So what's the best brand/model tires for the C10?

[dysldu]

Connie needs new shoes so I read through this thread (a herculean effort) and decided on a Shinko 777 for the rear.  Someone pages back recommended a Bridgestone BT-023 110-80/18 for the front.  But I can't find that anywhere online from a US source.

Others are recommending a Shinko Verge for the front but it seems to be only available in 120-70-18.

I can get a Bridgestone BT 45 in 110-80-18.

The Verge is a radial, the BT 45 is bias.

The Shinko rear is a bias.

So my considerations are 120-70-18 vs 110-80-18, and matching radial front with bias rear vs bias front and rear.

I'm looking for the best combination of handling, grip (wet and dry), and economy.

Anybody have any thoughts on this?

 

[jim snyder]

Avon AM-26's.

 

[works4me]

The BT-023 was  great tire. It had been replaced by the T-30 which is now the T31.
Still a great tire in my opinion.
Good handling, feedback,and longevity at a low price point.

 

[batboy]

I have Bridgestone Exedra Max 120/70ZR18 on the front, so that size will fit. The 110-80-18 is perhaps easier to install onto the rim and maybe has better fuel economy (but that size is not always available as you are finding out).

 

[MAN OF BLUES]

I would have no issue myself, if I desired a "single purchase point/common tire mfg" combo of these..

http://tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRES/Bridgestone/Bridgestone%20MC/bridgestone_battlax_bt023.htm

http://tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRES/Bridgestone/Bridgestone%20MC/exedra_max.htm

I don't particularly care for B'Stones, as I am riding a C14... but always loved Michelin's and Avons, on my C10's.

in my mind, the best C10 tires were the older Michelin Macadam's.. un believable tires... no longer made in "our sizes".
these are off shoots of that design.
Rear
http://tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRES/Michelin/Michelin%20Commander%20II.htm
front
http://tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRES/Michelin/Michelin_Pilot_Activ.htm
and both suitable for older Connies, prior to the front end changes..

and I still don't rule these out, for general usage...
http://tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRES/AVON/AVON%20MC/avon_venom.htm

finding a GREAT aggressive tire for my '78 KZ1000LtdB2, is still killing me... I have some Dunflop 491's, that I try to burn off... but they have about as much wet traction as 2 bricks being slid against each other... wet bricks at that...

still a lot of tire available for the C10, just forget about the radial aspect, and buy a good tire, (ie.e. a bias ply if desired... hell, people put stupid "car tire" on this bike, and don't even think about the rating...all they care about is how many miles they get..) with an acceptable speed rating, based on your riding... You will never see 150MPH on the bike, so buy tires rated for riding... as they are rated like 2x higher just on general saftey principal... i.e., you can go 200mph on an H rated tire, and it won't blow out... ya don't need Z rated tires.

 

[Kelly E]

I am running the Michelin Commander II rear and Pilot Activ front combination. I just got back from a 3700mi ride to the Black Hills and back through central Wyoming. The tires now have 5k miles on them and they could do the trip again. We did I-90 to Deadwood and mostly backroads the rest of the trip. These tires work great and I would buy them again but I have collected everything to change over to 17" wheels. I am going to put a set on my 84' Sabre 700 real soon though.

 

[connie_rider]

I prefer radials as I feel they turn in more quickly, with less effort.
Soooo, just to be different;  >
    {instead of a 120/70R-18} I installed a 110/80R-18 Metzler Roadtec Z8 Interact on the front of my C-10.. {$115.85}
https://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/metzeler-roadtec-z8-interact-motorcycle-tire/p/30568

    {instead of a 150/80R-16} I installed a 180/60R-16 {Shinko Journey} on the rear of my C-10. {$131.85}
            Yes, it took some effort, but it fits fine...
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shinko-se890-journey-touring-radial-tires

So far I like the combination, but the resultant tire profile's make the bike go into a turn "very" quickly! <evil grin>
If ya like playing in the twisties on yer C-10, "thinkaboutit"...  :motonoises:

Ride safe, Ted

 

[jb_cb900]

Ahh, as much as I hate change, I'm disappointed to see things haven't changed on this forum.  The previous comment, "hell, people put stupid "car tire" on this bike, and don't even think about the rating...all they care about is how many miles they get" was the final reminder why I haven't frequented this site in the last year and a half.

