What brand tyres are you running now"

[saaz]

I would have to look up the last time I used a 160/70 on the rear.  I do prefer the 110/80 on the front (non-abs bikes) if possible as it steers and wears better, but not that much in it over a 120/70 front.

[STeveo]

My neighbouring bike shop only has a Dunlop Road Smart in stock!! :(

Nothing wrong with the Road Smart 11. Have done nearly 10,000Km on mine and about half gone. Bike feels good on them and no problems in wet. Do feather on edges when just about gone and make a humming noise on corners. I'm happy with them and would buy them again. Cost me 2/3rds of Michilen.

 

[alans1100]

As of Friday 29th I will have Bridgestone BT-23 in GT spec on both wheels as the rear will be getting changed over after doing 9870 kms.

The rear will be a 1300 spec tyre (170/60) as the GT isn't available in 1100 sizes. Imported from Jake Wilson as I haven't seen them out here yet.

[Hendo]

Allans 1100, can you please let me know how old the tyre is as i have been hearing that some of the tyres sent by jake wilson are getting old. The one i got last month was over 18 months old and was a B!#$h to fit. Had to use tyre warmers to get in on the rim.

BTW Friday is the 30th.

Cheers

[alans1100]

Allans 1100, can you please let me know how old the tyre is as i have been hearing that some of the tyres sent by jake wilson are getting old. The one i got last month was over 18 months old and was a B!#$h to fit. Had to use tyre warmers to get in on the rim.

BTW Friday is the 30th.

Cheers

I've checked the new tyre and the old one and I can't see a year of production on it.

My front was on back order so order wasn't sent until that was in. This the second set of Bridgestones from Jake and no problems so far with mine.

As for the date.......my mind was on a ride to Port Augusta on Friday and the tyre is getting fitted on the 29th so a bit of a mix up there 

[Rodd]

I fitted my Bridgestone 23's myself and the rear tyre was a real struggle to fit. I read on the US forum that others had found the same thing with the Bridgestone BT023. The trick was to make sure that the rim edges of the tyre were close together and in the deepest dished part of the rim while fitting and to use heaps of slippery.. I used silicone spray at the time.

[saaz]

I use a tyre paste, and plenty of it. The tyres that fit the STs are a really tight fit, which is good to know when you are riding.

[alans1100]

Mine are fitted by a car tyre dealer on their machine and I don't think they've had problems fitting mine. If they have, they've not said anything.

[kappy5003]

I went to my local Tyre supplier the other to remove the poorly worn Metzler Z6 front tyre--- 120/70 18.

Poor wear possibly from some under inflation and as dealer claims road camber Mmmmm.

Anyway he recommends T30 for front and in same breath poo pooed the 021 and also started to say the BT 023 was an under achiever until I pointed out he was the one that recommended the 021 in the 1st place, in fact BT021 is still on rear.

I didn't know about the 2 front tyre sizes until I double checked my super duper manual, seems to say 120/70 is for later model ABS.

I really can't remember the size when I got her although being ex Police was running a metz.

He  also pointed out the new metz is experiencing some issues.

I like the propaganda on the new T30 especially that Valentino likes it. 

So should I be running a 110/80 on the front????

[saaz]

I prefer to run a 110/80 on the front if I can get them, but most times I have run 120/70 fronts with no problems as 110s are less available.  I had a BT021 on the front, and it was probably the worst tyre I have ever run.  Wore out in less than 5000kms and did not feel that great.  BT023 seems to be much better, but I have not used them myself.  Metzler Z8s get good reports, but again I have not used them myself (I used the Z6s and they were ok).  Haven't heard about a T30..what brand is that?

I went to my local Tyre supplier the other to remove the poorly worn Metzler Z6 front tyre--- 120/70 18.

Poor wear possibly from some under inflation and as dealer claims road camber Mmmmm.

Anyway he recommends T30 for front and in same breath poo pooed the 021 and also started to say the BT 023 was an under achiever until I pointed out he was the one that recommended the 021 in the 1st place, in fact BT021 is still on rear.

I didn't know about the 2 front tyre sizes until I double checked my super duper manual, seems to say 120/70 is for later model ABS.

I really can't remember the size when I got her although being ex Police was running a metz.

He  also pointed out the new metz is experiencing some issues.

I like the propaganda on the new T30 especially that Valentino likes it. 

So should I be running a 110/80 on the front????

[alans1100]

So should I be running a 110/80 on the front????

The wheels are the same size and both tyres will fit. Your tyre info requirement should be under the seat. Fitting the 120/70 tyre might effect you speedo as well.

