Help me choose a tyre...

[Shifty]

My bike came factory with a 130/80/18 rear tyre on a rim that I am sure is thinner than that fitted to a pocket bike. I have just upgraded to a rim from a GPZ1100 (pick it up Tuesday, wohoo!) which is 17x5 or 17x5½ (can't remember off the top of my head).

I hope to run a 170 but until I have the rim fitted up to the bike I can't confirm if I will have issues with chain-to-tyre clearance. By all reports there are no issues with the swingarm despite the fact that it housed a 130 originally.

I have spoken to a few tyre shops and they have all said that you can run a 160 but have agreed with me that a 170 would be preferable on this size rim. So, I'll be doing everything I can to run a 170 if at all possible.

Having done a lot of miles on my girlfriend's bike (TRX with Pilot Powers) I am pretty sold on them. The bike is my daily transport - the commute to work is only a few minutes but I do the 60km round trip to my girlfriend's house a few times a week. My main concern is outright grip as I am pretty enthusiastic, but mileage is an issue, as is puncture resistance (have heard bad things about powers.

I do a reasonable number of kilometres every week (say 700km as an average) which is made up of weekend rides (75%) and general commuting (25%).

I'm not overly familiar with the best tyres, common sizes & aspect ratios for 17" rims so any help you can give would be great! I am after a tyre in a very common size (helps availability & pricing) and something that will last me at least 8 weeks (say 6000km). I am not concerned about the effect of the aspect ratio on the ride height as I will can dial out most of it with the eccentric adjustment and the few mm left won't be a major issue.[/img]

[Felix]

130's?

Sook.

XJ only has 120's!

[HemiDuty]

Shifty, I would really consider the Bridgestone BT014 if I was you. They are a dual compound tyre (from memory) and have great grip, but the center of it won't wear out ridiculously quick. I have always used bridgestones on my bikes, (everything from 90/90 BT45s to Soft compound Race slicks) and haven't had a bad one yet.

[aardvark]

I prefer the feel of the Bridgestone, but the Michelin I currently have seems to wear a lot better.

[Shifty]

228kg + 130 tyre = Poo

Besides, a 160 or 170 will look awesome compared to the toy tyre that was on there

So what are the more common profiles sold in 160/17's and 170/17's?

[Felix]

228kg? That all

XJ is 244kg + I am pretty sure I am heavier than you, you young whippersnapper.

[Aussie Ninja]

Got no complaints about the 170 Perelli Diablo on my '98 6R. Got about 7k on it and the rear is half to two thirds worn out.

[goanna_38]

Had a '85 GPZ900 for about 12 years. Ended up running Michelin Macadams on it. Had original size on the front but a 150 on the back on original rims. Used to get about 13k out of the back tyre and it handled a treat. 16 inch front tyres can be a bit funny about what you put on the back. You'll know if you got it wrong because it will tankslap and possibly dump you on your ear. Or at the very least fill your trousers. Good luck

[mike-s]

I'm up for a new front tyre. Jesus make me nervous or something!!!

im thinking of putting a bt45 on the front to match the rear.

[HemiDuty]

Mate the BT45s are a suprisingly good tyre. I had them front n rear on the Zephyr and they felt good. And I caned it too, very minimal chicken strips, and they never let go on me. Were good in the wet too.

[swabio-ACT]

I got 6.5k out of a rear BT014 (05 ZX6R) and the front was not too bad. I prefer the Pilot Power's as IMHO the 014's lacked feedback and were quite squirmy. But everyone has a different riding style and preferences.....

[Shifty]

No concerns about the front end as that is the next thing to go, as soon as the rear end conversion is completed.

[YAPPA]

ahhh the old days.....bikes goin flat strap on a pair of hoola hoops ha ha a 120......geez i've even got a 170 on me 6r, let alone a 900...i ran macadam's on a spewi gsx750 i usda have & they were good, got a bridgy 012ss on the back now on the 6, but i think i'll b lucky 2 get 5000k's outta it .....more $

[Nanna10r]

Depending on size availability Shifty, Pilot Powers will work a treat as you dont have the power to wt to tear the back tyre apart like some of the newer scoots. I'm a Bridgie Fan myself, but Pirelli Super Cosrsas & Pilot Powers have had me feeling confident on recent outings as well.
You will probably have to go a 60 profile rear to get a newer type tyre that fits though.
Dont rule out the Metzler M1's, Pirelli GTS, Diablo (any form) or even the Shinko's they make some newer,sticky versions of the retro tyres.
For the difinative answer Ring this number 38181208. You wont be disappointed.
Cheers Brett

[stonneville]

I got 6.5k out of a rear BT014 (05 ZX6R) and the front was not too bad. I prefer the Pilot Power's as IMHO the 014's lacked feedback and were quite squirmy. But everyone has a different riding style and preferences.....

Whaaat the f**k, what you do to your tyres
I'm on my bike every day, just clocked over 15k ~ 7 months and I ain't no angel on me bike (didn't take long to get rid of the chicken strips), just got down to the little markers in the middle of the tread. Will have to look into getting some new ones soon though as I got a couple more track sessions coming up soon.