If I remember correctly, a couple of years ago, someone was unselfish enough to provide detailed info for anyone interested in going to the "dark side" with a car/taxi tire.  And, they provided this info without any derogatory remarks for those who didn't agree with this approach.  I'm sure the folks who put a lot of miles on their motorcycles surely appreciated the input whether they followed this path or not.

It's a shame some folks can't respect everyone's right to explore new things and/or just have fun when it doesn't impact them personally.  Sure, voice your opinion, dialog is good, but keep it respectful of other peoples feeling.  For me, I'm out of here.  I'm older now and I'm only going to live once, so I sure don't need these negative vibes.  I'm certainly going to miss communicating with the rank and file, but I've had enough of the elite few who spoil the fun.

Ride safe and have fun.

 

[bajasam]

While it's always nice to be sensitive to other persons feelings, it would be extremely hard for me to keep a straight face and proclaim that it's a wonderful idea to take a performance motorcycle capable of 130mph and put a square tread antique car tire on it.I'm sure if a shop did this for someone they could probably get sued for malpractice. This is kinda like a toss-up between humorous and insensitive.

 

[connie_rider]

I'm certainly going to miss communicating with the rank and file, but I've had enough of the elite few who spoil the fun.

Jim, don't cut yourself out of the fun.
If you don't like a discussion, simply go to another that is enjoyable to you.

Ride safe, Ted

 

[MAN OF BLUES]

I just got an e-mail, from some person that doe not know me, saying pretty much"thank you for all the good advice you have given..."
and told me to disregard the insults..

phehhh.. I don't find it an insult someone gleaned a "personal opinion/quip" I made, out of context, and turned it into a silly "crying session".. frankly, I stand behind my findings about car tires on Concours bikes.. I HAVE ridden 2 of them with the Taxi tires, and found the handling, re-activity, and safe feeling, a reason WHY i joke about it.. if someone wants to pop up, and dis me over what I said, well... if you ain't done it/ experienced it/paid for it.. you have zero to say. I personally can't tell someone to do it.. even those that have "done it" will admit... "it takes time to get used to the handling".. That in itself, should speak volumes.

Now, while the person eamed to go back in time, and find the "recommendation", they clearly didn't read the input that was given be me then, as Tech Editor, nor did they read the same thing the following tech editor Fred Harmon wrote.. non of us would ever "suggest" this swap to anyone.. if you want to stick some odd stuff on your bike, have at it.. tell us how it works out. But never say "hey everyone.. do this....."


sorry for the rant, i was only speaking from actual personal experience, and the outcome.

 

[m in sc]

Ahh, as much as I hate change, I'm disappointed to see things haven't changed on this forum.  The previous comment, "hell, people put stupid "car tire" on this bike, and don't even think about the rating...all they care about is how many miles they get" was the final reminder why I haven't frequented this site in the last year and a half.

If I remember correctly, a couple of years ago, someone was unselfish enough to provide detailed info for anyone interested in going to the "dark side" with a car/taxi tire.  And, they provided this info without any derogatory remarks for those who didn't agree with this approach.  I'm sure the folks who put a lot of miles on their motorcycles surely appreciated the input whether they followed this path or not.

It's a shame some folks can't respect everyone's right to explore new things and/or just have fun when it doesn't impact them personally.  Sure, voice your opinion, dialog is good, but keep it respectful of other peoples feeling.  For me, I'm out of here.  I'm older now and I'm only going to live once, so I sure don't need these negative vibes.  I'm certainly going to miss communicating with the rank and file, but I've had enough of the elite few who spoil the fun.

Ride safe and have fun.

exactly why i wont be a paid member, as long as this behavior is tolerated, i wont support it either. It does NOT fly on my discussion board , at all. (yes, i own a 2 stroke forum) with a LOT of legacy. I see a LOT of nontraditional stuff done, but nobody gets flogged for it. if they do, ban-hammer time, regardless of how technically adept they are. Interestingly, all the people that have been in the business for 40+ years and such, (land speed holders, manufacturers, pro engine and race bike builders) don't leave and they, as true professionals, don't act that way either.  That's actually WHY  they stay in that community.  .02.

