Tires

[BigDog]

I'm shopping for my next set of tires. I need some advice. My local mechanic recommends Michelin, Avon, and Metzeler.I have a 2005 FJR Abs. I've put 3000 miles on since August. I have a few 30-50 mile circles in my neighborhood (I'm 30 miles N of Dallas). I've been to Fredericksburg once to ride the Hill Country. I'd like something with good control and mileage. I've had the bike up to 100 a couple of times, but I probably won't go much faster. What should I get?

 

[Geezer]

If you look in the NEPRT section of the forum you'll find many discussion about tires. Many of us do our own mounting and balancing and save a bunch of money buying tires online from places like SouthWestMoto. There have even been a couple of group buys pulled together by Toecutter. Which tire you like is partly a person thing and you may need to try a few different ones before you find the one you like the best. Of course once you find tire Nirvanna the manufacturer will change the model and you'll have to start all over again. :dntknw:

Jeff Ashe has done some tire testing for very aggressive riding done on abrasive tire eating roads. Search for his post on tire testing as a good starting point.

 

[keithaba]

Assuming that your not a troll, I would do 2 things.

1, start using the search feature to look up different tires. Go to google and type,

pilot road 2 site:fjrforum.com

2. Pilot road 2's are getting great reviews. You've also got the new roadmasters that are getting pretty good reviews. Mixed reviews with avon storms, people either love them or hate them for various reasons. My favorite tire so far for the FJR has been the Pirelli Strada.

 

[Calimus]

Curently running Metz M-3's No complaints so far, however, I just ordered a set of Diablo Strada's to check out for mid/late summer.

The M-3's have been very sticky for me in the cooler weather. Wear doesn't seem rapid at this point, but I'm only a bit over 1k into them. Will know more as there are nicer days to ride where I can ride harder.

 

[Scab]

You've also got the new roadmasters that are getting pretty good reviews.

Sheesh, we can't take you anywhere. Roadmasters were friggin' Buicks. Built from 1936-1958, then again from 1991-1996. This guy is looking for some friggin' motorcycle tires.

What a used-car-salesman.

 

[jwilly]

I've had the bike up to 100 a couple of times, but I probably won't go much faster. What should I get?

Man, I don't know of any tires that are going to stand up to that kind of abuse. Your a maniac!

JW

 

[dbvolfan]

100mph? Definitely need at least H rated then.

 

[HaulinAshe]

100 mph???

Man! Don't you ever leave your freakin' driveway!!!



Always under 100 mph, I'd buy Stinko Shinko Ravens. Shinko Ravens aren't such a fancy tire, or a phony tire, they're just dumb.

Seriously, they aren't bad for $150 a set.

 

[fjrbob]

2. Pilot road 2's are getting great reviews. You've also got the new roadmasters that are getting pretty good reviews. Mixed reviews with avon storms, people either love them or hate them for various reasons. My favorite tire so far for the FJR has been the Pirelli Strada.

+1 on the Pirelli's. My favorite so far too.

 

[thompsonian]

I may be in the minority, but I prefer the Bridgestone BT021's. SO far, so good for me.

 

[Calimus]

Ashe, didn't you have some wet traction issues with the shinko's or was that one of the other 2000 tires you tried

 

[keithaba]

You've also got the new roadmasters that are getting pretty good reviews.

Sheesh, we can't take you anywhere. Roadmasters were friggin' Buicks. Built from 1936-1958, then again from 1991-1996. This guy is looking for some friggin' motorcycle tires.

What a used-car-salesman.

Roadsmart / Roadmaster, close enough... They are both made by dunlop!

 

[stormrider]

I am a Metzler fan myself

 

[cometman]

BT021's are the best I have had on my FJR to far.

Mark.....

 

[HaulinAshe]

Ashe, didn't you have some wet traction issues with the shinko's or was that one of the other 2000 tires you tried

Shinkos don't do wet and cold very well. It was entertaining running NorthGA area in 45F on freshly wet pavement. Grumpy enjoyed watching my back end kick around. But two-up they weren't all that bad. I would not want to do them solo in wet & cold conditions.

Only reason I recommended them for this guy was because he says he always flies sub-triple and puts on less miles in one year than I do getting out to the mailbox and back.

 

[Karmak]

 

[MrTwisty]

What's that little black bottle for Karmak?

Something tells me it may seriously reduce the mileage on that new rear tire.

+1 on the B021's. They are a hell of a lot better than the B020's that came on the bike. The B020's felt squirrelly. The B021's feel planted.

I've got 4k on the 021's, and other than a little peeling on the sides, they are wearing fairly well.