The 1100A has the ZR tyre because of the weight rating on the tyre as it's 10kg heavier due to ABS components.

http://www.pan-europe.utvinternet.ie/owners_manual/specifications.htm

Front   110/80-18 58V (DUNLOP, BRIDGESTONE, METZELER)

Front CBS/ABS/TCS Model   120/70 ZR18 (59W) (DUNLOP, BRIDGESTONE)

Rear   160/70-17 73V (DUNLOP, BRIDGESTONE) 160/70 B17 73V (METZELER)

Rear CBS/ABS/TCS Model   160/70 ZR17 (73W) (DUNLOP, BRIDGESTONE)

[alans1100]

Allans 1100, can you please let me know how old the tyre is as i have been hearing that some of the tyres sent by jake wilson are getting old. The one i got last month was over 18 months old and was a B!#$h to fit. Had to use tyre warmers to get in on the rim.


Cheers

I went looking this morning for how the date info is put on the tyre. The picture shows my last front tyre and in the middle "VEA 2111" is stamped into the LH tyre (when on bike). Not sure what the letters mean as they are different on the tyres I have here. The numbers show the week and year of production. In this case the tyre was made in May 2011.

In answer to you question the Bridestone tyres I got from Jack Wilson in July 2013 were made in March 2013 (1113) for the rear and February 2013 (0613) for the front.

[kappy5003]

I prefer to run a 110/80 on the front if I can get them, but most times I have run 120/70 fronts with no problems as 110s are less available.  I had a BT021 on the front, and it was probably the worst tyre I have ever run.  Wore out in less than 5000kms and did not feel that great.  BT023 seems to be much better, but I have not used them myself.  Metzler Z8s get good reports, but again I have not used them myself (I used the Z6s and they were ok).  Haven't heard about a T30..what brand is that?

saaz
The T 30 is a Bridgestone Battlax, supposedly designed for touring, they will replace the BT023 some good reports on the T30 there is a Youtube of Rossi putting them through there paces. He likes the feel of them.
I had a BT 021 before the Metz yes horrible.
When I replace the current Metz I push for a 110, I didn't even realise they had put on a 120    that's one for the ego.

[kappy5003]

170/60 ZR 17, what else?????

 

Brock can you explain why 170/60 on rear, when standard is 160/70 what are benefits etc if you don't mind.

BTW I got a discounted price from Vic Park on T30 of $200, Just rang Bike City, no hint of discount quote $175 go figrue.

[alans1100]

170/60 ZR 17, what else?????

 

Brock can you explain why 170/60 on rear, when standard is 160/70 what are benefits etc if you don't mind.

I'm sure Brock can confirm this but the 160/70zr17 tyre isn't available for the tyres he fitted.

The only other option is to go to 160/60zr17 which a lot of dealers will fit if there is no OEM 1100 tyre available. Problem with that size is the load index (weight rating) of 69 is way below the 1100's load index of 73.

The 170/60 tyre has an index of 72 making it a better option if no OEM 1100 tyre is available.

Load index ratings http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code#Load_index

The highlight ones are for the three tyre sizes I mentioned


Standard Load Table (extract from ETRTO Standards Manual – 2010 page G7 - ref 42 psi (290 kPa))[14]
Code   Weight      Code   Weight      Code   Weight      Code   Weight
60   250 kg (550 lb)      80   450 kg (990 lb)      100   800 kg (1,800 lb)      120   1,400 kg (3,100 lb)
61   257 kg (570 lb)      81   462 kg (1,020 lb)      101   825 kg (1,820 lb)      121   1,450 kg (3,200 lb)
62   265 kg (580 lb)      82   475 kg (1,050 lb)      102   850 kg (1,900 lb)      122   1,500 kg (3,300 lb)
63   272 kg (600 lb)      83   487 kg (1,070 lb)      103   875 kg (1,930 lb)      123   1,550 kg (3,400 lb)
64   280 kg (620 lb)      84   500 kg (1,100 lb)      104   900 kg (2,000 lb)      124   1,600 kg (3,500 lb)
65   290 kg (640 lb)      85   515 kg (1,140 lb)      105   925 kg (2,040 lb)      125   1,650 kg (3,600 lb)
66   300 kg (660 lb)      86   530 kg (1,200 lb)      106   950 kg (2,100 lb)         
67   307 kg (680 lb)      87   545 kg (1,200 lb)      107   975 kg (2,150 lb)         
68   315 kg (690 lb)      88   560 kg (1,200 lb)      108   1,000 kg (2,200 lb)         
69   325 kg (720 lb)      89   580 kg (1,300 lb)      109   1,030 kg (2,300 lb)         
70   335 kg (740 lb)      90   600 kg (1,300 lb)      110   1,060 kg (2,300 lb)         
71   345 kg (760 lb)      91   615 kg (1,360 lb)      111   1,090 kg (2,400 lb)         
72   355 kg (780 lb)      92   630 kg (1,400 lb)      112   1,120 kg (2,500 lb)         
73   365 kg (800 lb)      93   650 kg (1,400 lb)      113   1,150 kg (2,500 lb)         
74   375 kg (830 lb)      94   670 kg (1,500 lb)      114   1,180 kg (2,600 lb)         
75   387 kg (850 lb)      95   690 kg (1,500 lb)      115   1,215 kg (2,680 lb)         
76   400 kg (880 lb)      96   710 kg (1,600 lb)      116   1,250 kg (2,800 lb)         
77   412 kg (910 lb)      97   730 kg (1,600 lb)      117   1,285 kg (2,830 lb)         
78   425 kg (940 lb)      98   750 kg (1,700 lb)      118   1,320 kg (2,900 lb)         
79   437 kg (960 lb)      99   775 kg (1,710 lb)      119   1,360 kg (3,000 lb)         

[saaz]

The 170/60 is a safer bet as it in ST1300 size.  The 160/70 is also used by the BMW LT1200 and some Harley models, so the weight rating should be ok for use on the ST1100.

