Topic: Tires Kenda Challengers or Bridgestone S11

[1974CB750rider]

Granted I know the old saying you get what you pay for but I'm layed off and money is tight. I was wondering if anyone on here has ever ran Kenda Challenger tire on a SOHC 750. From what I read on American Motorcycle tire.com they seem like decent tires and very affordable. I'm also considering Bridgestone S11 also very affordable but I've heard they're not good on wet roads. I don't ride in the rain but occasionley might get caught in it and don't want to end up on my rear. Any input would be appreaciated.

Thanks

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

I've had the S11's for about 4 months, and they are OK, especially for about 140$ for a set. There's something about them that makes me feel unconfident though. I'm on a 550 and am super skinny, so maybe the low weight has something to do with it. Going to try either Avons, Dunlop or Metzler next go around.

[climbingaz]

I've done a little bit of research on the S11 (Spitfires).  From what I've heard, they are "decent"...probably a little better than the Kendas.  For a step up in performance you may want to look at the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45, but they'll cost your more.

[jjwaller]

+1 on the BT-45's.  Love mine on the Elf and F.

[Shenanigans]

I have had a couple of sets of the challengers on my 550 and they are not too bad for the money, They seemed a bit on the soft side so expect a shorter life.

[KRONUS0100]

the bridgestones are for the goldwings...a heavier bike.  For the 750 go with the dunlop gt501.

[Aaron Richard]

Shinko 712's are another cheaper tire you might want to look at. apparently they are pretty sticky and decent in rain.
they only last about 5k miles but for the price who cares. plus if you don't ride much, 5k is a long ways. About what I use to get out of my old crotch rocket tires.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/31/401/6205/ITEM/Shinko-712-Rear-Tire.aspx

[kghost]

the bridgestones are for the goldwings...a heavier bike.  For the 750 go with the dunlop gt501.

+1

[ryder60]

I have the Bridgestone BT45s on my trackbike (550) and I'm pleased with them.  A racer from the UK tells me I should go to Avons: I might.

I run a BT45 on the front of my GS1000 and a Spitfire on the back.  There is a big difference between the two.  The BT45 is much better but I kept the Spitfire to teach me to come on the throttle easier exiting corners (when I have that bike on the track).  I think you'll be satisfied with the Sprtfires if you are street riding.  I would use them.  I can't comment on the other brands.

[1974CB750rider]

Thanks for the input guys, I ordered the s11's. Partly because I'm on a budget but also the responses I got here. I'm running Duro's now and my back tire has cracks in the side wall one of which & I'm not kidding I can stick a dime in and it will hold it. Its a shame though I've gotten about 12000 miles on these tires and they still have decent tread but when safety becomes an issue its time to change em.

[Industrial Cafe]

I've been running the bridgestone spitfire tires for about a year or so, they handle fine, but sometimes the back feels like it's coming out from under me in hard turns. which is fine, I like to drift a little

[1974CB750rider]

I'm planning on trying out the dyna beads when I get this tire instead of a regular wheel weight. Anyone tryed them yet?

[quam]

i've used balancing beads in a couple of bikes and have put them in a couple buddies' bikes.  they work fantastic and make the tires last a lot longer due to not having to rebalance.  keeps the tires wearing properly throughout the life if the tire.  and cheaper than static balancing too once you get the applicator. 
don't forget to get the filtered valve cores too.

[1974CB750rider]

Hey just got my S11 today going to mount it tomorrow and try out the dynabeads. I haven't replaced the front tire yet but was wondering if it would be ok to pull off the weights and use the dynabeads in the front as well. The front tire still has quiet a bit of tread left on it but I noticed it has a little cupping going on it to. Would the beads possibly even this back out after a few 100 miles of riding?

[indyracer]

Hey guys, I'm to the point I need to replace the stock Avalons on my 77 Cb550F. Does the advice above apply to my bike as well, or just the 750? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I'm a newb in the tires arena. Thanks!