 

[works4me]

I haven’t heard this much whining since daycare.

Let it go.

 

[connie_rider]

For what it's worth, (at the recent COG National) the Michelin Motorcycle Tire Representative gave us his input about car tires on a motorcycle.
He said: DO NOT DO IT because {if the fail} they fail catastrophically in a manner {side wall blow out} that almost always causes a crash..

Ride safe, Ted

PS: After his discussion, I asked the Michelin Guy about the installation of the wider {180/60} tire on my C-10's narrow rim. {see post 606}
      He said; (Officially) he couldn't recommend it as the (180/60) tire is too wide for the rim.
                  (Unofficially) he said that he didn't feel I would have the same safety concerns that I would have if I installed a s____d car tire.
                  Then; we went outside, got a beer, and (Unofficially) talked bad about MOB..  :beerchug:
                               
I'm trying to be funny here guys. Let's go back to the tire discussion..
              Ain't life great!!!  :rotflmao:

 

[treadlightly]

Hey there, I'm looking at putting some fresher tires on the 1986 I just bought. I like the grip I'm getting from the Bridgestone's that are on it but I've already put a thousand miles on them and they are 4 years old. Question is can I use a 120/70 18 on the front? Can't find a match for the one it came with 110/80 18. Back is no problem, I found a match for it 150/ 80 16. No real hurry, they still have good depth for now.

 

[treadlightly]

A little more searching found what is the OEM tire for the ST1100 rated V for Vrooom. Same size as my front tire 110/80 18 for $107 and change. Bridgestone Excedra Cruiser. That'll do it I think. 

https://www.amazon.com/Bridgestone-Excedra-Cruiser-Front-Motorcycle/dp/B005J8WGKA/ref=sr_1_5_sspa?keywords=bridgestone+motorcycle+tires+110%2F80+18&qid=1567027966&s=automotive&sr=1-5-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzNkw2TUtTQjU3TjJBJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODUwNDk2VzlMUUdGTTFSN0tPJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2OTg2OTkxTEoxNUtNWlpUUFJYJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfbXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

[alannodolf@yahoo.com]

I have been running Avon AM26’s on my C10 this summer. I rode on just about every type of road surface on my Alaska run, wet and dry, with great traction and handling. I got over 21,000 miles out of my front tire before it was worn to the wear bars. I averaged between 7500 and 8500 miles on three rear tires with the one front tire. Very confidence-inspiring, even on loose, wet surfaces. I will continue to run these tires as long as they make them.

 

[jim snyder]

I have been running Avon AM26’s on my C10 this summer. I rode on just about every type of road surface on my Alaska run, wet and dry, with great traction and handling. I got over 21,000 miles out of my front tire before it was worn to the wear bars. I averaged between 7500 and 8500 miles on three rear tires with the one front tire. Very confidence-inspiring, even on loose, wet surfaces. I will continue to run these tires as long as they make them.

Awesome report. I have been recommending these tires for many years. They really are great tires. You would never guess they were bias ply tires. The puzzling thing is these have been available for many years and very few knew about them. Anyone who ever followed my C-10 thru the twisties can attest to the handling of the AM-26's.

 

[treadlightly]

My how time flies, here it is May 6, 2020. I ended up putting 4 thousand miles on the tires that were on my Connie when I bought it. I changed my mind about buying Bridgestone and bought Michelin Pilot Active for the front and Dunlop D404 150/80-16 for the back. Just finished installing the front, it wasn't too bad of a job and saved some money. Getting the old Bridgestone off was much harder than getting the new tire on. This was my first time changing a MC tire. Looking for helpful hints for changing the back. I love the sound of a tire seating on the rim, it sounds like victory.

