Topic: Crashed . . . I think I want new tires now. Any suggestions?

[550_ko]

Hello guys.   Over the last few weeks of riding I have felt my bike (a heavily modified cb550 cafe racer) being, for lack of a more/ better descriptive adjective, slippy.   I thought perhaps I was having a run of bad luck finding the greasy spots on the roads.  But it seems to have been happening too often and today I didn't just slide around a bit, I went down hard and quick on a relatively slow speed corner over the grease strip on a dry road.   After I caught my breath and got the bike straightened up and pushed off the road I looked back and couldn't really see any unusual greasy-wetness.  So I think my tires have to go.

They are Dunlop k591 120/90 18 and 100/90 19.  They're a few years old and I am guessing that age is the culprit.  Is a few years enough to make tire rubber  hard and less sticky?

If not, then for psychological reasons I think I'll get new tires anyway.  This bike is not a commuter, so durability is not a huge concern. I want the stickiest street tire out there.  Suggestions?

I read all the tire posts I could find . . . and I'm leaning towards  Pirelli Sport Demons, but would be open to hearing any other suggestions. 

I'm fine BTW.  Bruised ribs and no rash thanks to my carharts and vanson mesh shirt.  Had I not been wearing a helmet I'd probably be real stupid now as my head had a nice whip-lashy meeting with the street.  The bike seems OK so far.  Dinged (perfect unmolested SS) tank, broken signals, scratched generator cover, bent shift pedal . . .  etc.

um, keep the rubber side down.

[Chris Liston]

Bridgestone BT45's.  I have them and they are AWSOME, stick to the road like glue.  Running same sizes that your currently running on my 550F

[78 k550]

glad your ok.
 My buddy just bought a set of Bridgestone S11's he loves them. I'm in need of some new tires real soon and thinking of the same. The sound good on paper.

Paul

[bill440cars]

                 I'll gladly repeat what's already been said, "Glad You're Okay". I hate to see the bikes get torn up but, they can be rebuilt or replaced easier than the rider. You take care of yourself there and we'll catch you later on, Bill

[csendker]

Ditto on the glad you're OK side.  However, if your helmeted noggin' did play bouncy-ball with the street, you might want to add a new helmet to your shopping list.  They're only good for one whack, even when they still look OK.

As for the tires, I'm running Bridgestone Spitfire 11F's.  I like them, but then I don't have any comparison experience...

[74cb750]

Glad you are healing.

I still run old tires on my bikes, but then again I drive fairly slow most of the time.

Is it possible there was bleach or antifreeze dumped on the ground where you park
your bike? This could account for it sometimes.
peace,
michel

[oldbiker]

For what it's worth, I really like Metzeler which at one time in my career I used on one of my Road-Racers. Found them to be just as good as genuine Dunlop racing tyres.

[ProTeal55]

I am a big fan of Avon Venom tires. I have ran them on all of my bikes in the past, and have
had no issues with them what-so-ever. The CB has two new ones waiting to go on 

[Dusthawk]

first, glad you're still upright!!!!!!!!!!
Second, I gotta agree with Proteel55 on this. I was doing some twisties on my 750F 'bout four or five years ago and lcipped a patch of sand hiden by shadows. My venoms chewed the sand and spit it back out leaving me a bit shaken but still upright. You decide!

[Dusthawk]

  OOPS, sorry "Proteal55"

[Mopar_Tony_SF]

I strongly reccomend Bridgestone BT45s, either H or V rated.  They stick like glue.  Everybody I know running them loves them too.  A great tire.

Continental Tkv11/12s are also very highy rated.

I've had good luck with Bridgestng Spitfire S11.

[ProTeal55]

OOPS, sorry "Proteal55"

Am I missing something here ?

[KCs76Cafe]

He misspelled your name in his first post.

[Vatch]

Anyone how long those Dunlops I have are supposed to last?   I was thinking about it last night and they are at least four years old.  They spent a lot of time on the bike while the engine was in and out being rebuilt first and then hopped up.  They still look ok . . .

Tires do get old and dry out.  Before you  see cracks in the tires the rubber will lose pliability and thus grip.  Auto tires start to go after 3-5 years depending on the tire.  So for a cycle tire for cafe style riding, I'd probably keep them under 3 years before swapping.

Ditto on replacing that helmet.  Also, check the integrity of the stitching in your gear, may have been comprised and you don't want to find that out if you slide again.  Glad you're OK.

[Steve F]

Thanks for the good wishes and tire advice.   I am much much stiffer and bruisier today.   I think I'll go and try and make the bike right at least.  I have started a list of your tire recommendations and I'm doing a bit of  research on prices and on a new helmet.       Still going to be cheaper than a trip to the hospital though. 

Anyone how long those Dunlops I have are supposed to last?   I was thinking about it last night and they are at least four years old.  They spent a lot of time on the bike while the engine was in and out being rebuilt first and then hopped up.  They still look ok . . .

Bummer!  Hope you and the bike get sorted out OK!  I'm currently running the same tires you now have on my stock '76 750F, and I agree they aren't the stickiest.  After a couple years, they almost feel like vinyl instead of rubber.  Just replaced the rear tire last season, and will be replacing the front one this year.  Sadly, I bought the same ones again.  I'll just be riding like I'm on wet roads.  I'll be thinking about other tire brands, though.

[TwoTired]

Over the years, I've tried dunlops and continentals, and then Metzlers on my 550s.  After I went to Metzlers, I wondered why I bothered with the others.  That's what I get for the 550s now when I wear them out.   They work pretty well for me.

Cheers,