[Brock]

Brock can you explain why 170/60 on rear, when standard is 160/70 what are benefits etc

No real benefit, its the only tyre available in PR3 for the 1100. As Allan said..

The revs are slightly higher for a given speed

[kappy5003]

Thanks, I was starting to think guys were going for a slightly wider and lower profile tyre, are bike tyres read the same as car tyres.

I think I'll give the T30 a go and the same on the rear when that's due. The from  and rear seem to be available in the correct size.

[Rodd]

The Shinko Verge rear tyre that I ordered from the U.S. late Monday has arrive this morning!! Impressive!

By 12:45 the tyre is on and pumped up to pressure. I couldn't use my home made tyre fitting gismo because I have relocated the vice (use to hold the gismo while the tyre is being fitted) and it's now too high, so I fitted the tyre on the floor. One side went on by hand!! The other side eventually went on using the handle gismo..
There is no way in the world I would have been able to fit the Bridgestone BT023s this way as the rear Bridgy was an extremely tight fit.

[saaz]

It is amazing that, with enough lubrication, the first bead goes on so easily.  The trick is to not skimp on whatever lubrication you are using.  I am in the middle of doing both tyres with Shinkos. Back done, front next, then a few other minor maintenance things.  make sure you grease up those rear splines, as I have seen wear on ones that were done properly by some shops.

The Shinko Verge rear tyre that I ordered from the U.S. late Monday has arrive this morning!! Impressive!

By 12:45 the tyre is on and pumped up to pressure. I couldn't use my home made tyre fitting gismo because I have relocated the vice (use to hold the gismo while the tyre is being fitted) and it's now too high, so I fitted the tyre on the floor. One side went on by hand!! The other side eventually went on using the handle gismo..
There is no way in the world I would have been able to fit the Bridgestone BT023s this way as the rear Bridgy was an extremely tight fit.

[Rodd]

Splines looked pretty good and I put plenty of graphite grease in there. I only used silicone spray. Next tyre I will replace all the o-rings, bearings and the rubber bits in the hub. There's some freeplay there and it explains the slight notchiness from go to whoa. I got the dynabeads yesterday (can't understand why they done tape them up inside the tyre and save delivery costs!). Had to use my compressor to blow the beads thru my 90 degree valve stem. Went for a 80k or so ride today and I'm impressed with the Verges. As you said John, they may be firm but they also tracked really well and I felt quite confident in the corners with them. If I am as happy in the wet as in the dry then I might order a few at a time next time (depending on  how well they wear for my riding style tho). I still would like to try on the Michie PR2s or 3s, but I am happy for the tyre for the price so far!

[alans1100]

(can't understand why they done tape them up inside the tyre and save delivery costs!).

Nothing to save as the shipping charge is based on dollar value not weight. Not sure how many beads I ordered but I had enough for two tyre changes.

Had to use my compressor to blow the beads thru my 90 degree valve stem.

It's hard enough on a normal valve stem. I must be getting good at it as the 4th tyre (last rear) took quicker than the last front one.

[saaz]

Verges are better than the price indicates.  Overall at east as good as the PR2s for me mileage and grip wise in all conditions. Could not go wrong with PR2s as well.  But as you say, every rider feels things differently so that is why I only provide my impressions relative to other tyres I have used.

Splines looked pretty good and I put plenty of graphite grease in there. I only used silicone spray. Next tyre I will replace all the o-rings, bearings and the rubber bits in the hub. There's some freeplay there and it explains the slight notchiness from go to whoa. I got the dynabeads yesterday (can't understand why they done tape them up inside the tyre and save delivery costs!). Had to use my compressor to blow the beads thru my 90 degree valve stem. Went for a 80k or so ride today and I'm impressed with the Verges. As you said John, they may be firm but they also tracked really well and I felt quite confident in the corners with them. If I am as happy in the wet as in the dry then I might order a few at a time next time (depending on  how well they wear for my riding style tho). I still would like to try on the Michie PR2s or 3s, but I am happy for the tyre for the price so far!

[royst1100]

just put perelli angels on (i was put on the spot and had to use a smaller Tyre. 150 instead of a 160) heard good reports but bit worried about smaller size. put same on front soon

[Bikebear]

Spoke to the tyre guy at my usual shop yesterday and he will get some T30 Bridgies in for me. If they are as good as Bridgestones advertising claims they should be awesome. (And they come in the right size)