 

[jacksdad1963]

Cut the old tyre off! Use a hand held grinder with a narrow 'slitting disc', soon goes through rubber and steel belts etc, just take your time near the wheel rims  ;D

 

[sah9826]

Thanks to all on this forum for the insights on tires. Pulled the trigger on a set of the Avon Storm 3-Ds for my 2000 C10. Went with the 110/80-18 front and 150/80-16 rear.

Will report back after install. 

Can't wait!  >

 

[jacksdad1963]

I have old Avon Storms on my (almost rebuilt!) A9, 1995 UK bike, and have a new pair of Storm 3D-XM ready to fit.
I also went for a 110 front, as that is whats currently fitted: I'm now hearing than the 120 is best, and that's the listed size for the later bikes like mine. Anyone tried both, and which do you recommend?  ;D

 

[TukTuk]

Thank you guys for all of the great advice and information on here.  I got my 2005 last fall and have been slowly learning about it through this forum.

I only have about 300 miles on them so far, but my set of Avon Storm 3D X-M's that I just installed are great!  110/80/18 front and 150/80/16 on the rear.  I'm almost certain that the tires on the bike when I bought it last fall were original from 2005, and it showed.

I'm not sure if if was just going from old squared off tires to fresh ones, but the turn in response with the new set is so light and playful that it's like a different bike.  I also haven't had it out in the wet yet, but my 30 mile commute looks like it will solve that problem next week.

I'll post an update at some point about how these tires wear.  Hopefully that is a year or two down the road.

 

[jacksdad1963]

People went for the 110 front for just the reasons you say!  :great:
I did read a post ages ago, where the owner had removed the 120 and gone back to 110and it turned in much quicker. Be very interesting to get some feedback as my bike came with a 110 so I've never ridden it with the 'correct' tyre!

 

[bajasam]

My 04 manual specifies the 120, I think it was the older bikes that called out the 110.

 

[jacksdad1963]

Er, yes, that's the reason for my comments.

 

[I’m trying]

Avon Storm 3D xm are no longer available new in the US. I went to two Motorcycle dealerships and an independent motorcycle repair shop this past week. All three showed me that the Storm line and the Storm 3D xm were no longer in the Avon catalog. One called their distributor who had none in his warehouse network.

“Avon Support

The Avon Spirit ST replaced the Storm 3D-XM in US. Both of the sizes you are looking for are in the Spirit ST range. Please see the attached catalog for more details.“

Cycle Gear and Revzilla still list the tire but show 8-10 day shipping delays. I assume this is old stock. Unless I get my 17” wheel swap completed I’ll be trying a set of these for next season.

 

[Daboo]

Tire prices are current as of today.  Sizes are for my bike, not a Connie but it should give you a good idea.  Note, one of the rebates expires in 9 days.

Chris

 

[Piston720]

I have run the same set of avon spirits for the past 3 years and am about to replace. This set has 12,870 miles on them. 110 front and 150 rear. The front is still in good shape the rear has reasonable tread left but because of the mileage it is flat in the center. I will definitley replace with same if I can get them here in Ontario Canada.
I am 170 lbs and the bike was fully loaded for a 6000+ miles trip across Canada.

 

[Jpd11958]

Be careful with your Avon Spirit ST(150/80/16) in the last of the wear range. Mine wore on the sides more than the center. If the very small z shaped groves are gone in the center blocks there is very little useful life left. This tire passed state inspection 500 miles ago. When I left Saturday no grove was worn flush although there was some stepped wear at the center. 300 miles of back roads later it looked like this. Came home on the straightest roads I could find. Even with this wear the tire rode good. I could just barley feel a little vibration in the pegs with just a slight lean, (on the cupped edges of the center tread compound.) I have a new one on order. I normally try to avoid the interstates and ride 2 up on back roads most of the time.

 

[Piston720]

Thanks I will keep an eye on it. It is not cupped, just flat with still tread left.
You are correct, when I lean you can feel the larger outside tread. It is going very soon.
How many miles did you get out of yours?

 

[Jpd11958]

I didn't write down the mileage when I put it on but it was at the beginning of the 2018 riding season. 3-5k a year. I am going to guess at about 10k to 11k.

 

[Piston720]

Thanks.
I usually set the second odometer (the one you twist to reset) to 0 when I change tires.

