TIRE VARIATIONS DISCUSSION

[Slick-Tenn]

I'm the new owner of an '03 Concours and in the hunt for new tires (my search has been so extensive and time-consuming, my wife now calls it "motorcycle porn").  I find the prices on replacement radials to be only slightly less appealing than, say, rape. And the tread on all the radials I've looked at online seems virtually non-existent. I have decided to replace both with bias-ply tires. Several questions for discussion: 1) What are riders' riding impressions on bias-ply tires? Longevity experience?  2) Anyone tried any size variations? And with what results? Cautions? Recommendations?  3) Has any brave soul out there tried a "darkside" (automotive radial) tire on the rear? If so, brand/size? Impressions? (I've installed a Sumitomo HTRT4 on the rear of my Honda Silver Wing with FANTASTIC results.) I appreciate everyone's responses! Slick-Tenn, Louisville TN

 

[jimp]

I'm the new owner of an '03 Concours and in the hunt for new tires (my search has been so extensive and time-consuming, my wife now calls it "motorcycle porn").  I find the prices on replacement radials to be only slightly less appealing than, say, rape. And the tread on all the radials I've looked at online seems virtually non-existent. I have decided to replace both with bias-ply tires. Several questions for discussion: 1) What are riders' riding impressions on bias-ply tires? Longevity experience?  2) Anyone tried any size variations? And with what results? Cautions? Recommendations?  3) Has any brave soul out there tried a "darkside" (automotive radial) tire on the rear? If so, brand/size? Impressions? (I've installed a Sumitomo HTRT4 on the rear of my Honda Silver Wing with FANTASTIC results.) I appreciate everyone's responses! Slick-Tenn, Louisville TN

Well Slick, let's see...  I've owned a Connie since April '86. I think I've been through a few tires (Gawd have I been through tires). Dat said, I see you live in Tennessee. I understand there's some mighty fine mountain riding around there. Do yourself a big favor - stay with the radials, even if it's the so-so stock Dunflops. Bias ply will get you more miles out of a set, but the handling is nowhere near as good. And the price difference really isn't that much, considered (all tire prices went up this year).

As for size variations, don't go crazy, well... ya can't really because options are limited. For riding in the mountains of California I went down on the front from the 120/70 to a 110/80, but stayed with the 150/80 rear. Really improved the handling.

As for a car tire, yes it's been done. I'm sure Danno will chime in on that if he see's this. I don't know what size, but if you do a search here for car tire you'll probably find it. Or do a Google search of the old forum.concours.org site.

 

[norm9688]

I have about 1000 miles on the Bridgestone BT-45 V and I'm very happy with the handling and stability. I have the 110/80/18 ft and 150/80/16 rear, they were $209.00 out the door from Motorcycle superstore.

 

[Sport rider]

I concur with the 110/80-18 on the front.  I was running a 120 and the change really lightened up the front end.  Not sure if you want to spend the money, but you might consider going to a 17 inch rear.  that gives you more tire options.  One option is to have the stock wheel re-worked to make it 17.  The other is to replace it with a meanstreak rear wheel and some machining work for the brake rotor alignment.

As for car tires, I would not suggest it with the stock wheel.  The 3.5 inch width really limits the choices and I never felt good about the feel from the rear without using questionable pressures (like 60 pounds).  If you're serious about the "dark side" consider going to the 17 inch with a 5 inch width and that gives you more CT choices as well.

For current replacements, my previous tires were Dunlop E3's and I got nearly 15k out of them.

 

[Slick-Tenn]

I'm the new owner of an '03 Concours and in the hunt for new tires (my search has been so extensive and time-consuming, my wife now calls it "motorcycle porn").  I find the prices on replacement radials to be only slightly less appealing than, say, rape. And the tread on all the radials I've looked at online seems virtually non-existent. I have decided to replace both with bias-ply tires. Several questions for discussion: 1) What are riders' riding impressions on bias-ply tires? Longevity experience?  2) Anyone tried any size variations? And with what results? Cautions? Recommendations?  3) Has any brave soul out there tried a "darkside" (automotive radial) tire on the rear? If so, brand/size? Impressions? (I've installed a Sumitomo HTRT4 on the rear of my Honda Silver Wing with FANTASTIC results.) I appreciate everyone's responses! Slick-Tenn, Louisville TN

Thanks for your reply! I do not press my tires, my mcy or my personal riding abilities anywhere near their limits, so peg-scraping is not a consideration. I am fine w/longer-lasting, way-cheaper bias ply tires. I've purchased a Shinko 777 for the rear and a Conti Go for the front. Hoping for the best!

Well Slick, let's see...  I've owned a Connie since April '86. I think I've been through a few tires (Gawd have I been through tires). Dat said, I see you live in Tennessee. I understand there's some mighty fine mountain riding around there. Do yourself a big favor - stay with the radials, even if it's the so-so stock Dunflops. Bias ply will get you more miles out of a set, but the handling is nowhere near as good. And the price difference really isn't that much, considered (all tire prices went up this year).

As for size variations, don't go crazy, well... ya can't really because options are limited. For riding in the mountains of California I went down on the front from the 120/70 to a 110/80, but stayed with the 150/80 rear. Really improved the handling.

As for a car tire, yes it's been done. I'm sure Danno will chime in on that if he see's this. I don't know what size, but if you do a search here for car tire you'll probably find it. Or do a Google search of the old forum.concours.org site.

 

[smithr]

It seems every thing that someone can try has been tried.  I am like Jim though and if you want the bike to perform as good as it should then radials are the way to go.  Everyone says that hey I don't take the corners fast so I don't need grip.  I say when stopping ten feet sooner without going down will save your life then it is to late to change your tire choice.  That is why I spend the extra bucks.

Do searches of all the teams you used.  Half of what we do here is answer the same tire questions over and over

 

[Slick-Tenn]

I'm the new owner of an '03 Concours and in the hunt for new tires (my search has been so extensive and time-consuming, my wife now calls it "motorcycle porn").  I find the prices on replacement radials to be only slightly less appealing than, say, rape. And the tread on all the radials I've looked at online seems virtually non-existent. I have decided to replace both with bias-ply tires. Several questions for discussion: 1) What are riders' riding impressions on bias-ply tires? Longevity experience?  2) Anyone tried any size variations? And with what results? Cautions? Recommendations?  3) Has any brave soul out there tried a "darkside" (automotive radial) tire on the rear? If so, brand/size? Impressions? (I've installed a Sumitomo HTRT4 on the rear of my Honda Silver Wing with FANTASTIC results.) I appreciate everyone's responses! Slick-Tenn, Louisville TN

After sifting thru all of the opinions and weighing them with my own experience and abilities/limitations, I purchased a Shinko 777 for the rear - 5 nylon belts on the tread/3 on the sides. My mechanic installed it a couple days ago and I am totally satisfied and impressed. I purchased a Conti Go! for the front, but haven't installed it yet. Thanks to all for chiming in - I'll keep you posted. ;D