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What type or brand of tires - XJ550

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by RussellNJ09, Sep 26, 2021.

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  1. RussellNJ09

    RussellNJ09 New Member

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    Recently found (2) XJ550 in NJ Barn and grabbed them. One looks original and the other was raced (may use for parts or will re-sell). The one I plan to restore (or just get running) needs tires. Any recommendations on brand or type? Any suggestions on where to purchase would be appreciated.
     
  2. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

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    I have Dunlop D404 on my 83 XJ550, and like them well enough. I do mostly city driving, and am pleased with value.

    I bought mine from local motorcycle shop after my rear tire picked up a nail. I could have saved a small bit of coin online, but then had to wait for delivery, then find and pay someone to mount/balance.
     
  3. Simmy

    Simmy Well-Known Member

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    let's see some pics.
    I need to see that racer.

    Barn find seems to suggest it might be a while before you have a bike ready to ride.
    Make sure you assess everything needed before buying tires.
    Make sure the motor is not seized before spending any money.
     
  4. Kickaha

    Kickaha Active Member Premium Member

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    Bridgestone BT45/46 or Pirelli Sport Demon are two of the best tyres in the sizes suitable for those
     
  5. RussellNJ09

    RussellNJ09 New Member

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    Here are some picts of the race bike. I believe this was last raced in the mid to late 80's. Still not sure what my plan is but I think I will get the street bike running and operational and then migrate some race items over to make it a cafe racer. Might try and keep the stickers in tact. An interesting observation is there are metal ties to keep bolts and parts in tact and not come loose. Still cannot determine what the plastic bottle was used for, it was stuck where the air filter goes... Any ideas?
     

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  6. RussellNJ09

    RussellNJ09 New Member

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    Just posted some picts of the racer. Should be later in this thread. Let me know what you think
     
  7. Dave in Ireland

    Dave in Ireland Well-Known Member

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    It's an oil catch tank. It catches oil vapours from the engine breather, so they don't drip onto the track.
     
  8. RussellNJ09

    RussellNJ09 New Member

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    Many thanks! That makes perfect sense....
     
  9. Simmy

    Simmy Well-Known Member

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    It has a Turbo fuel tank on it.
     
  10. Carl LaFong

    Carl LaFong Member

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    On my second set of shinko. Last set took very little weight to balance. I am not a hard rider. Would by these again. Price was right.
     
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  11. Hollybrook

    Hollybrook Member

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    I took off some good BT45s and put on Sport Demons.

    My thought is if you are a conservative rider, the BT45s are a good choice with a longer tread life. The Sport Demons are stickier and have a more aggressive profile that rewards higher speed in the corners at the expense of tread life.

    I was quite happy to find the Sport Demons after being underwhelmed by the BT45s.
     
  12. Minimutly

    Minimutly Well-Known Member

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    Not to mention the stopping performance improvement. Why would you fit average tyres - one day you might need every ounce of grip to survive, this has nothing to do with how you ride, unless you ride at 30 mph everywhere. Even then....
     
  13. Kickaha

    Kickaha Active Member Premium Member

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    Conservative ? I have raced and won races on them, in the rain especially they were brilliant (pre82 RD350LC)
     
  14. Minimutly

    Minimutly Well-Known Member

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    I was talking in general terms, no idea what bt45s are like.
     

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