 

[Strawboss]

I got a pair of Avon Storm 3D XM's that came in today, great price. Replacing the 3 year olds on the bike now.

 

[jim snyder]

The absolute best handling bias ply tire I have ever used on my C-10 were the Avon AM-26's. Ask anyone who ever followed me through the twisties. And they have always been available in C-10 sizes. I ran the 110/80 front and 150/80 rear.

 

[Strawboss]

And the best part? They are made in England.

 

[connie_rider]

Thanks.
I usually set the second odometer (the one you twist to reset) to 0 when I change tires.

Now, why didn't I think of that?
{I never remember the mileage when I change tires and somehow forget where I noted it.}
(Can't be old age)

Ride safe, Ted

 

[Piston720]

Just purchased my second set of Avon spirit ST's, in Ontario, Canada they are presently 48% off. Roughly $375 Canadian for the pair.
My local shop matches price.
The original website is "Pete's Superbike " just outside Montreal Quebec.

 

[A.Rod]

Hi everyone will 110/90/18 Michelin commander II fit on front 02 C-10 thank you.Rod

 

[Bud]

Hi everyone will 110/90/18 Michelin commander II fit on front 02 C-10 thank you.Rod

Yup. That is the tire currently on the front of my 01.

 

[A.Rod]

Thank you Sir.Rod

 

[greenie]

There are other considerations than cornering or wear. I've had tires fail due to weight - mostly rear tires. The wife and I weigh a total of 330 pounds on a good day. On long trips we've carried 110 pounds of gear - which if I remember is the load capacity of the C-10 (440lbs) The bike handles fine with this load but I've had two new tires fail - an Avon and a Shinko. The tires didn't fail catastrophically but both developed a bulge or wobble. Left on the tires may have caused trouble but the tires were quickly taken out of service.
It's hard to judge how the weight is distributed on the front and read tire. Some of us could exceed the weight capacity of the motorcycle with two riders. Tires have a load capacity readily available, but again the tires that failed me were rated for the weight we traveled with.
I recall that SISF had a similar tire failure. Tire failures as I recently learned can hurt.

 

[ONOBob]

I just ordered a pair of Avon Storm 3D XM's from my local shop.
$104 for the front, $136 for the rear.
Chaparal, Revzilla et al did not have the 16" rear.
Amazon had the front for $102, but the rear was $226..... not sure why..meh,
I've been trying to avoid Amazon, everything I've looked at lately on Amazon, no longer
has "country of origin" on specs. I liked to know where things are made. Amazon getting too big anyway.

My shop said they would have the front in 4 days and the rear in 2 weeks.
I take my wheels off and take em to the shop to have the tires mounted. Saves a little $$

 

[Merle Lowe]

Mounted Shinko 011s on my 95. Vast improvement over the 8 year old Avons. The old Storm on the front was particularly bad.

 

[connie_rider]

I just ordered a pair of Avon Storm 3D XM's from my local shop.
$104 for the front, $136 for the rear.
Chaparal, Revzilla et al did not have the 16" rear.
Amazon had the front for $102, but the rear was $226..... not sure why..meh,
I've been trying to avoid Amazon, everything I've looked at lately on Amazon, no longer
has "country of origin" on specs. I liked to know where things are made. Amazon getting too big anyway.

My shop said they would have the front in 4 days and the rear in 2 weeks.
I take my wheels off and take em to the shop to have the tires mounted. Saves a little $$

I'm pretty sure that Avon replaced the 3D-XM's with the Spirit's.
If I'm correct (??) this would explain you having problems getting the 3D's.

I suggest, check my memory, and contact the shop and see if they can get Spirit's instead.
If you can't, and get the 3D's, check the manufacture date..

Ride safe, Ted

 

[Pr356]

I'm pretty sure that Avon replaced the 3D-XM's with the Spirit's.
If I'm correct (??) this would explain you having problems getting the 3D's.

I suggest, check my memory, and contact the shop and see if they can get Spirit's instead.
If you can't, and get the 3D's, check the manufacture date..

