Topic: Tire preferences

[maxspeed140]

Just thought I'd throw this out there. I need new tires for my 77 750 supersport. I have a metzeler tire on the back, and a chin shin, with ribs vertical on the front. This is how it was when I recently bought the bike. I noticed on less than smooth roads, and when crossing painted lines on the road I have a little shaking. Kind of scary. I previously had a 75 CB 360T that I had put Avon Roadrider AM26 tires on, and it made a huge difference. I read on this site that Honda Man advises to use ribbed tires because of head shake on deceleration. So, what are you guys running, what's the preference.

[andy750]

Bridgestone BT-45s  -very good on street (dry/wet) and dirt roads





cheers
Andy

[fire113]

...BT45 on K1 and BT45 on K2! Very good tire!!!

Good luck fire113

[BobbyR]

Andy brings up a good point which is not unusual for him. I use Battleaxes which are really great on pavement and stable over cracks, grooves in the road etc. They are totally useless on a dirt road. I was out exploring the other day and the pavement ended and I was all over the place until I could slow it down. Even at low speed gravel sized stones would kick the nose out. So the type of riding you do and the road surfaces dictate the proper tire.

[andy750]

Hey Bobby I was making the point they were good on dirt roads . I found them to be very very stable on the dirt roads I was on in Maine - this for extended periods. I felt no wobble whatsoever...of course also have refurbished swingarm and head bearings

Some examples







cheers
Andy

[Deltarider]

Andy, that's the info I needed. In Europe 45 BT's seem to be first choice for these bikes. I was still doubting between another set of Continentals (TK22/TK44) and Bridgestones. Now I know, because like you I like to go the adventurous route from time to time. Allround tyres is what you want on a allround bike. But... so were Continental's RB2 and K112. Ay...

[andy750]

For dirt road riding I am going to try the Dunlop K70s (front) and Kenda K761 (rear)  - Dunlop was mounted easy enough - see below for comparison to BT-45...





cheers
Andy

[nancy]

I'm using BT45's - new set. Very happy with them. Stable and reasonable price. I did have a Shinny-chin-chin on my REAR (as you have on your front) and a Metzler on the front when I bought the bike. Both tyres were oldish but in good spec. I found the bike would feel "queer" and unstable and the arse would skip in and out of road ruts. Now = nice...
I read a comment from member HUSH (a Kiwi also)...concerning the cheap Korean Chins - he mentioned that the Korean translation to English was "Death Wish". I agree. Get that thing off your front and get 2 matching tyres on. Get new tubes and liners.

[BobbyR]

Hey Bobby I was making the point they were good on dirt roads . I found them to be very very stable on the dirt roads I was on in Maine - this for extended periods. I felt no wobble whatsoever...of course also have refurbished swingarm and head bearings

Some examples







cheers
Andy

Andy, as I have said before, you are my hero. If I rode on roads like that the soles of my shoes would be worn out. 

[Skunk Stripe]

I have a road like that that I take any time I ride. I use shinko 712s and they have been excellent wet or dry and on gravel. No tire is perfect on gravel, not even a dirt tire if the gravel is thick but I usually truck on down gravel roads about 40mph and feel just fine.

[Tintop]

I was told by a Bridgestone rep that you shouldn't use radial tires on spoke wheels.  They don't like the loads radials impart.  Both the BT45 and Dunlop GT501 are cross ply.  I got 501's in a deal, the BT45's were the other choice.

[Brown Bomber]

I can't recommend Kenda Challenger tires. Very harsh ride. Not sure if I can hold out til their worn down before I replace them. 

[Ved]

I have a road like that that I take any time I ride. I use shinko 712s and they have been excellent wet or dry and on gravel. No tire is perfect on gravel, not even a dirt tire if the gravel is thick but I usually truck on down gravel roads about 40mph and feel just fine.

Another vote for Shinko 712s. I run them on my XJ650 Yamaha. Several sketchy roads out here in the country and I haven't had any problems. At around 95 bux for a pair(including shipping) I don't think the price & performance can be beat. The local tire shop that balanced em for me says they wear pretty good as long as you keep the correct amount of air pressure.

[Rosinante]

Honda Man has forgotten more about these bikes than I will ever know, but I am not a ribbed-front-tire man.  Too squirrely.  I just put a set of Avons on my '78, and am VERY impressed with them.

[Brown Bomber]

Honda Man has forgotten more about these bikes than I will ever know, but I am not a ribbed-front-tire man.  Too squirrely.  I just put a set of Avons on my '78, and am VERY impressed with them.

What model Avon?

[stueveone]

Metzeler's are awesome.

[fatmatt650]

I used to get pushed around by the grooves in the road at a spot near my house until i put Bt45's on my by 76cb750f. Now I hardly notice them.

[Skunk Stripe]

I had the same with spitfires. Them damn rain grooves that are cut into cement! The shinkos do not do that to me.

[Alan F.]

Michelin Pilot Activ, I don't have them on my sohc yet but they are available in the right sizes these days.  I have them on another bike and they're steady over everything I've ridden over in the wet or dry.