sport" version of a tire that only lasted max 5000km that was quick when "normal" was 8000km for a rear tire.

We did not use our bikes as scooters. Over the speed and dB limits most of the time always looking for cops at front as behind us.

The modern rubber soft as the "sport" tires of the mid 80's.

andy750 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 31, 2021, 06:10:03 PM »

I agree with you Terry on the BT-45 fronts wearing faster another reason I wanted to try something different. Thanks for the recommendation on the Shinkos myabe Ill try those next time.

Stev-o · « **Reply #23 on:** April 02, 2021, 06:31:51 AM »

Quote from: andy750 on March 31, 2021, 06:10:03 PM

I agree with you Terry on the BT-45 fronts wearing faster another reason I wanted to try something different.

I find that odd, seems rears always wear out faster including the BT-45's on my K4.

caluser2000 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 02, 2021, 07:51:05 AM »

Quote from: Stev-o on April 02, 2021, 06:31:51 AM

Quote from: andy750 on March 31, 2021, 06:10:03 PM
I agree with you Terry on the BT-45 fronts wearing faster another reason I wanted to try something different.

I find that odd, seems rears always wear out faster including the BT-45's on my K4.

That has been the case of every m/c I've owned. The center of BT-45s is harder then the edges as well iirc.

It would suggest too high a front tire pressure it the front wore quicker wouldn't it?

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Author Topic: Bridgestone BT45s or Bridgestone Spitfire S11? Or something else? (Read 5015 times)