Ride safe, Ted

I know it's not a c10 which means different tire sizes but I just mounted up a pair of Avon 3d xm storms on my c14 that I got from Dennis Kirk in about 5 days. Front manufactured date 3720, the rear was 4719.
I would of tried the RS 2's but hard to find, I think it's because there is a lot of them sitting in coggers garages. 😆
My last set was the Michelin road 5 gt's , only got 4800 miles. I really liked them but not enough mileage for almost $500 for the set. Geez.

 

[ONOBob]

I'm pretty sure that Avon replaced the 3D-XM's with the Spirit's.
If I'm correct (??) this would explain you having problems getting the 3D's.

I suggest, check my memory, and contact the shop and see if they can get Spirit's instead.
If you can't, and get the 3D's, check the manufacture date..

Ride safe, Ted

Thanks Ted,
I got the front tire mounted, the manufacture date was 4 months ago. I checked it before I left the shop
The rear is on back order. I got the wheel off waiting for it
Cheers
Bob

 

[sah9826]

Been running the Avon Storm 3D's front and rear and love them. Had the bike in turns that had the pucker factor kick in and they hold like glue. Good tread life so far as well.

 

[Mercer]

What front tire is usually paired with a

SHINKO 777 on a C10? Thanks​

 

[lmckusic]

Very disappointed that the Michelin Commander III tires are not available to fit the Connie.
The FortNine youtube editorial made these tires sound really desirable.

It looks like I am going to buy the same tires I bought last year Dunlop Roadsmart front and Pirelli Sport Demon rear.

The vendor I have used is JPcycles. Too bad they don't sell airbag riding jackets. The jackets are pricey but the stories of how they prevent injuries is something my Medicare old guy ears I can hear.

 

[Cra-z1000]

What front tire is usually paired with a

SHINKO 777 on a C10? Thanks​

I had a Bridgestone battleaxe paired with mine when I had a 777 . Worked well but I will say the only time I've had this bike slip out on me in a corner was with the 777 . I love the Avon Storms I have now . They seem to stick as far as I am willing to lean her over no matter what .

 

[Mercer]

I had a Bridgestone battleaxe paired with mine when I had a 777 . Worked well but I will say the only time I've had this bike slip out on me in a corner was with the 777 . I love the Avon Storms I have now . They seem to stick as far as I am willing to lean her over no matter what .

Thank for heads up!

 

[Jpd11958]

Just put on a new Avon Spirit on the front. Ready for National with new rubber. I tried a new way to unmount my tire. After using 6" c-clamps to break the bead, and ty-wrapping the tire beads together. I ran a 1" web soft tie around the tire. Then I clamped the wheel to a 4 x 4 over head deck post being careful not to catch the brake disc on anything. Hooked a come along to the soft tie and the other end to another post. I pulled the first part of the bead over the top of the rim and then just a small pry at the edges of the contact point of the tire to the rim and off it came. The prying is optional but it just expands the area of the bead that is off the rim faster than just pulling.

 

[Strawboss]

Glad it worked but that seems like a lot of work to just unmount a tire. You are frugal!

 

[Jpd11958]

Using the tywraps, clamps, and the cable hoist was the fastest and easiest way I have ever removed a tire from the rim. Zero damage and tire irons are optional for removal.

 

[mchuey19629489]

Hey all,

I have a significant air leak in my rear tire. I have a dealer checking it out now, but suspect that they'll come back with the old "You need to replace the tire" line. (The rubber is still good, but if it has a hole in it, my understanding is that you don't repair, you only replace.)

So, I believe it currently has an Avon 195 (? - not sure, bike isn't in front of me) on the rear. I don't ride crazy-hard, don't lay it down nearly sideways in curves, but do like to corner hard sometimes. Try to avoid riding in the rain, but sometimes, you know, you get caught in the rain.

So, pretty much normal riding, and I want to take some long trips this coming spring/summer.

I've read the forum on tires, and people seem pretty passionate about which tires are the best. I'd like to get your opinion on what tires provide the best value and performance.

Thanks guys!

Dano

I really like and have stayed with the Avon Storm XM (front and rear), good tires, decent value, good performance.