Tires

I know this topic has been beat to death, but I'm going to beat it a little more....

I'm planning to replace the tires on my XJ1100 and would like to know what you guys are running and what you'd recommend.

Since I live in Minnesota and only ride 2-3 months out of a year, price really isn't a factor since they should last several years with my minimal annual mileage.

So what's the best tire for the front and rear? What size is recommended for the front and rear on my bike? And finally, where is the best place to buy tires?

You guys have always been a great source for knowledge. Thanks in advance!

 

On my current bike and last bike, I put Dunlop D404's on them. I have had good luck with how they ride.

I have ridden them around Lake Pepin and Gull Lake near Brainerd. Pot Holes and all.

Dan

 

METZLER's!!!
Those Germans know what they are doing.
Sorry I dont know the size specs for your bike though.

I like Chapparal for tires. Free shipping, and its quick.
http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparr ... URLCheck=1

 

Go for a ride down the road to Rush City, and go to Dennis Kirk's clearance store and see what they've got on specials! Might find something amazing...
Otherwise, you've got one of the biggest mail order parts sources there in Dennis Kirk, so you could probably even get a good deal on regular priced stuff.

I'm a fan of Avon AM-21 RoadRunners, Dunlop D404's, and Bridgestone Spitfires.

Dennis Kirk in Rush City, MN

 

At $3.90 a gallon, online ordering and delivery is looking better all the time.

It's a little over 200 miles round trip.

What's the big differences between the brands mentioned? Metzler, Avon AM-21 RoadRunners, Dunlop D404's, and Bridgestone Spitfires.

And, does anyone know the exact specs on what tires are the best fit for my bike?

Great info! Keep it coming! And thanks again!

 

I am having the 404's installed on my bike as we speak. Looking forward to some fresh rubber, as I had some weird, generic looking things called Barracudas on there and they were Kee-rack-in' something fierce.

It will be reassuring to have legitemate rubber under me now. I will post my impressions after I get them on. I'm sure others have been using these babies for decades though.. Any thoughts? Anyone? Bueller...?

 

LOVE MY D404'S ON MY 82 750 MAXIM
i GOT THEM FOR APROX $75 a piece mounted.

 

I guess Seattle is more expensive, or else I just got snookered.

$92 plus tax for the rear, $84 plus tax for the front, $60 to mount them both, on the bike. Guess I won't feel so bad about the fact that one if not both tires had flat fix slime inside them, (Yuck!) since they obviously are proud of thier work at the shop I went to!

Looking forward to the new rubber nonetheless.. Good to hear you're satisfied with yours.

 

I'm quite happy with my Barracudas. Not sure how they'd be in the snow :wink:

People in the Venture world have been having trouble with the Metzler ME880s throwing chunks of tread. Seems to be happening a lot with them. I have the ME880s on my Venture and I like them a lot, but I watch them like a hawk and because of the number of problems I probably won't put them back on when it's time to change.

All the forums I read the general consensus seems to be that Avon is the best value.

The D404s are a popular tire. Seems like every 2nd bike has them.

 

This is awesome, i came on here to post the exact same thread, lol. i had a flat yesterday, rear tire, left my cell phone at work had to drive four miles on a flat tire that was only 2 months old. When i bought the tire at the yam shop, dude told me there were two options, a $175 Dunlop or a $70 Kendal (sp?). Anyway in this economy i went with the latter. It was wearing awful fast i thought, but rode good, then yesterday on the interstate i picked up a nail or something. I see now i have more options, lol.....

 

Can't wait to pick my bike up tomorrow morning. I have th day off, looking forward to cruising around in the sun all day, with fresh rubber under me..

 

I don't think you will be disapointed I also have the D404's on my 85 Maxim X. they were a decent price have been good in the rain for me as well.

 

Anyone have issues with road markings.
I have a Conti Blitz tire on the rear, came with the bike.
When hanging a turn wide the rear skips over the center lines or when you run across the hash marks it will slip.
Other then that it seems to stick well.
I've heard good things about the Bridgestone Spitfire's as well.
Any thoughts.

 

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/t ... ouring.htm

I've got an appointment to get a set of these put on Saturday. I've been using their stuff on my mountain bikes for years and have been happy with them.

The guy at the shop I'm getting them from actually turned me away from some of the more expensive tires, telling me that these were a knockoff of the Metzeler Lasertec that were almost as good. Guess I'll find out.

Of course, my 400 is pretty light compared to the 700s.

 

Still waiting to pick mine up from the shop. Seems strange to me, at the car tire shops it's a while you wait sort of install, at bicycle shops the same. I'm a little puzzled as to why it's so much more involved mounting and balancing motorcycle tires. I guess maybe because dissasembly is more involved than on either a bicycle or a car, perhaps..

Still- I wanna ride. I'll just have to content myself with putting around on motorbike junior for now... 8)

 

I have Kenda Challenger tires on my bike now and they seem to be ok. I have to replace my tires very soon and was wondering if it would be smart to buy the same set. I am on a very tight budget, any other tire suggestions would be welcome.

 

Finally picked up my bike. Tires now in full effect. Just tooled around the hood tonight so far. I will be riding to work tomorrow and all weekend as it is supposed to be awesome weather, so I should have a little real feedback for you soon..

Stoked though, they look good! I cleaned the whole bike esp. my wheels once I got it home because the rubber was asking for it!

 

take easy the first 50 miles or so they recommend 100 miles I am not sure what for the manufacturer just warns they will be slicker than usually during the first 100 miles.

 

Huckersteve what exactly is motorbike junior,is it a one off or some sort of production bike?
Cool as!
Pretty much the ultimate commuter.Dont think we have anything like that in Oz.

 

It's a motorized bike. They make motors and kits which are basically a complete bike. lots of places make them you ought to even be able to get them down under, Mate!

Peep it: www.spookytoothcycles.com

They're stupid fun.

 

I got to admit, i wouldnt be caught dead on one, but those are the coolest bikes i ever saw!! lol

 

That stupid thing gets more love from the people than my poor Maxim could ever hope for LOL!

Mine of course is extensively customized. Way nicer than stock..

 

Thanks XX! I got the same warning from the guys in service. Almost past that 100 mile mark already!

It sure was nice riding on legit tires today! My 35 mile one way commute gets me a head start on tire break in..

 

The warning is due to the preservative used on the new tires. It is slicker than snot and will need to be "scrubbed" off carefully before the tire provides the best grip for you canyon riders. I found out just how slick that stuff is on a patch of new slurry in my apartment parking lot. Took my brother the better part of an hour to clean the gravel out of my back with a scrub brush. ATGATT forever!

 

Ouch and good to know the reason as well. I didn't temp fate with mine I took it easy.